So I started about 3 weeks ago collecting silver, then the "budding numismatist" in me took over. I just wanted to show you what I've done and maybe get a few pointers or wise words from more experienced collectors. I've included some pics but I'm no expert photographer to be sure. I'm working on a type set and I just bought a flying eagle/indian head cent album. Some things I'm realizing: Sometimes it's better to spend the extra few dollars on a better coin than to settle on something less for a filler, don't spend over spot for junk silver, coin shows are cool. My prized coins (for now) are my Flying Eagle cent and my VF Seated Dime. I've been spending about 2/3 on silver and 1/3 on numismatics. That's starting to change, though because as I get into the "Bust" coins it's starting to become a different ballgame, and also as I try to improve what I already have, like Standing Liberty Quarters and such. In addition to the pictures I've managed to pick up about $20 face value of junk silver and about 7 ozt in rounds and bars. I picked up a couple Nazi silver coins to show my kids (especially the side inscription) so they understand the history behind it. My wife does better with me buying bullion than she does when I buy "numismatic coins.
That is much better than what I have done in 3 weeks. I just managed to buy 1 banknote for $49 not including shipping. Well done Sir.
You must have a pretty generous budget for the hobby. What you have in pictures is probably what I spend in six months or more in recent times!!! Nice start, by the way.
Well, my budget is helped along because of letting some other things go on eBay. I've come across few deals on the numismatic side and I treat the silver bullion as a savings account so it's not such a drain knowing I can liquidate some of it at any time.
I give you a lot of credit. You are off to a better start in 3 weeks than many who have been in the hobby for years. One bit of advice I would give is to allot a very small portion of your overall coin budget to spend on books. Read about what you collect and you will become a smarter buyer.
I agree! I can not remember ever having three weeks that productive in any of my 40+ years of collecting Coins! GREAT Job!! Steve
A little off topic, RyanL, but could you tell me something about that "lucky penny" in your avatar? My uncle used to have a store in Nebraska and he gave those away to customers. The front says "KEEP ME AND YOU WILL NEVER GO BROKE". As far as I know, the pennies in his pieces were all dated 1947.
Well this is the most valuable coin in my collection since it's the first coin that my wife bought for me. This one also says "Keep me and you will never go broke" although it's hard to see. This particular one is from a company in Dayton, Ohio (Where I live) but I forget what company because I'm at work right now, and I also forget what year the penny is, but I know it's a wheatie. I read somewhere that these were made in London, Ohio as a custom piece for businesses who bought them to give out as advertisements. It would be an interesting thing to collect wouldn't it?
