I’m not sure if this has been discussed before, but I was wondering since I’m new to coin collecting should collect the coin I really love or start out buying coins that are already graded, the grading part is a little confusing anyways. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Welcome!! I would bet most everyone that stumbled into coin collecting has their own story. Some are very studious. Others, like myself happened to fall in love with coin collecting when my mother handed me a Franklin half to buy my school lunch with. If I were to offer advice, I would first say to pick yourself up a Redbook of US coins. It is written such that new collectors and well seasoned collectors can use it productively. Maybe choose a series that appeals to you and visit a local coin shop and pick up a few average pieces that won't kill the bank. Study them and get to know them before you start spending big money on high quality graded examples.... But however you choose to do it, HAVE FUN!!
Thank you Randy, my first coin I was ever given was a 1885-O but I lost my collection to cousins that like to steal. But I’m going today to pick me up one of the 2020 Redbook.
You may find an older copy of Red Book for a dollar or two. Prices change a little over time but not a lot. Soon you’ll be using online pricing with your new found basics.
Welcome! with @Randy Abercrombie I would also suggest focusing on one or two series or type of coins you really enjoy seeing or find interesting. Can I ask you a personal question? Can I ask your age? There have been many discussions here over the years, on advancing/promoting the hobby to the younger generation. Most of us here (I'm guessing/IMO) are old or older guys. Where (can I ask) would you fall into this category? We're hoping you're young!
Well at this point I’m 44yrs old and I’ve always loved the coins that came out of the New Orleans mint, and most of my collection came to me from my grandparents like the 1818 large cent
Darn! That's what I thought. I was hoping you were 16 or 17. Oh well, par for the course. Yes, New Orleans mint....good start! Welcome to the club!
First, welcome to the neighborhood! One helpful way to learn how to grade is to look at many, many certified coins whether it is at your local brick & mortar establishment or a coin show. It will also enable you to learn which coins are worth submitting for grading and which are not. ~ Chris
Do not limit yourself to just American coins. World coins/foreign coins have a huge variety to choose from. Collect what you want. Most of all have fun doing it.
You do need to learn how to grade, and how to spot other problems, before you buy any high dollar raw (unslabbed by one of the 4 leading company's) coins.
Yes I do collect all coins U.S. and other countries, I have a lot of world coins that date back to the 1920’s, I have one coin that I found years ago that’s a 1825 capped bust half dollar that had a hole in it and go it repaired, you can still see where the hole was but he even fixed the 5 on the back where it went through the 50C. I’ve never really thought much about grading till here recently but I keep all my coins in guardhouse 2x2 snap tights. But I mostly collect or save anything that looks interesting to me, but the New Orleans mint is my weakness. But the gem of my collection is my fathers 1943 cooper wheat penny, I’ve had it checked out by a coin dealer I trust but have never had it graded. It stays in my safe.
@Tx_BoneCollector you do realize the 1943 copper cent is a big bux item? We would love to see a picture of it and I would bet that everyone on this site would recommend getting it authenticated/graded.