Are Your Numismatic Purchases Planned, Spontaneous, or Both?

Still on my list for Standing Liberty Quarters: 16, 18/7, 19D, 27S. I am looking for graded AU to Fine, depending on the date. Yes, I do sometimes buy on impulse. My most recent one was a circa 4th century B.C. Boeotia hemidrachm. Very, very reasonably priced in a graded fine condition. I liked the shield rendition. It’s a genuine depiction of the real thing. I don’t collect Ancients…yet.

Horst, Address withheld

Personally, try my best to have my purchases planned ahead of time. Having my want lists done before going to a coin show, coin shops, or antique stores. That gives me the best scenario and helps me keep from going rogue, not following my want list, or planning to fill certain series. There are always exceptions; if my want list coins cannot be found within my budgeted number, I’ll try to find what I feel is a bargain or in a dealer’s bargain box. Plus, I don’t want to leave without finding at least one coin.

Rick Jorgensen, Ranson, W.Va.

Yes, I plan ahead for my numismatic purchases; that said, I always maintain a reserve in the event an item on my “absolutely have to have want list” becomes available at a reasonable price. And since many of my purchases are made through auctions, when I lose (7 out of 10 times), my reserve(s) fluctuates. So, while I do maintain a reserve, spontaneous purchases are rare. They generally occur when an unexpected “absolutely have to have want list” item becomes available through a private offering at a reasonable price. Flexibility, tempered by variables.

Lorne Lavertu, Herndon, Va.

I’m currently in the process of upgrading a complete set (a small paper series), and because that’s my only focus, it’s also only what I buy and upgrade.

Joe G., Carlsbad, Calif.

Interesting question. Some yearly purchases (from the U.S. Mint to keep certain sets complete in particular) are planned. If those purchases haven’t exhausted my limited resources, I sometimes have some “splurge” money for unplanned pieces I see at different venues, whether it be online, local brick-and-mortar shops, local/state/regional coin shows, or something out of the blue being offered to me unexpectedly. My family situation makes it difficult to do a lot of shopping for my collection. Money is just too tight! (Being retired and raising 3 grandkids strains our household budget!) Sometimes, I have to sell something that doesn’t hold the appeal it once did to free up this “MAD” money and buy my latest “must-have” acquisition.

Coach Jennings, Address withheld

I have a list of wanted items, but I always allow budget for unexpected opportunities. I get to quite a few events every year, and I find that it’s impossible to anticipate everything that may pop up. I buy nearly no coins online except directly from Mints. My main purchases are at live auctions, mostly without internet bidding.

Vincent Kurt Bellman, Arab, Ala.

I have a specific series or two that I am always seeking to add to my collection. My philosophy for the past several years has been to collect what appeals to me. I am open to purchasing something not planned or anticipated at a coin show or store. This is part of the fun of collecting, finding something interesting, different, and unexpected. So, yes, I make room in my collecting budget for unplanned, spontaneous purchases.

Timothy Scharr, Aviston, Ill.

That’s a good question. For me, it’s about 50/50. I am trying to finish up my collection in proof cameo liberty nickels in 65 cam and above. At shows, I will try and hunt out good examples of the 5-6 coins I still need. So, I go in with specific parameters of what I am looking for. However, I like proof cameo seated coins. The dimes, quarters, and half. The seated-proof cam dollars are a bit pricey, but I really like the look of these coins. They are too numerous and expensive to do a complete collection of proof cam runs. Here it’s more: if I see an outstanding example with a nice cameo contrast, I will make the dealer an offer. I am also open to flashy coins that appeal to me in series I don’t regularly collect, like a good-looking barber half or quarter. So, I guess the overall answer is it depends.

Roy Herbst, Address withheld

I save for something on my want list, but I also squirrel away some money for those coins or bills you just happen to stumble on and just can’t pass up or you’ll regret it every day.

Michael Emmerson, Brookfield, Conn.

I have a want list for completing a short set, but if I can’t find any of them, then I look for deals. As for the Mint releasing the Tubman coins at this year’s F.U.N. show, one of the gentlemen manning the Mint’s tables told me that the show was before the official release date and offered to add my preorder for me. I declined.

Henry C. Robinette, Address withheld

I do both. I plan ahead for purchases from the U.S. Mint or to upgrade one of my sets. I also have a spontaneous buy. For instance, if I read about a new coin coming or I read about a world coin that I’ve never seen before that I’d like to have. So I save money for both purchases.

Name and Address withheld