What basic knowledge do you think really enhances your appreciation of the hobby? We say that coins are history you hold in your hand. Really, though, what do you need to know about Webster-Ashburton in order to enjoy a Large Cent? I have read from others -- and I agree - that a Mint State example is nice to look at and nicer to own, but that, really, a circulated coin evokes images of people and places. So, do you need to know U.S. History? And how much? Our coins have Latin mottos. Clearly, if you want to enjoy collecting issues from other countries, a smattering of foreign language knowledge helps. Coins are art, and paper money all the moreso. Collectors will praise this issue or that because they "like" it but they seem not to be able to speak in the language of art. Do you need to know art, art history, or design? One of the questions that comes up is "What did it buy?" Again, this is a history topic, but also raises question of economics. (I perceive a strong correlation between conservative political theory and numismatics: coin collectors are gold bugs.) The Morgan Dollar is always popular with collectors and you can get some pretty heated arguments over MS-66 vs MS-65 when money is on the table. Does any of that derive in any way from "The Crime of '73?" or "The Cross of Gold" speech? Does it matter one way or the other? Knowing how coins (and banknotes) are made would seem important. People seem to have this image of a man at a stamping press, feeding coin after coin while pulling a lever. The image of eight coins a second automatically flowing into a bucket is more realistic. Does it matter? What do you need to know about tool and die, or engraving? Do you need a Machinery Manual on your shelf next to Breen? And, hey, do you need Breen? I know many collectors who stop with The Red Book, and few stalwarts who subscribe to Greysheet. Paying $100 for Breen or $50 for Taxay is not on their priority lists when they go to a national coin convention. Does it matter what Breen says, as long as PCGS says "MS-63"? The bottom line is that my "devil's advocate" thesis is that we say "coins are history" (science; art; archaeology) but all that really matters is whether you can crack it out for an upgrade.
I love all of it. The history, the economics, the value, the art, and the things it has bought and can buy. It is easy to trace the roots of this hobby of kings. Each reason is enough to love coins in and of itself. For the collector to enjoy the hobby, some reason must be maintained. Whether this is love of profits, or history. It brings all of us together in a way that we may never be able otherwise. Small collectors share in the hobby with the mighty investor. We all marvel over the money that is spent on single coins. So what education is needed? The understanding to know when you need advice, and the ability to accept it.
For me, its ALL about the history.......nothing else.......as long as i can read the date on the coin I dont care if its worth $1 and been pounded with a ball peen hammer.. with each coin i get I do very extensive research on THAT coin and the history around it........all the folks involved, what was going on, the politcal scene if you will.........then I print it out and make a booklet out of it with a pic of the coin.... My favorite so far is the Woods Hibernia coins....very interesting stuff...
I own and refer to Breen. Own and have read Taxay. Own many a Bowers' book. Read Numismatist religiously. For me it is about history and art and economincs and just knowledge in general. It better be because my coins sure ain't worth anything (unless silver is rising again ) Coins can relate to so much as you alluded to above. As for your last sentance... I think there is an Old School and a New School in regards to collecting. Q. David Bowers is Old School, David Hall is New School. I think I am much more old School than New School
Isn't the beauty of this hobby the wide range of collecting philosophies and styles We each need to know those elements of history, economics, mechanics, etc., that fit in with our own approach. Full speed ahead, and damn the torpedos
