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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,120 |
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Valued Member
United States
420 Posts |
Hello, I went back to the coin shop I was in last weekend and left a little discouraged but with some direction. This weekend I talked to the owner who helped me decide what to collect by asking me a bunch of questions. Really nice guy. Anyway, I have decided to collect Proof Sets from the year I was born (1979) to Date. He showed me a 1979 Proof Set too. He suggested I read more of my book which I found out is called "Handbook of United States coins 2009: The Official Blue Book" By: R.S. Yeoman. I have the 66th Edition. This book doesn't give me the info I need which is: A Proof Set Price List What "No S Mark means" What does Pres. mean What are Type 1 sets What are Type 2 sets The owner said he could tell me but to truly be a collector knowledge and where to get that knowledge is key. Will this site help me? Thanks, Rich |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4541 Posts |
It will if you stick with it  I have found this site very helpful! Before I found this site I just kinda went by RedBook value and only what was in the RedBook. I joined this site and learned about vams different variety types, and just insight. If you want to truly be a collector then you will enjoy this site.... But if your in it thinking your gonna make a quick buck and dont have a love for coins this site want help you.. And the only reason I say that is you want stick with it and take time out of your day to learn like you would if you really enjoyed something... I will say this is the best site I have been on, and there are a lot of great people on here  Edited by daviscfad
09/29/2008 1:33 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
Quote:
A Proof Set Price List
a list that gives you an Idea of what specific sets may cost , most price lists are not entirely accurate , and we suggest that you use real time pricing information , which can be obtained here by those who actively collect the same things or from current auctions of the sets you are looking for
What "No S Mark means"
Some coins in some proofsets were mistakenly struck without the S mint mark , those coins have a value above the normal coin value because of this error in striking .
What does Pres. mean
Im not sure ? but that is the abbreviated version for Prestige proofsets , these sets included more coins as well as the normal examples of circulation coinage ,most commonly a commemorative for the year.
What are Type 1 sets
Type 1 in the sense it is used for the 1979 proofset refers to the mint mark and specifically to the mint mark being filled or very indistinguishable as an S mushy and ill defined .
What are Type 2 sets
Type 2 sets also in reference to the 1979 Proofset refers to the opposite of the type 1 and the coins display a clearly defined S mint mark
We can and will help you with your collecting ,that is our purpose here ! we are Glad to have you here with us ,ask any questions you have and I'm sure that one or many of our collectors will do their best to help ! Welcome to the forum ! |
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Valued Member
 United States
420 Posts |
Hello,
WOW, thanks for all the useful info. Where would I find all this info, in books? I'm currently reading "The Blue Book." and "Coin Collecting for Dummies."
Thanks,
Rich
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
My suggestion for first books would not have been the blue but rather the RedBook . it contains more history on the coins as well as an introduction to collecting , the majority of this info is available from other source books which are more series specific rather than an overview . as well as websites of experts on the individual series as well as varities and errors . the best place to start is right here on the forum in our various forums for specific questions . as a start here is a page which details the diagnostics of the 79-S proofs type 1 and type 2 . http://www.bestcoin.com/Diagnostics...oof-Sets.htm |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1415 Posts |
 with Metalman. RedBook. Its prices are retail. I use it since I do not have self control as the maximum I will pay for the coin I JUST HAVE TO HAVE. Actually you should pay less than RedBook. Also the library is a good source of information. They usually have multiple reference books that you can peruse. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Hey we all forgot to say  Glad you asked that question. And as Metalman says, buy the Red Book by Whitman Publishing. Also, I suggest prior to buying any coins ask a lot of questions here. A coin store, coin show, miscellaneous coin dealer may well tell you anything based on what they want from you. Mostly the members here have nothing to gain by telling you what they think, know, etc. Just think you could ask one million questions here and it doesn't cost what that Blue Book did. Of course there are always a few here that will say something dumb, like me for instance, so you'll just have to ignor that. One more thing is those prestige sets usually come in a really fancy booklet looking form. I've got several of them and never could figure out why I purchased them. One more thing is to try finding a coin show in your area. Can't beat a coin show for education and information. |
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Valued Member
United States
264 Posts |
Welcome to the family. Since everyone has already told you about some good books and such I'll give some other advice. From the sounds of it your local coin dealer may be a good source to purchase coins. Some dealers are very pushy and others more laid back, sounds like you have the laid back type. Depending where you live look into a local coin club. Even if you don't join they hold annual or semi-annual coin shows where you can look at different proof sets and get a feel for prices. Also depending where you live there are national coin shows held. Places like Orland, FL - Atlanta, GA - Palm Beach, FL - etc. The national shows have many dealers, live auctions, etc. For proof sets you can buy the more recent ones from the US Mint still in both normal and silver. ebay is always an option along with the other auction sites. Just check here under the ebay/auction site section for some of the bad sellers on ebay before you bid. Estate sales, flea markets, yard sales, etc. can sometimes result in proof sets or other coins at great prices. |
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Valued Member
United States
420 Posts |
Thanks for all your tips. As of tonight I own the RedBook, the Blue Book and Coin Collecting for Dummies. I find the Dummies books helpful. I'm seriously considering attending the coin show that is in my area in November. I'm going to buy my first Proof Set this coming weekend. The 1979 Type 1 Proof Set. I have also created my own spreadsheet. I would attach it here for suggestions but I don't think I'm allowed to. Thanks. |
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Moderator
 United States
187446 Posts |
Looks like you are off to a great start! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
I'm seriously considering attending the coin show that is in my area in November I would strongly advise doing so, you will find it an eye opening experience. Even better would be if there is a member of the forum who lives in your area that you could meet up with who can provide experienced advice. As a beginner I would definitely say read the RedBook and I DON'T mean the prices. They are the least important part of the book. (If you get your hands on an older copy from back before when Bowers wrote the introductory material it is even better.) |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,120 |
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Posted 09/29/2008 2:22 pm
