ewomack

Collecting preferences seem to vary as much as culinary and music preferences. Everyone brings their own unique history and baggage to how they accumulate objects. Everyone has their own unique constraints and limitations as well. "Experience" thus means different things to different people and there is no one particular path that will 100% distinguish an "experienced" collector from a less experienced one. I've seen indiscriminate hoarders with significant numismatic education and experience, as well as excessively picky beginners who focus on rarities or on condition rarity. There doesn't seem to be any fully established, consistent paths to follow in this hobby. My own preferences have evolved from not picky whatsoever to excessively picky. Years ago, my goal involved buying as many coins as I possibly could without bankrupting myself. I almost did go completely broke at least once, after buying a wonderful US 3¢ silver piece. Thankfully, that happened at an early enough age that my parents would have bailed me out, but nonetheless a vital lesson learned. Back then, condition also didn't concern me as much as affordability, so I bought a number of things that I no longer really enjoy, though they made sense at the time (sort of). I just wanted "good enough" coins that fit my budget and increased the ever-growing pile. As the collection took up more and more space, and depleted more and more funds, I began to worry whether my "collection" really added up to impulsive or addictive buying. The idea that coins can have value, and that they may retain that value, can create a psychological rationalization to purchase them with fewer reservations or caution. The "investment" aspect of the hobby, which always seems to lurk beneath the surface, potentially seeps into and corrupts the act of accumulation and that confirmation bias fuels continued purchases, sometimes leading to buying with total reckless abandon. I think I was approaching that point. I bought coin after coin after coin, but then told myself "they're worth something! They're important artifacts!" which allowed the (arguably destructive) behavior to continue. At that time, my preferences summed up to "is it good enough? can I afford it? Well, then, buy it!" After a considerable break from the hobby, and after it went online, I learned more and more about "problem coins" and realized that I had made many stupid mistakes in my past indiscriminate buying. A few of the really nice coins that I thought I had ended up being heavily cleaned and probably not even close to worth what I paid for them. I decided that, if I wanted to continue in this hobby, I needed to really educate myself about "good buys" versus "bad buys." This is where the "investment" aspect of the hobby probably, or should probably, apply to absolutely everyone, despite the often given advice to "buy only for pleasure." No one should overpay for coins. Continuing on, I read many books, went to many shows and looked at countless things online. I bought a pocket loupe, examined many coins, and learned a lot in the process. More than anything, I started posting my purchases online and asked if they looked "problematic." Though I never expected to make money off of the hobby, I started emphasizing purchases that merged enjoyment with a decent probability that they might retain an acceptable portion of their value over time. A zero tolerance for "junk" emerged simultaneously, which eliminated most of the "manufactured collectibles" from my pile. I sold a number of sets and "collectors" coins, overall at a loss. Some of them I couldn't even sell. Interest in moderns vanished almost overnight and an interest in coins with some aspect of history, or an advanced degree of historicity, increased. Perhaps surprisingly, my historical interest in coins, my latest preference, has led to an emphasis on condition over rarity. When I hold a coin, I like to imagine a historical figure holding it, using it, or imagining what they will purchase with it. Coins in better condition likely, but not always, arguably appear closer to how the actual historical figures probably experienced them. Of course well worn coins also circulated, but the feeling of having a newly minted shiny coin, with clear details, usually gave me a thrill and probably did likewise for many people in the past. This helps me obtain that feeling of a connection with the past, though admittedly probably largely illusory. Heavily worn coins create less of this feeling for me. A similar feeling may explain why people, generation after generation, continue to pay exorbitant amounts for nostalgic items that managed to remain (organically) in their original packaging. As for completeness or rarity, I really don't care about either anymore. Rarity always seemed too expensive to pursue, as I can't imagine paying more than $200-$500 for any non-bullion coin. My preferences now lean more towards coins that exude that historical experience or produce some kind of aesthetic experience for me that I don't think will fade over time. The formula is more intuitive than scientific or rational. It's evolved to the point that I typically know within seconds upon seeing a coin, and gauging its price, whether "that's one of them" or not. As such, I buy very few coins these days. If a coin gives me what I want for an acceptable price, I don't even care if I already have another one of that type. In short, I collect only coins that appeal to me in some personal, and somewhat ineffable, way. I have also completely stopped buying coins with the hope of impressing other collectors. That is a losing game, as someone with more resources will always come along. I hope that I'm to the point, after years in this hobby, where I'm finally collecting what I actually want to collect.

