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What kind of collector are you? As in most dichotomies, there are two types: the pastime collector and the hobby collector. Each has distinct traits.

There’s nothing wrong with being one or the other. But it helps to know the motivations if you comment on their posts or respond to their questions on social media.

PASTIME COLLECTOR

10 Traits of the Pastime Collector

• Main motivation: value of coin.
• Got into the hobby through social media.
• Uses Coin Apps, eBay, YouTube for values.
• Examines pocket change.
• Goes to banks for roll boxes.
• Searches for ultra rarities.
• Needs to do numismatic research.
• Uses a coin microscope for errors.
• Asks others to identify their finds.
• Seeks affirmation, not information.

Here are some recent Facebook posts from pastime collectors:

DON’T KNOW COINS; DOUBLE DIE … OR SOMETHING. MAKE AN OFFER!

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I FOUND A UNIQUE ERROR! WHAT IS IT, WHAT’S IT WORTH?

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IT’S RARE BECAUSE I SAID IT WAS!

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HAVE NO IDEA WHAT’S GOING ON BUT TELL ME WORTH!

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IGNORE THE WORD “COPY”; IT’S GENUINE CC!

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Now that we have met the pastime collector, let’s view their counterpart.

HOBBYIST COLLECTOR

10 Traits of the Hobbyist Collector

• Main motivation: ownership.
• Entered the hobby through relatives, friends.
• Uses Redbook, reads coin magazines.
• Examines credit card, bank balances.
• Goes to auctions, coin shows, clubs.
• Specializes in a few denominations.
• Learns about die markers and counterfeits.
• Uses a naked eye or loupe for errors.
• Helps others identify their finds.
• Seeks information, not affirmation.

Here are some Facebook posts from hobby collectors.

I FINALLY OWN THE KING OF KINGS!

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SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!

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BEHOLD THE HISTORY!

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ALL IN THE FAMILY!

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NOT SOMETHING YOU FIND IN CHANGE!

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Now that you know the two types of collectors, you can decide which one you want to be. If you have time to spare, look at spare change. If you have spare funds, own coins.

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You can find more information about errors and varieties as well as buying and bidding on coins in Coin News Updated: The Essential Guide to Online Bidding. Please consider purchasing the work for yourself or a friend, as it underwrites this hobbyist website. Thank you.