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 Replies: 19 / Views: 2,551 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2600 Posts |
I have been toying with an idea, again. Should I take the avg run of the mill coins in my collection, i.e. 1803 Half Cent worth $30/40 in good condition), and sell them to invest in high grade coins. The above mentioned Half Cent will never be worth anymore than $50 in my life time while Lincolns are on fire and some coins are really over looked. Take the 3CN, I think it is just a matter of time before its value starts to approach its availability. While I love having all of these coins, after awhile, they don't even get looked at and some are completely forgotten until I stumble onto them when cleaning. From an investment standpoint I think I would be way ahead of the game. I know that I can dig 20 coins out that I have not looked at in over a year and buy a high grade 1909S-VDB. My guess is I would look at that coin everyday. Wouldn't that give me more collecting pleasure than a handful of coins tucked somewhere in the corner? What are your thoughts? Jim |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1130 Posts |
For me, it was easier to just collect the rarer key dates than searching for all dates. It's not for the faint of heart, since one rare key date can be worth more than the rest of the entire series.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
Jim, Time to get on that Road King and take a ride! I have trouble parting with any of my collection. It's like a member of the family is gone. I've given several away in the past couple of months with the Winter/Summer Solstice exchange, Pay it Forward, and milestone giveaways. I hold a special ceremony for each one at the post office. I did this last night when I shipped off one of my dearest friends to nancyc in Australia. If I were in it purely for the investment, I would agree totally ... sell off everything and just buy high-grade keys. I'm more of a "big family" guy though and am content with that.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
533 Posts |
While the idea of selling s number of descent type coins to get some nicer "high value" coins sounds good, I couldn't do it. Heck, I can't even part with multiples bags of Wheat Cents. On the other hand, I haven't been doing this for more than a few years and probably don't have the coins around that would justify parting with a number to get just one. In fact, I don't have any half-cent pieces at all. At the end of the day, do what you feel will give you the most satisfaction from the hobby. I hope to be in your positions someday.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
Jim
In the last month or so I have had a stack of about 30 coins on my desk to put up forsale ,,so far I have found reasons not to ,,but I think one day I will ,,because I have this itch that can't be scratched unless I do .
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2335 Posts |
I made the same decision you are toying with. I sold off almost all of my common date circulated coins, keeping only those that had sentimental value. I've been buying higher end coins, & I have been very happy with the result. While value/investment was a consideration, the end result has been more enjoyment of the coins I have because of the condition & variety. I guess I'm one of those people that would rather look at one highly detailed example of a coin, instead of 50 of the same type that are in well circulated condition.
WARNING- For me part of the joy of collecting is the excitement of a new acquisition. While I still get that new coin "rush", it doesn't happen as often as it used to because of the greater cost.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2600 Posts |
Man, everyone has great incite and I really appreciate it. I know that there are some of my general stuff that for some reason or the other I would not be able to let go. I think I will start by separating the wheat from the chaff so to speak and see what is then available to be sold . May not be as much as I think. Seated, I am sure a ride would help clear my head, but my bones are old and Rick is right. This Harley does not go out in bad weather. So far I have ridden every month this winter, though. Jim |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1267 Posts |
Jim, I did the same thing quite a few years back and am also very happy with the results.  |
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Valued Member
United States
411 Posts |
I have completed a MS set of Peace dollars and the Walker short set (41-47) in gem or better, and have put together the whole Walker series in mixed circ/unc states. I really love these coins and look at them often. But most of the time, lately, my heart has been totally in my Dansco 7070 type set. I have thought hard about selling all those halves and silver dollars, and putting into a Chain cent or something. I actually did recently purge my collection and finally part with my American Buffalo bullion coin along with a whole bunch of useless Mint products (except the reverse proof silver eagle; I'm keeping that), and put that into the 7070. But I'd have a hard time parting with the others. EDIT: I just read what I wrote. My silver dollars and halves are not enough for a Chain Cent. Alas. Edited by Stephen420
01/23/2008 9:50 pm
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Valued Member
United States
231 Posts |
You guys have me excited now. I am more into the general stuff right now. I just bought a 1909 S VDB for 81.00, because no one knew it was a VDB. My brother bought it because it was an S and he had no idea that the VDB was there or that it even exists. He bought it for my birthday at a Flea market for 80.00. I looked at it and said how could you afford this. The VDB was plain as day when I looked at it. I gave him what he paid plus a dollar because I was so happy. Now I am planning to get rid of that, maybe trade it for a bunch of older common dates and fill a bunch of holes in my collection. So I guess I have the opposite idea. I think you should hold onto your stuff and have more to look at, but if you know you would be happier with a key, go for it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2443 Posts |
If your not appreciating the coins, why keep them? Sell them and buy one you'll appreciate or be the focal point of your collection.
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Rest in Peace
United States
3730 Posts |
It's just me. I'm a "collector," of so many things. Can't stand to part with any of them.
I have been collecting for 50 years and have sold, or auctioned, maybe two or three coins.
I have given away coins to family and friends, and traded a few, especially with my Australian friends. But, sell my coins!? Nope. My family will have to decide what to do with them once I'm gone.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
581 Posts |
No offense, but your post doesn't make much sense.
I guess I echo the comments of Amazon99. If you're not looking at the coins, why are you wringing your hands about selling them?
I don't get it. If you've got coins that sit in your dresser drawer and never get any attention, what is the reason why you can't sell them?
Sorry. I might sound rude here - don't mean to. I DO have problems selling coins I look at all the time - I DO NOT have problems selling coins I never look at - I guess that's where I'm coming from!!
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Valued Member
United States
130 Posts |
You can have a hoard or a collection. A hoard is grabbing everything you can get hold of. A collection is getting hold of what you like. I would rather have a few premium coins than a thousand so-so coins. That's a golden rule. Unfortunately, I forget it all the time.
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Valued Member
United States
330 Posts |
Jim, I recently had the same dilemma. Over that years I had put together all of the modern sets and had almost finished a few older sets minus some of the keys. I have a spreadsheet of what I need for each set that I use when deciding what to buy. I was looking at the spreadsheet and decided that I needed something to excite me again. I decided to start a 7070 but found the Intercept Shield version and ordered it. As I started to fill a few holes with higher grade examples of coins from my binder I was bit by the bug. I have a pretty good idea about what I want to put in the album and I have found myself passing on coins I would have bought to put in my binder for higher grade key or unique examples. For instance, I want to put a 1995 DDO Lincoln in the 1959-2008 slot. I have a PCGS MS-67R example that I may crack out and put in. The type set has really stimulated my inner collector. I can see myself doing more type sets with different focuses, i.e. proof only (where applicable). I guess what I am saying is that I have redirected my focus. I don't think I will sell off anything but I am more picky about what I am buying. Keys, semi-keys, varieties and high grade examples are my recommendations. Sorry for the long post. Jim |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2600 Posts |
Thx, Jim. I think, upon reflection, you have put it in words for me. I am looking to redirect my focus and the horde is not as valuable to me as it once was. I am going to redirect, I am just not sure how. Your ideas have sure been food for thought.
Jim
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Replies: 19 / Views: 2,551 |
Posted 01/23/2008 12:22 pm
