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 Replies: 26 / Views: 3,463 |
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Valued Member
United States
245 Posts |
I am looking to find out what was valuable to know about anything related to coins. I myself I'm in US so for me thats what I'm most curious about. I think it would be good to learn what took years for others to learn and was possibly just a tiny detail overlooked for many years. Maybe it was something that was a hard lesson learned. Please only if you willing to share. I will value any of your responses either way. Thank you.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
634 Posts |
Collect what makes you happy. Do not have to collect certain coins to make someone else happy.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19111 Posts |
What's important to you today may not be important in the years ahead--and vice-versa. Nothing can short-cut gaining experience and adjusting priorities and likes/dislikes accordingly. Let your gut keep your numismatic interests focused. Ultimately, follow your passion--no one else's.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3323 Posts |
Don't buy something on instinct. Take your time, do the homework, shop around and get the best example you can afford. Not only will you be happier with the purchase but the process is actually a big part of the fun.
"Nummi rari mira sunt, si sumptus ferre potes." - Christophorus filius Scotiae
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7273 Posts |
Buy what you like at a price that you feel comfortable paying. Don't compare your collection to others. Many will have worse, many will have better. Your collection should give you the same joy as some one that has a nicer collection. If it doesn't you aren't collecting what you like.
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Valued Member
United States
309 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1613 Posts |
To start with the key and semi-key dates if you ever begin a series. Especially those before the dead Presidents. Time is a killer on completion, at which holding off on them means higher prices. Sometimes much higher if it's a tough series like the Seated Liberty dimes I've been on for six years. Thirty-four to go! ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1057 Posts |
Become an expert in your field.
There will always be a learning curve, steeper in some series than others, but you want to be in a place eventually where you always know more about what you're collecting than the "other guy."
"If everything seems to be under control, you're just not going fast enough."
--- Mario Andretti
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1057 Posts |
And as a corollary to the advice above from Ballyhoo...
Given the opportunity and resources, it's always better to buy one $300 coin than to buy ten $30 coins. Your collection will flourish, and your heirs will be very grateful.
"If everything seems to be under control, you're just not going fast enough."
--- Mario Andretti
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2457 Posts |
youngmaster, these are all very good, very wise pointers in a general sense and can be applied to about every aspect of coining. I would add to it this: READ! read EVERYTHING! especially on this site! I learn new stuff everyday just from reading what others post. in between reading things, take the time to READ SOME MORE! LOL, I'm not shouting, just stressing the importance of reading. approach the hobby with a sponge-brain & soak up every drop of info you can manage.  ...and take lots of pictures. in this age of unlimited iGadget tech, it has never been easier to photo-document coins, share that info with others & have discussions.  ...and help others. you couldn't ask for a better assembly of impassioned coin-heads. we're all here to help & be helped. keep the kindness rolling along steady.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4680 Posts |
 really studying/ understanding the series you are interested in really allows for better acquisitions. An anecdote: early on in my lutheir career, I had the pleasure of getting to know one of the top acoustic guitar builders in the US. He taught be early on that after every step, take a look at the work you just finished doing. If you can honestly look at your work and say "that's the best I can and I'm satisfied with the results" then move on to the next step. If not, do it over. As others have said, don't rush into a purchase. Doesn't matter if its low grade or high grade, if you are happy with your potential purchase, then go for it. But if you have any hesitation, and know you can do better, hold out. |
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Valued Member
 United States
245 Posts |
Wow excellent responses I didnt expect this ill be honest but yes this does seem like sound feedback and I'm satisfied with it. Thanks to all!!! My response is, from what I gathered... That theres plenty to choose from and time will be good to you with learning more on what to look for, and in time you will find that gem of gems and repeat. Depending on your interests that is...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
600 Posts |
It isn't a contest. Be happy with what you like, and don't fall into the comparison trap. Comparison is the thief of joy.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Learn to identify cleaned coins and don't buy them unless they are being given away.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
8938 Posts |
Never sacrifice quality. Period. Whatever quality is to you. If it's an UNC coin, don't buy a generic example, choose one that has excellent luster, a razor sharp strike and minimal marks for the grade. If circulated, choose one with consistent color, high amount of detail for the grade, a sharp strike, pleasing surface condition, and minimal or no surface marks.
Don't buy problem coins unless they're significantly cheaper and you will never have the impulse to upgrade.
Buy the book before the coin. Study the series, and the individual date/mint.
Learn to grade before getting deeply into anything.
Ask questions!!
Make friends with your local coin dealers, they are an invaluable asset.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
Great topic!
I learned that I bought far too many so-so to nice coins before I realized I should have bought far fewer and should have bought more rare and high grade coins that had better potential.
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Replies: 26 / Views: 3,463 |
Posted 06/20/2021 03:38 am