That series has always appealed to me, though I haven't delved into it yet. I possibly have a bigger purchasing problem with books than I have with coins. My reading list seems to have an infinite scroll at the bottom. It never ends and never seems to be complete. My wife tells me that I could have worse problems.

Recently, the vast majority of my coin purchases have originated either from VCoins or MA-Shops. Possibly 100% of them. I have never enjoyed the wild auction scene, even on Ebay, especially when extra fees get tacked on and prices explode irrationally. "Bargains" can exist in that realm for sure, but they can also take time and effort to find. I would just rather know what I'm paying up front without a battle to an uncertain finish. I also don't spend all that much time seeking and buying coins, so I don't make the time to follow auction houses, browse upcoming sales, etc. I prefer just going to a store, seeing what they offer, and buying something instantaneously. For this, both VCoins and MA-Shops function just fine. I don't really favor one site over the other, but I have noticed, more and more over time and with fewer exceptions, that both sites seem to have almost identical listings for the categories that I usually peruse. It sounds like this might become even more common going forward. Also, as others have already noted, MA-Shops does seem to charge higher prices in general. As for buying overseas, I did get slapped with a large import duty (large relative to the price of the coin, at least) for a recent MA-Shops purchase. This had never happened to me before, so when I purchased another overseas coin recently, my anxiety at receiving that "import duty payment required" email erupted. Thankfully, one never arrived and the coin appeared in my mailbox as normal. Some people here said that my import duty experience may have just added up to bad luck. I hope so. That additional duty arguably made that coin an overpriced purchase. I would definitely not want to repeat that with every purchase. I would just stop buying coins if that became routine. I never want to like something so much that I pay ridiculous prices for it. Unchecked desires can often lead to foolish behavior. Those situations rarely, if ever, end well.

Here is my Julian II "Bull" coin. Julian II (360 - 363) AE1 (BI Maiorina); Thessalonika Mint; Obv: DN FL CL IVLIANUS PF AUG; Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; Rev: SECVRITAS REIPVB; Bull standing right, two stars above;*TESΓ in exergue; Ref: RIC 226

Decent portraits of Maurice Tiberius seem very difficult to find. After looking at numerous examples over the past year or so, this decanummium from Antioch qualifies as one of the best I've yet seen. And it's far from perfect. The details on the eagle scepter stand out, as do the Emperor's fingers around the mappa. The largely intact legend makes almost no sense, but, according to Sear for this type, it usually appeared as a badly blundered variation of the legend on Tiberius II's coins. The dealer had listed it as Year III, but I think it's actually year 8 (UIII). With these lower denomination coins (10 nummi or 1/4 of a follis), I often wonder what people at the time could purchase with them. Bread? Some soup? Meat? Beans? Would this small coin, slightly smaller than a US dime, represent a meal for someone in 6th century Byzantine Antioch? Or just a morsel? This one doesn't look like it made it around the market too much, but I bet it could have bought something at least halfway decent. But then Phocas had to come along and uproot everything in 602. Things didn't end well for the fleeing Maurice and his sons. So history goes. Usurpers, usurpers everywhere. Maurice Tiberius. 582-602. Æ Decanummium 17mm, 3.1g Theoupolis (Antioch) mint. Dated RY 8 (AD 589/90); Obv: blundered legend, Crowned facing bust, wearing consular robe, holding mappa and eagle-tipped scepter; Rev: Large X; cross above, R below; A/N/N/O U/III (date) across field; Sear 536 Please post any Maruice Tiberus coins you have!

