Numismatics 101

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Hey, don't expect me to give you everything --- if you are going to write an article, I expect you to do a lot of the work. Otherwise, maybe I should be writing the article. And being credited for it.

 

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Alright, understood.

 

Actually, you can boil it down to some simple sentences:

Don't spend money sending your coins to be slabbed unless you are proficient at grading.

Use a major TPG to get your coins slabbed rather than a fly-by-night type tpg.

Teach yourself how to grade a coin.

Learn grading by purchasing a good grading book with photographs and practice grading coins you have.

Learn to develop an eye for coins.

 

Beginner: Buy the coin not the slab. Some coins in slightly lower grades look better than Some with higher grades. Just because a coin is graded higher does not always mean its a better looking coin.

 

Beginner: Buy the best coin you can afford. Don't buy a problem coin just to fill a hole in your collection. Unless its rare or unattainable in a better grade. Take your time and look at many before you purchase.

 

Kirks' Hawaiian....

 

@Mike Drop . A little more on a personal note that might not translate well into your writing but here are some things to keep in mind

The more you know, the more you’ll realize you don’t know. As you gain knowledge, don’t get cocky. Remember, whenever you start to feel that you know everything, Karma has a way of slapping you down. Happens to me all the time. There is always someone out there that knows more than you do.

Also, when you’re debating on forums like this, don’t state opinions as facts (see above). There is nothing more enjoyable than confronting a know-it-all with real data/facts, and nothing more embarrassing than being called out for posting inaccurate opinions as factual . Nothing wrong with posting opinions, but if you’re not sure, try to post some information that can help support your ideas.

Finally, have a thick skin. By now, you can probably start picking out the various types of regulars on CT.

a) Those that know a lot and are helpful,
b) Those that know a lot and are grouchy,
c) Those that know something and are helpful but occasionally post the wrong info,
d) Those that think they know a lot and feel that they are never wrong,
e) Those that are trying to learn something about numismatics. [Most of the a), b), and c) people probably consider themselves in this class as well]

Once you figure out who is who, don’t let the b)’s bother you, you can learn a lot from them, always treat the c)’s with respect even if you disagree with their posts, and Don’t be a d).

 

I think I am an a-b-c-e type person, with more emphasis on c-e. That being said, I do know a lot about certain things and respond to be helpful, but sometimes I am grouchy or it just appears that way on-line.

 

Buy the best grade that you can afford.
Always have a plan and, try to stick to it.

 

Mike Drop wrote in his OP: I write numismatic articles.

I'm very confused! This is . I guess I'll need to read the entire thread. That's too bad but the members tips should make it worthwhile.

Here is an important tip. If you are going to write articles don't use "ain't or unserious!"

So, you are a YN. Good for you. Study English and try to win a scholarship to the ANA Seminar. See if you can find a coin dealer near you who will let you help him for free and don't be tempted to do anything we would not approve of! Bye and Good Luck.

 

Proofreading is a necessity! Spell Check doesn't know the difference between such words as their, there and they're or your, you're and yore. If you want to impress people with your writing ability, do it right!

Chris

 

Makes sense

 

SYNOPSIS: Use NGC/PCGS upon learning grading/values by viewing their CACed slabs on eBay

JMHO

 

It may be worse than harshly cleaned. While I have bought coins that looked better than the picture, I bid assuming they looked worse. I saw one recently where, I'm fairly certain, the blurred picture hid a hole that was not mentioned in the description. I did not buy it, but someone did.

 

Just eliminate the punctuation

 

I know it has been said before but remember the money you bid is real. Make sure to be frugal and only get the products you really want. I initially liked almost everything and spent thousands just getting what I wanted or thought I wanted. That's not the case. After a while it is prudent and smart to really look and try to pay the right price. Don't get blown away by all the candy in the store.

 

"Rare coins are not common and common coins are not rare."

I think it was either John Kamin or Dave Bowers who said that. Just keep it in mind when the guy on T.V just happens to have a box truck full of rarities for sale.

 

Run from "WOW!"

 

Beginner: look up cert numbers on slabs before purchasing

 

I know this thread is very old but I would one more time like to thank everyone who contributed or gave me any advice. See you around!