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Drusus: "the coins belong to that person who owns them."
I disagree with this statement. I mean, sure, legally it's true, but it's not the attitude that should be taken by numismatists. I believe that ethically we are charged with being conservators.
If I bought the five 1913 Liberty nickels, and melted down four of them, it would be sinful.
If I bought the Mona Lisa and used a sharpie to put a moustache on it, I should be flogged.
We can own property legally, but morally we should take a higher stance. Personally, I view myself as a custodian of the coins until such time as I give them to someone else. After all, I can't take them with me. Isn't it right of me to leave them behind in good condition?
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