At What Point Can You Call Yourself a Numismatist and Not Just a Coin Collector?

The dictionary definition of numismatist is a person who studies or collects coins, tokens, and paper money, and sometimes related objects (such as medals). Not sure it makes sense to try to limit the definition or distinguish between "collectors" and individuals who "study coins." Based on the definition, every person in this thread is probably a numismatist.

 

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F-4. Phanton??? Nah my mlstake

 

Dictionary definitions vary, and depend upon intended use. Every field has "collectors" and "researchers", with the lines frequently blurring. Numismatics is the same IMHO.

 

I think once you ever pay more than the face value of a coin, you are no longer a hunting coin collector! Then you are a Numistmatist!

 

I agree that there is no bright line between collectors and researchers but I do not see a blurred line between collectors and numismatists. By example, the distinction between collectors and researchers is blurred since a collector viewing a coin with a loop is arguably studying and researching coins. This does not change the definition of a numismatist, which includes coin collectors and researchers.

 

Indeed it is.

 

Don't forget the ACCUMULATORS!

 

Why use or need a label when it cannot even be defined or agreed upon? It's like pornography, it is hard to define but you know it when you see it!

 

From collecting the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, I learned about the post WWI depression, which led to discovering more depressions/recessions, and their affect on coinage mintages.

So for me, collecting coins has led me to learning more about our own history, and then, on to the history of other countries.

 

I personally believe you would be called a Numismatic Specialist, as I am called an Engineering Design Specialist where I understand how to best effect optimum design of devices.

When it comes to Numismatics, I'd call myself a Generalist/collector, as I don't collect to complete a set, but try to collect most scarce U.S. coins, in volume if possible. I haven't an understanding of the errors, etc. which you might research for a limited type of coin.

JMHO

 

Do you keep a notebook of things you learn? If you do and you’re not doing it because you’re old, you are a numismatist.

 

I believe one must have an interest in monetary (numismatist?) items to research, "collect" same and "accumulate", etc. Maybe it's time to start a new thread defining the differences of Researcher/Numismatist/Collector/Accumulator/Dealer/....

I agree with Doug!

 

I keep a folder on my computer of things I've learned. I also have a wide selection of bookmarks of threads, websites, and articles with things I've learned.

So, I guess that's the modern equivalent.

 

"'When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean -- neither more nor less.' 'The question is,' said Alice, 'whether you can make words mean so many different things.' 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master - - that's all.'" (Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There, Ch. 6.)

 

...and some of us are just 'silver stackers'

 

Since I was a youth in a Parochial school, I carried a notebook. Upon technical employment I purchased "day at a time" calendars. When the first PC was sold I transferred data to floppies, then to hard drives, to external drives, multiple computers.

When software became obsolete so that past data could no longer be accessed or printed as recently with Microsoft non-support of its programs, and no backwards capability, I went back to notebooks and Post-It notes. I now have desks full of notes, and computers full of data that can't be retrieved. When the "blue screen" finally presents itself, the O.S. can't be reloaded, and back-ups are seemingly worthless.

Does anyone here know how to covert Lotus123 or Quattro-pro *.wk1 files to a modern spreadsheet format that can be printed from an XP operating system? I've not found any answers yet, as have numerous others who relied on commercial products that are now outdated, with new incompatible systems being generated.

Many have tried, but solutions today are in the clouds. LOL

JMHO