ryanh55

First of all I have really enjoyed reading all of the posts this last week since I have discovered this forum.

I started my coin collection about 5 years ago sort of half heartily . Picking up the occasional proof set as I could afford them. Then about 6 months ago for some reason I really got excited about collecting and have been eating up as much info as I can. So far I have been just collecting Proof sets for some reason these really appeal to me. I don’t really have the time or patience to sift through coins to complete a collection of dims or nickels at least yet…

Once I discovered www.usmint.gov and compared the prices to sites and places where I could buy coins else ware my excitement got even higher. Now I have been scowering the internet for great deals on proof sets Silver, Clad, Premier, etc. and yes I did buy the Legacy set from the mint sorry Speedy but I agree with all of the Marine supporters out there I do think it will be hot..

OK guess some questions would be good. first of all I have been using the PCGS web site for a base to what is acceptable to pay for a proof set. http://www.pcgs.com/prices/frame.cht...ame=proof_sets I see in reading this last week this is probably not a very good idea. I have found a couple of good sites to go to like http://lynncoins.com/proof_coins.htm and http://www.wscoin.com/Catalog.cfm?type=1 and there is always Ebay I think I have gotten some good deals and not so good deals but I am learning with every set that I buy.

- Am I wasting my time and money with all these Proof sets?
- Am I going in the right direction?
- Is a Proof collection a good start? if so, where do I go from here?
- Are there more internet sites out there that have up to date pricing or mintages info for proof coins? Red book seems like it would be too old.
- I looked up the Grey sheets and thought about buying them but is it worth it for what I am doing right now, just collecting proof sets? It seems like it is for all coins or can you get just a proof section?

Seems like I have many more questions but I know this should keep you all busy and it is a learning process. Thanks in advance to everyone. This site is now a daily routine.

Ryan

Speedy

Howdy and Welcome Ryan (same name as my Bro-in-law!!!)

Thats fine with me....if everyone collected like me and agreed with me on everything I wouldn't like collecting!

Speedy

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Coin collecting is the only hobby in the world that you can spend all the money in the world and still have some left over

GDJMSP

Howdy Ryan - Welcome to the Forum !!

" - Am I wasting my time and money with all these Proof sets? "

Since I spent quite a few years collecting original mint & Proofs sets it would be kind of hard to answer that any way but with a no. But then that answer is assuming that you collect these sets because you like them. If you are collecting them because you want to make a profit at some point in the future - the answer may be quite different.

" - Am I going in the right direction? "

Just like the first question - that depends. Where are you trying to go ? Are you collecting because you like the coins or is it profit motivated ?

" - Is a Proof collection a good start? if so, where do I go from here? "

My answer would again depend on you and why you are collecting.

" - Are there more internet sites out there that have up to date pricing or mintages info for proof coins? Red book seems like it would be too old. "

About the best way to check prices is to check completed auctions on ebay - then take an average of the results. You can do that by - Clicking Here

" - I looked up the Grey sheets and thought about buying them but is it worth it for what I am doing right now, just collecting proof sets? It seems like it is for all coins or can you get just a proof section? "

If you are focusing on Proof sets no you don't need the Grey Sheets. Completed auctions on ebay will do you just fine.

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knowledge ..... share it

ryanh55

Thanks Speedy and GDJMSP

For the most part I really like the Proof sets I think they are in my opinion easy to work with because of the holders and very appealing to look at. but I also have been buying two of the latest stuff so that in a couple of years who knows how long I will still have one for my own collection but one to sell. The first is probably to stronger of the two.

Ryan

Cait

welcome ryan!

Susan

Well, ryan...
As far as I can see any coin collector is a collector because he loves what he has. If proofs are what you like, then that is fine. If you are wanting to make a premium off it, then time will tell, and proofs have increased everytime. Some a little and some alot. As for moving to something else, try pennies for a while to see if you like it. If it doesn't satisfy you try something with less mintages involved like the Peace dollar.
Your library will have a lot of books in the reference department that you can't find unless you fork out alot of money for these books. I research my VAMs there, until I can afford the book myself.
I know other people will give you more info, but I hope I helped out....
SUSAN