This year I sold my coin collection at a loss, which I plan to report on Schedule D. Since the hobby loss rule does not allow me to actually declare a loss, there will be no tax benefit. To what extent, if any, can I use gains by selling other similar (e.g. bullion coins or bars) or dissimilar (e.g. stamps or baseball cards) collectables to keep from totally wasting the loss? I'm talking strictly capital gains and losses here, not expenses related to acquiring or disposing of the collectables. Also, because of my inconsistent collecting habits, it would be difficult at best for me to argue that any of the collectibles are/were held for investment purposes. Thanks.
