Coin Collecting: What Makes A Coin Collector?

[Kentucky Kache]

It has been estimated that probably 95 per cent of all Americans have a cache of coins. It often is not more than a few coins which, because they're bright and shiny, or because they “look different,” or because they are old, are put aside. Some are tossed in a corner of a drawer, others are kept in an old cigar box, still others are carefully put into some sort of a bag.

http://www.oldandsold.com/articles02/coincollecting6.shtml

 

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

I was once told the difference between an accumulator and a collector. A collector will sell off to bring better examples of the same item (coins in this case) into the collection. An accumulator just gathers many indiscriminately.

I don't believe it's that cut and dried, but I was told that by a collector.

And then there are investment collectors vs. enjoyment collectors.

 

[TXPlugKutter]

Like Charlie said, I think a true coin collector will go after type sets or complete sets for their respective collector value. They will also get certain coins in hopes that one day they will be worth a lot of money.

You hear stories all the time about old ladies that sell off their late husbands coins at face value. The husband was a collector while the wife didn't know the difference between valuable change and regular change.

 

[snake35]

Do not forget coin speculators. People who invest in key date coins, higher grade coins etc. You can make good profits from carefull buying and selling.

 

[Old Dog]

I can only speak from a personal point of view,
A coin collector (a true collector) isn't so much interested in what a coin costs or what it will be worth later.

He has a piece of history in his hands.
He studies that history,
He enjoys the art that was used to create it and learns about the designers.

a hoard is what happens as the collection progresses.
granted it is an investment, but in my case not for my future...
Maybe my kids'. I am a collector first, an investor second.

The hoard is just a part of what happened as I filled the basic sets.
I use the hoard to help young collectors get started.
So the hoard becomes a tool, rather than just an accumulation.

Just my opinion.
Thom

 

[Mackaydon]

Hey Thom,
I'll buy into that idea.
Good to see you in print once again.
You been up in those nearby hills lately?
Don.......

 

[Old Dog]

LOL, Don,

If those hills aren't at least knee deep in snow they are knee deep in mud.
The Bentonite kind of mud that sticks like glue to everything and is slick enough that two inches of it is enough for most guys to put on chains.

No, Not lately, and the cabin fever is about to have me crawl out of my skin.

Thom

 

[Yarrum]

I can only speak from a personal point of view,
A coin collector (a true collector) isn't so much interested in what a coin costs or what it will be worth later.

He has a piece of history in his hands.
He studies that history,
He enjoys the art that was used to create it and learns about the designers.

a hoard is what happens as the collection progresses.
granted it is an investment, but in my case not for my future...
Maybe my kids'. I am a collector first, an investor second.

The hoard is just a part of what happened as I filled the basic sets.
I use the hoard to help young collectors get started.
So the hoard becomes a tool, rather than just an accumulation.

Just my opinion.
Thom

I agree wholeheartedly Thom. I will never see my collection realise any monetary value cause I would never part with it. My kid's may do so but hopefully they will appreciate the history, love and care that has gone into the collection.