Prethen and Ralph, I think you both have a point. I am perhaps more like Prethen. I agonize over grade and eye appeal and think about future value. When I get a coin that doesn't measure up to my standards for my collection, I return it. If I can't do that I sell it with a honest description, or I give it away and take my lumps. I think collecting taste is a continuim based on increasing knowledge and desire for better grade material. On the other hand I have a friend my age (around sixty) who has tons of common silver coins he took out of circulation when he was working at a bank. I have been trying to explain about the relation between grade and value, but he just isn't interested. He loves his collection and keeps them in binders in his rural Arkansas house and just likes to look at them. I recently gave him a Seated Liberty Half I bought as part of a lot that had an 1805 quarter I wanted. It had incurable PVC damage on the Obverse, but had VF-30 details. He was thrilled. In many ways I think my Arkansas friend is happier with his collection than I am with mine. He enjoys his coins for their own sake, not for the investment value. One other point. One person's gravy is another persons mud. I collect 19th century type coins for the most part in VF to AU in (hopefully), problem free condition. I think my collection is attractive, but to some on this board who collect BU type coins it probably looks like I am bottom fishing. The only time another person's opinion of your collection matters is when you sell it. If you don't plan to do that, than collect what makes you happy and what you can afford. I also think coins in any circulated condition should be posted here. If you do post also be prepared for some to be critical of your coin. It isn't anything personal, just the honest feedback you should expect. That is how we all learn.
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Posted 01/29/2007 9:21 pm
