Ignorant Sellers Vs Knowledgeable Collectors

denco7, I'm in full agreement with you.

This is a subject that is hitting pretty close to home right now. I inherited my grandfathers collection years ago and am just now going through it trying to determine what is what in the collection and I saw two replies that I think about almost daily going through this collection.




and then




I have in the last couple months learned a MASSIVE amount about the coins in my possession. But the amount I have learned has really only showed me how much I don't know. I know there could easily be a $500 coin hiding in the piles of loose coins that I have. The problem I am running into is how do I go about trying to find that diamond in the dirt? Seeing these posts about local dealers taking advantage of people like me who simply lack the knowledge to understand the true value of a specific coin scares me from heading into a shop. All of the fakes flying around on ebay make me realize that without the knowledge I simply wouldn't be able to do anything but frustrate myself if I went in that direction.

A number of you say that you won't take advantage of a less knowledgeable seller just to make a fast buck and I really do believe you, but how can I tell you apart from the crook?

chewy_27: You're going to have to trust your instincts. Some collectors don't want any part in a buy from what appears to be an ignorant seller. It's just bad for your soul. It's bad for the hobby. It's bad for everybody. As you can see in the post where this topic originated, the buyer may have indeed been tricked. The valuable coin in question may not be what it was represented to be. So, you see, there are situations where buyers are ignorant, too. The knife cuts both ways, so to speak.
And not everyone is looking to get rich--Try that if you can!!--in this hobby. How many of us are making life-chaning buys or sells? Sometimes people have to get ahold of themselves.
I think most collectors are looking for good value for their money, for a sense of having secured a good coin at a good price. But such buys feel best when both buyer and seller are happy.
Don't lose faith. There are good people everywhere. You have to feel your way to them, I think. You will meet honest collectors and honest shopkeepers if you are patient. But, as you've been advised, educate yourself. Take your time. What is your hurry? Enjoy the journey for all of its ups and downs. That's what your grandfather did.