My Numismatic Goals for 2025: A Collector’s Blueprint

Like many of you, I’ve been thinking about my collecting plans for next year. Seeing what other collectors are aiming for got my gears turning, so I’ve mapped out a mix of dream coins and practical steps. Here’s my game plan for 2025.

My Coin Wish List

I’m chasing pieces that really speak to me – coins with history and character. Top of my list:

• A 1957 Ceylon 5 rupees Buddhism commemorative with strong Cameo or DCAM contrast – I’ll be looking for certified examples since eye appeal matters most for this one
• A problem-free Mexican “Caballito” peso in MS62-63 (skipping gem grades to save money) – hoping to find one at the FUN show
• An ancient silver coin with John Quincy Adams family provenance, specifically from their 1974 sale, connecting to my family roots
• A Spanish or Colonial gold cob (1- or 2-escudos) with shipwreck history – nothing like a treasure story!
• Upgrading my old US $3 gold piece to AU or Mint State – still kicking myself for selling my last one, so I’m watching for price dips

Also considering a gold Indian elephant pagoda, a Cleopatra VII portrait coin in Fine or better with clean surfaces, and maybe a Cromwell-era English piece if funds allow. That German thaler from the 1500s-1600s keeps tempting me too – always balancing looks against cost.

Tackling the Clutter

After too many impulse buys, I’m finally getting serious about thinning the herd. Selling off coins that don’t fit my focus frees up cash for better pieces. The big project? Cataloging everything with current values – saves my family headaches later and honestly, it’s been fun rediscovering coins I bought years ago. Just last week, I compared my old grading notes to today’s standards – really shows how much clean surfaces matter now versus back then.

Closing the Gaps

Finishing sets takes patience. My Jefferson nickels are nearly complete – still need that tough 1950-D, but I’ll probably just buy it outright. Other sets I’m working on:

• US gold type set (1834–1933) – just two double eagles left! Auction hunting when the budget allows
• Colonial currency from each state (except ultra-rare Vermont) – history over perfection here
• My “century set” spanning 600 BC to 1500 AD – being picky to avoid weak strikes or damage

For world coins, I’m adding Irish Free State pieces or elephant notes. Sticking to raw medieval/ancient coins saves money – my tip? Go for circulated coins with honest wear but strong eye appeal.

Quality Beats Quantity

I tried limiting myself to 100 coins last year – selling one to add one forced tough choices but taught me to focus on luster and problem-free surfaces. Now I use that approach selectively: when something new comes in, a duplicate or lesser coin goes out. It helps control costs too – that MS62-63 Caballito saves enough for rarer finds. Mostly, it keeps my collection meaningful instead of overwhelming.

A Few Hard-Earned Tips

Start small – two or three special coins a year keeps it fun. Track your spending and use sales to fund new buys. Hit shows like FUN to examine coins firsthand. Always verify those pedigrees and shipwreck stories – they add real character. Remember: a Fine Cleopatra with great eye appeal often beats a higher grade with issues. And catalog early – it’s as much for your enjoyment as for your heirs. Here’s to a great collecting year ahead!