For Lonesome Numismatists Everywhere

I am, by nature, a loner. A day which goes by without speaking, or seeing another human being, is not a wasted day for me. As such, numismatics suits me, because I collect not for your enjoyment, but for mine - the appeal of a beautiful coin is just as strong to me whether I share it or not.

With that all said, being able to come here and talk about my collecting, to share (and yes, brag!) about my acquisitions, adds a wonderful dimension to the whole experience that can't be duplicated any other way. That is the reason why collectors have always assembled themselves into clubs, and why online coin collecting communities are so popular. The exposure to collectors of differing specialties adds greatly to my level of knowledge, exposes me to ideas and potential acquisitions I'd have never thought of otherwise, and in general broadens the scope of my enjoyment.

I wouldn't quit collecting if places like this didn't exist, but I can't live without them since they do.

I am more of a loner than many...some of my work colleagues can't understand that I would rather do a three or four hour drive alone than with someone. They can't believe that anyone would prefer their own company to that of another.

I don't know if that is the stereotypical coin collector, or not. My Uncle Johnny, who got me into the hobby, was an outgoing, gregarious guy...a natural salesman. Most other collectors that I've met, however, seem rather reserved in comparison to the shooters and gun collectors I sometimes hang out with.

I have to join the "loner" list.

I don'y know if it's just that I'm introverted perhaps because of rhuematic fever as a kid, or if I just naturally enjoy being alone.

That doesn't mean I don't enjoy family and friends. But I'm also happy at times like this -- when I'm reading posts on CCF and getting ready to work on my Australian Fifty Cent Piece collection.

Whatever, coin collecting is a great hobby and I have never seen a better forum than CCF.

This is really interesting. I read most every post, everyday and though I would not know anyone here if I passed them on the street, I feel as if I have gotten to know most of you at least somewhat. I would have never thought that you feel like a loner from your communications. There is just way too much friendship, consideration, concern and even a protectionist attitude towards each other. These do not seem like traits of a loner. Feels like a gregarious bunch to me. I also love my quiet time with my collection or a book or birdwatching. I do not need people around 24/7 and at times want to be alone. I like to believe it is because I am comfortable with myself, I like being in my skin so to speak. This is when we as individualist reflect on the world, when we look deeper into those things we want to analysis. The oxymoron "thunderous silence" really applies to this type of person. When we are alone, we hear things and see things a little more clearly. I know everyday that I turned on the computer while Gary was sailing upside down around South America I wondered if they were ok and enjoying themselves. From the posts I know many others were felling the same way. I just find it hard to believe that people that care so much for other are true loners. My experience is that coin collectors are simply deep people, as a group, and those types of people do not need to have others around to make noise. So, I luv ya man!!!!! I know, I still can't have your Bud Light. Please excuse me, I do not mean to pontificate. Jim

Yeah , what they said. No one cares. Kinda like the graded silver Washingtons I showed my family last week. My brother asked his 10 yr. old the value of a quarter and all realized my folly in paying $25 dollars for a Quarter. Little do they know that they are probably worth $15

It's as though all the previous messages were sent by me!! Weird. No wonder many people here have such vast and various collections!! Cool!!

What a wonderful thread this turned out to be!!

So many of us feel the same way.

I visit -- about once a month -- three or four other coin forums. One I still like, due to its knowledgable members. However, NONE of them have the feeling of family such as Coin Community Family does.

Other than family members I have only met two other CCF members personally. Even so, it's as though I know many more personally. CCF has become a huge habit for me, and not because I don't have a life, but because of the wonderful people you find here.