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 Replies: 32 / Views: 4,136 |
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Moderator
 Australia
16842 Posts |
I usually acquire one of something, then say to myself "I like it, I think I'll buy more of them".
I tried buying from a wantlist, but I never had the discipline to stick to it. Now, I buy from a "gotlist". If I see something I like, I check to see if I've already got it. If I don't, I buy it.
Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Valued Member
United States
280 Posts |
I've always liked Morgan dollars. Several months ago, I bought 20 pounds of foreign coins, some dating back to the 1850s. I do my little shop on ebay more for fun than profit, although I try to make one dollar on most transactions. Although it is all for sale, it is my collection. Some coins I list a little high on the price because I don't really want to sell it. I have so many coins that I am taking a break from buying . |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
I am a generalist, not a specialist. I used to build and complete sets of coins; been there, done that. It became increasingly UNsatisfying. I needed to build a collection, the task of which, would take me for the rest of my life.Thus, I am aiming to build a collection that illustrates the development of coinage in all cultures from it's invention, 2,600 years ago, to modern times. The coins in hand are the hardware that does the illustration.  Very obviously an impossible task, but I have been at it for 40 years or thereabouts.  Nevertheless, that does not stop me from building a representative collection, however incomplete it may be. I will acquire any good value for money coin that supports my aim. The huge benefit is that I am always learning about World cultures, both past and present, and the various coinages that they used. The learning curve is always steep, and always getteing steeper. That is just how I like it. The CCF is essential for me, because the various forums cover all of my numismatic interests, and is where I continue to learn.  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
533 Posts |
Not a question that had a right or wrong answer each persons answer is right for them. I wasn't looking do much for what or how to collect but just curious about how others do it. Thank you to everyone that posted.
Like with junk silver. I know I can get a $10 face roll of Washington's for less than the same of Barbers but I like the Barbers better. So if the Washington's are $150 and the Barbers $180 I call the $150 investing and the extra $30 fun.
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Valued Member
58 Posts |
@ARCoins - I do the same thing! I but things up with a "never going to sell" price and best offer and it is like a free showcase of my collection. Funny to hear others so that too :)
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
For me it's easy. I go to a lot of coin shows. I ask dealers for any old, used Albums they don't want. When I get one I start trying to fill it regardless of what it is. Sometimes I find I made a mistake and just move on. For example a dealer gave me a US Large Cent Album. When I finally realized the I may never finish it, I put it aside and moved on to something else. This is also what is happening to many of my other Albums. |
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Valued Member
 United States
397 Posts |
I started out many years ago collecting US coins from circulation to put in albums. When I decided to get back into the hobby about 2 years ago, started the albumn thing again. Found that it wasn't bringing me great satisfaction. Then I found out about mint sets. Purchased a number of proof and uncirculated sets. As I did more research (and found this site!), I took a step back to see what really brings joy to my collecting. It was then that I decided to focus on silver coins in as good a condition I can afford. I have been purchasing silver proof mint sets as my budget allows. I also realized I enjoyed the beauty of the Mercury dimes. So far I have purchased a few in MS 60 or better - raw. Not sure if I want to go the slabbed route yet. This is probably a long winded way of say I buy what strikes my eye! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:I also realized I enjoyed the beauty of the Mercury dimes. So far I have purchased a few in MS 60 or better - raw. NO,NO,NO. If more and more people keep on saving those, less and less for me.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1191 Posts |
I'm doing the same thing as just carl, but I never thought about just asking for them, I always buy them.
@just carl, do they give you the albums for free?
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Valued Member
United States
397 Posts |
Quote:
NO,NO,NO. If more and more people keep on saving those, less and less for me. With my budget, I don't think you have to worry! LOL. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3192 Posts |
First I love the history behind all coins. I collect primarily US coins but my main view is if it puts a smile on my face and the price is right, I'm on it... |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1156 Posts |
There are a lot of great answers here. I agree with those that say a coin has to have some history. I started collecting 8 reales of Spain and her American colonies and have become so enamored of large, old, silver that I've expanded to a silver crown from each country type set (SCFEC?). For the most part, I stick to pre-Napoleon which helps limit the field.
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Valued Member
United States
280 Posts |
Puglife711, That's exactly right. We are like museum curators. Yes, there is a price listed, but we are just showing the item as a matter of public interest with no expectation of a sale. Example ; my 20th century Harris album priced at $295.
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Valued Member
United States
156 Posts |
Here's an idea I kicked around. Start with 2016 and get one coin for each year, heading backwards in time as far as you care to go. You pick coins from anywhere in the world if you wish (a silver dollar one year, a German pfenning the next, etc.).
It can be an inexpensive way to grow a collection and perhaps introduce you to something you'd like to focus on.
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Pillar of the Community
Russian Federation
5174 Posts |
Quote:
I usually acquire one of something, then say to myself "I like it, I think I'll buy more of them".
I tried buying from a wantlist, but I never had the discipline to stick to it. Now, I buy from a "gotlist". If I see something I like, I check to see if I've already got it. If I don't, I buy it. This is basically what I do, except, since my organization sucks, I often end up buying stuff I already had anyway. Quote:
Here's an idea I kicked around. Start with 2016 and get one coin for each year, heading backwards in time as far as you care to go. You pick coins from anywhere in the world if you wish (a silver dollar one year, a German pfenning the next, etc.).
It can be an inexpensive way to grow a collection and perhaps introduce you to something you'd like to focus on. I was seriously considering just such an idea a few years ago. Might try it again if/when I finally figure out what I have already. (Then again, might just try it anywsy.) |
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Replies: 32 / Views: 4,136 |
First Page
Posted 07/08/2016 9:23 pm
