I Think I've lost some money on this coin !

I think it is a good way to start. I know some may not like this, but I did buy some graded coins that I thought matched the grade description. To help me learn and to compare colors with. Not as easy with silver. I think it is a good start.

And chasindreams - if you like this pan pac coin that is all that matters. So now let the learning begin - enjoy this hobby.

 

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This is just my opinion, but when I was at the coin show in Rosemont, IL, I overheard two dealers complaining that other dealers would not look at buying coins from other dealers or collectors unless it was slabbed by PCGS or NGC. I thought this was narrow minded, but this story amongst others does not provide me with warm feelings about an ANACS slabbed coin.

I say whether the coin is slabbed or not, or for whatever slab the coin is in, take a nice, serious look at it, and use your judgement based on grading standards. I've seen NGC and PCGS slab coins in MS67 were not appealing. You will find them on ebay.

 

Jim,

You need to adjust your eyes in regards to what you think is a beautiful coin. A polished coin has an unaturally shiny look that you need to train yourself to recognize and avoid. A very shiny coin is not synonymous with a beautiful coin in all circumstances.

I don't mean to be unkind, but until you adjust your interpretation of what constitutes a beautiful coin you run the risk of additional costly purchasing mistakes.

 

i agree that buying moderate priced coins is a good way to start. it is also essential to collect what you like. a coin, whether in a slab or not , is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay for it ,combined sometimes, w/ what a seller is willing to take for it. everyone should take their time and learn. the ability to apply knowledge will bring you much more enjoyment to this hobby.
learn first and be a smart buyer (read and study, especially if you decide on a given series). buy the coin for what you think it is worth, not a grading company's opinion of thier assessment.
please, please please....never hesitate to ask for advice from the experienced numismatists. learn from the experts. other peole's mistakes and advice will save you much heartache and bring you more fun from this hobby.
best wishes.....steve

 

I agree with the last post. Also, there is nothing wrong buying a moderate priced coin -- it gives you some ownership, which gets you more involved into this great hobby. Also, I agree you should read, research, check out posts, etc. - no doubt about. But reading and researching all the time can be a little boring, and getting involved in a purchase provides a different educational perspective and you will learn a lesson or two from it. Not to mention it's fun.

Moderate purchasing (that is, a purchase that will not break your bank and will not make you lose sleep if you made a mistake) also provides communication and more knowledge from dealers. If you go to a coin shop, and you spend a lot of time talking to a dealer, you gain lots of information beyond and books and the websites. If you want to continue maintaining this information source and keep a good dealer-customer relationship, for common courtesy a moderate purchase (at a minimum) is a good idea.

I was at a shop yesterday and had a pleasant conversation with a dealer. I could not find anything significant I liked, but I found a couple of nice common dated uncirculated Franklin halves. The dealer was very friendly to me and my 3 year old daughter, and I liked what I purchased, and it was also a gesture to thank him for his time.