to the CCF!
I found it interesting to read your definitions of a serious collector and a non-serious collector.
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I like to define a serious collector as someone who puts forth effort in growing their collection even if they know very little of what they are doing.
I actually believe the opposite is true. Being serious means that you are willing to do the research and build the knowledge to be able to not screw yourself by overpaying. Knowledge of the history behind the coins allows you to enjoy the historical value. Overpaying is very dangerous, as seen in TV commercials, newspaper ads, and unethical dealers. People can pay 10X what coins are worth, and end up getting screwed when they sell their coins. Some big timers have only a handful of coins in their collection. Just because you are a serious collector doesn't mean you own many coins.
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A non-serious collect is a person that randomly comes across a piece and says to themselves "Ay that's pretty dang cool, I think I'll buy it"
Although I do specialize in
Capped Bust half dollars, and have many other sets in progress, I absolutely do pick up a bunch of oddball coins here and there if I find something neat. For example, I recently acquired a 1776 8 reales love token, just because I like it. There are absolutely those people that go to coin shows with a lot of money, just to buy things that look shiny to them. They don't know exactly what they are buying, but it would be a good thing to put on display. I would say that person is non-serious. So it comes back to knowledge to base how serious a collector actually is.
Takeaways: Everyone has their own collecting style, whether it is spontaneous purchases, well thought out long-term goals, or pocket change finds. A very important part of collecting, if not the most important part, is to take the time to research what you are buying. Knowledge is power in the coin collecting community, and it has the potential to save you money, and possibly make you money by cherrypicking varieties that are often overlooked.
You put out some great discussion points, I learned something by just writing this out. Have fun, and take the time to research!
Posted 05/30/2022 3:31 pm
