Thread: The reason you can't see it might be because it's smack up against your nose...

Slabs, stars, stickers. There's a coin in there, someplace. Are we collecting status symbols, now? What do you think?

We're in the groove, now, gang. And, there's no turning back. FWIW, that's what I think.

Among collectors, bragging rights have always been one of the primary reasons for collecting to begin with. Been that way since the first coin was set aside. Doubt it will ever change

Originally Posted by GDJMSP

Among collectors, bragging rights have always been one of the primary reasons for collecting to begin with. Been that way since the first coin was set aside. Doubt it will ever change

So you still think we're just collecting coins, huh? I don't know about that.

What do you think I'm talking about them bragging about ?

I'm agreeing with ya eddie But shhhhhh, don't tell anybody !

Originally Posted by GDJMSP

What do you think I'm talking about them bragging about ?

I'm agreeing with ya eddie But shhhhhh, don't tell anybody !

Well, then, now my world is right-side-up, again. Thanks for saying that, Doug. I'll plead guilty to having been a little "slow" (as in, I knew better).

The way I look at it, there are at least 2 distinct types of collectors (more so for U.S. Coins). Dealers and bullion guys not included.

1. There are those who are in it for the slabs, the registry sets, the bragging rights, top pops, etc..blah blah

2. Then there are those like me. Just enjoy collecting without caring about any of that stuff. Not in it for investment or popularity. In it for the sheer enjoyment.

You smelling the flowers i'm delivering here?

short version: I agree Eddie! It's all about that piece of metal.

Originally Posted by gbroke

The way I look at it, there are at least 2 distinct types of collectors (more so for U.S. Coins). Dealers and bullion guys not included.

1. There are those who are in it for the slabs, the registry sets, the bragging rights, top pops, etc..blah blah

2. Then there are those like me. Just enjoy collecting without caring about any of that stuff. Not in it for investment or popularity. In it for the sheer enjoyment.

You smelling the flowers i'm delivering here?

short version: I agree Eddie! It's all about that piece of metal.

Count me as in the #2 type. I do it as the enjoyment of a hobby, nothing more or less.

Gbroke, I think that sets out the two types very succinctly. Do you see? My sniffer is working just fine.

Originally Posted by eddiespin

Slabs, stars, stickers. There's a coin in there, someplace. Are we collecting status symbols, now? What do you think?

We're in the groove, now, gang. And, there's no turning back. FWIW, that's what I think.

Yes, most of us are.

Originally Posted by gbroke

The way I look at it, there are at least 2 distinct types of collectors (more so for U.S. Coins). Dealers and bullion guys not included.

1. There are those who are in it for the slabs, the registry sets, the bragging rights, top pops, etc..blah blah

2. Then there are those like me. Just enjoy collecting without caring about any of that stuff. Not in it for investment or popularity. In it for the sheer enjoyment.

You smelling the flowers i'm delivering here?

Exactly. The only reason I like to collect coins is the fascination, the history, and the artwork on the coin. Anything else isn't important to me

Wait, there is a coin in those slabs?

Some collectors only see the grade given to a coin. I guess its the feeling of owning something expensive.
Me? I'm just happy to add a nice looking coin to my collection.

Originally Posted by eddiespin

Gbroke, I think that sets out the two types very succinctly. Do you see? My sniffer is working just fine.

I thought only PCGS had a coin sniffer.

Personally, I like to cover most of the slab in black tape, allowing only the label to show. The glare from the coin hinders the eye appeal of beautiful label and CAC sticker. I then immediately add the coins to my registry, where I allow the whole world to view all my glorious slab numbers (because of course I don't include pictures or descriptions of the coins).
Going by gbroke's classification I believe I fall into # 2 as well .

Originally Posted by eddiespin

Slabs, stars, stickers. There's a coin in there, someplace. Are we collecting status symbols, now? What do you think?

We're in the groove, now, gang. And, there's no turning back. FWIW, that's what I think.

I personally collect coins for what they are. I specialize in a certain series, and I like to collect them in PCGS slabs or put them in PCGS slabs. I have turned down multiples of PCGS coins. The slab does not make me buy a coin. All TPG's slab dogs.

I don't know what type I am. I have folders filled with cents, buffalo and Jefferson nickels, Mercury and Roosevelt dimes, Peace and Morgan dollars and I play the Registry with MPL's and a Type set. I like having both in the highest grade I can afford. The only time I sell is to upgrade these Registry sets, which is very seldom.

I don't plan to live forever. I want my wife to take advantage of any help she can have when the time comes to sell the coins. For that reason I like having my MPL set CAC'd. If this makes me a non collector in your eyes, so be it. I see no disadvantage in having a couple of opinions.

How many times have you heard a collector say. I'll keep this until I find a better coin to replace it with. Should you avoid slabbed coins trying to do so? I don't think so. Then eventually you will have slabbed coins with stars and stickers in your collection, and pay a fair price, besides. So I propose a third type of collector exists as well. I'll go with number three. A fair mix of both worlds.

I collect for relaxation. Grade and rarity is not important. Resale I could care less about. My family won't need the money from it when I'm gone. I can understand the different expectations and goals other collectors have, and know there are probably far more types than just two. That diversity is just one of the many things that make this a great hobby. I enjoy hearing the viewpoints from all types of collectors.
Guy