My Insights on Setting Top Ten Numismatic Goals for 2025

My Numismatic Wish List for 2025

With 2025 just around the corner, I’ve been thinking hard about my coin collecting goals. Setting clear targets helps me stay focused and actually enjoy the hunt more—it’s not just about dreaming big, but making smart choices with my budget. Over the years, I’ve found the sweet spot is balancing reach goals with practical picks.

My Top Ten Targets

Here’s what’s got me excited for next year’s hunts. Realistically, I might only land a couple with my budget, but half the fun is in the pursuit:

• That stunning 1957 Ceylon 5 rupees Buddhism commemorative—I’m holding out for Cameo or DCAM proof quality. Surface quality and sharp details are non-negotiable for me.
• An ancient coin tied to John Quincy Adams’ collection, ideally silver. Pieces with documented history, like those from the 1974 sale, feel like holding history itself.
• A Mexican “Caballito” peso in MS62-63 condition. Gem grades hurt the wallet, so I’ll be prowling the FUN show for one with great luster and no issues.
• Spanish or Colonial gold cob with shipwreck provenance—you can’t beat the romance of a coin that’s survived the deep.
• Upgrading my US $3 gold piece to AU or Mint State. Learned my lesson after regretting a too-quick sale years back.
• Filling holes in my US Type sets with affordable but meaningful dates.
• An Indian gold elephant pagoda—the exotic design calls to me. Hunting for good weight and a crisp strike.
• Cleopatra VII portrait coin in Fine or better. Smooth surfaces let you appreciate the ancient artistry.
• Cromwell or English Commonwealth coin from the 1650s. Might settle for a more common issue if the rare ones stay pricey.
• Another 16th/17th-century German thaler, but only if a gorgeous, problem-free example crosses my path at the right price.

Keeping My Collection Lean

I’ve finally admitted I need to manage what I already own—impulse buys have haunted me! My game plan:

• Selling off “meh” coins to fund new treasures. Duplicates and unloved pieces are hitting eBay and shows to bankroll upgrades.
• Cataloging everything properly. Recording fair values and grades helps me spot my own collecting patterns and saves my heirs future headaches.
• Revisiting my “Box of 100” rule—forcing myself to sell one coin for every new addition. It hurts sometimes (I’ve parted with pieces I later missed), but it keeps quality over quantity in check. Still allowing wiggle room though!

Looking back at coins I bought 20 years ago has been revealing. My grading eye’s sharper now, and reevaluating old Lincoln cents or Barber dimes feels like seeing them anew.

What Works for Me

If my collecting misadventures help you, here’s what I’ve figured out:

• Grading wisdom: For proofs like that Ceylon piece, hold out for Cameo/DCAM—the eye appeal’s worth it. With ancients, prioritize surfaces; Fine grade or better lets the artistry shine.
• Market notes: Key dates like the 1950-D Jefferson nickel can skyrocket. I hunt rolls for common stuff but buy rarities outright to avoid heartache. AU to MS gold coins often give the best bang for buck.
• Set strategies: Knock off easy gaps first (missing Irish Free State coins, colonial notes). Shows and auctions are goldmines, and themed foreign notes (elephants! dragons!) keep things fresh.
• Budget tricks: Selling extras funds new buys without tapping savings. Start small—logging just a few coins monthly builds steam.

Why We Collect

Let’s be real—collecting’s about the stories and smiles, not just acquisitions. My friends joke I’m a “borderline hoarder” with my oddball pieces (Star Trek coins, anyone?). But that eclectic mix is half the fun. Completing sets, even with gaps, feels fantastic. Downsizing has upsides too—rediscovering forgotten gems while streamlining makes the whole hobby feel new again. Here’s to a 2025 full of great finds and shared passion!