i am pretty new to collecting and just do not have that much money to spend now. i have a hard time trying to trust someone i do not know. what is a good way to go about this. i am a trucker and travel the highways and byways. i am sure i pass many shps but never really stop. how did you start to trust a person who gets your money with out knowing them. jfa
The first key is to know what you are buying. The more you know, the less of a chance of being taken advantage of. This includes being able to grade a coin yourself. If they are selling a coin marked EF-40 for $20 and the book value is $30 then that looks great, however if the coin is actually VF-20 then it is really bad. I also like to watch how the shop owner treats others (and myself). I have been in shops lately where little old ladies bring in old coins, if is seems like they are treated fairly then that is a plus. If the shop isn't busy ask for info on a coin, if they are willing to take the time and share info that is a good sign. (of course you want to check their info to see if they are being honest) Most of this would be harder for you since you might not get the chance to visit shops repeatedly, you might want to ask recommendations for a certain area here. Like I did for the Los Angeles area in the post above.... Coin shops in LA.... anyone... anyone...
I heard you loud and clear. Not getting out that much is not as problematic as it once was. Pics are posted and there is a good time to get things for the collection as well as selling some surplus. I finally got around to filling some holes to complete sets that never would have happened without internet access to dealers and buyers.
Only place I can recommend is Alhambra Coin, but if you are gonna be in Thousand Oaks, its probably way out of your way.
I'd start of by picking up a couple of books (if your main interest is coins).... one would be The Red Book- "A Guide Book of United States Coins" by R.S. Yeoman and maybe "The Cherrypicker's Guide". That'll give you an idea of what to look for. Also, check out ebay, Heritage Auctions etc. to see what "collectible" coins sell for. Read some of the early posts here on Coin Talk. You'll see what people have been finding and buying and why. There are a lot of facets to this hobby and there's something for everybody.
Does anybody know of any good shops or dealers in the northern Illinois or north west Indiana area? Any help would be great. thanks
Sorry, I'm going to use my initial post to bump up this thread, because I'm still lost when looking for a dealer. The plus side is that I have a pretty good idea of what I like and don't like, so I'm happy enough to go to ebay and search. I consider that an adequate option. But I'd really like to at least have something of a relationship. I'm in Boston, but I've had trouble finding any dealers of size. It's probably going to be remote, which is better than nothing. Thanks, Mike
Thanks! I'm getting back into the hobby after being away for a few decades. It's changed! I have a feeling that I'll end up doing a lot of buying online. Will take recommendations anywhere I can get them. Mike
Suggestion, go to the Forums Page, go to the Introductions Forum and say hello, say you are in Boston and ask your question...bet you a two-cent piece you'll have some replies. Good Hunting