Saving time in negotiating the database [solved]

The time has come for Numista to treat those that collect by date on an equal basis with type collectors. Also, it is time to use the data base for quicker and more convenient searches than is now possible. I propose the following suggestions:

1. For me a green dot has the same importance as an exclamation mark. I propose that a check box be put in that would be used to discriminate between a type collector and a date collector. Type collectors would see the current information on the “Start a swap page”. Date collectors would see a total that includes both green dots and exclamation marks. This would save a great deal of time in finding who has the most coins I want to trade for.

2. I do not collect varieties Yet, I will see an exclamation mark, if someone has marked a different variety within a date that I have. Allow the quantity fields in the 'Manage your collection' page to accept a zero. This would leave the total coins in my collection to be unchanged, but would eliminate the exclamation mark for dates I do not have on the “Start a swap page”.

3. When I am starting a swap, I would like a checkbox that would suppress the check marks. It is time consuming and tiresome to see page after page of nothing but checkmarks. This would make the list of coins I might be interested much shorter and the process much faster.

4. A grade is required when adding to your personal collection. I propose that this be mandatory for coins available to swap. Since I collect coins with a minimum grade of VF, it takes a great deal of correspondence and images to find coins that make the grade. An example is the 1893 Hungary 20 filler, a very common coin, but hard to find in VF. I must have started 20 swaps for this coin and have never found one in VF.
Yes, there is a wide opinion on correctly grading a coin. But, even if 75% of coins were graded accurately, it would greatly improve the process.

I would be greatly interested in anyone's comments on the above.

ERNIE

You have made several different suggestions, which are worth discussing separately.
I agree that the possibility to mark whether you are type collector or date collector would be useful. But then why not make one step further and allow the user to enter more specific information about herself, such as "I collect Malaysia from 1967 by date and Brazil from 1990 by type"?

As you correctly pointed out, the grading process is extremely subjective. Your VF might be AU or F for a different member. Some people are "harsh" on their own coins and expect same grading from their partners. Some are ... not so much. I think your best bet is asking for pictures anyway unless you traded with your partner already and know his/her grading very well.

Quote: "erniemix"​The time has come for Numista to treat those that collect by date on an equal basis with type collectors.
​
​2. I do not collect varieties Yet, I will see an exclamation mark, if someone has marked a different variety within a date that I have. Allow the quantity fields in the 'Manage your collection' page to accept a zero. This would leave the total coins in my collection to be unchanged, but would eliminate the exclamation mark for dates I do not have on the “Start a swap page”.

​I really like this one. I wish I had a way to block off unwanted variants, so that they don't clutter up swap lists. Ernie's suggestion sounds like it would be simple to implement.

Maybe it would be more convenient to have a feature "I do not wish this year"? (Varieties, set-only coins and proofs basically function as years (or lines in a coin type page).)

Hello,
The point 3 is implemented.

This has not been implemented. I asked for suppressing check marks and preserving green dots and (!). Not having (!) eliminates all the dates I am looking for.

ERNIE

Hello Ernie,
Did you try Hide ✓ coins?

Hello, yes clicking that new icon Hide ✓ coins does work in hiding those with a tick.


But I noticed an error after doing so - in that those remaining (not hidden)
do not always have the denomination shown ...

.................... Original on left, and after ticking on right ...............

So originally 7 of 1 Penny coins plus 5 Cents 1984, 10 Cents 1966 1975 1982, 20 Cents 1982 2000
should only be those remaining, as the rest have a tick. Then on second image those dates are
all there, but it shows a 1984 Penny which is wrong as they were predecimal up to 1966 so were
not made in 1984 - and instead it should show the 5 Cents name. Similarly the last
two (1982 2000) have the 20 Cents missing (they show wrongly as being 10 Cents).

Sorry for this glitch. It's fixed.

Yes - thanks.