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 Replies: 22 / Views: 2,965 |
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Valued Member
United States
316 Posts |
What would you tell a new beginner of coin collecting to purchase or advise them to purchase such as a magnifying glass, a magnet, a book, a collector's book, a scale or even to join a group such as the one that's on here, what would you tell them to purchase first.
I noticed that Stacks and Bowers has some kind of class coming up for people ages 14 to 25. Don't quote me on age but I know it's to 25 on their page. I feel discriminated against LOL cuz I'm above 25. Anyway someone who really wants to make this a profession even at a young age to take a look at it. I didn't see a price but it talked about lodging so I'm sure it may be a little costly and I think you get certified. I'm not trying to advertise for that it's just a suggestion for people starting out who want to make this a profession because I would have done it if they didn't stop at the age of 25. They send me all their auction stuff I'm sure other people get the same thing
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1231 Posts |
You look 25 to me if you pay your money don't see in this world they would turn you away . You could email them and ask the worst they can say is no but I don't see them doing that
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19147 Posts |
In addition to the usual magnifying glass/loupe, accurate scale (good to two decimal places), a couple basic books, a pile of various 2x2 flips, etc., look for coin shows that are within 2-3 hours of your location. Nothing like wandering around a show for a couple days. The American Numismatic Association ( ANA) has some credible online resources available. I'd suggest devouring the ANA stuff before taking the next steps. |
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
Join a club near you. John1  |
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Valued Member
 United States
316 Posts |
This post wasn't necessarily for me it was just a general question for others who are starting out as well. Plus I had a few people ask me and I was wondering if there was anything else beyond what I knew.
Have you ever watched any of the videos and want to pull your teeth out because the person is so boring and annoying and takes forever to get to the blessed point LOL I wonder if they ever think before they produce videos to get somebody that can keep a person's attention and that they don't want to pull their teeth out LOL if that makes any sense
Edited by Reno911
02/25/2023 08:32 am
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
If he has a beginning interest is in ancient coins, for a first coin, I would suggest a Roman silver antoninianus of Gordian 111. They are relatively cheap and attractive to the eye, for an ancient coin. $50 would get you a good example. If it is modern US coins, how about building a date / mm set of silver Mercury dimes in EF of better condition?. Not too much expense. For a kid, there is nothing wrong with simply taking from circulation pocket change anything that is interesting to him or her. Some guidance from mom or dad would be of great help, as well as sharing in the parent / child relationship. Kids have sharp enough eyes not to bother with a magnifying glass, but a 2nd hand introductory price guide would be helpful. Cost? - face value. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
878 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7276 Posts |
Buy a Red Book to know about coins and then buy what coins you like. Try to focus on a specific type of collection (like a date set, type set or some other variable), but in the end buy what you like. I have completed sets of coins, raw coins, slabbed coins, currency, coins from Portugal, currency from Portugal, bullion. But I have no duplicates. Once a set is done if I upgrade I sell off or give away the one upgraded. Also buy a visual appealing coin (unless it's super rare). Some coins are like I got this one as it's so pretty others are this is one of 5, yes it's ugly but it's 1 of 5. If you have 1 of 5 and the 1 you have is wow, then you are winning! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2365 Posts |
I agree with hfjacinto! The Red Book is a great place to start! Buy a 10x Loupe, the book and a couple of coins that you like. I prefer series by dates and sometimes by Mint as well. I would stick with a coin or two that you like and start collecting them. We can't say enough here about research, research, research! There's always something new to learn. Don't forget the history of the coins that you like...it's fascinating to know. Most of all - have fun! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
25115 Posts |
Every collector should own a really nice Two Cent Piece. Just because. Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2281 Posts |
Find a mentor in person.
You realize when you know how to think, it empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.
-Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1316 Posts |
A couple patient local coin shops willing to shoot the breeze and chat anything coin was huge for me.
Wandering a show or two without buying anything, but just to get a gauge on what is out there.
Once a few points of interest are found, read and read and read.
It would really help to search ones soul and ask if they are in this for profits or as a hobby / collection building. Rather different ways to view things.
If needing to scratch the itch to buy something near the start (I get it) keep it cheap. No reason for beginners to be spending over $100, especially thousands, to feel like they have a "legit" start and got their feet wet. That can often be accomplished for under $50, to be honest. Don't be making any $10K mistakes out of ignorance.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
The read and read and read thing is what I did before getting into Roman coins. Same for Greek.
That may be a tough ask for a kid beginner; best to stick with what kids can lay their hands on out of circulation, - they are our numismatic future.
That is how I started more than 60 years ago.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2365 Posts |
Hondo: Quote:Every collector should own a really nice Two Cent Piece. Just because. That's what I did with the US Large Cents and now I'm hooked on them.  Now I'm looking at 3 Cent Coins...gotta have me a "Trime" - Quote:
just because .. I have an addiction!!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6529 Posts |
Quote:
I have an addiction!! We all do. that's why we're here. Coin Collecting Anonymous  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2365 Posts |
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Replies: 22 / Views: 2,965 |
Posted 02/25/2023 06:44 am
