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 Replies: 41 / Views: 3,651 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
I know you guys were expecting me to show a coin. Ha, I have you fooled. Maybe this isn't in the section it should be in, but I have a ponder of the soul. I guess I collect ancient coins because its what I like to do. I think they are wonderful, rare (for whatever the definition, of that is worth) and historical pieces. I guess when I started with the idea of collecting coins, I initial thought of profit. "Oh, these will be worth a ton when I am old." Then I realized this may or maynot be the case, but I am sooo attached to Ancient Coins how ever cruddy the are, to me each one is special. Its not like the US coins and notes I have traded over the past few years. Its different I was touched by them when I held my first Athens Tetradrachm about 8 yrs ago I almost died. The weight, the history, the art, the age it hit me like a ton of bricks. I think then I have become extremely fond of ancient coins. Now looking back I bought an ancient coin whenever I saw one. I love the fact that these coins survive, and I have always been fascinated with ancient cultures. I got on the internet coin hunting about I'd say 2 yrs ago. I got to hold a quite a few nice ancients at shows, but I have bought nearly 95% of my entire collection in those 2 or so years. I have amassed over 150 or so coins in this time, of which about 10 are modern, colonial, or medieval. As I spend more time on the internet and see all the examples that you guys put out of super rare coins that cost a lot of money...have I been doing this all wrong? I collected coins I like, or coins that call to me. Have I not been collecting coins the right way (if there is a right way). I admit I would rather collect 10 $200 tetradrachms then 1 $2000 tetradrachm. Maybe I shouldn't have spent my money as I did, if I or my descendants pass these will they be worth something. Will it be recognized as being worth something? I wonder. I have a fair amount of crusty bronze coins from all over the world, should that not be? Should I collect the fancy tetradrachms that make you crap your pants when you see them? Will my "decendents" be safe with their now $300 tetradrachms or would they be happiest with that Syracuse Doozy that pulls the high dollar? Have I wasted my money? Should I have collected in only super high quality? I guess it comes down too what was the driving pleasure or investment. (the too seem counter intuitive). Comments and suggestions and the Two Cents off all is always welcome. Edited by Forum Mom to add paragraphs for easier reading.  |
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
Man A-Noob, that's pretty deep conversation for a guy that displays his "Jiggy-coin" every couple of weeks!!  Yah, at times I also get a bit rattled with my purchase-decisions (go figure, eh?) ... I personally think that there isn't a correct answer ... I think the fact that you were drawn towards and then bought all of the coins that you currently own means that there'll probably be somebody out there that'll be interested in buying them back from you (that's what we all hope anyway) ... Sure, I think everybody loves and wants those beautiful high-end winners that Batman & maridvnvm consistently post in our SMACKDOWNS, but obviously not everybody has the same type of "liquid cash" hanging around for those high-end coin purchases ... so when it comes time to "sell" that high-end coin, the seller may have to wait quite a while until the perfect-buyer comes along ... On the other hand, spending all of your cash on crappy looking slugs is probably a bad investment as well ... sure, everybody can afford to buy a handful of them, but who really wants a handful of them cluttering-up their collection, right? ... So the majority of the collectors probably fall somewhere in between those two extremes ... the majority of collectors will see a beautiful high-end coin and then will attempt to buy the best version of that coin that "their" money can buy ... then at least the collector feels as though he/she is "in the club" ya know what I mean .... => "hey, I have an Attic Owl, but it is quite worn and not nearly as nice as your example" ... but the bottom-line is, the dude has himself an Attic Owl, so he feels as though he is a coin-brother to the other guy who has the super-nice version and/or a coin-brother to the guy that might have a slightly lousier version ... he's got a piece of that particluar "coin-history" so he can talk the talk with all of the other dudes that have that same coin => they're coin brothers!! stevex6's Babbling Summary => I have no idea ... just buy more coins  Edited by stevex6
10/07/2012 09:36 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Wow, man, heavy conversation for so early on a Sunday morning. I feel like I'm back at college. Actually, what makes this even more wacky is agree with Jerry. There, I said it! Sure, I would like to own all high end coins, but my budget won't allow it, so I buy what I can with no intent of selling except for the occasional coin I might upgrade or have duplicates. I own about 500 coins, and I would say most are in the middle range of condition. And I'm happy with it. I haven't broken the bank nor do I have slugs. And, like Jerry says, I can join the club of brothers/sisters who own a like coin no matter what condition. Edited by Forum Mom to remove drug reference. This is a family-friendly forum. |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
Question anything enough and you have to conclude that most things are pointless. For that reason I don't like to question why I collect because I know that when analysed it is a bad idea.
