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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,289 |
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New Member
United States
44 Posts |
I am new to coin collecting and would like to know where to start. I do know some terms used but I want to better understand it all. I don't want to appear as if I don't know anything. Any suggestions?
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
 First of all, it is perfectly okay to appear as if you don't know anything -- here, on this site. We love to help and I am always grateful for the time the experts take to teach the rest of us. How new are you to the hobby? Do you have any books? Everyone will tell you to start with the Red Book which is full of information. Do you have a loupe? If not, get one. They aren't that expensive. You can start by simply looking through your change or you can start with a particular collection. Look through the Red Book. Something there will capture your attention. Most important, learn before you buy. You might want to consider a 'just for fun' inexpensive collection. I collect coins from around the world with animals on them and I only buy really inexpensive coins for that. If you have more specific questions, please ask! |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3049 Posts |
The phrase buy the book before the coin is pretty important.
When I got back into this I started just buying a few things here and there... now I am very selective of what I buy. Perhaps there's a certain denomination or time period you may like to collect... I would suggest first figuring out what really interest you and what you want to learn most about... then go from there go to a show and most importantly educate yourself.
I love going to my local coin shop (LCS) and simply asking what have you got that's really interesting... once every 6 months I will buy something that's completely out of what I really enjoy collecting just to broaden my horizons a little.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
I don't want to appear as if I don't know anything. All of us, when we started, didn't know anything. There is no shame to not knowing, only in refusing to learn. On another thread I suggested getting a copy of A Guidebook of United Stats Coins by R S Yeoman (Commonly referred to as The RedBook, for the color of its cover. Don't go to a bookstore and ask for a RedBook though, you'll get a womans magazine by that name.). If you really want to learn I would HIGHLY recommend you get a copy and READ it. (Ignore the actual prices listed in it they should be taken with a big grain of salt.) Edited by Conder101
02/08/2017 2:31 pm
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Education comes first and then experience . Try going to local coin shows in your area . Also coin shops ,get your foot in the door sort of speak ,converse with dealers and collectors alike . Pick a coin series that you like the most and read up on it before you start buying for your collection . If your not sure what to pay for your coins ,you can look on E-BAY under sold listings ,coin magazines ,or just ask us .  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Your best way to start a coin collection is to simply ask friends, neighbors and relatives if they have any old coins they don't want. If nice enough and if they like you, you might get a lot of old and good coins as a starter for nothing or for a really cheap price. Then look up how to buy a book called the Red Book by Whitman Publishing. Get a copy and sit down and look through it to see what you like best. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3843 Posts |
Take some time looking at coins to find a series you like and familiarize your self with grading, condition issues, and pricing. Best to start with something inexpensive if you are totally new to the hobby. You will make mistakes, all collectors do at first, so it is best that they are cheap mistakes and that you learn from them.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
7096 Posts |
Aboard. I have noticed that you have asked many questions on this site already. That puts you WAY ahead of many of us when we first started because many of us collected first and asked question later. I think this is a great approach to starting a new hobby, Well done Mate  I am looking forward to seeing how you progress and never be shy to ask for advice or information here as this site is renowned for helping novice and expert collectors with their collections. As for your question as to how to start a collection I would think that assembling a set out of your pocket change or getting a few rolls of coins at face value from your bank to look through would be the best approach. This way all it will cost you is the face value of the coins and if you find that coin collecting just isn't for you then you can always just spend them and the hobby will have cost you nothing. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
Look through dealer pick bins or junk silver bins. They are always genuine and low-priced. Find something you like, whether that be a proof Washington quarter or a worn Mercury dime. Or maybe even a world or ancient coin. There are tons of possibilities. But I advise you to not invest too much capital to prevent making a bad mistake or taking a collecting path you find that you are not interested in. Just start with small stuff as you learn the ropes. |
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,289 |
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Posted 02/08/2017 1:48 pm