This is my latest and final Byzantine for this thread. I started collecting this series last summer, so I have only accumulated 14 coins at present. A 15th one is en route, but it depicts a much earlier Emperor. I have enjoyed seeing all of the fantastic Byzantine coins in this thread, along with the knowledge that others have Byzantine coin disease! 😁 I am not alone. Manuel I Comnenus (1143-1183), Æ Tetarteron; Thessalonica; Obv: ⨀/Γ/Є to left and P-over-w/Γ/O/S to right, half-length bust of St. George facing, holding spear and shield ; Rev: MANɣHΛ ΔЄCΠΟΤ, bust of Manuel facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger; 20 mm,3.24g; DOC 18; Sear 1975

The Emperor theme from Star Wars and a coin of an Emperor (who may have wanted this for his theme song?) Leo VI (AD 886-912); Constantinople; Æ Follis; Obv: +LEOn bAS - ILEVS ROM* Leo enthroned facing, wearing crown and loros, and holding labarum and akakia; Rev: Inscription in four lines: +LEOn / Eh ΘEO bA / SILEVS R / OmEOh; 6.90g, 28.00 mm; Sear 1728

I just ordered another ancient online, so until that one arrives, this enthroned Leo VI (doesn't he just look so dang regal?) qualifies as my latest ancient. Leo VI (AD 886-912); Constantinople; Æ Follis; Obv: +LEOn bAS - ILEVS ROM* Leo enthroned facing, wearing crown and loros, and holding labarum and akakia; Rev: Inscription in four lines: +LEOn / Eh ΘEO bA / SILEVS R / OmEOh; 6.90g, 28.00 mm; Sear 1728

Thank you everyone for taking this thread into areas that I never thought it would go. First, I'll post my own Leo VI Sear 1729. This remains one of the more common Byzantine coins (Sear claims it's probably the most common one), so seekers can find decent examples at pretty decent prices. It's probably a great Byzantine starter coin. Leo VI (AD 886-912); Constantinople; Æ Follis; Obv: +LEOn bAS - ILEVS ROM' Bust facing wearing crown and chlamys, holding akakia in l. hand; Rev: Inscription in four lines: +LEOn / Eh ΘEO bA / SILEVS R / OmEOh; 7.67g.; Berk 918, Sear 1729 The 9th century mosaic of the throne from Hagia Sofia is a brilliant addition, @Troyden. Even at a glance, similarities definitely exist with the Leo VI coin's throne. The asymmetry of the throne's two sides on the coin is interesting. Most of it results from his arm placement, of course, but why not make them the same height? Does the labarum have some extra hanging parts? I don't know. Also, the design pattern of the throne itself seems to match Leo's loros, as if Leo VI would just blend right in with the throne itself. Both are likely bejeweled and it was probably easier to just continue the same design. As for other possible comparisons, there is also the throne on the mosaic below in Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna of Christ Pantokrators from the 6th century that also somewhat resembles the one on the Leo VI coin and on the Hagia Sofia mosaic. I've seen numerous versions of Byzantine Emperors' thrones, even ones that resemble small stools with no backing. The style discussed here definitely makes more of an impression. As for coin overpaying, I understand what everyone said above, but I like to watch my spending, otherwise unpleasant financial surprises can occur. I'm not really all that picky after all, because I just ordered another coin the other day. Not only that, it's coming from Germany again. We'll see if customs slaps another import fee on me or not. I really like ancient coins like everyone else here, but not enough to pay too much for them. Yet I'm sure I've overpaid for a few without caring. I just don't want to do that too often.

