| Author |
 Replies: 14 / Views: 2,126 |
|
|
New Member
Canada
10 Posts |
I know its been asked a million times here but, I thought I'd ask here anyway.
Where did you guys get started with collecting? And more importantly... where should I? :)
I decided to order a few silver coins and the uncirculated set from the post office. And now I'm going through all the change I have in my house, my brothers house, and my inlaws house.
I also went to the 2 local banks and asked them if they had any 50 cent coins from Canada or the US, and also if they had any old coins in the bank anywhere. Both bank workers looked at me like I was speaking a different language and just said "no".
So, other than looking around online and hitting the shops when I get to a center that has a coin dealer, where should I start?
Oh and I live in a very small town with only 1000 people. Not a lot of options here lol.
Thanks very much.
|
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
3234 Posts |
 I started with silver dollars way back when. They look pretty and are always available in the shops... Then maybe go the large cent route...It's always nice when someone in the family knows where there are some old coins to get you started. If they have some,..well you can almost bet that there will be nothing of any special value...but it's a fun start. Today's small cents can also keep you very busy with all of the newer varieties being found..Everyone has jars full somewhere and there are gems sitting in there waiting to be found... Happy Hunting..!!  |
|
Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
to CCF. If you type get started in the upper left search box you will get a lot of info. Enjoy our great site. John1  |
|
New Member
 Canada
10 Posts |
Thank you very much. I will keep on readin :)
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
2366 Posts |
I started putting 'funny' looking pennies aside from my paper route when I was a kid. Couldn't afford anything more expensive than that. As an adult collector who is intending to buy coins (not just find them roll hunting or in pocket change) your best bet is to figure out roughly how much you're willing to spend, then figure out roughly what that amount of money will buy, and then narrow your focus until one fits into the other. A few sites to check out for the range of what's available are: http://www.coinsandcanada.com/coins-prices.php for circulation coins http://www.coinsandcanada.com/coins...ces-nfld.php for pre-confederation Newfoundland coins http://www.coinsandcanada.com/bank-...s-prices.php for paper notes Also check out the grading guides available through the menus near the top of the page. http://www.jandm.com/script/getItem.asp under the Royal Canadian Mint category for NCLTs (Non Circulating Legal Tender, like the silver coins at the post office) http://www.colonialacres.com/ has a good range of everything - circulation, NCLT & supplies If you're going to be spending a significant amount of money (you define what 'significant' means) then invest in the Charlton Catalogues. Vol 1 covers circulation coins, Vol 2 covers NCLT, and there are more for paper, tokens etc. ebay is a good bet for finding what you're looking for without having to wait for a trip. Prices can also be better than bricks & mortar dealers but can also be worse so do your research. eCrater is another option but with a lot less traffic on it. Edited by kuh_85
01/23/2014 4:12 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
3049 Posts |
First off... It's always good to see new members here! I'm actually pretty new to this whole hobby myself..(kinda sorta) Here are my recommendations to you: 1) Read and learn as much as possible. I have only really been in this hobby for just over 2 yrs now and knowledge is not only power, in this hobby it really makes for having a way more pleasurable experience. So READ up on the net... SUBSCRIBE.. to journals or newpapers that deal with coins.. And finally ASK a whole lot of questions..(no question is really ever a bad question) 2) I may be a good idea to specialize your interests into one specific area. I can't help myself I love everything and find myself picking up anything that I find interesting.. unfortunately my collection is just all over the map. Personally I would rather have a type set or date set that is REALLY nice over a whole bunch of "average" coins..(but that is just me) For what to specialize in... well I'll leave that up to you... read a bit on each different type and denomination of coin.. find something that really appeals to you. Personally I got into numi's from a start in collecting gold and silver coins (hence the nick name).. But 50 cent pieces and pre-confed. maritime coins have really taken my interest.. so I try to focus on those items ... mostly. 3) You mentioned that you went to the bank and they all looked at you like you had a third eye... I will say most people wouldn't understand what you might be interested in or why... Just keep banking and when you bump into a teller let them know the kind of stuff you're looking for and if they've ever seen anything like that. If you make a good relationship with your bank when some interesting items ever do come in... they may put them aside for you.. (a few banks here do that for me and it's GREAT!) Hope you enjoy this hobby.. look forward to seeing more of your threads.. and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask someone on here.. most of the users on here are super awesome people from my experiences at least. All the best Ag |
|
Bedrock of the Community
Canada
10743 Posts |
.. to CCF MacBane...enjoy your stay with us.. I only collect the Canada silver coins from 1967 and under. But, you collect whatever you like and, make sure you enjoy what you do..  Have fun!! |
|
Valued Member
United States
467 Posts |
Start by buying a book or two - the most recent Charlton catalogue and a grading book. I'd suggest starting with a type set - one coin from each monarch's major designs and then you can get an idea of what you like. Tokens could also be interesting. The most important thing in my opinion is to start slow - don't throw big bucks around for a long time, that way your mistakes won't hurt as much. Finally I would not purchase any non-circulating legal tender from the Royal Canadian Mint. If it turns out that you like modern coinage like that buy it in the aftermarket where it will be less expensive, most of the time. Welcome to the hobby and have a blast! |
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
937 Posts |
MacBane! It all boils down to one thing: what do you like? There's as many ways to approach a collection as there are collectors. Acquire the coins that make you happy, that make you feel good whenever you look at them. It doesn't matter what anyone else collects, just go with your gut. Myself, I collect small cents. I just love 'em. I've got other coins as well, but it's those little coppers that gets my engine revving. You'll find something that calls to you, too, whatever it is, and then go for it. Who knows? Maybe you'll end up with a collection like no other. Cheers, and welcome to the club! |
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
849 Posts |
Do you want to look in change for your collection or "buy" your collection?
