Thanks guys, some of you spotted some things that I missed completely. Maybe the best idea is to buy the first example of your series as PCGS or NGC and then go on to buy raw coins? What do you guys think of ANACS?
I haven't had a chance to check my copy of Fivaz' book, but I'm glad someone did. It's inexpensive, readily available, and a great read. Recommended ! Here are some of the things which jumped out at me : OBVERSE: Raised file marks between stars 2 and 3 Raised file marks between stars 9 and 10 (really bad) poor denticles blobby letters in LIBERTY and "9" in date finned rim REVERSE: mint mark totally hosed poor denticles letters blobby and poorly spaced, particularly in STATES finned rim raised blobs around mintmark and TEN, particularly 'twixt N and D
No. This is NOT the thing to do. The thing to do is what has already been suggested: Buy only slabbed NGC and PCGS coins. If you can't afford that then maybe should try $5 libs or something more in your price range. Buying raw gold on ebay is like playing Russian Roulette. Eventually, the gun will go off and cost you several hundreds of dollars. If you have been buying raw gold off ebay for a while, you might want to post pics so that folks here can comment on how you have done so far...before you spin the barrel for the next shot.