I am planning to put together a collection of Indian Heads. I am relatively new to US coins so I was wondering if anyone here could share with me your tips to collecting Indian Heads? Where to look, what to look out for, where I could get collection lots, etc. Thanks...
I take it you are talking Indian Head Cents? If not ignore the rest of this post. The first thing I recommend is getting some of Rick Snow's books. One of these is the red book on Flying Eagles and Indian Head Cents. Learn how to grade them - Rick Snow has a guide on his website(indiancent.com). Are you looking for high grade coins? If so then check Rick Snows web site, Heritage and, DLRC, Teletrade, JJ Teapart, and Ebay. Stick to the big 4 if buying graded coins. Just remember not all 64's and 65's are equal - you might like red coins best, but I prefer brown or red-brown. Now if you are looking for low grade lots then ebay can be good - just remember most of those lots will include some problem coins. I have gotten 2 or 3 decent runs of IHC's off ebay in the f to vf range. It takes time and you will find some of the keys and semi-keys will be expensive even in a low grade. Still get the book first, learn to grade, decide what you like and then look around a lot before buying. Also do you have a local dealer where you can shop and look at some in hand? Have I mentioned get some books - it is really hard to make recommendations with out really knowing what your goal is. I enjoy them and have three sets going - high grade, middle grade and low grade. I have one complete, but I am upgrading a few in the high grade, then moving those coins to the middle grade, and those coins to low grade. It is fun to me.
And Rick Snow also posts here! Rick is THE expert on IHCs, buy his books before you start collecting them, you will learn an awful lot.
Just read your note. I also assume you are talking about IH cents. I have been a collector for over 60 years and amoung the thousand of coins I have over 1000 IH's. Have a family that just are not interested (9 including sons, grandchildren, etc.) Therefore, I am just starting to attempt to sell many of the duplicates. I am not a dealer. Have bought many on ebay and have a 100% feedback. Would be able to provide a money-back garantee if not satisfied. I live in upstate NY, and along with my family own and operate two mid-size corporations. Will be able to furnish references. Please let me know if interested and if so please contact me via email -- stucb@aol.com Thanks Stu Bourgeois Thanks
