Quite true. Problem is most people have their own personal definitions for just about all words, and they are all too often completely different from what others say the definition is. This thread and the posts it contains is a perfect example of that. My personal definition of a numismatist is simple - one who studies money. Of course the key word in that definition is studies.
That may be, but the purpose of studying is preparing to eventually be tested, and pass a test that is prepared by qualified persons in the subject being tested. The test is invalid if self-testing is used for a pass-fail result. If the result is failure (and is usually failure by most of us involved in the hobby), then it is wise to keep studying. And never stop.
I gotta disagree with this. The purpose of studying is the acquisition of knowledge, nothing more, and nothing less. Test serve one purpose and only one purpose, to allow others to judge how much knowledge the one being tested has.
charley, posted: "You lost me at gotta." If you read what Doug wrote in both posts above VERY S L O W L Y, you won't be "lost."
I get "tested" every time I buy a coin . . . . . . I lose money on every single transaction, but MAKE UP FOR IT IN VOLUME . . . . . Z
Like many definitions, it depends on who you ask, but I think decent boundaries can exist even here. I wouldn't consider someone who collects change and who has never read a word about coinage, history, etc., a "numismatist." That said, I wonder how many people like that actually exist? I see a lot of roll hoarders here picking up Red Books, reading magazines, discussing minting techniques, errors or history, going to clubs, etc., and I would consider all of them numismatists. Though it ultimately doesn't really matter in the end, it feels like a "numismatist" should do more than just collect or possess coins. For example, my grandmother had bags and bags of coins that she saved from change, far more than I've ever had, but she knew nothing about them whatsoever. I wouldn't call her a "numismatist."
OK. Perhaps if you studied a bit, that could be rectified. got·ta /ˈɡädə/ contraction INFORMAL have got a. "I gotta licence" have got to. "you gotta be careful"
I have bought a number of coins from a famous collector who lives in Victoria, BC. I will not mention his name. He long ago told me that he is an "Advanced collector". I puzzled over that for a while, then later he told me about flying half way around the world to attend a coin show in India, and I suspect he was also buying some high dollar items there. Probably he is a numismatist and I am more of a rookie collector. I have MANY coins, and most are very low value. I keep studying and learning more all the time. Maybe someday I will become a numismatist or advanced collector.
That person is in the business of SELLING to individuals seekin coins. He is TRYING to make it appear that HE is a numismatist and as a dealer he should be listened to. I have met several over the years that know less about coins than my 12 year old grandson. Semper Fi
Absolutely. You need to find a more knowledgeable dealer. Perhaps one who is an actual numismatist rather than just a businessman.
That's how my wife describes me and I can't argue (would only waste the time). We might find ourselves on consecutive episodes of Hoarders someday.
IMHO I consider myself a collector, having varied collections & learning the history associated with each. However, since I do not have the time or the patience to delve into the minutae of each variety, error, and/or type I do not consider myself a true numismatist. That is why I enjoy CT, so much info and the work is done by others who are numismatists for mine and other's benefit. I've learned quite a bit by picking and choosing those posts that interest me and educate me in the fine points of collecting.
Great questiion. I started loving coins as a paperboy. I bought my first Coins Magazine in 1973. Every day, I either notice a coin or some days dig them up. I started buying when I was 12. I'll be 61 in a few weeks and my passion for coins and tokens has never ceased. I've learned so much because of this "Hobby". I definitely consider anyone interested in coins and collects coins to be a Numistatist.
Good answer, I like your attitude. I am 10 years your senior and just got back into coin collecting about 5 years ago. Of course, I went hog wild.
Semantics provides for distinctions without differences when the reality is that knowledge of numismatics is a continuum. Some have more knowledge than others (a known, known). It is the way of things. One of my standards is to be in the upper 50th percentile of the big things in life and the specific subjects which are are important to me in order to have the life I wished to have. I am 63 y/o and started collecting at age 12 and, I like to think I know a bit about Morgan dollars. Yesterday I had a table at the Lebanon (PA) coin club coin show. Nice people, nice show. A gentleman was looking thru one of my boxes of Morgan’s and was making comments (VAM’s, breaks, laminations,die characteristics) along the way. An hour later I had gotten an education I would have gladly paid for. He pointed out aspects of the Morgans that I was clueless to. At that moment, being the pupil, I wisely listened, ears, eyes open, mouth shut except for questions. Beware the pride that accompanies a little bit of knowledge. That pride can lead to type 2 errors (I don’t know what I don’t know). In those moments it is important to play the fool and ask the dumb questions. The knowledge he imparted was invaluable and I sucked it up, everything I could. My work is as a critical care RN and am often in situations where folks are being evaluated based on how many letters appear after their name on their name tag. I am frequently compared/attempted diminishment, because I insist that the only two letters after my name on my badge is RN despite having several others. Ascribing titles to people implies a certain level of competence via testing. This of course is wrong as interactions with titled/smart people continue to disappoint one and all. Point is, if you or others consider you as a numismatist is immaterial. Does the activity bring joy or satisfaction of some type. If so, continue the activity for respite or inspiration and give a polite nod to those who do not know you but are able to define you because of where you compare to them according to them. As is said, “comparison is the thief of joy” Gotta like coins though.