Are you collecting or accumulating?

If you buy with a plan in mind you are a collector. The more specific your plan the stronger you lean towards the collector definition. If you buy at random with no plan or requirements what so ever, the more you look like an accumulator. So the purest definition of each, is the extreme end of both these traits. But I doubt if anyone is totally the latter. Just collecting any coins is already a plan of, and within itself. Two of anything can be called a collection; just not a very big one. IMHO.

 

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I buy what appeals to me and what I can afford within reason. Collecting can become pathological if not kept within some boundaries. I try to use caution with purely numismatic coins because I like to think I can get something back for money spent and my experience with selling numismatic issues has been pretty atrocious so far (though I can in no way afford any big money pieces which often do rise in value).

Bullion issues are easier looked upon as investments because I buy them almost exclusively for their metal value. I've made far heftier purchases there than with collector coins. They go into the vault.

But I always find myself veering back to numismatic issue regardless, though with an aimless meandering that would probably cause many to brand me an "accumulator." I have explored coins from Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Japan, various Medieval eras, Edward VI, classic and modern US issues, silver Mexican pesos, Roman, French commemoratives, Canadian beaver nickels, Australian Kookaburras, and others. There's no real plan behind much of what I purchase, so perhaps I'm just hoarding what appeals to my aesthetic neurons. But I keep my spending under control.

I don't think it really matters how I categorize myself, I enjoy it all anyway.

 

I do a combination of everything. Most of my coins I am hoarding, sometimes I sell a few things if I know I can make profits on them. And then use those profits to add to my hoards. And so on, and so on...

Ammo cans full of Netherlands/France pre-euro coins. Canadian Dollars (got them super CHEAP this year!), and some mixed currency. When my local coin shop offers me foreign coins for very low prices I know are a steal, I'll list on ebay to make a little side cash.

 

I consider myself a collector, but believe because of the magnitude/diversity of my collection, most would consider me an accumulator.

In excess of a half century, I've collected coins deemed to be "futurely desirable", as pre-1965 U.S. Silver coins in better than A.C. grades, and certified pre-1933 Gold coins.

I like to generalize in S.L., Barber, W.L., Mercury, Morgan, Peace Silver coins, but acquire complete sets of the other Silver coins, as economic conditions allow. I especially appreciate/collect semi-keys, keys up to and including "Gem State" or HMPL, when TPG under-graded, allowing cross/advance grading by the premier TPG.

I've always enjoyed locating similar pre-1933 Gold TPG certified quarter through double-eagle coins, but especially the scarce date, semi-keys, up to and including "Gem State".

I generally haven't collected "moderns", with the exception of 70 state proof Gold coins.

I believe there are copious coin investment opportunities available in todays market with the seemingly prevalent attitude that a coin isn't worth acquiring unless in can be virtually "stolen". I just pay a fair market price for a fair market product, which associates of mine are elated to receive at my basis, after dealers have suggested/offered same at much higher prices.

When one has collected a large 6 figure quantity of Numismatic items, many might argue accumulating.

JMHO

 

I'm all over the map with my collection, definitely not very focused. I collect both coins and currency, mostly U.S. but have started venturing more into the dark side as of late. However, I do stick to a few ground rules:

1. PCGS/NGC certified coins only (PCGS/PMG for currency). Since almost all of my purchasing is done online, this is the safest way to go. Plus they are much more liquid when it comes time to sell.

2. No "details" or "genuine" holders. My only exception is an El Cazador 8 reales, and even that one looks halfway decent, without half the metal eaten away like some of them.

3. When I pull a slabbed coin out of the package and it has dings, scratches, spots etc. that weren't visible in the photos and that make it a borderline problem coin, it usually gets sent back.

4. Most purchases are $50 and up. I get a lot more satisfaction from one $100 coin than 100 $1 coins, and having fewer coins makes it easier to sell them individually down the road for a fair price.

5. No slabbed NCLT moderns. They are high grade to begin with so why do I need somebody to tell me that?

6. Most importantly, whenever I venture into a new area, I try to read up as much as I can about the item itself as well as the historical background.

So even if I lack direction, I'm still pretty picky about what I collect. I'll let you decide whether I'm a collector or an accumulator...

 

I'm mostly in the accumulator category.

 

This is me without me having to rewrite it.

 

I guess I'm a collector, however; I have certain parameters I follow. After collecting for many years, I have now reached my limit in the value to what I want to own. I have completed a fair amount of sets over time. Once I complete them, and the chase is over, I'll own them for a few years and then sell them outright. I usually break even for the effort. I take the new funds and start another but different set, and follow the same routine. Simultaneously, I have begun to channel monies into paper currency, creating a new source of enjoyment. Currently I'm condensing the collections to fewer pieces but each remaining piece of higher value. I believe it will be easier for my children to liquidate when they eventually inherit it. I have found selling currency to be just as interesting and enjoyable as buying it. To sit on both sides of the table in the numismatic process, makes you understand the nature of our hobby to it's fullest.

 

I consider myself a collector. I collect coins that interest me, regardless if they are U.S., World or Ancients. I have yet to acquire an Ancient, but I've bid on quite a few and have not won any as of yet. I'm in no hurry though.

I don't collect with the sole purpose of completing sets though. I am working on the following three sets: Morgans, Peace dollars and U.S. Type set. I have a fair share of mini-sets (Merc. dimes, WLH's) in coin designs that I find beautiful and interesting.

My biggest problem is not having enough money to acquire all the examples I'd like to add to the collection!

 

Both, I find a nice coin at a great price I purchase it. If I see the same coin, in better to great condition at virtually the same price I upgrade for my book then sell the lower grade coin for a profit. Would you say that is accumulating for profit or for sale ? I want my kid to have my collection when I'm gone but I want to put a little pocket change (sic) in my bank account at the same time.

 

I accumulate. I tend to want an example or two of each type, and then move on.

Collecting an entire set doesn't really appeal that much to me, and is rather boring (in my opinion). It's not a hit on those that do, but I would rather have a diverse collection to enjoy vs 100 examples of the same type.

I don't collect to build a premium either. I do it cuz I enjoy the history of each coin and design.

 

Guess I am a collector. At any given time I have a short list of coins I want to add to my Morgan and Peace dollars. I study price guides and auction results to decide the best grade I can afford and then it's happy hunting.