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 Replies: 24 / Views: 2,695 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
520 Posts |
Right now, my set of coins is thrown out across my desk and is about as unorganized as it comes. I have the most random coins that a person could possibly have and there is no real "set" feel to it. Currently I have 24 Kennedy halves, 1 1972 Ike, 3 wheat pennies (1953D, 1943D and S), 1 1986-S Proof Statue of Liberty Comm, 1907 Barber dime, 1856 Seated Liberty quarter, a 1929 Standing Liberty quarter, 1895 Barber quarter, 1943 Mercury dime, 1893 & 1897 Indian Head penny, 1884-O & 1903-S Morgan silver dollar, and finally a 1987 ASE. Now are there any suggestions on how I could organize this or in which direction I should take things. I am so flustered right now on what I should do. I feel like I have spent over 300$ on random coins lol. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
It sounds like you have the beginnings of a basic type set  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
958 Posts |
its called " eclectic" a lil of everything.
Every person has diff collections. Some like certian coins some like everything from ancient coins to modern
with no rhyme or reason or specifics.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
520 Posts |
I know but I want to try and get it a bit more organized. Or at least in some folders. Its like I feel as though I have spent a lot of money a little non expensive coins when I couldve just bought a really nice rare one. Also, where do you guys suggest buying coins from. I continue to hear that ebay isn't the best. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1510 Posts |
send me an e mail
Retired USAF 1983-2003
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Pillar of the Community
United States
520 Posts |
Shot you an email coinstar
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1510 Posts |
good deal, take a look and good luck..
Retired USAF 1983-2003
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4000 Posts |
I started out the same way. A little of this, a little of that, no real direction. But, after a while a series or three starts to grow on you just a little bit more than rest, then you have a heading! You'll probably still collect "a little bit of everything", but you'll gain a little more focus on a series or two and try to complete those sets first. Or so I hear.  There are plenty of free spreadsheets and programs on the internet to give you a place to catalog your coins, too. That will help a little to not feel so overwhelmed. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7629 Posts |
Same way I started back when I was a kid. I collected everything I could get my hands on, then I found a doubled die. From the time I was 12 until I was 15 I bought anything and everything.
Since I was 16 I have bought NOTHING but die varieties, and 99% of that is all Lincoln cents.
Specialize...learn a subject and stick with it. That's my advice.
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New Member
United States
24 Posts |
Spend some time looking over the coins you have (a nice eclectic collection), and think about which coins you enjoy the most. Eventually you will gravitate into a certain direction. I like 'coppercoins' suggestion to specialize. With the internet it's easy to find information on just about any type of coin and because an 'expert'.
If you don't already read coin collecting magazines I suggest picking up a few and thumbing through them. Some topic or type of coin will eventually catch your interest.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
You need to decide what you want to focus on. As others have said, you have the beginning of a type set. I personally like albums although sometimes they can restrict you. This can be good (gives you focus) and bad (makes you want to buy expensive key dates to complete the album).  Regardless, I think you need to come up with some way to organize your collection - binders or something. I would also set a budget for yourself - I find it helps to keep some focus - otherwise you want to buy everything you see. As to where to buy coins, I'd say everywhere. I've bought coins on ebay, dealers, coin shows, here on the forum, etc. They all have their plusses and minuses. I personally like ebay but I probably look at hundreds of coins for every one I buy. Dealers let you see coins in hand and will work with you on a more 1 on 1 basis. Coin shows are great places to see lots of coins and the deals can be good. And finally, the forum features great deals and knowledgeable collectors. Mainly, take your time - it's a marathon, not a sprint! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1534 Posts |
Quote:I'd say everywhere. I've bought coins on ebay, dealers, coin shows, here on the forum, etc. They all have their plusses and minuses. I personally like ebay  , the same goes for me. ebay is a great place to buy if you know how to interpret different photos and judge how a coin looks in hand compared to how it looks in the photo, and a little bit of knowledge in grading and authenticating really helps eliminate a lot of ebay's potential problems. My advice would be to slow down and aim for certain (possibly higher end) coins that you really like. As biokemist mentioned a Dansco 7070 type album also might be a good future purchase. Remember to keep reading this forum and amass as much knowledge about collecting along the way. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
520 Posts |
Thanks so much for all the help guys, I Just recently purchased a Lincoln Cent album and a harris Kennedy half dollar album. I kinda want to start with sets that aren't to expensive while working to get the more expensive sets a bit more gradually. I have about a 70$ a month budget right now. Although I have spent over 200$ so far on this. Most of my money has been invested in things to manage, grade, and inspect coins with more precisely. I have purchased a couple albums as mentioned, some white cotton gloves, some coin protect-ant, metal tongs, a loupe, and I need some sort of good light source. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7629 Posts |
Okay, throw out the "protect-ant" and the metal tongs. No reason for them. Doing anything to a coin to improve its appearance without knowing full well what you are doing is very wrong and is a recipe for disaster. You will CERTAINLY ruin any coin you touch with that stuff unless you really know what you're doing.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3692 Posts |
It doesn't sound random at all. It seems all organized to me.
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Valued Member
United States
137 Posts |
This is a great thread. We have all been where you are.
I have way too much stuff, and need to simplify, but I'm not sorry that I am where I am - it was fun all along the way.
I suggest
a) Buy a 20th Century type set book from Whitman, and perhaps a 19th Century type set book or books
b) Pick one or two additional series to focus on - quarters, halves, Canadian, whatever. Buy a Whitman book to organize it.
c) Get a supply of 2x2 flips or envelopes for the stuff that doesn't fit into one of those categories.
d) I'd limit myself a bit on what I buy, and focus on trading or pricking from circulation. Then you won't feel compelled to limit yourself. Go where your interest leads you. What's the downside, if you are picking from change?
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Replies: 24 / Views: 2,695 |
Posted 12/31/2010 01:11 am