Leo VI, "The Wise" or "The Philosopher" (due to his scholarly work, which some claim distracted him from ruling the empire), sits on an ornate and even somewhat strangely designed throne. The details on this specimen could look sharper and stronger in places, but most of the features appear fairly clearly, down to his tiny wire feet. This might rank as the roundest and most overall well-centered Byzantine coin that I've yet acquired. The patina looks slightly more malachite green in hand than in the photo. Sadly, this is the coin that I started the import duty thread on earlier, so I paid an extra and unexpected $50.00 for it after submitting the order. The base price wasn't too bad, but the duty turned it into what feels like an overpay. C'est la vie. I still like it, but I will probably forever feel a lingering tinge of extortion when looking at this coin in the future. 😄 Leo VI (AD 886-912); Constantinople; Æ Follis; Obv: +LEOn bAS - ILEVS ROM'* Leo enthroned facing, wearing crown and loros, and holding labarum and akakia; Rev: Inscription in four lines: +LEOn / Eh ΘEO bA / SILEVS R / OmEOh; 6.90g, 28.00 mm; Sear 1728

I simply can't comprehend that price for such an item. If the bidder(s) intended it just as an interesting way to donate to the program, I can get that. But I suspect not. Does anyone know if this has ever gone up for auction before? Sometimes I think that the hobby, or parts of it, have gone mad.

All of my coin purchases, since at least 2015, sit in a spreadsheet. It includes columns for "Date Purchased," "Description," "Cost," "Bought From," "Shipping Cost," "Exchange Rate," "Notes," and the date the coin arrived in my paws. Everything gets converted to US $ and the the cost in original currency (for both the coin and shipping) get placed in the "Notes" column. Any banking fees for converting currency have not made it to the sheet. I should fix that, because that represents another cost of collecting these little discs. I should also start including a specific column for taxes. For the last coin I purchased, which has not yet arrived, I also need to add significant costs for "import duties." Shipping costs definitely add up. I record and keep those costs as well to see if, when selling, whether I actually recoup everything. The coin's base cost alone doesn't reflect the total expense of the purchase. If I get slapped with more of those surprise import duties, I will have no chance of breaking even on these purchases overall. So far, when selling, some coins I come out ahead on, but most I come out behind on, so I've seen nothing but net losses. I've had pretty sobering selling experiences. I've had far more luck with other collectibles, including making a small fortune on my childhood Star Wars toys, some limited edition cartoon statues, and sports cards. As for the spreadsheet, I've only hit the "sum total" on the "cost" column once and I was pretty shocked at what came out of there. It was a sum that I never thought that I would, or could, ever spend on this hobby. It sobered up my buying enthusiasm, for sure. I've since become far more picky. As for the worth of everything? I have no idea. Values fluctuate, along with the time value of money. No single source really gives a good idea of the value of an item. I think I'll only know my collection's worth when I eventually offer it up for sale. Ultimately, something is only worth what someone will actually pay for it. That would also only represent the worth at the time of sale. The worth will keep changing, fluttering all around, until someone buys/sells again.

I enjoyed the modern internet much more after I decided to ignore numbers. Likes, reads, posts, rankings, etc., are all subject to the usual various interpretations, situations, and circumstances as just about everything else. They are interesting, I'll admit, but they're nothing to take too seriously.

There is nothing wrong with taking a break from buying. If you find yourself buying just to buy something, then it's really time to slow down and do some thinking about why you're collecting. I ordered a coin a week or two ago and, now that I look at the picture again, I think it's only "okay." I think I rushed into it. I consoled myself that I didn't pay that much for it, but then I was smacked with a $50.00 import duty on it. Though I vacillated, I ended up paying it, but now I feel like I overpaid for a coin that I only consider "okay." I hate those purchases and I would rather buy nothing than make even a single one more of them. I really try to save up for when a coin really strikes me, so I'm now trying to buy fewer higher quality coins. After that last experience I really think that now I need an extended break. I do have other things to do, after all (and a few other projects remain unfinished). Have a breather. Take a break. Read a book. Do some research.

