New collector, about 2 months now. ASE's. I have all the Bullion (for the kids), but I'm getting the Proof's for myself. I have a great coin dealer across the street from where I work, I've purchased all the proof's that he had (that fit my collection anyway). He doesn't get them all that often (I don't think) and I'm growing impatient. That's not a good thing, is it? Patience is a virtue (and money saver) I suppose!
I don't think most of us do, we just extend our collecting interests More seriously, I stay patient by doing research on the series I collect. It keeps me engaged with the coins and learning more about them. The downside I have found is the more you learn, the more selective you become.
Are there any coin shows in your area? A visit to a local coin club or coin show might provide some activity to satisfy your coin-cravings (appetite).
That is what I do. However, ancient/medieval coins are different than modern US coins. Modern coins you can buy all you want, its just a matter of money. I may not even see a coin for sale for half a decade, so I have to buy what is for sale. I would say Beef's suggestion of education is wonderful, but how much can you really read about ASE's? I would branch out OP, either in way of sellers, (attend a local coin show or cruise Ebay), or series you are interested in. If you like large modern silver coins, there are tons of great series out there for you.
WooHoo! Just called him - he got in a 2006 20th anniversary set AND a 2011 set! Can't afford the 2011 right now, I think (I hope) that's it's way over-priced. But the 2006 for $350 I think is a pretty good deal. Going to cut out of work here in a bit and go pick it up. Craving satisfied - at least for now anyway!
Agree. I'm forcing myself to finish this collection before I start looking at other things. I've read a ton on the ASE's. I *think* the Peace Dollars (are they the coins with the large eagle on the back?) are really beautiful coins. Those may be next. As far as the shows, EBay, etc. I'm pretty leery of them at this point, especially as much as I read here about fakes. maybe in time I'll feel better about it, but right now I trust the guy that I've been going to.
All US quarters, half dollars, & dollars have an eagle on the reverse. Basically, there is a law that requires it. I really think you should go to a show. You might find better prices (or higher prices) than you have experienced with the ONE dealer. Here is a Peace dollar:
Honestly, that's about the worst mistake you can make. Next to knowledge, patience is the most important thing you can learn when it comes to coin collecting. Patience is what gets you better coins, and gets them for less money. It's pretty hard to beat that
I agree with Collect. Mike, do you have a Redbook of US coins? Its like $12. You really should own one. Open it up, read about all of the cool coins the US has produced.
I think its an age think Doug. We have been around coins so long we naturally understand the cycles in the market, and have a baseline of coins, (or had in your case), that we didn't NEED to buy to still enjoy coins in hand. Just saying I remember starting out and how I wanted a LOT of coins to handle. Be careful what you wish for though, as now I have a LOT of coins to handle, too many actually. But, being a hoarder, I cannot just SELL them, right?
I've been guilty of buying a coin, putting it in the box, saying, "OK - I've got that one," then immediately shopping for the next. Now I take the time to really examine and enjoy at least part of my collection everyday.
I understand your point Chris, and I like instant gratification as much as the next person, young or old. But, once you know that patience gets you better coins for less money - how does anyone possibly ignore that ? I mean really - better coins ? How do you not enjoy better coins more than lesser examples ? And for less money ? That means you get to buy more coins so you have even more to enjoy ! I think even Homer Simpson could understand that !
Yes. And I agree 100%, but Im an aging drag racer, and we always want to be there yesterday, so I can understand.
I simply don't have the time to be impatient, therefore it's not an option. Besides, I'm in no hurry. I have the rest of my life to collect and am in no race. If it takes 50 years to get a particular coin, then it takes 50 years. Guy
Shows are one of the best places to go and view coins. The only way to get more comfortable with grading coins and spotting fakes is by looking at a lot of coins in hand. You don't have to buy then at shows, but going and looking is a great learning experience. If you find yourself getting bored with ASEs, I would suggest branching out into a series with a lot of actual variety. Morgans by VAM, half dollars by Overton, large cents by variety, or ancients. Any of these series has enough variety that even a serious collector could spend their life collecting and still not know it all.
I suppose, but the prices that this guy is selling me the proof's (and just now the set) are at or below what I've found them for online. I can go there, talk with him, see the item. He's more than happy to talk with me, educate me on things. I think right now I'll go with the adage: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". These are EXACTLY what I was talking about, thanks for posting them. I think it's a very nice looking coin.
Definitely look into the red book of us coins. And like most, if feeling bored branch out. I've found type sets are great for this. Getting one coin of each type in a particular series or denomination. That way you see different designs and not the same thing over and over again. Also, sometimes having a focus is more important than patience. If you don't have a goal and or stick to it then one tends just randomly collect and finds they don't have a direction. Hobbies like this are a marathon, not a race.