The fact is its an emotive hobby... that feeling of seeing something and desiring it...that feeling of aquiring something or discovering a relevant piece of history concerning a coin that you own. Its a good feeling isn't it and all you have to do to remember it again is open up your collection.
As an investment I don't think it is a winner unless you can buy coins for less than they are worth (rarely the case for me) because even if they appreciate value the value of money is always going down and also because when you buy and when you sell you take a loss. Maybe there are ways to collect that you can make money from it, but not the way I collect...
I am in my early days of collecting ancients... so far just a handful (Drachm and tetra-drachm, Hadrian denrius and Republican denarius...a handful of uncleaned coins that are below the condition that I accept in my collection) Unlike modern coins there are not series of dates or other criteria for collecting...you buy what you like, what you think is relevant, what you like the design of, something that relates to history you are familiar or interested in and it really could be a bottomless pit.
I decided I will not let it grab hold of me and will just buy a few coins carefully chosen with intervals inbetween because whatever I do I will never be able to own all that I desire and I couldnt justify to spend more than a certain % of my income on inanimate objects regardless how beautiful, interesting or rare they may be.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Ancient coins are like people: they are all different, and none of them are perfect. So are the folks who collect them.
I don't mind in the least that other peoples' coins are better than mine. I just enjoy theirs, when they wish to show them off.
I like to be required to think when an authentication question is posted. Even when my opinion is demonstrated to be wrong, I have still benefited, because I have learned something. Numismatically, that makes me a better person.
But one thing is common with the collectors and studiers of ancient coins: numismatically, we are all of kindred spirit.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
I while back I came across the term, "Everyman's Collection."
The definition means that coins up to AU-58 are allowed, but no grade higher. Now this applies
to "modern" coins and not ancients, but perhaps there is a way to make it fit.
(As I do not collect ancients, perhaps the opinion of a "fool" will contain a grain of wisdom.)
No doubt there are ancients which are of such rarity and desirability that they command an emperor's pocketbook.
They will always remain so.
And there are ancients which are common and require little money, relatively, to acquire.
These will also remain so.
But I suspect that there are higher grade ancients which are comparable to moderns:
desirable and within the reach of the "everyman" collector. Not inexpensive to be sure, but within reach.
So I would think that, a year from now or fifty years from now, the situation will be the same.
For myself, my soul came to a peaceful place when I realized these observations to be true.
I collect by this guideline.
Edited by Forum Mom to remove drug reference. This is a family-friendly forum.
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5155 Posts |
Well, I really don't how to respond now. Maybe this collecting thing shouldn't be so thought out. I suppose there is a difference between collecting and investing. I think at the end of the day, I am happy that we all have something we can sit here and talk about day in and day out. You know what I am talking about guys, the few, the proud the ancient coin collectors. Matthew- well said, there is definite wisdom there. Steve- Ha without putting those two guys on the spot- some coins they post- I didn't know such great examples existed. Sel- Ancient coins are like people- genius. David- Thanks, what an I opener. Removed by Forum Mom as comments referred to above were removed.Aeolis, Kyme AE c. 320-250 BC  |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2100 Posts |
Deep and searching topic.
I spent my early years of collecting ancient coins as a bottom feeder. If I could get a coin for less that $5 then I was happy. I accumulated many hundreds of coins this way.
Will I ever get my money back for them if I ever part with them?
Doubtful.
Were they worth every penny in terms of learning my way into ancient coins?
Absolutely. I had to learn to read ancients. I had to read about the history. I had to learn that I knew very little. Years on I have still only scratched the surface of the understanding that I need.
Do I still collect the same way?
No.
Do I regret buying them?
NEVER.
I will likely part with them some day and use their combined worth to buy myself a good grade something or other.
