If You Had It

I started collecting Lincoln cents when the reversed changed the first time around. Therefore, my heart and expertise are with that series of which I have a complete set. I wanted to start another series but couldn't decide which one fit me. My collecting standards include first that my coins are circulated and secondly NO SLABS period. Then comes the money part in how much I want to spend on a single coin. I do not plan to sell any of my collection.

Three years ago, I started collecting world coins that were minted in the United States. I have also decided to start a Barber dime collection. What's holding that collection back is the grade that I want for the collection and learning how to grade the coins. I've pretty much decided to go with grades of Fine for the set.

But you know you'll collect others regardless of your decision. That's why I have an IHC, Merc & Rosie Dime; Wash Quarter; Kennedy half, and Ike dollar collections in various states as well as my Insect collection, Fiji and Florins of world coins and lots of misc coins I like.

So my thoughts to you are to collect whatever challenges you to keep looking for that next coin.

Terrell

Personally I just can't imagine starting over again. Because I've never specialized in any particular area I collect anything and everything coinwise so the collection will never be complete or anywhere near. I can't imagine ever getting to the point where I'll think "That's it, finished."

Rick, it would be simple. Concentrate on one area, for me Lincolns. Build as complete a collection including varieties and important errors as possible. Establish a minimum quality starting point, for me AU-58 and upgrade from there. I would also want examples of things like the die 1 thru 4 combinations for the 1922-D. It would also not be limited to one from for each date/mint. BadThad turned me on to his storage flexibility idea that then allowed him to group examples of the same coin. Interesting sub comparisons could be, woodies or perhaps a red and brown coin in the same grade. I can visualize a complete section dedicated to the 1960-D and all of it's RPMs.

The one thing I do know is that the need for quantity would go out the window. Then, as that set became hard to improve I would most likely move on to Large Cents and start again.

Now, that is not to say that I would not take advantage of opportunities to make money when they presented themselves. One of the rules would be, though, any coin bought for profit must be turned over keeping the funds invested in my primary objective.

One caveat, I will always have an investment in bullion coins, just in case the dollar really does die. This is not, however, part of the collect.

Ya know, you could have a side set of key dates from other coin groups and.......man this disease is hard to beat.

Jim

I wouldn't change a thing. I collect durn near everything - but I've learned so much along the way. I couldn't imagine missing out on all the knowledge (and friends!) I've gained.

This is funny, I can't tell you how many times I have thought about starting over. If I do, I decided my focus would not be on a specific series, but on ultra cool, high grade coins. I'd really, really like to pair down the collection to make my life easier....some of you may have noticed that I've sold a LOT of stuff over the past year.

My suggestion....sell it all and collect only keys, semi-keys and non-keys that are extremely attractive. They could be blast white, blazing red, toned or have some other interesting feature that makes them special when compared to the hoards of coins out there. This is what I'm considering when I start over. It's cool to have every date/mint in a series....but I think it'd be cooler to have a collection where every coin truly special.

I would not pretend to be able to offer "advice", "insight", or "directional common sense ideas" to someone of your collecting expertise, knowledge, and experience !!
I will not utter a PEEP !!...I couldn't carry your water my friend !!..however......as Pandesalapi said...


That's what I'm waiting to see....... .....

Gee......Would've never guessed THAT one in a MILLION YEARS !! .....

I would have started searching rolls and buying silver a lot sooner :D. I've just recently gotten serious about coin collecting. This is not a good time to start building up a collection. At least it's not good compared to how it was 5+ years ago.