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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,408 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
891 Posts |
I see alot of people buying fillers and upgrading later. Was curious why people collect this way. Myself I would rather wait and save for the coin I need to complete the type of sets that I like. I know this way it will take me awhile to complete a set, but I am ok with that.
Is it the thrill of completing the set quickly? Is it the thrill of the game of buying, selling and trading up. Or is it just for the satisfaction of buying a coin. I do know the satisfaction of buying a coin. After all we are all coin junkies. I see nothing wrong with this approach. I was just wondering.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
3831 Posts |
It's somewhere along the line, "how long do I have to wait for the next coin" versus "how expensive that nice coin" is.
To me, most of my filler coins aren't just coins in nicer conditions are ridiciously expensive but most of the time if I don't get it now, others will target the same filler. If I didn't get the filler coins that I have right now, there are some that I couldn't even have upgraded because the next nicer coins would be in terms of thousands and I haven't seen some for more than 5 years! On the positive thought, even if I were to buy a cheap ugly filler coin, by the time I upgrade to a nicer one and sell the filler, there are always collectors looking for fillers. So far, I have easily break even or profited from filler coins.
It wouldn't be quite right to say filler coins are mere junks. But then again, I might be collecting coins that are just difficult to find in any condition.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1659 Posts |
Personally, I see things very much like you do. For my personal collection, I'd much rather save the money and buy the coin I really want rather than buy fillers.
I suppose the term "filler" is subjective. What I view as a "filler" might be what the next guy perceives as a "nice coin".
I will certainly buy a filler if I know I can make a profit from it later to help fund my coin appetite.
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
9862 Posts |
I have no problem with buying a "filler" coin to complete a series.But if I win the lottery or live forever every coin I own will have become a filler.
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Valued Member
United States
57 Posts |
For some of us, a filler has as much rich history as a BU coin. Scars build character, you know.
Also, having a filler, holding it, studying and appreciating it all helps you appreciate "the real thing" when it comes later on. A filler is a great way to prep for a bigger investment. Sometimes, it even causes you to reassess what it is that you really want. I used to think like you, but more than once a filler in hand has inspired me to adjust my expectations (both up and down) once I'd owned it a while.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3278 Posts |
I realize that it's either a low grade coin or no coin at all in some instances.
Actually no coin at all is the only option for some of my sets, and I'm OK with that,
Coin collecting isn't my only activity that requires my resources.
Truth is I'm not that picky, as long as I have some really nice examples and the rest are at least presentable.
Also upgrading is a fun enough activity, and the replaced coins still have value.
It's all good.
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Valued Member
United States
253 Posts |
I use fillers as an extension of my over all collection. First I HATE a big glaring hole staring out at me . My main collection of Merc's is in 2X2's in a ring binder. Dividers separate the BU's from the EF,VF,&VG With AG&G in an old dansco album. As I upgrade I move them to the proper grade divider.So I'm basically building 5 or 6 collections as I upgrade . It takes time but I suppose I'm one of those nasty hoarding creatures that cant get enough of a good thing.
Coggie
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3592 Posts |
I use anything I can get to fill the hole in my Lincoln set. Only because I don't buy them so it's hard to be picky when collecting like that. Not saying I don't pay anything but I have less than $150 in my early set that is missing only the 14-D and 22 plain.Most are roll finds and some are from lot auctions.For me it's the challenge of finding that jewel....if I had bought them,it wouldn't be quite as exciting. So a filler for me is just another challenge.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
759 Posts |
While I would prefer your approach and tried it, I eventually added up the cost of completing my 7070 and expanded gold type set in the desired grade ranges and it was a reality check. Since funds are not unlimited and the wife and kids prefer electricity and food over coins, I had to lower my sights a bit. Plus, life and it's associated expenses always seem to get in the way (technically, I started the 7070 a few decades ago as a kid so quickly isn't happening). For me, the primary goal is to complete the sets. I guess I'd rather have a complete set to enjoy someday with coins that aren't "good enough" for some, rather than have 50% complete albums under my deathbed pillow. Plus, an actual coin is much more satisfying than an empty slot to me. For example, I just bought my first Half Cent, an 1803 in VG+ for $70. I'm thrilled to have it in hand v waiting for the day I have hundreds more for an XF-AU. That's how I look at things. Good luck! |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
891 Posts |
One thing I see is that many people relate a filler as a low grade coin. I see a filler as a coin that will eventually be replaced regardless of the grade or condition. Many people put together lower grade sets. I have a few myself. I know that the coins even in those sets will not be replaced with different ones. For the higher grade sets I know I will not get them all completed. But that's alright. I will give them to my kids when I pass and hopefully they will have the enjoyment I have had with them and continue on. Maybe one day completing the sets. Very interesting the collecting habits of everyone.
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Moderator
 United States
187556 Posts |
I feel that a lot of my coins could be perceived as fillers when they are not. The term may be subjective, but I believe it should be used for coins that are not a permanent part of a collection. I started my collection from circulation finds. When buying dates that no longer circulated, I tend to be attracted to ones that look like they had circulated for a time relative to their age. In the distant past, I may have upgraded when I got a better one in change, but I stopped doing that some time before I got caught up to the current date. Now, once I put a coin in an album, it is there forever. All killer, no filler.  |
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New Member
United States
1 Posts |
I have fillers in my sets as well. I prefer to have them
and upgrade when I can, and usualy also make a small profit
when doing so. Profit is not the motive, but I'm not going to
disregard it either. I would much rather have a complete set
of something!
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Pillar of the Community
Thailand
1509 Posts |
Virtually my whole collection consists of fillers and do I care? No.
If I get a duplicate coin then I will keep the better one and the old coin will go into my exchange collection.
I don't have the time or money to track down high grade coins for my 11,000+ collection. That would cost me two arms, two legs and my wife would have the remaining appendages!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
I have coins in my sets that could fall into the filler classification but I rarely will buy a coin specifically to fill a hole in the album.
What I tend to do is to start a collection and then begin upgrading as it nears completion.
With my 7070, I mostly waited to fill each hole. I did buy my Draped Bust and Classic Head Large Cents as fillers, but once I got them in the album I thought they actually looked pretty nice so those may be keepers in the end.
With my Lincoln set, I started with a couple of starter sets/lots to get a quick jump start but once the album was mostly full with circulated coins I kind of got the Lincoln fever and have been upgrading to a BU set, starting with the Memorials and working my way back.
Good topic!
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
As already well noted this subject is pending on the individual's preferences or availabilities of the coins. Coin collecting is like many hobbies where what you want may just not be possible or available. Not everyone could possibly have a 1957 Chevy converitble since they only made a limited amount and many ended up lost. Some cars, like coins are just out of reach for the normal person too. For example my Whitman Album has a slot for a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel and I just can't see finding one anywhere that I can afford.
My method of collecting has always been to just collect coins and try to fill an Album. As I aquire a higher graded coin, it goes into the Album and the one there now goes into a 2x2. Eventually there are enough of those 2x2 duplicates to start a second Album. This procedure continues forever and if no coins are sold, eventually I end up with well over 100 Albums and still growing.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,408 |
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Posted 12/03/2010 12:57 am
