There is just SO much information and so many opinions on here about coin collecting and bullion investing, it's difficult trying to process it all. Anyone thinking the same thing?
No. Opinions are always all over the map. Your best bet is to invest in education, instead of relying on folks like us who have no better idea about what the future holds than you do. What will silver do in the near term? What is this coin worth? Guess the grade? They're all just educated guesses. Study up and you'll find yourself sharing your opinions too. Lance.
It's only overwhelming if you let it be. Buy coins you like, for prices you're willing to pay to enjoy them. The rest will come over time if you find that it interests you.
The coin collecting part is easy to explain. Don't plan on making any money on coins you purchase, just have fun
One of the keys is learning to distinguish informed opinions from uninformed ones, and to remember, that even the former are still merely opinions.
If your objective is collecting, collect what you like and ignore what other people like or dislike. If your objective is investing, nobody has a crystal ball and nobody is an expert. If you buy books, read articles, and use your own intuition, you'll be doing as well as anyone else. There are too many people who want to make you think they know what works but they don't own houses in Palm Beach and drive Rolls Royces. A lot of luck is always the key to making money in investing. Most people here will tell you that coin collecting and coin investing are not good partners.
If you think that's bad wait until you discover that everything ever covered or discussed on this forum is but a tiny fraction of what you actually need to know And I'll second the comments made by Mark.
^This. Listen, coming into a field you have no framework on which to read others opinions. Lets think of another field where I can illustrate this. Lets say someone was new to football and went to a football board. They ask the question "What was the greatest team in NFL history?". Well they are going to get some answers that could be correct, (undefeated Dolphins, 70's Steelers, recent Patriots), then you will get some answers of guys just supporting their local teams, like 1992 Chiefs, or 2005 Falcons, etc. (btw just making up teams/years for illustration). See what I mean? Some answers would be defendable, some not, but if a person does not knwo football pretty decently they cannot tell which answers are defendable, and which ones are just silly. Same with here. If you read posts concerning coin collecting and bullion investing, if you do not have some background you simply do not know which ones to really contemplate and which ones to skip over. What makes it even more complicated is that unlike a question of best football team, your goals and tastes will greatly affect what is the "right" answer for you. If any person claims they know exactly how YOU should colelct coins then you know that is an answer you can skip over. There simply is no physical way for anyone to know what is best for you but you. I would say that as you get a little more experience collecting you will learn to differentiate answers here, and also realize that you cannot learn how to "collect coins" here, simply pick up some tips that might make your path a little easier. Hope that helped a little. Chris Edit: Btw if you needed as the way of getting your feet wet to know what one poster you should listen to, I would nominate either Doug of Mark, (GDJMSP or Mark Feld). Most on this board do not disagree with their advice, and they have kindly and unselfishly given it here for a long time. They are both lifelong experts, and know this topic. Others here are great as well, and you will decide who they are, but to get started pay attention to these guys advice. You will be glad you did.
I just got back from the future, silver and gold is worthless, water is the most sought after commodity along with food (twinkies are the hottest and most precious food since it is not real and does not expire), not silly metals since they can't eat it. So just go ahead and send all your bullion to me. Thanks!
i collect for collecting's sake, i like history and i like nice designed coins, so when these two combine i have my purchase, i dont consider myself knowledgeable in the subject, but enough to get me by, and the fun's in the learning right?
:welcome:to the boards bsowa. I concur with what others have been saying. ---------------------------- Note on Personal Experience: I will say, when I started posting here a few months back, I noticed that some of the most knowledgeable persons here have rather "blunt" ways of offering advice. For me this is not a problem, as I rather prefer "to the point" and "unequivocal" advice -- I'm not easily offended and I am fine with a forward way of communication. However, some people like to have their hand's held, and find straightforward answers as offensive. Just take note that, some people here are particularly wise, even if they have "curt" or "short" ways of answering questions. In summary, "Never take offense to people's opinions here". After a few weeks/months of regular posting and reading, you will be able to tease out the wise from the unwise. Enjoy the boards! I have found this a very great way to more fully enjoy the hobby, and I hope the same for you.
That elephant looks mighty huge and intimidating as you're sitting there contemplating how to eat it all. Well obviously, you're not going to, nor do you have to, eat it all at once. (I'm using a life sized chocolate elephant in my example---it's more appetizing) So this week you're just going to break off it's tail and work on it. Find a small segment of numismatics that interests you and learn all you can about it. After you're comfortable with that area then move on to something else. Before you know it you'll be looking for another elephant.
Collecting for enjoyment is key. Focus and get informed in some specific area of numismatics. Regarding the overwhelming info, look for a consensus among the people you respect. TC