To me, this is the line where auctions cross over into the gambling world. It's nothing that interests me. True, it's fun, interesting, and will likely give the auction more publicity and perhaps even raise the total number of bidders (which could hedge any losses against underbidding for the "Surprise Lot" if it does turn out to have decent value). But it just gives me a feeling of unnecessary gimmickry that permeates a game show and lottery-type feeling. I understand why others might feel the inexorable pull of such a device, so I also get it. But, in the end, it's likely having the desired effect: we're all posting about it here and I would have heard nothing about the auction had this thread not existed. So, gimmicks work. I guess one can't blame businesses for doing whatever they can to attract buyers. But, to me, it feels a little cheap. But that's just me. As to the lot's contents? I'll guess a Proof Type I 1979-S SBA Dollar. Just joking. I'll really guess a Nero sesteritus of above average condition.

I have tickets to see Oppenheimer tomorrow. From what I hear, it likely lives up to the hype. I have a now deceased relative who was part of the Manhattan project, but he never spoke about it until just before his death. Most of what I know about it comes from the remaining family, who found his papers and materials. He's also listed on the Manhattan Project website. He was stationed on Tinian Island and he was very likely there when the Enola Gay took off for Hiroshima. Those are some stark, disturbing, and important photographs @kirispupis. Though it sounds a little bit strange saying so, thank you for sharing them.

My only Nero - a Hemidrachm from Cappadocia - some have said that the portrait more resembles Claudius, so it may have been a transitional coin. Nero AR Hemidrachm of Caesaria, Cappadocia. c54-63 AD. NERO CLAVD DIVI CLAVD F CAESAR AVG GERMANI, laureate head right / Victory seated right on globe, writing on shield, SGI 616, RPC 3645. RIC 617. Sydenham 82.

The Sear book has the following to say about this particular Leo VI type "This appears to have been issued in greater quantities than almost any other individual type in the Byzantine series." Leo VI (AD 886-912); Constantinople; Æ Follis; Obv: +LEOn bAS - ILEVS ROM' Bust facing wearing crown and chlamys, holding akakia in l. hand; Rev: Inscription in four lines: +LEOn / Eh ΘEO bA / SILEVS R / OmEOh; 7.67g.; Berk 918, Sear 1729 So get yours now!

I think that I'm very glad that I didn't even know it was going on. There were some nice things on there that I may have grossly overbid for. 😁

The dealer did get back to me, apologized profusely, and offered to split the duty with me. I just went ahead and paid it, but wow what an expensive coin that turned out to be (I hope I really like it). It really makes me wonder if I should order from overseas again. What a rotten surprise in every way. I know it's not the dealer's fault, but still what a horrid pain. You think you're paying so much for a coin and then you receive another bill. Wow. I'm still a little stunned.

Nine types of collectors? Wow. Sometimes it's easier to say what one is not. #1 "The Classic Hunter" - Not me at all. I have never really cared about completeness. Besides, it's too expensive. Even a complete set of SBA dollars can put a person back a few hundred dollars. #2 "The Speculator" - My experience has taught me that I will likely not make money from the vast majority of the coins that I purchase, so I have given up even trying. Not to mention that I don't want to spend excessive amounts of money on "investment grade coins." So, I'm hopeless on that one. #3 "The Aesthete" - I certainly fit into this one. I like pretty coins. But I also really like very unusual looking ones. I look for coins that I will likely still enjoy looking at years into the future. #4 "The Perfectionist" - Again, it's usually far too expensive. But I suppose it depends on what one means by "perfect specimen." #5 "The Rubbish Chute" - I've always considered this kind of collecting hoarding. I did it for a while and it just depressed me. Especially when I unknowingly started purchasing coins that I already had. #6 "The Self-Exposer" - Monument? Eternity? I can only assume that this category is satire. #7 "The Researcher" - I would like to be more of this kind of collector, but I only have so much time for coins right now. Perhaps later in life? #8 "The Local Patriot" - I refer to my answer for #1. #9 "The Historian" - I identify more with this type than any other. After I stopped hoarding (or embodying #5), I starting purchasing with more discretion. This led to my buying older coins and more interesting coins that held my attention longer than 20 minutes. A total resurgence of collecting ensued. I couldn't believe that I could actually hold a coin created during the reign of Elizabeth I. Or during Nero's time. Or even much earlier. Sometimes, I still can't believe it. This aspect of owning very old coins still fascinates and beguiles me every time I break open another ancient coin. This has also led to my now almost exclusive focus of buying ancients. Moderns have mostly lost their luster for me at this point.

