Anyone feel overwhelmed in the beginning?

My head is spinning and I have to admit it doesn't feel very good. As I decide on what I'd like to collect I just get more and more overwhelmed. Is this normal to begin with?

My journey so far...

1. I want to collect ASE's. I thought it was just buying one bullion coin from 1986 on. Then I learn about proofs, reverse proofs, and now the unc W's.
2. I find out about Morgans and decide I really want to collect those, too.
3. Well, Morgans are dollars and ASE's are sort of dollars so I think why not collect dollars of all types?
4. Okay, that means Ikes, SBA's, Sackies, and Presidentials.
5. But, to get a good portion of them I have to buy mint sets.
6. Fine, but if I have to buy mint sets I'll have to buy two so I can break one apart.
7. Oh, and two proof sets.
8. Gee, don't mint sets have satin finish coins now? I guess that means rolls so I can get "uncirculated circulation" coins.
9. And don't forget silver proof sets.
10. Well, heck, if I have all these mint and proof sets why not start collecting mint and proof sets, too?
11. You know, I have all these proof sets and they contain the state quarters which are pretty nice so let's finish up that set.
12. And what about all these orphaned pennies, nickels, dimes, and halves from the broken mint sets?
13. And...and...and...

 

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Just try and stay focused is about all I can suggest and even that should be in the most broad sense of the word.

Good Luck Buddy
Ben

 

Yeah it can be over whelming learning what's out there and what you want to collect.

What I have found is that your interests will change over the years and your true passions will come to light. My advice is collect what you can afford, this is key! Don't get in a big hurry, you will make bad decisions and most time regret them. Remember you can always trade or sell coins to upgrade to what you find you really want.

Have Fun and Keep On Collecting!!!

Allen

 

I think it's fun to collect a few type coins of designs I like and pick up a few mint products from time to time, but it's best to focus on one or two sets at a time. It is very easy to be overwhelmed and sidetracked. Just stick to a small area and study as much as you can to try and prevent pitfalls.
Good luck and happy hunting.

 

Starting in 2005 I started buying two UNC ASEs, proof sets and mint sets from the mint - one to keep in the OGP and the other to put in my books. When you get a chance and money - look for the good deals - go back and buy two of everything - or, if you already have one set as in my case, buy another set. I have already done this with proof sets and now working on mint sets. Therefore, I will have one in the OGP stored away and the other set is broken up for my books. I have done this dating back to 1959. If I don't like the a particular coin that I broke out of a mint or proof set, then I will take it down to my local coin shop and they will usually trade me out. Sometimes I may have to pay a little more if it is a much better quality coin, but usually not much.

 

One coin at at time. One day at a time.

I know how you feel, bluenose. At times like this, I just remind myself of another idea I learned here on CT : a collection is whatever you call a collection.

Never feel compelled to get every date, mint, variety, and micro-sub-variety unless you are genuinely interested.

Never feel pressured by anyone* to have a "closure drive" to complete any set.

Just pick a theme and go. Relax. Enjoy.

You said "why not collect dollars of all types ?". That could lead to some anxiety when you look at price tags of Flowing Hairs (1794 - 1795), so just collect a few moderns and roll on. When you feel comfortable (and have the cash and knowledge), you can move to the older issues.

All that stuff about having to buy two mint sets - oh, and proofs as well - not true. You don't have to do anything.

You can get your $1 coins as singles; no need to buy mint / proof sets. No need to get silver and clad.

Whatever you like at the time. One coin at at time. One day at a time.

Happy hunting !


* I've never felt prressured here on CT

 

Thanks guys. I guess I feel most stressed about the current crop of coins. I know the Morgans and Peace dollars aren't going anywhere. It's grabbing the new stuff while it's still available new from a dealer or the mint that makes me feel rushed. I really do get excited about collecting dollar coins of every type. I know I'll probably never finish it and that's fine.

Also, it doesn't help that I've really taken "buy the book before the coin" so much to heart. I've read the Red Book, Coin Collecting for Dummies, PCGS Coin Guide, and all the current coin magazines. I search and read this forum daily. I plan to read the Morgan Red Book, ANA and PCGS grading guides, and Bowers' book on rare coins before I ever buy a coin. Taking in so much information and not releasing the pressure really gets to you.

 

Hey Blue; The name of the game is to have fun. Fun is the operative word!

 

In the beginning?

Heck,

I started when I was a stupid little kid and now I'm a stupid bigger adult.

Heads still spinning but it's a good buzz.

 

I am completely overwhelmed. Most of my series are 90% complete a couple are 100% and i am really having a hard time getting to the finish line. Then there are 2 sets that i have not even started yet (well they are like only 5% complete)

 

Here's a positive thought. You don't have to collect everything. You never have to finish a set. The ASE uncirculated set is very easy to complete. But you don't have to collect the proofs or any other dollar coin. There is no point deduction. You also don't have to collect every morgan and peace dollar. Sometimes it's more fun to just hunt for the odd assortment of good looking coins whether you need that particular date and mintmark or not.

There are no rules except those you make up for yourself.

 

Oh, I know. I get myself all worked up sometimes, but I know this isn't a life and death situation.

 

focus on one thing at a time, and when you complete a set start something else

 

SO well put Cloud. That's why my head spins but it's a good spin!

 

This is great advice. I completely agree. I'm just getting back in the hobby and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed as well. I wish I would have got started a few years ago.

Anyway, I'm just looking to collect whatever looks cool. I want to get a little of everything and then maybe focus on something in particular down the road.
I've always loved buffalo nickels so I'm going to start collecting the entire set (again). Right now, almost nothing is out of the question that I can afford.

 

I agree with walterallen and cloudsweeper - two good pieces of advice. Have fun! I just cleaned out most of my bullion coins, but kept all my ASE's - cause I like them. Plus I would lose a couple hundred if I sold them to a dealer, but I don't plan on letting these go. I found I like a variety better than I do some of the complete collections(even though I will complete a couple based off dates and maybe some varieties). So take your time and have fun!

 

Is there a coin club in your area ? Hang with those guys. Talk shop.

 

Yeah, there is. And their monthly meeting was last night. Unfortunately I had to pick my wife up from the airport. Jeeze, you'd think she could hang around the airport for a couple of hours for the sake of my new hobby. :mouth:

 

I agree, just have fun and collect whatever catches your eye that particular day. Leave the stress somewhere else and just enjoy the hobby and don't worry about completing that set today. Remember when the enjoyment is gone, so is the collection.

Not a bad idea at all. I have over 2,000 coins in my collection and NOT a single set.

 

there is so much to learn and at times i feel overwhelmed too. i have been at it seriously for just over a year and have learned a great deal, but when i talk with my father who has been involved in coin collecting for over 45 years, well, i have much to learn.

my advice is simple - go slow, ask questions, and become a proficient grader. you really have to understand a coin to be able to grade it properly - method of minting, die usage, and wear patterns are all required knowledge to grade a coin. use the forums and talk to dealers and other local collectors (coin club?). you will make some mistakes, just try to limit their effects with knowledge. sometimes you will overpay and the amount you over pay is the price of the lesson you just learned.

right now i am limiting what i collect to government issued coins machine minted for ordinary circulation – basically circulated coins used in everyday transactions since the late 18th century. this is a seemingly broad scope, but it removes a ton of the things that dealers are offering at shows. it's what i'm interested in today - tomorrow i might be interested in only hand struck thalers from the German states.

coin collecting is a big universe, i recommend you explore it.

-steve