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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;National dealer, post: 9812, member: 487&quot;]I have seen many articles and many posts throughout forums about coin experts.</p><p><br /></p><p>Developing an expertise in any area basically boils down to the same principles. Many hours, and studying. </p><p><br /></p><p>Constantly through our lives we seek out experts in every field. Whether it is a mechanic, a plumber, or coin dealer. </p><p><br /></p><p>Yet many times, we allow our own understanding to cloud the information we receive. We all get this idea in our head that we know more than the person who does this for a living.</p><p><br /></p><p>In coins, there are very few true experts. It takes a lifetime to master any craft. New ideas, and techniques evolve and with that, new learning must take place. Knowledge never stops. </p><p><br /></p><p>I am often asked how one becomes a dealer, or how to grade, or how to become an expert. The answer is the same for all. Time and studies. As a dealer, my day is spent dealing with coins. From having my nose stuck in a book, viewing websites, talking on the phone with others, sharing experiences, and general conversations here on CoinTalk. All of these activities add to the general knowledge. But it is still not enough. For those of you that have been here on CoinTalk a while know that many of my answers come from the pages of my referrence library.</p><p>I still after 12 years of being in this business rely heavily on the experts before me. </p><p><br /></p><p>The first sign of learning expertise is the understanding that you are not an expert. While your knowledge may be great or your abilities may prove worthy, expertise is life long. With knowledge also comes responsibility. Others look to you for answers and truth. </p><p><br /></p><p>When people begin a new quest for understanding they almost certainly start looking to become a jack of all trades. Expertise comes from knowing one thing, and that one thing better than anything else. </p><p><br /></p><p>So as you make your journey through this life, remember that when you are seeking out the answers, you have to learn to accept those answers. </p><p><br /></p><p>Our hobby is filled with many people who, while maybe not experts know a lot about coins. They share this knowledge because of a love for the hobby and the people involved.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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