Any tips for a newbie?

Yes, don't buy them off eBay. Go to your bank and get a couple of rolls that are truly unsearched until you get used to it. Progressively get more and more rolls, branch out to other denominations, and then consider yourself hooked. It's fun, I promise.

 

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Getting started without having the coins that Grampa left is somewhat of a daunting task. Collecting from pocket change or even from rolls from banks is tough, because what are you going to collect. Jefferson nickels are about tho only ones you really have a chance at. Try and collect all the state quarters from change or banks. Will they be worth anything - no, but it is kind of fun. Now you can start looking for errors, but that is not everyone's cup of tea. Basically, get a red book. Doesn't have to be a new one, cause the prices in there are mostly not anything that anyone will follow. Gives you an idea of rarity though, and lots of good info. If you have a coin club in your area, that would be a godsend. Lots of people who share an interest, people to buy and sell from. Otherwise, where are you going to find coins. E-bay is OK, but prices do tend to run high. Local coin shops and shows are fantastic if you can find them. Even some of the "We Buy Gold" places might sell you some coins they have taken in. Doesn't hurt to ask. Finally, I would avoid slabbed coins at first unless you are starting with lotsa bucks. After you decide you are going to stick with it, then you can buy some ANACS or NGC slabs. Don't forget foreign coins from dealers "junk" boxes - a world of fun. Above all, enjoy yourself.

 

Here is my problem-I have mason jar after mason jar full of change, I use to work as a waitress for many years, and found silver quarters & dimes so I just started keeping all my coins. Now I have all these coins & I have no clue what to look for other than the silver. I really love the idea of getting coin rolls & hunting through them!

 

Any tips for a newbie?


First, why do you want to start collecting? Is there a series you are interested in? Do you have a realistic budget plan?

Those are just a few questions that only you can answer. I like the looks of the $20 Saints but they are out of my price range so I went with my second choice – Kennedy half dollars.

Advice, ask questions. Most people on these boards are more then willing to answer your questions. Research the series you decide to collect, understand rarity and conditional rarity, know the key coins in the series you decide on versus the semi-key or common dates. Study grading for your series of choice, don’t rely on what the label says.

As someone else mentioned, join a local coin club, this is a good method of seeing a random of different series so you can decide what hits your fancy.

Above all else, have fun.

Just my two cents worth,
Caleb

 

The ULTIMATE Presidental Coin collection

I have always loved coins, but never had the means to be a serious collector, now that I have had my first son, i would like to start a collection to share with him as he grows.

I am wondering if these are good collections to start with? I am interested in them because they seem to be well preserved coins that are beautiful and that ensure a full collection of the series.

But I'm wondering if they are overpriced for what is being collected in your opinions.

http://shopcsntv.com/ultimate-presidential-dollars.html

http://shopcsntv.com/ultimate-quarters-all.html


I'm ordering a red book this week to get going on GOOD ADVICE rather than getting lost in the internet sites that mostly are sales sites in disguise but wanted to get some tips on what direction to look. :hail:

 

Do have to admit that I didn't even look at the website. Almostly surely guaranteed to be a ripoff. These coins were available at banks until recently they became mint order only issues. For the mint only issues, why not get them from the mint as they become available. For older ones, check out coin shows, coin shops and e-bay in that order. They shouldn't be expensive, and the fun is in the collecting, not the owning.


Yep, looked and $80 for $20 is a RIPOFF!

 

Reminds me of when I started collecting, calling AU Pres. dollar coins high MSs.

 

When you decide on the series you want to collect, don’t overlook anything. Some people / collectors turn their nose up at SCS, ANACS, or ICG but good coins can be found at reasonable prices. Know what you are looking at learn to grade for yourself regardless of what is written on the label. I have found some coins in SCS and ICG that actually upgraded when submitted to PCGS and I have others that are in PCGS holders that I scratch my head trying to understand how the grader gave it that high of a grade.

If you decide to go with certified coins for the series of your choice, I would recommend putting a grading set together probably using a common date so you can see what a MS63 looks like compared to a MS64, MS65 or MS66 …

 

Welcome to the insanity Ld, we have plenty of padded rooms.

First off READ, READ as many threads as you can here on CT. Then? READ them again. After your done reading the threads for a third time, ask LOTS of questions. The people here are VERY helpful and know their stuff. TRY to pick a series (which is easier said than done) and learn as much as you can about it FIRST. I am the poster child for not having much direction in my collection, it can be fun yes but it can also be very expensive when it comes to mistakes. The most important thing to remember it this is suposed to be fun so collect what YOU like and have a GREAT TIME! :thumb::thumb:

 

WELCOME to COIN TALK!

If you can not afford to Buy a RED BOOK or subscribed a coin Magazines then stay here and start reading some of the threads! about pocket change look first a silver coins half dollars/ quarters/ dime which easy to recognise as silver pre 1964.

you gonna need also a magnifying glasses and scale weighs...then a good CAMERA too!

 

**Pre-1965, or 1964 and earlier (1964 INCLUDED!!!)**

 

If you like a certain kind of coin, then look for that one. War nickels are fun. They have a big mintmark over the capitol and were minted in the war years. There are other coins you are likely to find in change or cheaply that are instantly worth more than you pay for them.

 

Oh Yea, Photos, we like photos! LOTS OF PHOTOS !!! It's a great way to show a coin you may have a question about.

 

It is often truly said "Buy the coin, not the slab". That is really true. Now, that being said, ANACS and PCG are usually considered the best TPG (third-party graders) with ANACS trusted by a lot of people too. What we are talking about are coins sealed in plastic slabs and given grades by some respected (some more than others) grading services. This was an effort to make coin collecting more of a stockmaret clone where you could buy and sell an MS66 coin sight unseen simply on the grading company's say-so. These slabs are in general more expensive than a comprable "raw" coin you can buy.

 

:welcome:

Read lots of different books on coins prior to buying regarding pricing, history, grading, general knowledge, etc... Doing research prior to purchasing can save you a tremendous amount of money.

Than pick a certain series you enjoy the most & read up about that coin.

Find a local coin shop & take a visit. Be honest with the owner/employees & hopefully they will guide you in the right direction. Buying online is another good option once you understand what your looking for exactly.

Finally, HAVE FUN!!!! :u*meY: