A "Collectors Society" suggestion/question

[Jim Beam]

I came to this site as a common, average, interested in collecting "coin collector". I am not a dealer nor will I ever become one. I just want to collect and enjoy my coins most of which cost less than $300. I certainly have learned a great deal about all facets of coin collecting from this site and I hold a great many of you in highest respect. I truly enjoy reading about all of the many comments and thread subjects found here. However, I have come to the conclusion the "Collectors Society" is becoming less about collecting and more about "dealing, profiting, flipping, very, very expensive and exotic coins,TPG discussions/bickerings, CAC discussions/bickerings etc."; all things many common collectors (like myself) do not/can not relate. That said, all of those things are a real part of the hobby and very much worthy of discussion. They definitely belong somewhere. The purpose of my post:

 

Can we establish new sites or subsites for a) the "Dealers Society" and b) the "Advanced Collectors Society" and get back to some of the basics of pure coin collecting in the "Basic Collectors Society"? Can we find a better way to organize the thread topics and discussions so each of us can go straight to where we want to learn and share but would still be able to read about other coin related subjects?

 

I think a change like this would only help to expand the hobby, create more participation, and bring many more ground level coin collectors into the fold. To me, the current environment does not seem very conducive to the basic collector. Maybe I am in the minority with this line of thinking or even totally out of line. I am interested in your thoughts and ideas on this and want to be perfectly clear, "I will not be offended by any comments you make or any names you care to call me" - I just want to collect and do my very small part in trying to keep this great hobby going!

[RWB]

You make an excellent point about focusing on the basics. Many here forget they have all gone through that process of learning and gaining understanding. A thing that would enhance what you would like, is for you and other newer collectors to ask questions - any questions - dealing with the basics. Lots of folks here will give you answers and there is also a "What You Need to Know" thread pinned to the top of the page.

 

Some of the other discussions are the kinds of things that deal with details or semantics or misunderstandings, and might be of greater interest to specialists or experienced collectors. Just because a topic is "advanced" doesn't mean that new collectors can't pick up information from the threads or ask pertinent questions.

 

Too much segregation by experience can result in everyone having fewer opportunities to learn and share ideas.

 

Just some thoughts....

[Curry]

I feel this thread will go far and be looked at hopefully by staff.

[RWB]

Take this thread for example: http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=7863880&Board=2&fpart=all&gonew=1#UNREAD

 

There are a bunch of things a novice collector could get from this, as well as some advanced pieces such as the changeover from double to single mint sets and use of pliofilm packaging.

 

 

This thread, however, is mostly for more advanced collectors, although the beginner can certainly pick up the information about existence of 1922 trial Peace dollars. (Most of which was not known 10 years ago...)

 

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=7847774&Board=2&fpart=all&gonew=1#UNREAD

 

[TonerGuy]

Excellent idea... perhaps an "Ask the Experts" forum where certain members are approved to answer newbie questions and its limited to such. That way it can remain a forum that can be looked at over and over again - even by some of us that have been here for 12 yrs.

 

I hope NGC takes up your idea.

[Catbert]

Perhaps the threads you describe are driven by the context of the typical $ value of coins that get slabbed. As such, there is more money on the table and market forces and related topics get emphasized accordingly. Not surprising that this would occur on a top TPG's message board.

 

As others have noted, there are some great threads of value to all levels of collector here. However, there are also other coin boards on the net that tend to focus on lesser value coins that you reference. Please stay here, but if you are unaware of these other boards, I'd be happy to share them via a private message.

[coinman_23885]

Can we establish new sites or subsites for a) the "Dealers Society" and b) the "Advanced Collectors Society" and get back to some of the basics of pure coin collecting in the "Basic Collectors Society"? Can we find a better way to organize the thread topics and discussions so each of us can go straight to where we want to learn and share but would still be able to read about other coin related subjects?

 

The problem with this approach, in my opinion, is that it prevents less knowledgeable collectors and buyers from learning from dealers, advanced collectors, and non-dealer coin professionals. Moreover, even professionals, dealers, and advanced collectors can learn from each other and very few people are experts in everything. Keeping the different groups together encourages learning in my opinion.