So, while looking through change today, it dawned on me that I'm trying too hard. I currently collect from circulation pennies, nickles (well, I used to, I lost all of my nickles somehow...), dimes, and quarters, buy random things online as well as at shows, and dabble in US and World Paper money, as well as having a bit of a world coin collection. It's becoming too much, and I just don't know what to do... Any tips on what route I should take, and how to get rid of all of my extra stuff?
I've always considered that your collection fields choose you more than you choose them : it has to do with taste, of course, and how much money you are willng to spend on them. But also some coin will give you a clue as a link to a story, or History, or a special interest you find inside yourself. I'm not sure I make it clear, english being not my mother language, but my main interests in coins have come from my grand father giving me a roman coin, and some year later from the place where I live, as I wanted to go further into the knowledge of the area... Hope you'll find yours, the answer is in you Q
I'm thinking that I should say goodbye to foreign, because I really never was into it that much. Also, I'm going to go for MS for all moderns, which would really be nice.
After collecting all US Presidential, cents, nickels, dimes, etc. all MS grade I also thought I needed to get a focus. Finally did, and concentrated on copper, one's and two's. US Cents and Two Cent pieces. It sure has made my life easier, and I think, increased my enjoyment of my hobby. I'm thinking that you'll want to settle on a direction first. What coins/currency/world do you enjoy the most, and then focus on that. You can't do it all, I know, because I've tried too.
I like silver. A lot. And also sliver 'colored' coins, such as current dimes, quarters, etc. I actually decided to stray away from copper. I always felt that copper, when beautiful, is beautiful. But when it isn't, it ISN'T. You probably understand what I mean. To me, however, silver colored coins look okay to me even if they are in beat-up condition. I'm going to go to the coin shop tomorrow and pawn off some of my world and extra stuff I don't want. I'll be sure to pick up a nice load of stuff and post it here when I get back.
Follow your heart, if its silver you like, than more than likely thats what your instincts are telling you. I collect a little of everything, but my heart is in small cents, and I'm having fun collecting...
I like silver coins alot. I usually stick with actual silver though, not just silver "colored". If silver or silver colored is what feels right, then run with it. There are alot of choices, just among U.S. coins. Franklins, Kennedys, Walkers, Mercs, SLQ's, Silver Dollars or earlier U.S. silver. If its modern silver "colored" coins you're more intersted in then there are plenty of high grade coins that you should be able to pick up for cheap. Just stick with whatever makes you happy.
Most people will tell you that you NEED a focus to be a "real collector"...to that I say...says who? I have not and likely will not ever limit myself to one thing. Why? I have yet to see a valid argument given to limit yourself, AKA, focus. Is being an expert at one design really that big a draw? I don't think so. I wrote a fairly long blog entry about this topic and I don't feel like retyping it...so if you want to see my thoughts on the topic hit that little blue 7 under my name
I agree completely with the 'focus' not being required. I guess I've made myself unclear. It's not that I want to only collect certain things, it's that it becomes too much for me. I guess my major 'focus' won't be on a certain set; rather, it will be on condition. I don't mind my silver (real stuff, mind you) to be in lower condition, it still looks okay. However, new 'silver' colored coins, as well as copper coins don't look as nice to me, so my focus will be to have only MS coins in that 'new coinage' era. So in a way, it's a focus, as well as not a focus. But world has to go, I could get so engrossed in it, it would get insane. American is fine for now.
