My 16.92005 kg collection

When I bought my WIN 8 (now 10) computer I was distressed to learn that the new version did not support my old coin catalog software (Microsoft Works) which I have been using for a long, long time. I now discover that the old file from Works could be opened and edited in Google Sheets making my catalog as good as new --- actually better and free. When looking at the default display I saw the program provided some basic statistics on the files so I now know that my collection weighs just under 17 kg (coins only, no holders) and includes 112 fourree coins among many other things I did not want to know (like the total spent on the coins). It even gave the average spent per coin. (I thought I was really cheap and now I can prove it.)

Is anyone else out there using Google Drive software to catalog their collection. I'm sure I could use some pointers.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I probably would, but I have no computer savvy and wouldn't know what to do.

 

I use it to make labels and print them, about it.

 

Google Docs is nearly on parity with Excel's native functionality, both of which are superior to MS Works. Granted, both also have esoteric components which are rarely, if ever, used (the infamous "80/20" rule of software development).

I use Excel for local editing and Google Docs through Google Drive when traveling/working in a browser to also synchronize files. As long as the underlying filetype is supported by a native application, you should be able to convert and use it wherever you choose (although I would suggest allowing Google to save it as an xlsx if it hasn't already, just for cross compatibility).

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

I don't (of course). I have Office Pro on my work and home computer, but of course do not make use of them for my collection. I wonder what my collection weighs? Interesting question.

 

I was too cheap to get MW so I downloaded Open Office. I just need to use it now.

 

I tried Open Office, but found too many problems with it. I use Excell. Works for me.

 

I used it for school and started to catalog my coins, but the most use I get out of open office to look at the fel temp pdf's

 

I use Open Office and I hate it! I 'save' something and when i look at it again the whole format has changed. I have yet to find a 'sort' function. Why isn't MS Office included with Windows?

 

It may be an ancient past life calling the question to mind, but I'm more curious about the split - how many kilos in gold, silver, and bronze?

I use Excel and have yet to try out Google, sorry.

 

This one I can answer. Open Office is different from MS Office and so many people are used to the MS programs that they see differences as faults. Google and Open Office are free. Many people now consider Office a required purchase with a new computer and think nothing of sending out files using Office formats expecting everyone else to have the latest versions as well. After years with my limited needs being met by the limited capabilities of Works, I might have been ready to buy Office but now I see they are selling Office 365 which is just a one year licence for the software and will require recurring payments. I opt out. I expect the time will come when Google starts charging for Docs and those of us who have very limited needs will have to look elsewhere. I do not need a word processor that is suitable for writing a PhD thesis; I do not need a spreadsheet suitable for running a corporation. I am an amateur photographer whose limited needs do not require full blown Photoshop but Adobe still recognizes this and makes Photoshop Elements for people like me. There are many of you for whom Elements is overkill and some freeware will serve well. I know there are many people who want to drive to work in their Lamborghini but I am glad we have low end options in that theater, too. My computer needs rather match my automotive needs and my coin collection choices. It seems overkill to buy Office for cataloging a collection of $44 (on average) coins. Your mileage may vary.

 

To keep track of my research I wrote a website-like platform that runs from my localhost and has coins, reference articles/books/links, personal considerations, all anchored and available at one click. And just to be safe I keep 2 backups on 2 different USB drives just in case of crash or other mishaps.

 

I hadn't heard they were selling it. I suspect it's mainly paying for support.

I agree Office is now MS' profit center, not windows. They still offer cheaper educational licenses, so maybe teach a class just to get cheap software.

 

I might have switched to Google but I can get the full Office software for $10 through work so until that deal changes I'll just stick with it.

 

I am certified in Microsoft Excel if you want me to take a look, it is very similar to googlesheets. I say Excel is a little friendlier and capable but both programs should open the same file. Certain unique features to excel would not work is all.
Also i pay just under 100 a year to install office on 5 computers (Not office365). That isn't horrible and I enjoy using excel, word and the rest whenever I can.
It comes down to knowing what information you want to keep track of and what you want to do with the data. Whats questions do you want to answer.

If there is a filter data button, select the top rows headings, across the row, and press the filter data button.
You can then click each heading for different filters and sorring options, eg. Click the cost heading and sort it in decending order to list the most expensive cost coins first.

Jbartlow@gmail.com if you want to discuss anything related or send me a document to look at.

 

I use Excel as mine always transfers to the updated version.

 

I stopped maintaining my coin database (in Excel) when my collecting interests evolved to coins of the World and ancient material. I basically use the computer to print labels, edit/archive photos, & enjoy threads at CT. My ancient collection is quite small now & should probably be put into a database while it is still manageable.

 

My collection is also quite small. I have about 15 ancient coins total. I have a Word file for attributions and I have printed off slips of paper with the attributions to put into the coin flips. In the word file I also make note of how much I paid for the coin, the date purchased, and where I got the coin.

I can see my collection perhaps expanding to 40-50 coins over the next several years. I am trying to be quite selective when it comes to adding coins. It can be difficult when reading the posts by all of the enablers on this board.

 

True, we are in many ways coin pimps here. While I respect your discipline, I would never replicate it. There are just SO MANY cool coins out there I simply just cannot resist. Seeing a coin, reading about it, is all cool but NOTHING in the world is as cool as owning one, (or 8). Maybe i am just a straight up addict. I bought 7 yesterday, have 12 snipes in for today, have auction bids in for an auction closing tomorrow. Its my major method of clearing my head, (like coin talk), in between periods of work. I literally have dozens of coins at my desk at work. Once I hour or so I look down at one, think, "that is cool", and take a 2 minute coin break. I actually find it helps me stay more focused at work. Without coins at my desk, I will get up and wander around a little to clear my head. Coins are more efficient. See, I just self justified buying more.

 

Btw Doug, what is the coin count for this poundage? My guess would be 16,900 grams divided by maybe 2.5 grams/coin on average = 6,760 coins? Am i close? I would suspect I might be a little high, since tets and the like might drive the average upwards.