" A collection is a number of coins that have been arranged in some logical manner, following either a traditional or non-traditional pattern." " In general unsorted, unconnected coins would be an accumulation rather than a collection" ( Anonymous Author ) I find this as true, for my personal opinion.....But, what about others out there, what do you think of this matter? Should a random assortment of coins, placed in a small chest, for example, be considered a coin collection? Or does the term " coin collection " , have a lot to do with if the coins are organized in folders, books, holders, etc. I'm looking for opinions opinions and more opinions
I voted "yes", because I think it's somewhat important to differentiate the two terms. Don't get me wrong, a coin accumulation can have a specific purpose or direction. For example, I have a large coffee can that I put all the Statehood quarters in. This would have to be considered an accumulation, but there are no other types of coins in there
I would also agree. Collecting must have some form of thought behind it. While some reasons escape most, the individual assembling the collection has some form of idea behind it.
All my collections have 'ideas' behind them but i'm one of these people that starts off excellently well, really enthusiastic and three months down the line i've got bored and sold them all off and started trying to collect something else... i don't know if i'll ever manage to actually finish a set, 15 years and i still haven't managed to collect a full set of anything. I guess i'm a semi-Collector, semi-accumulator... i try and stick to collecting one thing but i seem to find it easy just to buy what i like, but i'm not happy just buying what i like, i want to collect a set of something but i lack the conviction to do so.
This subject always comes up whenever a group of collectors talk among themselves for a period of time. That's because everybody has their own definition of what a collection is - and is not. And they have their own definition because seldom are any two collectors alike - and neither are their collections. And if you think about it, there are so many different types of collections that anybody's would fit one definition or another. There are date sets, mint sets, date & mint sets, short sets and long sets, type sets, theme sets, Proof sets, circulated & uncirculated sets, error sets, variety sets, hammered sets, milled sets, machined sets, world sets and individual country sets. And I haven't even touched on the ancients yet. There are as many different kinds of sets as their are different collectors and different coins. The one mantra you will hear over and over and over again is collect what you like and don't worry about what someone else says. That being said - who cares how someone else defines your collection ? You define it because it is yours. So obviously I voted no.
I know that my "collection" has changed many times over the years. I would find a different type coin that was not originally something that I was interested in and then built a whole new collection off of that. At different times, I actually had 3 or 4 collections going at one time. That is the joy of this hobby - it can constantly change if you want it to - no time for boredom and always lots more to learn about
I think that this sort of touches on the solution. I say that I am not a collector. My only attempt was at Mercury Dimes, long since abandoned. I also pursued "Philosophers" (small silver coins worth a day's wages from teh towns and times of Greek philosophers) and left that aside when I was somehow emotionally satisfied. I still keep an eye out for "Aviation on Banknotes" but I have most of them and I know where to get the other and so they are not that interesting to pursue actively. I sold off my collection about five years ago and kept about 25 coins that I consider to summarize Money as a Virtue. So, that collection is complete and completed. Of course, there is no Whitman Folder for it. So, if it is a collection, it is so in my own view. When I look at what I do in numismatics, I see that I have "three or four collections going at once." The result might seem like an accumulation to an outsider, perhaps. And then, there is the fact that collecting is what Clifford Mishler of Krause Corp. called "a gene you do not inherit." Collectors seem to have something within them that others do not. We acquire for some reason that is not reasonable. Michael ANA R-162953
I voted no. In explaining I will probably confuse myself and others LOL!! In todays society almost everyone you meet is a collector of something. Most folks I met and even those I know well who consider themselves collectors actually collect something because it's a trend, they think it's valuable or it will make them rich beyond their dreams in the years ahead. For me I use the word loosely because It's too hard to say I am hoarder or procurer of stuff I like. I also like to think I am a wierd or a true collector because I collect from finding vs buying or tradeing. This in itself will never allow me to complete any true collection but I hoard/collect because I enjoy it for the thrill of the find and the uniqueness of the item vs investment for the future. On the funny side, every so often when I am with one of my "collector friends" I will deliberately have them go to the store with me and I will pay for my items using at least one silver certificate or a well worn walking liberty sometimes even a morgan dollar. The fun begins when my friends, someone else in line or the cashier argue about who will get that "rare and valuable coin/bill" hehheh. PS: sorry for the grammer and spelling...to lazy to learn.
I would say that I have an accumulation of coins. Six years ago I didn't know a Mercury dime from a wheatie. I started the hobby of metal detecting and started finding cool old coins that I didn't even know were made by the U.S. Two centers, half dime, Barber anything. I was dumb to all of them, like most people with no interest in coins. I learned a lot of history while reading of these coins as I found em and just love old coins now. I think of each old coin found like a Trophy. I have an accumulation of all sorts of old coins. I just take what the ground gives me and add em to the pile. Fun stuff.
It would seem to me that, for as much as you get out of the coins, that they're actually more than an accumulation. I think that qualifies as a collection. I think of an accumulation as something that gets thrown in a jar or drawer and is then put out of mind.
I don't think that formal organization is necessary to differentiate a collection and an accumulation. I believe that the collection is in the mind and heart of the collector. If you throw all of your change in a jar that's an accumulation -- sure, but if you feel that it's your coin collection -- so be it.
