I've been meaning to ask...

I was wondering if anyone on here are US type coin and currency collectors and if so what "drives" you to this type of collecting? For me...I have been collecting at a very young age and I have collected with the two following principals:

1. It HAS to be genuine.

2. It HAS to be in the poorest condition; but not too much damage so you can't enjoy it.

So when it comes to coins...I would prefer a key date that is holed any day over an overpriced coin of the same key date; and when it comes to currency; the more tears (but it has to be intact!) the better.

I guess I have a passion for these types of coins and currency and I was just curious if anyone out there collects like me?

If not...well then good news for me I guess...less competition. :smile

 

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While I don't necessarily look for the "poorest" coin I can find, I frequently prefer circulated examples over mint state coins....simply because coins are money, and circulated examples have acted as such. They're somehow "more real" in many ways, to me at least.

My favorites are usually in the XF-AU range. Enough detail left to really appreciate the design, perhaps even a bit of luster or shine left to them, but coins that have definitely transacted a bit of commerce in their day.

 

I've a passion for Classic Commem's and I must confess that I do enjoy searching for circulated examples......though not too down and dirty.

 

I'm with the other guys Supadave, I always had a "thing" for coins who've worked a bit during their lifetime. Moderate wear or even heavy wear is acceptable to me if the coin is clean and undamaged. I think it gives it character. Would like to see some of your coins and currency if you get a chance.

Bruce

 

I prefer coins with some signs of circulation as well, even if I have a chance to purchase one without. It says the coin has a story and hasn't just spent it's life sitting in a box in the back of a dark closet.
Guy

 

Moderns I like MS encapsulated. The rest I like it to have some character.

 

They were ALL "moderns" at some point.

 

Would love to see full pics of your avitar, is it a star?

 

I definitely like holed and low grade coins, not only for their history, but for their lower prices. Here's two of my favorites:

 

Now there'a a Morgan that had a tough life J. I like her though...she's got a lot of stories to tell.

Bruce

 

Dear Lady's been through a heap of action ain't she? Oh the stories that old gal could tell........

 

I caught myself starting to "Like" everybody's post so I decided to chime in lol...I love and collect raw circulated modern coins because they are easily accessible to me, but I do love ancients, world coins, etc too.

I love thinking about the history of the time periods and places a coin has traveled through as well as the lifestyles of the people who used each individual coin as I hold them in my hand. They are a direct link to our past, and each mark was made on them by another person- ten, fifty, ninety, and sometimes hundreds of years before us. Even if I could afford to buy graded slabbed coins in high MS I doubt I would #1 because I love the thrill of searching for a coin I want in rolls, coffee cans and cigar boxes, yard and estate sales, old building foundations, etc...and #2 because I want to be able to see my coins up close and examine the details as well as let light set off any toning...and oh yeah here's the big one-#3-They are mine and I will hold them if I want to!

 

If I'm buying a coin, I stay away from the ones with holes. But if I found one I'd probably treasure it.

No star.

 

Here is one of the most recent additions to the large size notes: FR#261

 

Another new addition to the Large Size Note collection: FR #94

 

<strong>As for coins...the most recent purchase: </strong>

 

Oops...I meant to type FR #93.

 

I still roll search, so most coins I find are circulated. But I do upgrade every time I find a worthy specimen. Most of my newer sets are MS grade coins. It is surprising what can be found in rolls if you look enough. But finds are rare enough to feel like discovering a treasure.

I also pick up proof sets in lots and look for the rarer varieties.

gary

 

Thanks for shareing and good feed back.I cant afford the nicer coins but when i see them in slabs i think how it must be to never be able to hold the coin in my hand and feel its weight.I just want to have a little part of history but there is nothing wrong with getting only the best or more better coins. I too would have them if i were more able to own them.Maybe id like to have it both way or would that be too greedy?

 

I forgot to add thanks to all that help others grade coins or help them know more about what they have found.There are truely folks here that give a lot of time and free advice that iv learned much from by just reading the threads.Many thanks for the time you guys and ladys give of yourselfs