THE AMMENITIES OF COIN COLLECTORS

One of my favorite purchases in the recent Kolbe-Craig Smith Library Sale was a complete set of Max Mehl’s Numismatic Monthlies. In the inaugural issue, Mr. Mehl reproduced a three part 19th Century article on the Amenities (or rules of etiquette) of Coin Collectors. What I found particularly interesting was how the principles of “good behavior” in our small part of the collecting world seem to have remained the same for over a century.

I.- BUYING, SELLING AND EXCHANGING.

As the man of society, the artist, the officer, the professional man, and the man of science must observe certain rules in dealing with their colleagues, so must the coin collector if he wishes to be regarded as a gentleman. The special courtesies of the collector can be reduced to a few precepts, but it is well to set them forth in this elementary pamphlet in order that the novice may avoid falling unawares into some lapse of good manners, which might do him harm and result in a serious hindrance to his career as a collector.

Some collectors are at the same time dealers. They collect on their own account, but if they find it advantageous they sell. It must, however, be admitted that the true collector also, he who yields to no one a single piece of his collection, must of necessity become a trader on giving up a duplicate when he has found a better example, and to free himself from a quantity of duplicates on being possessed of a collection. The true collector ought to sell or exchange only with his equals-equal that is, in experience and knowledge of coins.

When the two collectors both know equally well the value of the objects bought or exchanged, there is no more danger of one believing, rightly or wrongly, that he is fighting with unequal weapons, but this danger exists and may be a source of unpleasantness in the contrary case hence it is to be strongly recommended to the experienced collector not to have business relations with the new collectors, but to leave them gain experience with the dealers. For however honest and upright his action may be it will never be held to be so by the novice, not being able to judge from his own knowledge, will always fear he has been over-reached.

II.-RELATIONS WITH COLLECTORS.-VISITS TO COLLECTORS

The collector with few rare exceptions in the case of an egotist or a misanthrope who desires to keep himself shut mysteriously in his own domain, is always pleased when a colleague interests himself in his collection and asks permission to see it.

It is always permissible to ask a collector such a favor, and generally is foolish to refuse it without reason.

When permitted to see a certain collection the visitor must be contented with what the collector chooses to show him, and must not be indiscreet in his demands and above all allow the owner himself to open the cases containing the coins. He should not touch the coins without asking leave, and it should be done with the greatest care, without letting them fall or injuring them in any way. If at any time during the visit the owner is obliged to absent himself for a time leaving the coin cabinet open, the visitor ought not to remain within reach of the coins. Let him withdraw to some distance until the owner returns.

Some years ago and old and respectable dealer who was visiting me for the first time, and in whom I had every confidence was looking at my collection when I was called away by a member of my family.

Without any thought of him I left the room, but saw that the old man followed me into the adjoining room saying: “I will wait here.” And as I was surprised at his doing so, I requested him to continue his inspection. “It is impossible,” said he, “I never remain alone in a room where a coin cabinet is open. If ever it should happen that some coin was missing I should not like to see myself in a position to be suspected.” And I think he was right.

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web