Anybody else get backed up?

My collection has a lot of paperwork that goes with it. First, I have to scan the coin, then I splice the obv and rev images together. Then, I attribute it and type up the detailed description. Then I upload it to my gallery. Then I print the description to a small piece of paper, and put it in a flip. Then it goes into the album.

Lately, I haven't been able to keep up with this process. I probably have over thirty that haven't made it into permanent flips yet! The backup started after the Baltimore show and has gotten worse since.

Anybody else have this 'problem'? Whats your process like?

 

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My "process" is simple :

• Buy 'em
• Enjoy 'em
• Sell some of 'em

 

Ardatirion, I have plans to document and process my coins exactly like you're doing.

But for now my "process" is like 900fine's!

 

My filing system is real difficult. If its worth more than X amount it goes in the safe. if not it goes in the cabinet :}

 

I'm in the same boat. At some point the majority of my collection needs to be fully documented. It's going to take a while.

 

Best to start as soon as possible, then! Its so much easier to do it one coin at a time, as they come in.

 

I figure I'll need something to do (if and when) I retire in a few years, so I just throw all my purchases into a cardboard box.

 

My process is simple. The coin comes in, I take pics, then attribute using the pics and having it in-hand, then it is stuck in a flip with details on the flip, then it goes in my coin book and if more than one coin came in, I repeat the process until I've attributed them all and if I can't attribute something, it gets stuck on here and I beg for help.

Ribbit

 

I plan on going through my collection completely in a few years and getting everything sorted out once I get through school. My collection is currently packed away back home.

 

If you choose the wait until retirement method, there are benefits and there are problems.

Pro:

Your memory has faded on what you bought if your collection continued to grow, so going through the collection is exciting.

By the time you get there, technology may be so much better, you can just tell your camera/computer what you want done and it will be.

Newbies will be jealous of the "old timers" coins you bought for less than a night out on the town.

It will invigorate your health and mental facilities ( if you still have them)

CONS:

You may pass on with out ever categorizing them for your family.heirs, who may be cheated because you never passed on your knowledge.

You may forget to properly store them, and check on their condition, so some may be damaged.

You may have put off buying the semikeys and keys and now face high prices on retirement income.

There may be an information deluge because you didn't follow new discoveries and news.

You can limit the problems by noting on the flip ( as loose or computer records can be lost or "crashed" ) date purchased, type-variety-whatever, cost, whether family should TPG before selling after your passing or who should get the coin (Uncle Fred).
If you are young ( under 45), you probably don't expect to die, but if you have a reasonable collection, the information above on the flip can help tremendously. It will come in handy for you, but it is mainly for your family and possibly limit any extra taxes as the government assumes the max.

Jim

 

I think a "process" is more important for Ancient collectors, and perhaps more in line with the way they think (numismatically) and what interests them in coins in the first place.

Also, the way ancient coins are presented for sale is very much in line with the OP - a flip with detailed info on an insert. That's more than one typically sees on more recent coins.

 

Anonymous
AE/ZI - cent, 19mm
Philadelphia, 2006 AD
Lincoln, bearded, in suit w/ bowtie r.
IN GOD WE TRUST above, LIBERTY to l., 2006 to r.
Lincoln in dodecastyle temple
UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at top, bove, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE CENT below
Redbook p120, 2006


A bit unnecessary, isn't it? Lol!

 

I document using my memory...

Of course when I go through my collection I always think "oh yeah, I forgot I have that" lol

 

That's too anal rententive for me. I buy them, put them in flips and sometimes put them in a folder. Other than that, no scanning, no documenting, no website listing.. nothing. I'm not saying that your process doesn't work for you; I'm certain that it does. But, maybe you might want to slow down and smell the roses...

 

Yes, but having the documentation will protect just in case something bad happens, like heaven forbid a fire or burgulary.

I too am backed up......will eventually get caught up but just need the time....and unfortunately a lot of $$ to by a lens for the camera that will do the trick....that is what happens when you buy a fancy digital camera but can't really afford to buy additional lenses for it.


Smaugy

 

I'm like 900fine , but should start documenting them for my heirs , just so they know there history , worth , and what they meant to me , just hope I have grandkids who will care for them , also I'll list the ones they can sell , and the ones I'd like to stay in the family , who knows someday someone might say these were my great , great grandfathers .
rzage

 

I know it's close to Halloween, but you ain't suppose to be scaring peeps so early!

Ribbit

 

I'm a few hours of work away from documenting my "important" coins using Bento. I spent a lot of time experimenting on different formats and fields setups and settled on this.

 

My process is....

1. Coins arrive or I bring them home from the show.
2. Write in my inventory journal coins date,grade,purchase price and where I purchased the coin.
3. Photograph coin(s), download pics on computer and label accordingly.
4. Store coin either with appropriate set or in the safe.

 

Mmmmm....I have the urge to write the cost down, but I really don't want the wife to find it and have a COW . So, right now, what I paid is tracked all in my head. I don't have a big collection, but as it grows, this will be a problem.

In the interim, I just use the CoinTalk picture album to catalog what I have, variety, and where/when purchased. It's not a bad place to put a record, but the images do get downscaled and don't look quite as nice (besides my poor pic taking). Someday, I'll build my own ego temple (website/blog) and put everything on there with pricing in code.