Gammill Coin Gazette

Over the years, as an avid collector of all things related to numismatics, I have talked to many colleagues who accurately regard themselves as true, “bona fide collectors”.  That is to say, they have absolutely no interest in discussing their collection as an investment instrument under any circumstance.  Well almost any circumstance.  They will rock back on their rears when they start talking about how much their AU-50 1909 S VDB cost them back in 1957.  Yes, they will remind you that they have made some good purchases over the years.  However, they most likely will say they have no desire or interest in “investment grade or investment quality coins” right after telling you about that very nice Lincoln cent.  They are investors aren’t they?  They say they are collectors and collect for the pure enjoyment of participating in the hobby.  They often remind you that it’s the hunt that drives them year after year, looking for that one special coin(s), book or piece of paper money to add to their collection…and they are dead serious and proud of that pursuit.  However, aren’t these collectors also investors by the simplest of definitions?  They have invested in America’s future by investing (collecting) in her past!

I know a number of collectors that fall under the definition of “bona fide collector” and they are some of the most knowledgeable and enjoyable people you will ever find when it comes to discussing collecting or any other topic as far as that goes.  I guess the simple point they make is that making money is not the most important aspect of their collecting activities.  Money has not been the driving force that has kept their interest in collecting alive over the many decades of what they consider a very nice leisure activity.  In addition to being quite knowledgeable about the history of the coin series they find most interesting, in general, they are always willing to share their collection with you, seek your opinion, giving new and young collectors sound advice and in the end, everyone gains an abundance of new knowledge and new friends.

If you talk to these people long enough you will generally find that they have no plans of ever selling their collection.  Talk to them a little longer and you will find out why they will never sale.  Very often, they are going to pass their collection on to future family generations.  I know one gentleman that has assembled five complete sets of Indian Head Cents in EF to MS 65.  They will go to his five grandchildren.  I have seen three of these sets and they are truly amazing.  Beautifully matched in color and quality and just about as problem free as you can imagine.  These sets have been assembled over a forty year period.  A truly remarkable task has been accomplished by this gentleman, reflecting on his own personal character as well as his dedication to pass not only his interests on to his children and future generations, but also the history of our country.

A second gentleman I met many years ago has put together three complete sets of Indian Head Cents for his grandkids.  To add to the hunt, he is attempting to upgraded each coin in every set to “four full diamonds”.  What a goal.  His sets are in the grade range of EF to AU 58.  Another wonderful accomplishment and he knows hel’ll never get full diamonds on all the coins, but he keeps looking.. 

I know individuals who have inherited multiple Lincoln Cent and Buffalo Nickel collections from a previous generation.  These people are not collectors but continue to hold the collections in hopes of future generations taking interest in a hobby enjoyed by a past generation.  These are remarkable coins that are properly stored and cared for and just waiting for their next custodian. 

I could go on but I think the point has been made.  These collectors have had a goal to leave something special to their families that gave them great enjoyment and satisfaction over many years.  They didn’t call themselves investors, but if fact they were.  All of these sets have greatly appreciated over the years.  It doesn’t matter who reaps the benefits of the financial gains, these gentleman have had a great experience collecting and assembling something they love and because they stuck with quality purchases, and made the key and semi-date purchases, they indeed have made a handsome investment over time. 

Any collection that has been assembled by a “bona fide collector”, as they might call themselves, stressing strike, luster and eye appeal, have done very well over the decades.  You don’t have to spend a million dollars, or make a million dollars on the sale of a collection to be both an astute collector as well as an investor. 

Collecting and investing in coins is synergistic!

COLLECT OR INVEST IN AMERICA’S FUTURE BY COLLECTING AND/OR INVESTING IN HER PAST!  IT IS TRULY AN AMAZING STORY FOR ALL GENERATIONS.

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