Returning To Coin Collecting After 40 Years

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 1,228
beaglebailey Pillar of the Community United States 716 Posts	Posted 03/28/2011 8:46 pm I am newly registered to this forum and this is my first post. I started cc as a teenager (mostly IHC and wheaties)) but I put everything on hold while I was working and raising a family. Now that I am retired and have a little extra money and more spare time I want to get back into coin collecting. I am just fascinated when holding an old circulated coin and wondering where its been and who may have handled it. I spent a month or two just browsing this forum before registering and began to realize that coin collecting has gotten a lot more complicated and challenging in the last 40 years. Initially, I am interested in upgrading and adding to my IHC collection (primarily circulated coins EF to AU). I live in rural northern PA and don't have access to local coin clubs, shows or dealers where I could go for advice, expertise or to buy coins. This limits me to online dealers, auctions like ebay or the occasional estate sale. I still have not purchased my first coin since retiring As I stated I have spent a considerable amount of time just browsing this forum and have learned a lot. I have also read extensively and currently I am pouring over R. Snow's guide on FE and IHC. However given the proliferation of altered and counterfeit coins and slabs I don't feel comfortable buying coins on ebay until I get more experience. I thought that I would initially purchase coins from a reputable dealer like Snow's Eagle Eye Rare coins (just using him as an example). I may be paying a premium over similarly graded coins on ebay but I will have peace of mind knowing that I got a quality coin for the money. Am I being overly cautious or is this a good strategy? Sorry for being so long-winded, but would appreciate any advice. Report this Post to the Staff

Chadwick Valued Member United States 271 Posts	Posted 03/28/2011 9:11 pm Welcome to the forum. I recommend studying up on any coin you intend to purchase if you are buying it from ebay or similar site. With ebay it pays to avoid certain things which are often red flags. I would never buy from a dealer with negative feedback, doesn't accept returns, and never from overseas for U.S. issue classic coins. The safest dealers are well established and will always accept a return if you are nut satisfied. Report this Post to the Staff
td5173 Pillar of the Community United States 565 Posts	Posted 03/28/2011 9:24 pm Make sure there are clear pictures too if using ebay. Edited by td5173 03/28/2011 9:25 pm Report this Post to the Staff
okiepb Pillar of the Community United States 1213 Posts	Posted 03/28/2011 9:29 pm BeagleBailey, welcome aboard! Yes, a reputable dealer is a much wiser choice than ebay - be VERY CAREFUL buying from ebay, as Chadwick said. Eagle Eye is a very good example of a decent dealer. Yes, you might pay a bit more, but you should have confidence in what you're buying if you're selective of what you buy and careful where you buy. Report this Post to the Staff
Gothic Florin Pillar of the Community United States 2541 Posts	Posted 03/28/2011 9:34 pm If you get the required number of posts you can buy from folks on the forum. I think you'll find it to be a good experience. Report this Post to the Staff
vermontensium Moderator United States 16679 Posts	Posted 03/28/2011 9:39 pm I am also with members saying be cautious with ebay. I would stick with reputable online dealers with Eagle Eye Rare Coins being a perfect example. I would stick with ANA and/or PNG members who have a well established reputation. I know of three very reputable dealers here in California that I have personally dealt with and was extremely happy with their prices and quality. One is Excelsior Coin Gallery out of Sacramento, another is McIntosh Collectibles out of Sacramento, and Alhambra Coin Center in my home town of Alhambra, which I have been dealing with for over 25 years. Excellent reputable dealers swcoin.ecrater.com Edited by vermontensium 03/28/2011 9:40 pm Report this Post to the Staff
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