I'm new to coin collecting. Well, not really new, I've been collecting for about 8 months and have more coins than can fit in my apartment. What i'm wondering is what would be the way to go for coin collecting? There's errors - Which I have a few of There's Canadian, American, Mexican, etc, etc, etc There's so much. I'm going to be getting rid of a lot of my coins and just focusing on a specific group of coins to collect. I'm looking for opinions. I'm from upper canada so the 2 different types of coins I see normally are Canadian coins and some American coins. Very few from other countries.
I too live in Canada, And I focus on Canadian Coins, Large Cents, Half Dollars, and the small cents. And A newfound land set on the side. But that is the exact reason Im on this site. If I ever plan on opening a shop Im going to need to know alot more about American Coins. Not to mention, the time I got my first American Morgan and my first few wheat cents I couldn't stop looking at them. It all depends what really catches your eye when your at the shop. and I know its pretty hard to find American stuff at the shop I go to. Collect whatever you want. Collect what catches your eye , and what is in your preice range
I'd suggest that 1) you determine your budget. How much do you have to spend on coins each month / year? 2) Think about your buying style. Would you be happy using all of your available money getting just one coin a year or do you want to be able to get a few every week for the same price outlay? Is it important to you that you'll be able to get every coin in the series? 3) read a few coin books 4) pick an area to concentrate on depending on what you like and your budget. 5) read more about your subject 6) read some more about it 7) buy coins and try your hardest to stick to what you've decided to buy. It's ok to stray once in a while but keep your eyes on the goal. I could make some more specific suggestions if we knew what kind of budget you have and broadly whether you'd prefer Canadian, U.S. or other world coins. Personally, if I were you I'd start by collecting Canadian small cents and nickels. I have a fondness for those and they're cheap. It'll give you time and real world experience learning to grade coins and spot signs of cleaning etc. You could probably also pull a lot from circulation.
READ and STUDY!!! buy books like david bowers' "experts guide to collecting and investing in rare coins"...or even "the dummies guide to collecting coins". take the ana numismatic diploma course if you can afford it. an education will save you money in the long run. learn and get an idea what you like, THEN buy coins. find a good mentor if at all possible.....read the forum and become informed. the ability to apply knowledge is the key to success and enjoyment in this (and other) hobbies. very best wishes......steve
That is the best and truest answer. Don't worry about over doing this hobby. Somewhere in the future you'll be saying "Nuts, why didn't I save those?" It happens way to often. I'm kind of tired of hearing people say "I used to have those" or them or some. So why didn't you keep them I'd say. Then there is the tons of excusses. Just keep them all and worry about it in about 30 or 40 years.
"Brit in Texas" makes a lot of sense. The only thing I would add is visit coin shows as often as possible. That might be tough if you live in a remote area. And hang out with other hobbyists if possible. Hang out here ! Good to have you.
If you plan on collecting U.S. coins I'd suggest buying a "Red Book" aka "A Guide Book of United States Coins". When I'm planning on starting a new series, I'll look through the Red Book and find something that interests me.
