One of my likes in coins is silver dollars from around the world. I do not know a lot about foreign coins (or US coins for that matter) so I don't know the size, weight, and composition of coins from other nations. I like silver dollars the size of the Morgan etc., and do not want to spend $50 for a dime size coin with 30% silver. A lot of times, Ebayers do not list the size, weight and composition of coins up for bid. Where could I find that type of info? I have searched and googled, but have been unable to find a good resource. Is there one? TIA.
Option 1 - Go to your local public library, go through the Standard Catalog of World Coins in their reference section, and list all the silver crown-size coins you find; then bid only if the coin is on your list. Option 2 - Use the Ask the Seller a Question link, and inquire. To fit your requirements it should be in the 36-42mm diameter range, the 25-30g range, and have .800 or more silver content. For Option 1 to be effective, you'll have to find a library with a full set of 17-20/21st Century volumes.
Get off of eBay. If you know less about coins than the people who are selling them, you are at a serious disadvantage and have probably been victimized. Find the nearest coin store whose owner is a member of at least the ANA if not also the PNG or IAPN. Beginners in this hobby are merely consumables for online dealers. If you are spending $50 per coin you are wasting your money already. The first advice any collector gets from a reputable dealer is "Buy the book before you buy the coin." (That was said by coin dealer Aaron Feldman over 50 years ago.) There are catalogs of world coins. There are books dedicated to the crowns you like. ("Crown" is the correct name for them, something you need to know in order to speak and write about your hobby.) You do not actually have to "buy" the books, of course. Visit a library. Even if you cannot get to a big city or university library conveniently, your local librarian can help you search and can get books for you via interlibrary loan. Also, your state university system might be available to you as a taxpayer. (I have an MSU library card and never went to school there.) Even if you cannot check books out, you can almost always USE a library by visiting it. The American Numismatic Association lends books to members for the cost of postage and insurance both ways. If you are spending $50 per coin, you can invest $35 per year in an ANA membership. You will be money ahead. To answer your question: My August "Internet Connections" column for Numismatist magazine will mention www.omnicoin.com which is pretty close to being the kind of website you are looking for. Good luck! Happy collecting! and Welcome Aboard! Michael
I'm not surprised that you couldn't find such a resource. If you want to make one, I'd happily publish it to the web for you on my dime.
The world coins I buy are silver, and usually the size of an American silver dollar. Mostly around an ounce. I consider the price of silver in the purchase. I have yet to pay more than $12 for anything, and probably wouldn't. I feel the silver content, and a corresponding price will prevent me from losing my shirt. Plus, I am not really interested in everyday pocket change. My local dealer has that, and I can see what I am getting, even though his grading is somewhat.........profitable for him. I get Proof bullion type stuff like Chinese Panda's, Balboa's, Canadian Maples, Brittannia's, Kook's and Monkey's, Israel, Bahama's, Costa Rica, and Islands in the West Indies etc. I have been chasing some New Zealand silver, but the price keeps going too high. I prefer legal tender and not so much commemoratives, but I have seen some commemoratives that I liked and got. The thing that blows my mind is Mexico. They have some really interesting stuff http://www.cmonedam.com.mx/cmm/cmm_bastidores_i.htm Why can't the US do it like that? I saw a Cayman Island Proof that I loved, but did not get in fast enough because I was unsure of the size, weight, value, and payment method. Sometimes, beauty adds to the value for me. Check this out: I really like this coin, and cannot wait to get one. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3919851720&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT Eventually, I will get one and probably at a better price. I have googled and googled and cannot find one of those anywhere. Anybody have any ideas where I could find one of these?
As someone already pointed out, you are talking about "silver crowns". Try using the search term "silver crown coin" on Google, and you will be amazed at how many relevant sites you will find.
