How do you scratch the collecting itch while saving up for the collection purchase? Does that even make sense? Sorry, having trouble articulating that thought.
Check out a coin related book from the library, coin roll hunt for silver/errors, try to put together a complete set of circulating coins from your change...
Find work for a brick & mortar coin dealer, even if it's not that close by. You'd be amazed at what they'd like not to put their time into: Sorting, carding, grading & pricing low value coins . . . especially foreign and better 90% silver Finding high buyers for their excess inventory, whether in publications or on-line Packaging shipments to customers & other dealers Making runs to the post office Not only can you negotiate to be paid in coins, but you'll also gain valuable knowledge from rubbing elbows with dealers and with other collectors. That's a serious twofer, and worth a healthy drive for such experience and satisfaction.
I had this same issue occur with me a couple of years ago. I typically collect slabbed type coins and anything eye appealing that I like. So since I had no general direction and only bought coins when they appealed to me, I decided to start some folder sets and work on those when I get bored with the other coins. I have started an AU washington quarter album from 32-64 Buffalo nickels SLQs Barber Halves Franklins (im working on 3-4 separate sets) I then checked some foreign coins and ended up falling in love with some Mexican issues. Mostly the Caps and Rays coinage of the early 1900s through the 40s. And then the Zombucks started coming out and I decided stacking silver and building a set that may have some upside was a good idea. So my answer is: Find a new, relatively cheap and easy set to work on in a Dansco or folder.
I like looking through the foreign coin bins at the coin dealers. Don't tell them, but I have come up with coins from the 1600's and even silver coins.
The money can be oftentimes the easy part. The opportunity to buy the right coin can be much more scarce.