If you don't want to pay much more than the value printed on the coin you could collect all Loonies, all Toonies or any other coin since 1967 (a few Loonies were only in sets some years and you'd have to buy those).
If you don't mind purchasing coins you could do quarters from 1937 on or nickels 1922 on or small pennies.
The "free" way might be a way to start until you decide if you love dimes or whatever.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
617 Posts |
Hi Macbane and welcome.
An inexpensive way to start would be to get a bunch of rolls from the bank and set aside anything that looks different then roll up what you don't keep and take them back. I would start with quarters. Just from 1999 to present you will find quite a few. This would be a good way to try it out if your not sure where to start.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
532 Posts |
I caught the bug from my Grandfather and Father. Both enjoyed rarities. My grandfather was a silver dollar man while my dad tended to do all the other denominations. I, not wanting to be tied down choose to collect all types of coins. I guess I could split my set 80% collector 20% investor but that's just me. If the coin is nice and won't break the bank I'll buy it. I've also started a small error coin collection that has a few rare pieces. So I guess my advice to you is collect what you like guided by the people who know. As for banks I tend to buy rolls of circulation coinage to pass the time in the evening, you never know what might turn up. E-bay is another source of amusement but be savvy before you buy. One more thing, If you get to know the waitresses at your local coffee shop or restaurant you might get a few gems. I hope you find many hours of enjoyment in our shared passion!  |
|
New Member
Canada
10 Posts |
Wow, thank you all. For the wonderful welcome and the great starting information. I will be definitely be doing some ... or all... of this. I guess you could say that I'm in it for both an investment and the excitement. I am at a point in my life now where I can afford a "little" bit to invest each month (besides my other investments) in a hobby. And I've always wanted to start collecting coins, just never really got down to actually doing it. As mentioned, I have been going through all the change in my house. Wife pulled out a huge tub she's been throwing change into for the last 10 years and 2 of our kids piggy banks. Neither of us had any idea what we were looking for, except that I remembered reading that silver pre 1967 Canada and 1964 US were worth keeping. After going through all the change, and basically just looking for anything that interests me or anything even remotely old, I found a few things that caught my eye. And discovered that Pennies really do not interest me lol. Nickles and Quarters definitely did tho, I guess I'm a shiny silver lover lol. Strangely enough tho, my wife was going through the change with me and absolutely LOVED the pennies. No interest in the other change at all lol. And now she's interested in looking for more pennies :). Just goes to show you how different everyone is. She even called here 85 year old grandparents because she remembered that they have a GIANT penny jar/vase/tub... something big... full of pennies that they have been throwing into since they moved to Canada after the war. So.. we WILL be going through that on our next visit lol. But ya, I think I'll keep looking for interesting silver that I'll purchase from reputable dealers as an investment / collection, and start looking through nickles and quarters to get some interesting collections started. I would like to collect the Canadian 50 cents as well, but I truly have no idea where to find them. Is the only way from dealers or ebay? Thank you all again so much for the warm welcome and great info. Its very appreciated. |
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1046 Posts |
hi MacBane
be prepared too commit more time
(at this coin collecting habit)
than you`ve committed now(imo)
it is consuming let us how you are
making out and don't forget the photos
very best
|
|
Valued Member
Canada
299 Posts |
MacBane I'm another decimal collector from 1967 down. Recently expanded into provincial coins so I can continue to be penniless.  Almost forgot, I also like collecting chartered banknotes, Dominion of Canada and Bank of Canada notes... And...any world notes that grab my fancy... Oh yeah, I like ancient and world coins too... It's always best to narrow things down to keep focused. |
| |
Replies: 14 / Views: 2,126 |
|
Posted 01/23/2014 3:38 pm
