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I have long had a theory than both IT and collecting (along with certain brain focused games such as Chess and Bridge) are particularly attractive to people with a low level (often undiagnosed) autism. The need for high focus of concentration, attention to detail and retention of large amounts of data seem to work together.

Or collectors who are not digitally savvy, have never found this forum.

I have never been diagnosed as such but have come to same conclusion for myself over a number of years. I thinks some indicators: - get on better with things than with people, even get emotionally attached to inanimate objects more than people. - able to focus intently on mental games for hours, but get bored quickly making idle chatter with people - Love "ticking the boxes" collecting and filling gaps in a collection. Love sequences, similarities and differences in a collection - can remember facts about things - periodic table, history, coins etc - with no difficulty but forget people's names in an instant. - find "unfinished business" intensely bothersome. - have to focus to be understanding and tolerant of other people's faults, but can't see the problem with my own! Anyone else tick a few of those boxes? 😁

No......Keep going there is nothing else happening 😄

*Madness raises his hand and then quietly whispers that he suspected something similar* I wasn't diagnosed until I was 41.

May I dip a tentative toe into the controversial autism waters? I think - and this is only a theory based on autistic characteristics - that 'completists', i.e. collectors of date runs and every known variety, are possibly more 'on the spectrum' than type collectors? Of course, the other connection between coins and IT is that if you get bored, you can always switch off, then switch back on again in the future.

I want this one @jelida. Think you could get it for me for 200 GBP? 😉 Source: Upcoming DNW Auction Seriously I'm interested in this lot as it has a few coins I'm after and gives me exposure to coins from different eras and different denominations. What do you think? Edit: Actually the cartwheel penny is in crap condition. Any comments on the others?

Thanks @Madness - Joe's 'Steppin' Out' is one of my favourite 80s singles.

Reading about numismatics is fun. Macquarie University in Sydney has a Centre for Ancient Numismatics, but only for those who already have an appropriate undrgrad degree. I don't think a music degree counts, but the contemplation of a Bachelor of Ancient History is intriguing. Studied two semesters of beginner's Ancient Greek (language) at Melbourne Uni about 25 years ago and then a couple of years of Koine Greek. I've forgotten most of it, but this should help me gain entry. Hmm.... food for thought. They offer the course externally as well as on campus. Would keep the old grey matter ticking over rather than sitting at home staring at the ceiling.