A good lesson I learned....

Greetings again everyone!

I have to tell you, there are so very many options for the collector in our hobby that one could go a little crazy trying to master the amount of possible sets one could make.

I remember a couple of years ago when I first started coin collecting that I had no doubt as to which coins I wanted to be my primary collection (SAE's and SAE Proofs) after watching a History Channel special about The Mint and West Point. I also knew I wanted the coins to be NGC graded coins after watching the sellers on The Coin Vault and other coin shows on TV and how they explained the grading process, and after I did my own research about NGC as well, I was not to be moved about what grading service I felt was the best.

BUT, once I got involved in coin collecting, and after spending a long many hours on ebay bidding on coins, and ordering from the Mint, I got that "kid in the candy store" sensation and found myself maybe overspending and acquiring coins that maybe I was not so passionate about.

The Mint's online catalog is a mere speck of what it was 2 years ago. There were all sorts of W's, Proofs, Platinum in all sizes, Gold in all sizes, Silver in 1 oz., but a large variety of silver commems, Eagles, it was almost overwhelming.

Some of us even criticized David Moy (The Mint's director) of maybe offering too many possibilities. Now, I long for the days of too many decisions to make, but my wallet is a little better off, too now that the variety has mellowed out a bit.

My best lesson in coin collecting is to have goals about what set you want to complete, what grade of coins, and a very loose time frame in completing the sets. OH, and a budget is a good idea ,too. One can and usually does throw the budget right out of the window as the thrill of the acquisition gets the better of us all.

Also, a LOOSE time schedule is key, in my opinion. The reason I believe this is due to the rigors of overspent budgets, it is sometimes required to "take a break" and pay down some balances before continuing on the set you are working on. And I do really suggest taking it one set at a time.

Right now, my main goal is to complete the SAE set by the end of 2010, but I am also very slowly working on my Proof SAE set as well. Now, The reality is that I most likely will not complete the SAE set until 2011 as my money catches up with my enthusiasm. BUT by having the goal established, and a LOOSE time frame, I am not falling into self imposed disappointments and frustrations. And I have to say, I am more excited than ever about my collection even though I have slowed down a bit to focus more on school and afford my education.

I hope this advice helps any of you feeling a little frustrated at the moment. You are participating in one of the most rewarding hobbies on the planet, my hope is that it always excites you and never disappoints you.

All the BEST!