Is it the hunt or the acquisition that gives the biggest thrill?

Since my first journal entry, I've found myself looking at what others are writing; many acquisitions, anticipated submissions, questions, comments, and a small glimps into the minds of fellow collectors.

In my bio, I reminisced of my beginning into the world of numismatics. As a child my search was limited to frequented stores and shops, and as my allowance allowed, banks for rolls of pennies, nickels, and dimes. My thrill was in the find. I pulled wheat cents, pre 1960 nickels, and all silver coins. I loved the added bonus of the occasional miscounted roll of coins. Those days are gone now. All the tellers I meet up with today buy the silver for themselves, collector or not.

It's in the remembering that I debate the issue of whether it's the hunt or the find that is more thrilling. As a child, I'd have to say it was the hunt that brought the biggest thrill. Granted, the joy in the find ran a close second. I looked forward to weekends and holidays when I could search for my hidden treasures.

Fast forward to the purchase of my metal detector. I found myself on the hunt again. Hours have been spent through the years listening for a beep. The thrill had changed. Now it was the "find" that excited me. My best find was on my first outing after I was stationed in England. It was a typical cool and damp English day as I paced across the field. After about 10 minutes, I had my first "beep". My machine indicated it was about 8 inches down and rang in the silver range. With each scoop, I scanned for my target. It was the third scoop that held my prize. My first English coin! What a find it was! It was later identified as a King John Penny dated between 1199-1216. It was beautiful with a full rim and plenty of room to be clipped, but hadn't been. Excellent detail and the clear rims indicated it had been lost shortly after being minted and set into circulation. Yes, the thrill is in the find.

Now as a collector of certified coins, I again have to say that the "find" gives me the biggest thrill. The search for acceptable additions can be a long and occasionally frustrating. The search is far and wide, but when found, the thrill is heightened by the anticipation, more often than not, of the arrival of the new gem. Pride then takes over as another slot in the vast assortment of sets is filled.