Numismatist vs Collector

From reading this forum, I've noticed there are numismatists - people who study coins, and take a scholarly interest in the hobby. And there are people who simply collect what matches their interests, without taking a huge interest in numismatics.

I'm a mere collector - I have an interest in history and coins, but not so much numismatics. I buy what is visually appealing, or a coin of historical importance, or simply a coin that fills a hole in my collection. I don't have a particular fascination that certain offinciae produced a particular type.

I care about style - but unless I'd read the detailed and interesting posts of CT members - I wouldn't know, for example, that in the Agrippa/Augustus crocodile series, Augustus is bare headed on the earliest issues, and laureate in the rest. CT has made me more knowledgeable of things that I would not otherwise have taken the time to research.

So what are you - a numismatist or a collector?

 

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Im more of a collector. I don't go out of my way to or look at every ancient listed to find a legend blunders, die matches or something. I tend to buy what I am attracted too, especially if it's in my price range.

One thing I do look for is weight. I have dismissed affordable coins just because a "type' is lower weight then usual. I really enjoy articles on weights and decades of silver being removed from ancients.

I also enjoy die clashes, ALOT!

I do like reading others areas of interest that is related to the above though. Like you, I have learned alot and continue to learn many times a month.

 

I think that every collector is a numismatist to some extent. Any serious collector would want to have knowledge about what they're collecting. Otherwise you'd be easy prey for scams and counterfeits. But... a lot of people do fall for scams so let me rephrase the first sentence.

Every collector SHOULD be a numismatist to some extent.

 

Yah, I really wanna be one of the high-brow dudes that are in it because they're of Iberian heritage and/or that they love Domitian, etc ...... but as you've already probably detected => I like cool lookin' coins => I love animals, ships and weapons, so these types usually prompt some primal urge to "pull trigger!!"

... "however" ...

=> the likes of Doug, Martin, Jango and a few other members often toss-in very cool numismatic posts, which make me think "wow, coin-history is very cool" ... or "wow, I never realized that this mint did that, etc"

Thanks for ejucatin' me, fellas!!

However, if your question is collector or numismatician, then I'm obviously "A"

 

Well I can certainly tell a fake from a real coin, and have a good idea of the value - within the range of types I collect. And some of the associated history.

 

No seriously talk to @BooksB4Coins and others. I have learned my lesson in this hobby and I hope you guys don't have to learn the hard way.

 

I'm what you'd call a Hoarder.

 

Well, I think there are collectors who know enough not to get scammed, and who have basic skills in determining whether an Alexander tet is a "lifetime" issue or not ... Without paying much attention to the officina number or symbol.

 

=> hey, I totally agree that all coin collectors/numismatic fellas should read-up before spending a bunch of cash on this hobby (I agree 100%) ... fantastic advice!!



Ummm, but I don't need to read a book to realize that I'm a collector, and not a hard-core numismatic-guy ... but I do need to read a few books to keep me pointed in the coolest direction (and I'm currently riding a pretty sweet wave, my friend!!)

 

I am so much like you, Gol

 

Noooooo! There can't be anyone like Steve. One is bad enough.

I think I'm in between. I collect as you do for the same reasons, but I also research details and look for oddities.

 

Then you ARE a Numismatist.

 

I'm a collector / hoarder. I love coins which look great and who's legends are interesting. I like to form my collection for free by buying bulk, keeping the best few coins and selling the rest to pay for the keepers. That's the theory in any case.

 

This is Doug @GDJMSP
He used to collect coins just like you
Now he spends his free time helping others learn about coins
Be like Doug!

 

Looking at some of the ones I have seen here...I usually couldn't. One of the reasons I avoid gold.

 

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww............. : - )

 

This question comes up occasionally and for what it's worth, Merriam-Webster defines numismatics as "the study or collection of coins, paper currency, and medals." It's basically a catch-all term for anything that has anything to do with coins. I get the gist of the distinction, but perhaps we should ask about estimated percentages.

What percentage do you study, what percentage collect? Every intelligent collector studies to some degree. As for myself, I'm about 70% study, 30% collect. As most of you know, I don't keep most of the coins I buy. I relish research and discussion. Yesterday the postman delivered seven volumes of ANS Museum Notes, and I've begun digging into them. They are not for sale. So perhaps I'm more of a collector of books than coins.

 

Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. While numismatists are often characterized as students or collectors of coins, the discipline also includes the broader study of money and other payment media used to resolve debts and the exchange of goods.
Numismatics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Long and short of it is .. if you have or looked into purchasing a Counterfeit or authentic coin .. you, I and others reading this are numismatists. Collecting is just a method of expression.

 

I think I am both. I spend lots of time looking up coin-related history and reading about coins. I love reading various magazines, especially those that talk about some history of certain coins. I also love to collect coins, and try to make a nice collection of them. I would say I am both.

 

I would say everyone on here is a hoarder at heart

Sometimes that hoarder side of me goes crazy