go for the keys

There are many coins I consider key that are not in the Albums as they are not considered "regular" coins, but "varieties" (or sometimes they are proofs). Wonder how much a 1909 Lincoln Matte proof would cost if there was a hole in the album next to the 09 SVDB? About 200 times more rare. I realize my collecting is different from many, but that is the joy. Each can do their own thing. :high5:

Jim

 

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Great point ... although I'm not certain that it is fair to consider varieties keys, they certainly do price like them for those that can cherry pick.

Ruben

 

In almost all of my sets I've started I always buy the key and semi key dates first and they are always in a far better grade than the rest of the coins in my collection. If you're waiting for the right one to come along you may be waiting to the point that it'll go up in value a few hundred dollars more by the time you purchase it. Always buy your key and semi key dates in the absolute best grades that fit your budget.

 

And I am certainly glad that many don't!! More competition, the higher the prices.

Jim

 

Interesting thread. I'm happy to say I agree with pretty much everything so far.

I do believe there is something called "common" keys. Take the 1916D. They are all over the place. Same applies to the 1938D Walker, the 32 Washingtons, etc. etc. etc. Many of these keys haven't changed very much in price at the G/VG level for months and months.

I like the comment about figuring that your financial situation will improve with time as well - allowing you to afford better coins. Of course, that's a roll of the dice

Finally, the idea that key coins just double and triple in value overnight is simply not true. I guess I should clarify that I'm talking lower grade keys here.

I guess i'm rambling. But I think a good percentage of us are talking about pretty "common" keys and I don't thiink there is a huge rush to go out and get them.

 

we have a button for nominating it for thread of the week if you like it

 

you got that right i havent added a single coin to my collection int he last 6 months no hurry at all. i am waiting for the market crash and my new millionaire job both have to happen for me to get back in

 

Is there a poor man's website? I thought coin collecting was supposed to be a hobby, some kind of fun. It seems like it's a "how's your portfolio?, excuse me while I play with my yachts". Novices get reprimanded, or ridiculed. or patronized, and if you don't have big bucks, or "only collect proofs", somehow you're below par. Man, I thought I liked coins. Perhaps I shouldn't it this is what it's all about. Sure am getting turned off to the "hobby" in here.

 

hobby of the kings my friend hobby of the kings. but certainly CT is not like anything u mention in your post. but rare coins are what they are rare coins and they cost a bunch and generally proofs are more expensive but it depends on the series but dont let lack of money discourage u buy what u can afford and enjoy ur coins rather than worry about what the other guy has

 

How in the world did you get to that conclusion? I don't collect proofs (not a single one). I don't own anything in MS67. I've probably never paid more than $15 for any coin I own. I don't have big bucks. I still think it's fun to purchase a measly four rolls of cents from the bank and look through them (I have a job and kids and a house and that takes up almost all of my time -- and most of my money). I think well over half of my collection has come from pocket change. Now that I'm older and have a *tiny* bit of money to spend, I'm expanding into Mercs and Indian Heads, and, for the most part, get inexpensive coins (less than $3 ea.) as I slowly build up. Over the weekend, I built a "scale" -- with super-glue, a old pen, and a peice of plastic -- so I can figure out which of my 1982 cents are zinc.

Do I feel patronized? Below par? Getting turned off? No, not at all. I see that there are all kinds of collectors here. If I had to generalize about the folks here, the only attribute I would give is that a whole lot of folks here seem pretty knowledgeable, and that the more I learn, the more I realize how much more to learn there is. (And that it's 99% male)

Relax. Enjoy. It'll help lead to a longer happier life.

 

Good point.

 

I am saddened that you've had this experience. I don't read every thread (far from it), but I haven't often seen this ridicule and poor behavior that you report. There are all levels of collectors here and for the most part I see respectful interaction.

I really hope our board doesn't become what you perceive. That would be a shame. Can you give an example or two of this behavior?

(Edit - here is a thread you created that asked for opinions on what are "junk" coins and I believe the responses were respectful - was there another interchange that brought you to a different conclusion?)

http://www.cointalk.com/forum/t49248/

 

Falling on your sword again...

 

instead of soaring on empty skies why not make ur way to the royal coin thread ur sure to see a bearded edward

 

Tom,

I am sorry you feel that way, but this is the poor man's website. Visit the PCGS forum and you will find an abundance of wealth, ego, and condescension. Cointalk has a broad range of members with diverse financial backgrounds and collecting habits. With very few exceptions in the recent past, every newcomer around here has been welcomed with open arms.

It is important to understand that not every thread will appeal to your tastes. I don't see the expensive slab collectors criticizing the roll searching threads or modern mint products. On the contrary, I see a lot of criticism by Cointalk members of the TPG's and their effect on coin prices.

In other words, I don't see what you are claiming to see. It is a hobby. A hobby that appeals to many different people with varying degrees of wealth. Having fun with the hobby is entirely in your control. If you are not having fun collecting coins, please don't blame the Cointalk community for that situation.

Respectfully

Paul

 

Great Point!!!!!!!!!! Should be "quote of the year".

Like others have said

1. Buy within your budget.

2. Buy the highest quality you can afford.

3. Can't stress this one enough, As Jack has quoted in the past from Rick Snow "There is no price too cheap for a problem coin."

Be extremely careful buying the key dates, even more so with "raw" coins.

 

I agree. I also agree with Carl. Everyone has to decide what they want out of the hobby and do what makes them happy. Otherwise, what's the point.

But I think the more experienced collectors/dealers here are making valid points about dealing with key date coins. If someone is going to play that game with the steep entry fee, they might as well do it right.

 

Yes!!!!!!!!!!! Many albums Ignore varieties. Though some mintages are unknown, supply and demand affects the prices.

 

"falling on my sword again". Maybe it is me cause I really don't get that comment . I guess I shoulda taken another poster's advice earlier...read and not post. The point of doing either seems silly. I forgot what it was I thought I liked in here. One last question. How does one delete member info? (I know, I can almost hear y'all..."good riddance peasant")

 

wealth, ego, and condescension? You mean there is an even bigger source of it on another website? I find it hard to believe but I'll check it out...