Where Can I Acquire Lots Of Early American Coppers?

Pytellc. I am an enthusiast of early American copper and a member of EAC. Given your budget, I would advise against buying any coins from dealers. You will lose your shirt if you ever want to upgrade and I would say you can get the same coin for half the cost being patient on ebay (true auctions not buy it now). A good example of this would be the coins jerryc39 posts in the classic coins grading forum. He has a knack for finding great low grade copper on ebay for better than dealer prices. Also, try to avoid problem coins. I know you are on a budget, but better a low grade problem free than a high grade with problems.

Thanks guys for the advice! And yes, I have actually had some very good luck with ebay. Very recently, as a matter of fact. Just the other day I bought another 1851 Large Cent in F+ for the exact same price as I paid for the one I got at the show.

Unfortunately, though, I have issues buying online because my bank account is solely for savings, I never touch the money in there no matter what. For that reason, and I know it's pathetic for a 20 year old, whenever I want to buy anything online I have to give my father the money and borrow his credit card. And, suffice it to say, he is not a big fan of my coin collecting. In fact, he is not a fan of spending money on anything. He just doesn't understand why I love coins so much.

Anyway, out of my paychecks, which I can cash in where I work, I save about $30 a week just for coins but rarely get to spend it. Most of the time I save it for a little while and end up just putting it back into my savings account.

I'd hate to try and solicit a trade on the wrong forum, but, anyone interested?

Trading the coins I do have, which I am only somewhat partial to, for ones that I absolutely adore seems to be the most reasonable and effective manner of acquiring what I am seeking.

thanks for your comments EF large cents. I try!

It would be my first thought to suggest you reach out to - become a member of - the EAC community. Not so much as a source of coins (that would come later) but as a source of information. Early coppers need in-depth understanding to collect "well" yet are plentiful enough for your budget to be relevant if longer-term than others'.

There's plenty of nice coins in that market, but there are also plenty of lower-grade examples with less demand pressure than pricier ones. To the extent that any Early Copper can be subject to "less" pressure, of course. But here is where understanding how EAC works is to your advantage. EAC dealers tend to ask prices based on accurate knowledge of where the coin ought to be in the larger picture, not necessarily subject to market fluctuations.

And your learning process becomes proof of your intellectual investment in the real-world quality of what you buy. No reason why well-bought Early Copper in just about any grade can't be considered a solid long-term investment as long as the plan is to preserve the money rather than grow it at any specific rate. This is one subspecialty which will never lack for subscribers - it's a natural growth direction for Lincoln specialists and enjoys steady additions to the collector population.

As a member of Early American Copper I highly recommend joining EAC but as you said you're a college student and the $40 membership fee may be too high. I can send you a PM with a few ebay stores to check out but if you're not in metro Detroit I can't help you as far as shows or swap meets.
That said I do have a few coppers I might be willing to trade for, again I'll send you a PM.
If you ever have questions or need guidance about copper coins feel free to drop me an email and I'll gladly respond.

I'd also like to give Jack Beymer a shout out as a "good guy dealer" pretty much any member of the EAC that is a dealer too, have never had any issues with any of them in past transactions.

I can't keep track of every coin jerryc39 picks up, but I don't disagree with Classic Coins assessment on patience for quality and increased budget. I learned my lesson buying low grade large cents, selling them off was a difficult and losing venture. You will be much better off investing in knowledge and saving for months to buy one nice coin. With a budget of $30 a week, in two months you have enough to buy a Mint State late date (1850's) large cent! I still recommend buying from true auctions though to get the best prices. Dealers get some of their inventory from auctions, and then mark them up.

Also, pick up these references to get started. There are specialty volumes on specific coin series, but they are more expensive. Determine what you are interested in first and then jump off from there. Joining EAC will also boost your knowledge and give you connections into the EAC community.

References:
Grading Guide for Early American Coppers
2015 Red Book Deluxe Edition (The copper section is greatly expanded in this volume)