Like many of us, I started collecting coins from my own country. In my case, Canadian Cents by date which I completed but then sold an F 1893. Still trying to improve everything to VF or better.
Shortly thereafter a $2 purchase at the antique market resulted in my 2nd collection, Canadian Colonials.
Neither the seller nor I knew what it was, but I had a hunch.
Numista has been a great companion along the way and to keep active in the community I decided that my 3rd collection would be the "300 Country Club" ( Yes, I've been around that long!!). I eventually decided on only circulating coins from countries from the year I was born (1961) or before. Seemed like a worthy goal.
But, after another (?) weekend of sorting / culling, I've come to realize that my 3rd collection is becoming quite challenging financially. Here's my map of pre-1962 coins with a Value chart beside it .............
Some points of note...
1. 250 Country Club is not possible, in fact, I can't even make 200 countries pre-1962.
2. As you can see, almost 85% of the collection are on the low end of the value chart (< $25). It's the other 15% that really hits the pocket book.
3. I have the U.S.A. covered on this map. I consider Hard Times and Civil War Tokens to be circulating coins (not in the Value chart).
Numismatics is always "a fun ride" and I'm going to continue my focus on these 3 collections. My monthly budget of $100 Cdn will now be saved monthly until I have a "War Chest" for the big boy auctions.
In closing, what's you experience?