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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,480 |
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New Member
United States
37 Posts |
Hello again. I recently decided I wanted to take up coin collecting again (I did it as a kid and never really lost my interest). I've been reading books and gathering information. So far I've read "Coin Collecting for Dummies" and I am currently reading "The Coin Collectors Survival Manual." I also have a book on Peace dollars on order. Originally I thought I wanted to collect Morgans because I like silver coins and my dad collected them, but I think I've changed my mind. For one thing, there are so many Morgans and so many rare Morgans that it seems a bit advanced for me. Plus, my favorite time in history to study is the time after WW1 though WW2. That in mind, my interest shifted to Peace dollars... and then fanned out into Standing Liberty quarters, Walking Liberty half dollars, and maybe Mercury dimes (for my daughter--to help her start a collection... but then I think maybe I should consider these too). I just don't know where to start. I started with a focus and ended up with a huge range of coins. I do know that I would like to pick a type of coin and collect one from every mint and every year (I am not ready to get into dies and such). My concerns include price and being able to complete a collection (I figure it will take years though) and maybe getting stuck with forgeries and such since I am new at this. I rather if I make mistakes in the beginning, they are inexpensive mistakes. Any ideas on where a newbie should start concerning the types of coins I mentioned? Thanks! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4337 Posts |
If you can spare $30 to $50 a coin as an average, you can complete a short set of 1934 through 1945 Winged Liberty Head (Mercury) Dimes in very choice and high grades. Heck, you can buy most stabbed by PCGS at those prices and crack them out and customize that short set into an aftermarket set holder. That's a sweet shiny set to own and can be passed down generationally.
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Valued Member
United States
167 Posts |
I see you did not mention my favorite. Lincoln cents from1909 to current, including proofs. However the keys to the set would be very expensive and those should be certified. Because they are counterfeited.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
675 Posts |
My advice would be to obtain a couple of each of the coin types that interest you most, (so Peace, Mercury dimes, and Walkers). Then once you have those you will likely learn what interests you the most. For the more pricey/key date coins I would recommend them from either people you trust, or buying authenticated pieces to avoid the possibility of frauds. As far as focus goes, most people who collect coins are interested in a variety of things. Just because you are working on one set doesn't mean that you can't buy some coins of other type. You could always just collect various coins that appeal to you without necessarily intending to complete any one set and discover where your collecting leads you. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
My suggestion is to try to find a coin show or coin store. Don't go there with the intent on making a purchase, just look and look to see what appeals to you. At a coin show you could possibly see thousands of coins of all varieties and types. Almost the same with a coin store. Spend a little time looking.
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New Member
 United States
37 Posts |
Thanks for the advice so far! I really want to go to a coin show, but it looks like it will be a few months before one comes my way. In the meantime, I did find a store that's about an hour away. I've seen all the coins in question, and I know I like them all. I think I like the Peace dollars the most, but I love all the others as well. The reason I want to focus on one to start is so I can learn about that one type of coin and hone my experience with it (focus on one thing at a time if you will). I think eventually I would like to collect them all though--I figure this is a long-term hobby. :) |
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Valued Member
United States
149 Posts |
I know you specifically said you want to focus on one type of coin but I think you should consider a type set first and move on from there. And by type set I mean collecting different major designs of pennies, nickels, dimes, etc. I say find a good guide to U.S. coins (even online) and buy whatever coins you like, from whatever date, whatever denomination, and any design that appeals to you.
Then after you have a good variety you will not only have a much better understanding about U.S. coin collecting, but a much better understanding on what coin you should collect a complete set on.
By going straight into a complete set for one specific coin before you have a variety of U.S. coins you may spend hundreds of dollars before you realize you find a different type of coin so much more interesting and don't even want to bother with the first set anymore.
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Valued Member
United States
146 Posts |
 Make a visit to that coin shop not necessarily with the intent to buy,but to see what he has in stock. Look for his junk boxes(separate containers,each containing a different denomination).These will usually be on the lower end of the grade range and as in the case of silver will usually sell for just a little over spot.Going through these junk boxes will give a feel for what a natural circulated coin looks like as opposed to what has been polished and whizzed. I find that Mercury dimes usually have the widest range of dates and mint marks and will range from poor to uncirculated. I do not collect Mercury dimes for dates and mm anymore,but still go through the junk boxes looking for varieties and errors. Get you a book on grading.I personally prefer the ANA Grading Standards for US coins.Photograde is a good one and PCGS has one.I am not 100% sure,but I do not believe the ANA book is still in print.My copy is from 1977,bought used. Have fun. regards coffeecup57 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
If and when you do go to that coin store, look for a book called the Red Book by Whitman Publishing. And to save a little, ask for a older edition. They have been made each year since 1946, although the first one had a 1947 date on it. Yet all you want it for is to see all the varieties and types of coins available. Also, there is a little info about each one. If interested in coin books, you may want to check out the Whitman Publishing web site. They make a real pile of different books on coins. But should be cheaper on places like Amazon or the Walmart Book site. |
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,480 |
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Posted 01/05/2014 8:27 pm
