Loving the Unloved: I am not a Numismatic Hero.

Often I read about "Numismatic Heroes."
   In Coin World (plus other newsy coin publications) the kudos flow to the owners of the mint-state rarities. "He had a good eye." "What an accomplishment." "She collected for years."
   Yes, to possess a mint-state large cent is an accomplishment! That is what they say. If I had several hundred thousand dollars, I could be accomplished too. Of course, I would work with an experienced dealer (like all the heroes did) so that only the best coins were presented to me.

All this celebration assumes that the mint-state coin is what it is all about. Oh, and don't forget the full-details: every leaf must have full veins, sharp points, and bold stems (unless of course it is a stemless variety). My favorite heroes are the savvy, keen-eyed experts who pay five-figures for full-bell lines. Now, this guy deserves to win the grading fest competition! Sound the trumpets.

Will anyone love me?
I am unheroic. I have no slab to come home to.
If only someone would take a moment to ponder my story.

But what about the collector who wants something different? The collector who actually sees wear as a portal to the past? Who finds corrosion fascinating because it reflects the way of all things? Who wants an honest piece that was touched by thousands of fingertips, perhaps lost then found, and was actually valued and used as money?
   "Well, this is the "low-end" collector," say the pundits. "A simpleton," they add.
   "The historic coin is the mint-state piece that survived (untouched) for 250+ years." So say the pundits.

But what history lies between the rims of a mint-state coin?
   Nothing.
   Without human touch, use, loss, rediscovery -- there is no story to be told.

Yet, the grading camps go on like a fiery revival. Everyone is gathered under the tents. Young and impressionable collectors are schooled in the pseudo-science of grading. Becoming the "smart buyer" trumps the fascination elicited by a crusty old coin. Crusty coins become labeled as "culls." It is an industry in action.

Of course, it is easy to love the shiny coin. Yes, let us hold up our MS-65 slabs and pat each other on the back. Shall we sing: "I'm so glad; about my slab; full bell lines; look so fine ... ."

No wonder coin collecting is dying.
   Collectors are encasing themselves in plastic. So many are suffocating. Collectors are turned into anxious shoppers looking for the sale. "Blue light special on aisle three!" After all, who doesn't want to become a hero who can celebrate their "smart buy."

I am not a hero. I don't make any smart buys.