| Author |
 Replies: 6 / Views: 1,639 |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1613 Posts |
As a collector of many years, collecting by series and completing one at a time before moving on, I find myself some what over whelmed lately. Like most, the Lincoln Cent and the old blue were how it began in the mid-seventies. Yet for an unknown reason a fascination with the ten cent denomination took hold around the same time, likely with my first Winged Liberty (Mercury as they call them.). So, over the years I've managed a complete date/mint mark run on the dime back to 1897. Minus the 1894s of course and held at the elusive 1896s. Now in my mid-fifties and struggling with the 31 extremely difficult dates/mint marks remaining for the Seated Liberty series I began others. Short series, inexpensive, and somewhat easy to complete. First, the buffalo. Which is almost complete in a full date-half horn plus run. Then the Irish Republic coinage of 1928-69 and now the Canadian Large Cents. My whole point in this long post, which I apologize for, are the thoughts of having one too many going on at the same time and a possibility of distraction, or worse taking a break. The latter concerns me due to age and further thoughts of not restarting. In any event, who ever gets my final decision will be left with a massive collection taking weeks to go through. Even though everything is meticulously organized. Any one else facing a similar situation? Or a simple comment?  ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
Edited by Ballyhoo
03/01/2021 12:08 pm
|
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
7934 Posts |
What is it about the situation that you find overwhelming?
To my way of thinking, the only serious issue is if it becomes more of a financial drain than is reasonable (but I read your post on another thread, and it seems you have good discipline).
If it's that you can;t keep up on all the different websites, auctions, etc. that present opportunities, then welcome to the club! Worst that can happen is that you occasionally miss an opportunity ... there will always be more!
I have four quite different themes going, so I can relate to some extent.
Edited by tdziemia
03/01/2021 1:43 pm
|
|
Valued Member
United States
284 Posts |
You need only to take a break.
I am cut.
I am not slain.
I'll lay me down.
I'll bleed awhile,
and then, I'll fight again.
Kevin
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
999 Posts |
Collect what you like. The hobby is not supposed to be stressful. If it is getting to be, maybe take a break for a bit. Look at it as a continuous journey. Filling every hole may not happen and that's OK.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
561 Posts |
In a bit of a personal journey I experienced something similar. I was trying to get into collecting the classic 1892-1954 commemorative halves. I started getting stressed out about the size of the collection and the prices of many of the examples (here's looking at you Hawaii, Spanish Trail, Hudson) and realized that I don't even really care for some of the expensive ones, like Spanish Trail especially. Knowing how much I would eventually have to invest into the set just to complete it in any condition and knowing that there are lots of designs I don't even much care for that would still run me $100-$200 a piece was really weighing on me.
I decided to adapt my 7070 to include 8 classic commems, and added a second of the bicentennial page to include the Isabella, Columbus, and Lafayette where the bicentennials normally go. For me, this means I can just focus on 1 album, my 7070, even though it isn't a pure Dansco 7070 anymore. Now, collecting just 8 classic commems plus the OGs means that I can collect just the ones I want and I can much more easily justify $1000-$2000 on the 11 coins I like, instead of $10000+ on 55 that I don't like all of. Like you say, I felt a bit distracted trying to put money into a 7070 and a 7094 (classic commem album) at the same time.
|
|
Moderator
 United States
187702 Posts |
Quote:
Collect what you like. The hobby is not supposed to be stressful.  I think I have done well to not get into too many other things, although the temptation is always there.  |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
7934 Posts |
I have one collecting theme with a "fixed" goal, OFEY 1474-1795. For this I always know exactly how many holes I have to fill, and for the most part, the options I have to fill them.
The other collecting themes (OFER for several places and the saints collection) are a bit less defined, which allows me be less disciplined when the spirit moves me.
So, last week I filled in an OFEY date in one auction, and then won an "R" (reign) I was missing in another. So that I wouldn't feel bad about forking over the shipping costs for that one coin, I found a new saint I was able to win at that auction at just one step up from the opening bid. I know in principle that third expenditure means I have less budget for one of the other more targeted goals. But I'm not gonna stress about it.
Possibly a dangerous framework, but I'm, not insolvent yet.
Edited by tdziemia
03/02/2021 7:54 pm
|
| |
Replies: 6 / Views: 1,639 |
|
Posted 03/01/2021 12:05 pm
