As a coin collector I suppose everyone's motive is different. I suppose everyone has their own reason for collecting. My main reason is collecting old, historical coins. I like having old coins. Coins from as far as the roman empire, to more modern ones such as the English penny from the 1930s. As a collector, my budget is limited. Some months I might buy $60 worth of old coins, the next maybe $20. So my goal is this. To collect pieces of history for as little money as possible. Each coin has a story behind it, one I wish I could learn. If only they could talk... To achieve my goal of collecting historical and old coins, I tend to shy away from coins of the US. Although I will buy some from time to time..here is how I see it. I can buy 5 decent grade coins from the early 1800s for the price of one poor grade Us coin. So as a collector of historic coins, which makes more sense to you? 5 1806 British pennies in fine grade, or one poor grade 1806 large cent from the US? Although you may agree or disagree, I think the price of many old world coins is "cheap" in comparison to coins from the US. Primarily because the demand is low, but the supply is good. I have an amazing (well to me, but probably not to others) collection of 1600s to 1800s copper coins from Europe. Each piece is a little nugget of history. If I chose to collect US coins instead, I would not have such quality or quantity. While some people consider coins an investment, which is true in some cases, I consider coins as a preservation of history. The more you collect, properly preserve, store and keep old coins, the less damage these coins receive, ensuring they will be available for people to enjoy 1000s of years into the future.
I agree with a lot that you said, and I do have some ancient coins 2 thousand years old. But, my heart is really with the US coins and history, even if they do tend to cost more. There is no right or wrong way to collect - we all have individual tastes and interests - that's what makes collecting so interesting and rewarding!
I collect for the historical aspect the coins represent as well, but like Mackwork, I like US history first and foremost. Though I have considered putting together a family tree of coins linking my family's history as far back as I've been able to (middle 1400's) using representations with coins of the period and location for each branch. Not sure it's something I could ever finish in a lifetime, but it might be fun trying. Guy
My collecting philosophy is very similar to that of mackwork and coleguy in that I have a special place in my heart for coins of the United States. I understand them, I am familiar with them, and I am able to grade them reasonably well enough to spot a good deal. However, I have other collecting habits that probably would not be typical to most. It is all in how you perceive the market and what you enjoy collecting that makes your collection work for you. Detecto, your collection is unique in that it reflects your own collecting personality. Such is the same for everyone else on Cointalk. I like you, am limited financially on how fast my collection can grow. It is somewhat of a setback, but just adds to the challenge of our hobby.
Like you said - you can disagree. I would go with 1 US coin - and for $60 budget you can get some decent older coins in my opinion. This is all a matter of perspecitve - nothing wrong with collecting world coins, I actually like some of the designs. But my main thing is US coins. All a matter of what you like and what you would like to collect.
Everyone collects what they love. That is the bottom line. There is no right and wrong. I do believe US collectors would greatly benefit by opening up their minds to ancient and world coins, its not my place to say they are "wrong" to only collect US coins.
I got started seriously buying world coins when the price of silver started shooting up and I could no longer afford the U.S. coins I needed for my collection. But as I saw different designs and how many beautiful and affordable world coins there were out there, I was hooked. I studied history in college and I really find all the historical factors of the old world coins intriguing, as I can trace the course of empires and rulers from these little pieces of metal.
