What makes a great coin collector?

Hello all:

I wonder if people would be willing to comment on what makes a great coin collector?

I don't know if there can ever be a "great coin collector".

Any ideas if anyone is willing to share.

:eating:

 

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Dedication to the hobby...

 

Great to who? I think I'm great, but my wife will say otherwise. I guess if you strive for self-fulfilling greatness, then you are great. If you enjoy the hobby at your own pace and dedication, then you are great. It's not a contest or a game where greatness can be measured and compiled in stats.....it's a hobby where greatness comes with the simplest or the most enthusiastic of approaches.
Guy~

 

Loveing what you do, and looking at a lot of coins

 

What was said above + the interest to know what was happening at the time, what influenced the design, and who designed the coin and what influenced them. Or what caused the coin to look that way. (Some for the error collectors) I love the write ups or posts on the history of the time. What the different design elements represent. There is a beauty to a coin but a coin is just a slug of metal without those.

 

It depends on your definition of great -- whether it be someone ethical, someone kind, or someone with a great collection.

Anyone can be ethical or kind, if they so choose. They can be courteous to other collectors and dealers, and refrain from gossip. They could not cheat people on coins, or misrepresent coins. They can accumulate large quantities of numismatic knowledge, and then share that knowledge with other people.

To obtain a "great" collection, from a historical standpoint anyway, merely requires deep pockets.

 

Ummm - what makes a great coin collector? Well as Doug mentioned, but would add desire. What makes a great coin collection? One that is assembled by you, defined by you and enjoyed by you - that makes a great collection. You don't have to have a registry set winner or a famous collection to have a great collection - in my humble opinion.

 

I agree. Who here doesn't feel their collection is great? If you thought it was crap, I doubt you'd keep interest in the hobby. To me, every coin I own is great or I wouldn't own it. Therefore I have a great collection. There'll never be a book written about it, but fame isn't always greatness, and vise versa.
Guy~

 

Passion.

 

Having fun collecting is #1, #2 is knowledge. Thats about it...

 

I think everything I was going to say has been said. If you're having fun then you are great. It is not a contest.

I also think my collection is great, I am happy with it and that is all that matters. It has taken several years (not that it is quite over yet), I have read a lot, and I did have a lot of patience. The patience if it did nothing else saved me money, and gave me some better coins. Coins are like you know what else, the right one for you will come along.

 

First: Knowledge (learn all you can on the subject)
next: lean how to grade all coins.
then learn about how the values are obtained.
last: learn how to react to people and be honest in your dealings.

Good luck. -O)

 

A great coin collector is someone who buys a coin for his/her collection and one for yours...any great collectors out there need a new best friend?:kewl:

 

IMO, knowledge (education) is the key factor and enjoyment is a close second. TC

 

Well....... I get up at 6:30 in the morning most days, and then...

jk

 

Well.....what took you 3 hours to get to this thread? :mouth:

 

Hey, it's a Sunday! Had some very long days this week. I did say 'most days.'

 

Passion, money, dedication, money, time, money, patience, MONEY.
No, not all coins are expensive, yes, you can collect with out much money. But the GREAT collections are from people who put a TON of time, effort, and money into this.

 

Thank you to all for your insight and comments!

I got my question answered.

Cheers!