Listen, children, I want you to tell us about the people who have put you down for being coin collectors. People who "don't understand." When I first got into numismatics way back in the 1960s and told my best friend about my new hobby, he summed up the view of many when he said, "It's so mundane." I remember his exact words after all these years. He and others think of us as jerks without intelligence or education who are saving Jefferson nickels, Lincoln cents, Washington quarters, etc., out of circulation for no good reason. However, coin collecting is so much more than they know--but we all know--and I would love to hear about your encounters with such people, who may be loved family members or close friends. What did they say and what did you say to enlighten them?--gunsmoke
well, most people think its boring when I talk about it but they dont put me down for it...I just dont bring it up much
-Eh Screw'em.... Do what you like... Sometimes its nice to have others approval, but don't stay up late about it... I'm sure they have some hobbies you think are lame... Besides the people on here, I don't know anyone into coins... But I still dig'em... Different Strokes for different folks..
I have been really fortunate I guess. My only encounter that comes close was with my brother. He never told me he didn't like coins so after many years of giving coins at Christmas he came over one day and gave back all the coins I had given him. Oh well, my gain. Actually just the opposite seems to happen. Most people I talk to about coins, and when they see the market trends, actually become coin collectors themselves. A week doesn't go by when co-workers don't come by my office and show me new purchases or finds or just to ask questions. And whenever I have an extra set, etc. to sell it's a race to get to me first. I pile my old CoinWorld mags on the corner of my desk and they are gone before the day ends.
I don't usually talk to people about coin collecting, since most are not interested. However, I do try ocassionally, last Sunday I showed my daughter's boyfirend an 1813 Bust half that I had just gotten and he couldn't believe it. Then we got into a discussion about the types, etc. Usually I don't bring it up since my family is totally bored with my collecting habits. But, he was either very polite or slightly interested, since we did talk about it for a while. I find that if I do broach the subject it will either be discussed for a short time, or dropped immediately (usually the latter). Most do look at it as kind of geeky. But, it still doesn't stop me.
Well.. My mom and dad always ask me whats the profit... So, I'd tell them that these are worth a lot of money and by keeping them, the profit will increase... This makes them happy and I'm also happy. Fortunately, my wife understands my feelings towards them a bit... because, she's interested in philately. Yes, I got some friends who think I'm wasting money... but I deliberately avoid this topic when I'm with them.. and instead hear about their craze about films, songs, travelling etc.. Anyway, I like collecting coins and unless I lose interest, I'll do so for the rest of my life..
Well my family is 50%-50% I would guess----my mom and dad are more Investers type thinking people so they can understand....my sisters both have a few coins but nothing big....my Bro-in-law wants to buy coins BUT ONLY if he can make a fast buck---I told him to forget it. My grandma thinks they are cool but doens't understand why I pay over face value for them---I never told her what I paid for my S VDB cent! My friends mostly think I'm nuts---one of my cop friends thinks that they are cool---I guess maybe its because he has done alot of cases with fake money..... And the friends my age mostly think of me as rich and since they know I'm not they wonder why or how I collect coins so most of them just think I'm on the nuts side and think that I should be buying cows. One day they will understand I'm sure... Speedy
Speedy: Okay I give up: "COWS"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is that on the obverse or reverse?
Next time any of your conversation's aren't going the way that you might like them to go, just start talking about numismatics if it doesnt change the subject, maybe it'll shut'em up..... John
There are two types of people: those that collect Something and those that don't. If you are a collector you get it, if you aren't - you don't. Be it coins, stamps, Elvis, ceramic cows or whatever. They don't understand the thrill of the hunt, the history, the feeling of completion ...etc. I collect a few things and if they ask about the collection only in terms of "What is it worth" or "Why don't you sell it then" then I know they don't collect anything.
My wife thinks Im nuts, except when she sees how much I sell them for. Anyway, its my money, life is short, so do what you like, besides, whats wrong with collecting money, if more people did that, everyone would probably be better off
