Jumping In

Thanks, I guess I was looking for a shortcut to build up the base of a collection. Buying in bulk probably would get me a bunch of the most common coins. I don't want to be a hoarder, but I really do like silver coins!

Buying bulk coins you would get the common and/or low grade ones, with many duplicates. Eventually, you will probably have to buy specific coin dates & mintmarks to complete a set.

That's why the Coin Community motto is

We all started out as newbies.

When I was trying to build my Buffalo nickel set, I purchased some bulk sets. Eventually, I had to make specific purchases, either online or in person.

Thanks to all for the good advice!

to the Community!

I moved your welcome post to the appropriate forum so that it continues to receive the proper attention.

Take the time to use Google or Yahoo for possible coin shows, coin clubs too. And although you may not have coin stores near you, some hobbby stores carry coins and coin supplies. And possibly the reason you don't know anyone that collects coins is for safety purposess. People that collect Stamps, Hot Wheel cars, sporting cards, etc. don't mind bragging about them or just talking about them. HOWEVER, with coins remember that most are still usable regardless of the age. A criminal can easily take a pile of coins to any bank and just turn them in. This is possibly why no one you know discusses coins.
Regardless of where you live there is usually a coin show within a decent distance. When checking for one, don't just use one source. By that I mean go to Google and type in coin shows and your State. Then if you live near the border of the State, type in the other States near by.
One big problem with coin show listings is some are just not listed. By me, for example, one is not listed on thos coin show listings and it is there every Month.
Also, try some relatives. Many may collect coins but just don't discuss it for safety purposes.

There's nothing wrong with bulk purchases as long as you have a realistic idea of what you'll likely get, and some smarts regarding what you should pay as a result. In one way or another, almost everybody who collects does so by upgrading successive coins they already have, and buying in bulk gets you started if this is what you want to do. It also sets you up for bulk sales of your own down the line, if that's how it works out for you.

There are as many ways to collect as there are flavors of ice cream. Do as much learning as possible before you get heavily into buying, so you can get a feel for what you like before wasting too much money on things you won't ultimately keep.