I'm going to be difficult and list them in reverse order, because I think they read better that way.
Poor - a collector who (a) consistently makes terribly unsound collecting decisions, and (b) remains largely ignorant of this fact.
Fair - a collector who has a
RedBook or similar catalogue, but refuses to understand that the prices in there are "just a guide" and obstinately insists on buying and selling their coins at that price - anything else is denounced as "unfair". As a result, their collecting is stunted and many great coins pass them by.
Good - an "old school" collector that's reasonably competent at collecting and not fooled by blatant shysters like HSN, but may still be duped by the slicker operators on
ebay or elsewhere. The collection may be somewhat haphazard and unfocussed.
Very Good - Is a diligent coin-hunter and is familiar with using the basic reference books required for their collection. They recognise that some coins needed to complete their collection aren't going to be easy to find, and do what they can to help improve their chances of finding them.
Fine - A well-rounded collector, familiar with just about any kind of coin they're likely to come across in change or from friends and family. Doesn't give up on their collecting goals when things start to get tough. May have already completed one collecting goal and moved on to another.
Very Fine - What many would consider to be an "average collector". Has reasonably detailed knowledge about specialist areas of collecting that they're interested in, and a good general knowledge about other areas of collecting which may not directly be of interest to them. Their collection is most likely a mixture of cheap, common coins and expensive, hard-to-find rarities.
Extremely Fine - has studied enough coins to be instantly aware of all the pertinent facts related to coins of interest when such a coin is shown to him. Has an extensive numismatic library, which is almost constantly being used. Few of their collection goals remain unfulfilled, and are constantly trying to find new areas to collect that interest them. Otherwise, they may find themselves struggling against that jaded, "there's nothing left to collect", feeling.
Uncirculated - a top-notch numismatic collector. Most likely an active participant in the market and familiar with all the ins and outs of the
TPG system, the registry game, etc.. However, they may not be quite up to date on (or they may have forgotten) the facts and figures of the actual coins, and may have a tendency to look down upon those collectors in the "lower levels". Their collection will mostly reside in slabs.
Brilliant Uncirculated - An absolute numismatic genius, able to recall on demand all known facts about any numismatic subject you care to name. Has a collection that would make the museums of the world flock to his estate sale. Is on a first-name basis with most of the big-name, big-budget dealers.
Proof - not really a level of collector, but a separate scale used to rank "investors".
- A "Brilliant Proof" is a top-notch investor whose combination of good fortune, market nous and numismatic knowledge has made them obscenely wealthy.
- An ordinary "Proof" is someone who, through careful research and sound advice, has managed to gain returns from their coins that match or slightly better the returns from other things they might have invested in. And they've learned something about coins along the way.
- An "Impaired Proof" is living evidence of the old axiom, "the easiest way to make a small fortune in coins is to start off with a large one".
Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
Posted 05/11/2008 5:50 pm
