Focus Your Collection Tips?

Tdewbie,

I wouldn't worry about it. I TRY to focus on my Civil War token collection, but am ALWAYS verring off course when I see other coins I like. No one says a collection has to ever be completed. For me it's the thrill of the chase. Collect what you like, and don't sweat the small stuff. You'll be happier in the long run.

Tdewbie, I think everyone has that problem, especially if you are new to the Hobby! When I first started, I collected:
>business strikes
>world coins
>bills
>R.C.M~NBU,N.C.L.T.,Proof/Proof like coins
>post 1967 coinage
>specimen/proof/proof like sets
>you name it, I collected it

Then as time went on, I started getting frustrated when I realized it was getting pricey to collect this way and most of what I acquired was common stuff in common grades. The challenge simply wasn't there for me. I then felt I had to refocus my interest in the Hobby and see what I truly loved.
It seemed to be business strikes >pre~1967 that I always swayed towards for I felt this was the true "basics" of Canadian Coin Collecting, at least in my opinion. (perhaps because I'm old school...........LOL)
I then sold off all my non-pre~1967 coinage/collectables and have been upgrading since. I now ONLY collect the six Canadian decimals in business strike form.................and I love it!

Glenn

What problem?
Seriously, in addition to Canadian coins I collect USA coins, books, Mr. Peanut collectibles, 1964 World's Fair stuff and other assorted things.
My focus changes from time to time but my collections make me happy, so there's no problem.

@tfred

I just love collecting coins its a combination of history and pastime.

I love the art of Canadian bills. I also love Canadian coins mostly 50 cent . Then there is my strange fascination with odd denomination coins issued by the mint.

@senex I see your point if it makes you happy then just keep doing what you are doing :)

Thanks all for the words of wisdom.

My first collection will be the Canadian glow-in-the-dark dinosaur set. Beyond that, I know I will need at least one ancient coin predating the A.D. era. I'll also be looking for unique coins in terms of shape, color, Historical significance, or simply personal attraction.

For example, I noticed that the recent Canadian zodiac coins have a scalloped edge. I think that's awesome but I don't like the entire set. I might pick up one or two of those.

I guess I'm with the camp of buy what you love. Of course, if you plan to make a profit off your collection then perhaps you should consult someone more experienced in that area.

I will tell you guys, I can recognize a good purchase by how often I take it out of the binder and hold it. As boring an answer as this is, I absolutely adore Silver Maples. I think I love the combination of beauty, practicality, and investment.

But my true love, if I could afford it, would be old US and Canadian Notes. I have a few key pieces, and limit myself to 2-3 pieces per quarter. Again, as long as you enjoy what you HAVE, as opposed to obsessing over what you DON'T have, you will be fine. This is why I gave up on my proof silver/gold plated toonie run. I enjoyed the couple of pieces I had, but the thought of getting the rest was unattractive, so I scrapped it.

Agreed Matthew. There are coins I bought, thinking I would start a collection, and it didn't work out. I kept them because they were interesting one-offs in an otherwise relatively ordered binder. There are coins I bought on impulse, just because the had a story. My 1906 GB Maundy piece is a good example. There are coins I bought just out of love of the design, such as my 1887 GB Florin, 1964-JFK Halfs, and Blue Ike. There are coins that mean something to me, namely the two 1967 Lynx Quarters my now dead grandmother gave me 25 years ago that I have had in my night table near my bed since.

Like a tattoo, nothing is a waste if you enjoy it, or think fondly of the person you were in that time.