On MA-Shops, the dealer shows a location in Austria. As I said before, I've had other coins shipped from Europe with DHL (I think Germany and France) and this did not happen. I just looked at the order again and I see the shipping was a whopping $32.57. So, add in the $46.66 duty and the total I would pay for shipping/duties is $79.23. The price of the coin was $110.07. Wow. I'm actually surprised that I accepted that amount of postage. I must have ordered in a weak moment. I have never paid anywhere near that for postage on my MA-Shops history, but times may have changed as well. Still no response from the dealer. I sent a follow-up message reiterating that I'm not going to pay the duty. I guess I'll see what happens. At least it wasn't a $2k coin.

I received my final DHL warning email today. I still have heard nothing from the vendor. So... I guess the coin will get sent back. I have no idea what will happen next.

Theophilus (829 - 842) - He kept iconoclasm going, but it would soon end under Michel III. Theophilus (AD 829-842) Æ Follis; Constantinople mint; AD 830-842; Obv: ΘEOFIL bASIL; Half-length figure standing facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger; Rev: ΘEO / FILE AVG / OVSTE SV / hICAS in four lines; 28mm; 8.26 grams; Sear 1667 Theophilus (AD 829-842) Æ Follis; Constantinople mint; AD 830-842; Obv: ΘEOFIL bASIL; Half-length figure standing facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger; Rev: ΘEO / FILE AVG / OVSTE SV / hICAS in four lines; 27.66mm; 7.46 grams; Sear 1667

As others have already said, Byzantine coins have some of the best (strangest) eyes. I love the "evil eyes" on this follis of Phocas. Phocas (602-610), Æ Follis (33mm, 11.79g), Cyzicus, Dated RY 4 ? (605/6); Obv: δN POCAS+PERPAVG, Crowned bust facing, wearing consular robes and holding mappa and cross, small cross to left; Rev: Large XXXX, ANNO above, II/II (date) to right, KYZA, Sear 665 And the extreme eye pointillism of this follis of Justin II and Sophia: Justin II & Sophie (Year 5, 569 - 570), Æ Follis, 31.4mm, 11.83g, Nicomedia, Obv: DN IVUSTINUS PP AVG Justin II and Sophie seated facing forward, each with nimbus, holding globus cruciger and cruciform scepter; Rev: ANNO U, large M surmounted by cross, with B below, NIKO in exergue, Sear 369 This follis of Theophilus has one of my all time favorite pairs of eyes (they are out of alignment, but in a pleasing way): Theophilus (AD 829-842) Æ Follis; Constantinople mint; AD 830-842; Obv: ΘEOFIL bASIL; Half-length figure standing facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger; Rev: ΘEO / FILE AVG / OVSTE SV / hICAS in four lines; 28mm; 8.26 grams; Sear 1667 Saint Maurice was given a little eye cavity with a jingly bean pupil on this 11th century coin from Vienne: France ARCHBISHOPRIC OF VIENNE - ANONYMOUS AR Denier, 11th - 12th Centuries; Obv: .+. S. M. VIENNA. (Saint Maurice of Vienne), profile of Saint Maurice, facing left; Rev: MAXIMA. GALL (Grand Gaul) And this coin is just odd all around, though it would probably rank higher in a "strangest mouths" thread: Mittelalter Deutschland. Pfennig (1441). Leichte Prägeschwäche. Sehr schön-vorzüglich. Augsburg-Bistum u. Stadt (gemeinschaftlich). or Middle Ages Germany. penny (1441). Slight embossing weakness. Very fine - extremely fine. Augsburg diocese and city (joint).