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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,557 |
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New Member
United States
22 Posts |
Being "new" to the whole coin collection I am trying to learn as much as possible. To give those who haven't seen any of my other posts I will update you. I have been left a coin collection (the least likely person who should get something like this because I know NOTHING about coins) and I am not sure what to do or how much its worth. Yes I am keeping most of the collection but just about every coin comes in multiples. We are talkin thousands here and I dont know what to do and I am over whlemed by it. LOL! So I did go get the " RedBook" as suggested, still confused! THanks haha. So I dont understand the grading or how/who grades ect. Would anyone be willing to explain. Thanks |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
First of all, learning to grade a coin takes a fair amount of practice and time and it takes experience at looking at many coins to get fairly good at it. It would be best for you probably to pick one particular type of coin and practice with and concentrate on that one series until you get the hang of it. I read in another post you made that you have purchased a Red Book. There is a section in there than can explain the basics very well for you. READ that book and do not clean your coins. Read about proper storage and care for your coins. Take your time. It will come to you. There are lifetime collectors here that can help you too but even they sometimes get opinions on what others might think a grade would be for some of their coins. Check out this link too. MODERN US COIN GRADING http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/...?FORUM_ID=25Edited by TNG
03/07/2009 01:09 am
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Moderator
 United States
16677 Posts |
The American Numismatic Association grading standards book is a great tool. Also, the Professional Coin Grading Service guide to Grading & Counterfeit Detection is a fantastic learning tool. Grading will not come overnight and don't expect it to. Practice as much as you can and check out the grading threads here at the CCF. You have a culmination of many years of combined experience here. Grading is a subjective practice however, you will get a general idea of the census once you are educated. wheezydog has great advice. Just remember, it will come eventually but takes time,studying,and practice  It's great to have you.  swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
Egypt
3470 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
164 Posts |
Also there is the book Photograde, which has images of coins in different grades.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1840 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
655 Posts |
Hi. If I were you and was so overwhelmed I'd talk to a professional or a friend or a friend of a friend who knew coins. If your collection is significant I'm sure a dealer would visit you and at least give you a ballpark figure of what you have. My opinion is, when it comes to actual monetary value, a few really rare coins are worth more than a whole bucket full of common 'rare' coins. For online grading I use this site: http://www.coincentric.com/CoinShop.htm. Click on a coin series and it wil take you to a page where you can select the grading option. Very clear, simple diagnostics. Ron |
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New Member
 United States
22 Posts |
Ron6788- unfortuantely I don't know anyone who is into coin collecting. I also live in a VERY small town (one red light literally- and that was only added last year bc of Walmart) so the only place I have to go is like pawn shops and to be honest I really don't trust exactly what they say because they just want me to give them the collection wout answering MY questions- I have been told that people don't collect coins anymore bc they are worthless- obviously that isn't true otherwise I would not have ya'll to talk to!!  That is why I am askin questions when I get a chance to get one her and get to work with the coins! Not as much time as I would like tho. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Quote:
I have been told that people don't collect coins anymore bc they are worthless Heh, someone may want to mention that to Heritage Auction Galleries- they have sold over $700 million in coins in the past 12 months  someone must be buying and collecting to spread that kind of money around... |
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,557 |
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Posted 03/07/2009 01:22 am
