I just started collecting coins and I have really enjoyed the hobby so far. But one problem i have been having is getting coins. The only dealers that are close to me are a few guys at the local flea market. I dont like them at all and they are all the same. They overgrade their coins and then stick the redbook price for that grade on every one of the coins. I've heard, and agree, that the redbook prices are high to begin with anyway. I always try to negociate with them and try to get a better price but they are so stingy and never listen to me, let alone let me get a better deal. I also bought my first large cent there, which i now know has been heavily cleaned :headbang: (When i first started collecting a few months ago i wish i had been smart enough to know that a 150 year old circulated copper coin isn't going to shine one bit) I can't buy coins off eBay or the internet because i'm under 18 and dont have any kind of credit card or anything like that and my dad is really weird about letting me do things that involve money over the internet. There are hardly ever coin shows where i live. When there are, they are always 45min to an hour away. Considering gas prices i might as well just buy the over priced flea market coins lol What do I do??
Your Dad is protecting you as you are new and unexperienced, the internet is like shark infested water, dangerous, especially Ebay to a "newbie" Try the Open forum here or Coinbug.com, you will not need any credit cards and money orders are ok with the sellers usually. You can always post pics of your coins you are thinking about here and get advise before you spend a dime....and learn alot as well !! WELCOME to the forum !!!
Not every coin dealer has a booth at the flea market or a store. There are many "vest pocket" dealers that work out of their house. Ask around and you might find one in your area. Coin shows are a great place to buy coins. Check this link to find coin shows in your area. Also, if you join a coin club you will meet other collectors that may be willing to sell you some of their duplicates.
Hi Jonathon Welcome to CoinTalk! Have you decided how you want to focus on for your collection? Cents, nickels, dimes, etc., pre-1900ish, or ? jeankay
45 minutes? take a BUS! 45 minutes dosnt sound all that bad to me. it'll be worth it when you get home and you have a whole bunch of coins to look at! trust me, I drive 5 hours for an overpriced coin shop..
Joining a coin club is a good way to get coins at reasonable prices. You will also meet a lot of people who will sell (sometimes give away) you coins and supplies. Buying and selling on this forum and others will work as well.
Ok well i found out about a few local coin clubs I'm going to check out. And jeankay i think i'm going to focus my collection on 1800's coppers (flying eagles and indian heads to start with and later once i'm more experienced maybe large cents and half cents) Anyone here got any they will sell??
Jon: Go to the bottom forum "Open" and post a request, mention that you are a YA, some members may be able to help you out.
Jonathan, the guy I buy from was always selling me stuff over redbook too, but once they see you are a regular and they start to like you, they will give you deals, I recently got my whole order (about $80 worth) for around $50. give it a shot, and after a while, if they dont give you deals, the just go to he next guy. If theres more than one, then at least on eof them will since they are fighting for business. stainless
Jon: Also, try pm'ing Arizona Jack (see top post). He is a dealer (but, supposedly, one of the good guys.) (okay, Jack, I couldn't be ALL nice.)
You don't need a credit card for most of the sellers on eBay. You can send them a check or money order. Same for many dealers that have sites on the internet. You can also get pre-paid debit cards which act the same as a Visa/MC.
I agree totally, people on here and coinbug normally will try to help you out. What are your interests if you don't mind me asking? Welcome to the forum, and have fun collecting! Phoenix
There are some pretty reliable internet dealers. There is a link around here someplace that lists the websites, but I don't have it handy. Maybe someone else does. I do much of my buying from internet dealers now.
Just hang in there,I wish I was your age again,I would read all the books I can get a hold of.Learning isn't as glamorous as buying coins,but you probably wont get burned like I did,buying overgraded ,or altered coins is no fun.There are plenty of fair dealers on the internet,check refrences,see if they're members of A.N.A.,P.N.G. or other organizations.Buy Coin magazines a lot advertise in them.Those people at the flea markets sound a little shady ,be nice to them ,and look, I DO MEAN LOOK,at there coins and learn,if enoughpeople just look and dont buy they just might start to grade their coins fairly. rzage
