Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;kaparthy, post: 20411, member: 57463&quot;]Well, I question the validity of that distinction.&nbsp; Who made that up? It sounds like marketing talk from some mint.&nbsp; &quot;Numismatic&quot; refers only to the study of money. I define numismatics as: &quot;The art and science that studies the forms and uses of money.&quot;</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you mean Proof coins, Mint sets, or commemoratives, or something else?</p><p><br /></p><p>A proof coin is the highest state of the coiner&#039;s art.&nbsp; Proof coins have always been highly regarded and like most collectors, I have a few that exhibit those important qualities.&nbsp; Some people are &quot;hot&quot; for them in general, but I am not, nice though they all are.</p><p><br /></p><p>Mint sets are another little area, where, again, I have a couple, but it is not something I pursue, though may collectors do.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>The same holds true for commemoratives.</p><p><br /></p><p>I agree that collecting &quot;circulation&quot; coins takes some skill.&nbsp; Anyone can write a check to your national mint or central bank and get something brand new and shny in a box.&nbsp; Knowing how to grade -- and that includes knowing how to grade Uncirculated and Proof coins -- is an important test for a true collector, someone who is a numismatist, instead of a random accumulator.</p><p><br /></p><p>Older material is truly historic, having passed the test of time.&nbsp; For me, a Victoria Young Head penny has more historicity than an Olympic coin from 2004.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Also, if you follow some of the threads in World Coins, you will see that I have an interest in ancients. My collecting range has always been modest and I have not actively collected for several years.&nbsp; However, it just seems to me that if you really have a passion for The Olympics, the proper course is to save, say $25 a month or $25 a week, and at the end of some time buy a real Olympic coin from ancient Elis, rather than to squander small sums to get modern shiny stuff of doubtful merit.</p><p><br /></p><p>(That said, I have a nephew who plays baseball and an Olympic &quot;Baseball&quot; coin would be ideal for Christmas, now wouldn&#039;t it?)[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in