I recently found out that I have now almost graduated from a collector/dealer to dealer/part collector, let me explaine. I started out a collector, then became a variety specialist/collector, (Cherry-Picker), then became a part time dealer and then coin show operator/dealer and now I think I'm almost a dealer with just a touch of collector still left - if this trend keeps going I guess I will be "just a dealer" next. It dawned on me recently that I really like just the buying and selling of "all this stuff" as much as the collecting/storing of "all this stuff". Each to his own but it's a good feeling to know what you like and why you like it and be at peace with that. So what about you'all, what are you in numismatics and why?
I'm gonna say collector. Almost got into the dealer side, but decided that I knew what I didn't know, so just sold my sets off to dealers.
Hmmm - nothing but a collector, but a hoarder in some cases(I keep lots of pocket change and foreign coins). Not interested in getting into the selling side of things yet. I have a few collections I want to complete then I am not sure what will be next - lots of designs interest me.
I am a new Collector.. 3 years or so.. I started as a Ebay Profit seeker.. then started to love the coins that I was buying and selling. Had someone at my job give me his Grandfathers whole collection.. COMPLETE Lincoln Set!! In Near AU or BETTER!! I have Pictures!! So many great Items in the Box he gave me that I was hooked.. Now I just Hoard.. Its a Issue..It may be a bit extreme but all I do now I buy Buy Buy.. And Bank Bank Bank!! I have never saved money in my life..But because of this LOVE of Coins I now have been able to save up maybe 40K in rare items.. They seem to go up everyday and will go to my kids.. My 12 Year old Daughter would be shocked by the Thought of selling these... so she seems to have the bug too. I love this site.. You guys have helped me greatly!
I'm a collector. And more specifically a hole-filler. In other words, with any set I collect I want all the date/mintmark combos. My enjoyment comes from being complete as much as I can afford to be. In a few cases I go a bit deeper and collect Red Book listed varieties. Best examples of this are Classic Head half cents and Capped Bust half dimes. I enjoy the hunt ... to a point. After several years the hunt becomes annoying and frustrating. It's that "completeness" thing. And once in a while I sell something, mostly coins that have been upgraded. That helps defray some of the expense of the upgrade. But in no way does that even get me close to being a dealer.
Collector all the way, I have sold, but for fast cash not to make a profit. I don;t see myself dealing in anything. I have seen alot of people go from hobbyist to business man and back to hobbyist as they lost the fun it used to be. Not just in coins either. When it becomes work or a task that must be done it's not fun anymore. JMO Tony
I'm just a collector. I can count on one hand, with fingers left over, how many coin's I've sold. I do trade coins sometimes, but mostly just buy. I wouldn't mind being a coin dealer, but I'd never sell my own collection. Guy~
I'm a collector who sells from time to time... I collect, and that is my main purpose, but if I am short on cash I will sell coins, also if I am raising money for a big coin purchase, I will sell coins. It is 100% okay to sell your coins, to buy new ones, and still be considered a collector, nothing wrong with it
I'm a collector. I can't see selling my coins. I've thought about selling some to consolidate and refocus on other areas but I've never really been able to bring myself to do it. Over the years of collecting I've sold my entire collection a few times to address specific family needs - down payment for house, college money, etc. I've never really made a lot of money doing this but never really lost much either. I'm just in it for the fun.
I suspect those who voted #1 will become #2 at some point. Said another way, #1 is just a #2 who hasn't realized it yet.
Collector vs. seller I trade from time to time to get coins I don't have. I have four Lincoln C&C sets. Going to take 3 to Baltimore next week to see what I can get in trade.
Collector only. My collection is not for sale, will never be for sale! I have sold some duplicates...BUT...those aren't part of the collection. That is the trading stash, unless someone wants to pay me for them. Even at that there are some duplicates that I wouldn't sell or trade.
