Hello everyone! I’m a newer collector and have been drawn in by older US coins. I’ve been reading posts and figured I’d join the discussion. I’ve picked up a couple of basic coins over the last couple of months and figured I’d share them here.
It's great that you've started collecting! Tough lesson for me that I'll warn you about right away - don't believe anything you see on an NNC slab. I see one among your purchases and they're what's know as a "basement slabber." Anything in one of their holders you need to be able to evaluate on your own and ignore what the label says.
Welcome to the fray @QuantumNY Lots of great information to be found here on CT. Just be sure to vet the information offered here too. I'm in total agreement with the caveat from @KBBPLL about the NNC slab.
Thank you all for the welcomes! The slab coin I purchased for $26 I’m not sure why they put it in there because I don’t think it’s worth grading. From what I see there are only two solid grading companies for coins. If this is anything like cards I’m sure I’ll have to cut it out of the holder.
Welcome to CT! As already mentioned, steer clear of NNC slabbed coins. They are probably the worst basement slabber and many (pronounced ALL) coins are over graded and even problem coins in reality.
Welcome to CT, enjoy yourself. Many people here who possess a lot of knowledge, and never feel intimidated to ask questions or comment.
If you don't already have one, buy a copy of A Guide Book of United States Coins (the redbook). Lots of good, basic info. I would bet that just about every experienced collector on here had a copy when they got started and still use it as a reference (I still do). Best $15 you'll spend on the hobby
Welcome to CoinTalk. The one thing I drag on about, is posting photos, so let me add this to your welcome. For the best results, you should post "in focus," FULL IMAGE photos (after you upload your photo, two buttons appear: Thumbnail and Full Image, click Full Image and your photo appears full size on your post and are easily enlarged by clicking on it). Photograph coins on neutral backgrounds like black, grey, or white. Crop out superfluous background so just the coin shows (you can use https://www.remove.bg for free), and post photos with correct orientation so members don't have to turn their computer in some awkward fashion to view it properly. While it isn’t always necessary, it is nice to show both the obverse and reverse, even if your question is just about one side. Members can often give more valuable information having both sides to evaluate. Add close ups of areas you have questions about and make your questions as definitive as possible so we know what you are asking for. And try to have the best lighting possible to show the most favorable photo of the coin. Hope this helps in the future. Good luck.
That's the thing - nobody paid them to grade that coin. They put it in a slab, slap an official looking label on it, and hope someone believes them. There are more than two reputable grading companies. ANACS and ICG also get the seal of approval from ebay, and for example if you go to Canadian coins most there swear by ICCS or CCCS. Even the big two screw up, so it's important to learn to grade and compare the coin yourself.
Something about those old dollars. Man they will hook you every time. Welcome to a hobby that will hold you for the rest of your life. It’s the hobby of kings …. and us regular old Joes as well.