Martin
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Valued Member
Ireland
86 Posts |
Well, I plan on never dying, so it's a moot point to me. But... If our actions in life were to be dictated purely out of concern that our loved ones would have a bit of financial security after we passed, then we'd have no hobbies, never go out for a meal or a drink, never travel on holidays, never have any fun. We'd hoard all our money to pass on to our loved ones instead. And, in the process, we probably wouldn't end up with very many close friends or loved ones. If you are enjoying what you're doing, then keep at it. That's the important thing. That your collection might provide a little something extra for your family is merely a bonus. For me, I hope that if my plans for immortality don't work out, then rather than my collection being sold off as soon as I'm gone to that great mint in the sky, I'd prefer that it got lost for a while, maybe put in the attic and forgotten about, until a young descendent finds it by accident, and is inspired by all the ancient coins. And in a way, that way, I get to live on too.  God, I'm all corny this morn!! |
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
I love your coins, maridvnvm (keep-up the awesome work!!)  NOTE => man, I've spent a whole lotta coin-collecting-cash throughout my lifetime, building-up my Canadian Banknotes and my Canadian Quarters collections ... unfortunately, far too much cash was spent as I incrementally traded-up for slightly better and better versions of most of the coins in my collection, resulting in several "incremental spares" (I've never sold a single coin that I've acquired) ... ... so although I admit that I haven't spent my "time in the trenches" on this ancient-side of the coin biz, I've certainly learned a lot about what types/conditions of coins make me happy ... => therefore, I am trying my hardest "not" to duplicate my previous Canadian strategy ... ummm, I totally admit that at times I must seem a bit like a baby-deer trying to learn how to walk ... but I am trying my best to accelerate the ol' learning-curve, so I am trying to buy coins that I'll still be happy to gaze upon, in years to come ... Thank God I now have a sound strategy => I go out and find coins that I love and that I can still afford and then I parade them in front of you guys to ensure that they get a whole bunch of experienced eyes critiquing their authenticity, their overall appeal and their value ... thanks again!!  => oh, and well put, einhard Edited by stevex6
10/07/2012 12:42 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
A corollary:
If a coin is difficult to locate today, it will be as difficult to locate in the future.
This is perhaps the only strategy to bridge the gap between collecting for pleasure and collecting as an investment.
These are the coins upon which I focus. And buy.
Truly, a deep and needed topic to be discussed.
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Valued Member
United States
209 Posts |
Hmmm... I like my mediocre coins. Eid Mars are way too expensive to ever be a good use of my resources, and my interest in amateur archaeology has passed, so once I finish my stash of crusties I think my cleaning days are over. I still think cleaning ebay junk is a great way for noobies to start, if they are so inclined, so long as they buy a decent one or two for comparison as well. Of course, cleaning coins is a great way for me to shut my brain off for a little while and just focus on fine motor control so I may retain a little cache hidden in the pantry. It is a strange relationship that I have with this hobby. I don't consider myself a numismatist, though I can't imagine why I own an RIC if that is the case. Maybe I just don't like the word, ancient coin enthusiast is better. All I know is that like everyone else here â€" the history, the journey that each coin has made, hands they have touched, the stories their depictions tell, the constant amazement that something so frail could emerge from the earth after so many centuries and still be intact â€" it makes me tingle in all the right places. It gets a little frustrating being the only person I know of in my area that collects, and that there aren't any shops or shows that come through. I'm glad there are places like here and (to a slightly lesser degree) forvm to reel me back in when I start getting burnt out or frustrated. Well, you guys and the kindly folks at ebay and Etsy that like to dip roman coins in gold or sell them as mixed media and jewelry pieces â€" seeing that stuff makes me feel sick in the pit of my stomach and reminds me of the love that I have for even the most common late roman semi-slug. I've had to fight very hard to not blow great wads of cash setting my house up as a Roman coin rescue. Maybe I should start a non-profit. Increase my collection at the tax deductible expense of others? Sounds like a plan! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
I can just see it now, Nothus:
Poor Roman coins need a "forever" home.
Why buy a pedigree example when so many are in need of a loving foster parent.
Just look at their faces. Their sad eyes. They just wanna be loved!
We at the Nothus Rescue Shelter have many deserving examples in need.
Could you possibly open your hearts and take one in?
Or take two! Some are siblings and it would be a shame to separate them.
We screen potential adopters to weed out the flippers.
We seek PERMANENT, loving homes.
Won't you please consider us?
(If any of you adopt pets then this makes perfect sense to you.)
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I collect what I like and don't consider my collection as investing for a rainy day, etc.. In todays world ecomony I don't think it's wise to invest in ancient coins, the return is not going to be as high as your investment. I collect because I love history. Every new addition to my collection is a bit more that I learn about the history of ancient Rome. My collection is 95% base metal coins and 5% silver, I don't have any high end coins but I do have several that are rated R5 for all that's worth. What I have I'll never sell, they will be passed on to grand kids.
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Valued Member
United States
209 Posts |
I would be pretty discriminating with adopting families though, with a no alteration clause in the adoption contract.
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Replies: 41 / Views: 3,651 |
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Posted 10/07/2012 09:47 am
