Are you a "serious" collector? And why or why not?

I have serious money in coins but I try not to take myself or my profession and hobbies too seriously. Seriously, lighten up! Perhaps a better word for many of us here is "passionate." Or "avid."

 

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I agree that the words "passionate" and/or "avid" are much more palatable and in most cases much more accurate.

I don't know whether I'm a serious collector or not. More of an accumulator. I just kind of seem to have possessions "accumulate" into collections. Evidently, I also collect guitars, basses, motorcycles, and guns.

Coin collecting has changed a lot since I was a kid in the '60s. Back then, there was no internet, no eBay, no way to easily research and access harder to find coins. You could order from catalogs, go to local coin shops, join or start clubs, and have have friends/family check their change for you. Now it's relatively easy to purchase a nice collection, given the means, of course.

 

I'm interested in coins because my mother asked me to look up what she had and if anything was worth selling. After that....I found that since I had my stroke that looking through rolls of pennies (cents for those who are offended by the name) helps me keep my mind focused. Financially I can't afford to keep a collection of the pretty stuff but I enjoy finding the errors and if I can afford postage...usually I give them away to people who I see comment that they can't find ones that I have found. Once I sold some but not for a profit of any kind. My husband bought some for me as a gift once. I bought a mercury for the date of my grandfather's birth. Other than that.....not serious. If I had the funds....yes I would be serious. Oh well.

 

I don't have pets because it would cut into my coin budget. So I'd say I'm serious.

 

No I wouldn't say that I am a serious collector. However, when I do purchase coins, I do take that seriously as to not over pay and to make sure the condition of the coin matches what the price should be.

 

Voted "serious collector." My collection pales in comparison to many here, but I enjoy the hobby and get a real kick outta the coins, history, and learning.

 

I've been collecting for over 45yrs now. It all started when my grandmother handed me her collection of German Talers that was given to her by her Bavarian grandfather. Story has it, that the collection started back in the 1680's, and was always handed down to a grandchild that showed a deep interest in the collection. I have been adding to it ever since it was handed to me. I guess I could be called a passionate collector of German coins.

 

I think I have serious issues with collecting. But I collect with a smile.

 

I just Give 15% of my Time to my collection or maybe less. That's all.

 

Same reason I have two ex wives. Finally found one that doesn't ask how much my coins cost. (just so long as the lights turn on and there is hot water when she gets in the shower)

 

I was about to say the same. My divorce cost me serious coin money, but my current wife doesn't ask as long as she get to buy her things.

 

Wow, that's a great story! My family, the Hubers (Anton and Maria Theresa), also started out in Bavaria, Oberammergau, mid-19th century is as far back as I can trace them.

Best Regards, :hail:

George

 

If my wife ever told me not to spend my money on coins,we'd be divorced in 10 seconds flat.

 

Venture there not my friend, for women always seem to have the upper hand in these types of situations........entreaty the fact that coin collecting might be profitable (not) and I'm sure you'll have her full backing......

 

I'm as serious about keeping the right Buffalo Nickel's in my collection as I am about keeping rats outta my house. I own three Rat terriers. I don't have rats!!!!

 

Yeah, but the 'rats' in 'terrier' are still there........:devil:

 

Of course I'm a serious collector as I don't like wasting time. I've been studying coins for the last few years and I've certainly paid my dues. I'm sure I missed the definition of a serious collector but that's ok. This is serious business for me. With that said, I am not an ANA member but I am a local coin club member. Credentials don't mean that much to me as it's more to do with how much you have learned and whether you are still learning. :thumb:

 

I like to think I am, but I don't know what the definition of a serious collector is. I figure I spend about 30% of my recreational budget on coins and coin related things like books and research. But, given the choice of going to a coin show or taking a Mediterranean cruise, I'm hopping aboard the boat. Now, combine the two and you've reached my Shangri-La.
Guy

 

I'd say I'm serious because I'm constantly trying to learn. Nobody studies anything without serious intent. I've given up golf to redirect that money to coins and now my numismatic library cost more than my clubs and I was a 6 handicap.

 

I will NOT believe you on that!

My ex wife say that too! This is what I did I just dis appear in her eyes walk out for a couples of Hours when I come back my wife bought a tiket back to ENGLAND. Then Divorced!


:smile:thumb: