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Message:: [QUOTE="myk1652, post: 389925, member: 10295"]Why the split between collecting and investing? I think that coins are imbued with subjective meaning by the collector, as such they take on a symbolic significance that reflects the psychology of the collector -- that is, they become a family keepsake, a relic, or piece of numismatic history (whatever the collector decides).  Coins become abstractions (no longer "change" or money ... and not just a commodity either) in the case of collecting.  But also, a desirable coin (as defined by high demand, and typically, high prices) becomes symbolic of the collector's numismatic prowlness -- their connoisseurship if you will.  Part of this latter brand of symbolism includes being savvy enough to make a good buy, to recognize rarity that will result in high prices in the future.  This too is a process by which coin collecting (and investing) is imbued with subjective meanings.  All of this psychobabble is part of the collecting life ... but sure, some folks lean towards the numismatic market side of the coin, whereas others revel in the history and animism that coins provide.  I would argue that the term "hobby" does not adequately discriminate between collecting and investing, but rather the "thrill of the hunt" and the "creation of sets" is more of a discriminating factor between the two ...[/QUOTE]