What was your most important NON-MONEY experience in coin collecting?

RWB · March 23, 2011 10:38PM

?

MidLifeCrisis · March 23, 2011 10:50PM

Making the decision to specialize in coins that circulated in early America. This definitely represented a "hard right turn" on my collecting path; but it has greatly increased my enjoyment of the hobby.

ricko · March 23, 2011 10:52PM

Well Roger, if you are referring to an 'educational' experience, mine was learning about tarnish and all the associated mythology and facts concerning the phenomenon. Of course, much history has been learned along the way as well. Perhaps I am missing your point... Cheers, RickO

llafoe · March 23, 2011 11:02PM

The kiss that RickO and I shared... I learned it would never tarnish our reputations, since RickO is tarnish-free!

OKbustchaser · March 23, 2011 11:26PM

That day back in 1964 when my local dealer refused to sell me anything until I could explain to him why I wanted this coin instead of that one (and convince him of my opinion).

Of course, considering how much money that simple concept (actually learn something about what you are buying before you buy it) has saved me over the last nearly half a century I guess one could say it was a money experience.

lcoopie · March 23, 2011 11:29PM

finding this board is up there.

Sonorandesertrat · March 23, 2011 11:40PM

When I returned to the hobby in January 2007 after a 25-year 'break', I had about 10 numismatic books. Since then, I have acquired ca. 150 volumes on U. S. numismatics and about 50 auction catalogs, including antiquarian items dated in the 19th century. Unlike my coins, I can keep these items in my home and I use them almost every day. They have totally changed my view of the hobby, and would likely keep me tied to numismatics in some way even if I never buy another coin or medal again.

Aside from this, the single experience that I most vividly remember occurred when I was 10. My grandmother, who was a coin collector, took me to an ANA convention in Miami Beach. I bought two gold sovereigns from Dave Bowers (and wish I hadn't sold them later when I was a teenager).

PTVETTER · March 23, 2011 11:42PM

I have meet some very nice people in the coin collecting comunity.

TwoSides2aCoin · March 23, 2011 11:45PM

Listening and reading... Looking at them is nice, but that's just money.

questor54 · March 24, 2011 12:33AM

I guess 'most important' can include negative and challenging experiences as well.

For me it would have to be when I had to sell some coins I really liked due to non-coin eternal life events. I still miss a lot of those coins.

SkyMan · March 24, 2011 12:36AM

Obviously people first, but after that, holding beautiful coins I will never be able to afford in my hands.

scottgardener · March 24, 2011 1:08AM

The ANA Money Show last year--going with my stepfather-in-law. I got to see live in person for the first time some of the great rarities and famous coins, like two 1804 dollars, the Olsen 1913 V-nickel, and a Quintuple Stella pattern. I also got to see matte proof gold, and I could appreciate what all the fuss is about; photos cannot do justice to their grandeur.

ranshdow · March 24, 2011 1:25PM

Having the priviledge of listening to Fred Holabird talk about gold mining in the West for three days straight*. Beyond awesome.

Huge respect to Fred and the ANA for making this happen.

(*Post-Sacto ANA Mining and Minting in Carson City)

AnkurJ · March 24, 2011 2:02PM

A few...

Gaining knowledge from John Albanese. That is truly priceless.

Making life long friendships with fellow collectors and a few dealers.

Seeing the beaming smiles on kids faces when you hand them a free coin. And then seeing the excitment of their brother/sister when they return asking for one for them!

After all, these kids will keep the hobby going right?

ThePennyLady · March 25, 2011 1:35AM

Probably the most important thing involving coins for me was the moment I decided to study and learn about coins, in particular Indian cents. When I first inherited a collection from my aunt, I brought them to my local dealer to evaluate, but I felt clueless as to whether the offer he gave me was really what the coins were worth, so that's when I decided I needed to learn about these coins for myself. And because I had a full time paralegal career, had two kids and a hubby, was involved in scouts, kids' wrestling, etc., I felt I didn't have enough time to devote to learning all the coin series, so I decided to pick one series to learn that interested me the most, which was Indian cents. That's when I fell in love with the world of coins which led to where I am now....

llafoe · March 25, 2011 1:47AM

<< <i>Probably the most important thing involving coins for me was the moment I decided to study and learn about coins, in particular Indian cents. When I first inherited a collection from my aunt, I brought them to my local dealer to evaluate, but I felt clueless as to whether the offer he gave me was really what the coins were worth, so that's when I decided I needed to learn about these coins for myself. And because I had a full time paralegal career, had two kids and a hubby, was involved in scouts, kids' wrestling, etc., I felt I didn't have enough time to devote to learning all the coin series, so I decided to pick one series to learn that interested me the most, which was Indian cents. That's when I fell in love with the world of coins which led to where I am now.... >>

California?

OnTheHunt · March 25, 2011 3:46AM

Rolling an elongated cent on top of Stone Mountain a few years ago. It started me on quite a journey.

Steve

johnny9434 · March 25, 2011 3:50AM

i would say seeing somone getting the coin theyve been wanting forever. i hope that makes sense

What was your most important NON-MONEY experience in coin collecting?

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