I don't know, eating ramen might not do such great things for his future Personally, I'm spending about the same as ever, but focusing on buying fewer coins of higher quality in a smaller set of series that I want to build.
Ive entered the more serious collecting stage over the past year to 2 years. I started out buying up bullion and just having 'silver' I then sold off all the stuff that I had extras of or didnt see much value in and redirected my funds towards actual numismaticaly based coins, but still mainly buying up silver (and small gold) just in the form of classic coins and AU/BU grades. I am actually right up your alley as far as buying coins goes. I too am after those tougher date coins, but not in some of the harder series. I am interested in those affordable coins that you can obtain in high grades and are still considered keys/semi-keys. Coins like these: 1921 Peace Dollars 1928 Peace Dollars 1927 and 27-S Peace Dollars 1931-S Wheat Cents Any Seated Dollars in XF condition around the $300 mark Seated Halves in high XF/AU condition ~$200 Older Proofs under $500 1932-D&S Quarters Early Washingtons in Mint State (34-D, 36-D, 36-S, 37-S, etc) AU/BU SLQs Any high XF/AU Barber quarters and halves Capped bust halves in high XF or better condition, always looking for nice striking on E PLURIBUS UNUM BU War Nickels Shield Nickels with Rays 1853 Arrows and Rays halves in quarters (really like these in high XF or better, but will buy down to VF for the right price) Other than that I buy for my type set, to finish up albums, and to stack some silver from time to time (most of my stacking is now done through government bullion and filling albums, ASEs, Libertads, and Maple Leaves) I also pick up any foreign silver or small foreign gold coins as close to spot prices as possible. The only other thing I dont think ive mentioned is gambling on toned coins. I love toned coins but refuse to pay the premiums so I keep my eyes open for good BINs that pop up and try to snag those. Im one of those collectors that would rather have one of everything then to have so many duplicates of the same coin that i dont end up with much variety, and it keeps me energized about coins by constantly going after new and different things. I do often consider slowing down though, but then I also think about how I am entering the married years and the age of children and would rather spend this frivolous money while i can then to ever cause a future child of mine to suffer in any way.
I've been "cutting back" for a couple of years. Somehow my collection tripled. Sigh... Sent from phone. Ignore any spellang errars.
I think 'Gbroke' and 'coin collecting' in any conversation, dialogue, advice given, or in any other combination having to do about coins has probably tripled the other parties collection as well. I know I have you to blame for my collection shifting and growing much like it has. Remember when i was a silver bug and only interested in bulk and bullion? Yeah all that changed after i met you.........seriously though, thanks for leading me to a better direction much more enjoyable for myself and better suited for my taste and needs
Lol Trey. If I can turn just one bullion-stacker into a collector, I have completed my mission. All of the the purchases you've shared with us really indicate you have a good eye and an awesome collection.
I feel like I get to enjoy the best of both worlds. I've put up many ounces of silver in the coins I've purchased and more than anything I get to ensure another generation beyond myself will have some good coins to enjoy. I like to think I've been picking out some better examples of the coins I choose and I feel like I am responsible enough to make sure they are taken care for others to have the opportunity to enjoy them as much as I have.