Where do you buy coins?

I like checking antique stores and stuff but I am wondering where you all buy your coins for collecting from. What’s a reliable source? I want to invest in some ancient coins from Rome, or other places, and I also want to collect old US Coins.

 

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Ebay/heritage auctions. What kind of old us coins do you want to collect?

 

I have been checking ebay but I guess it takes a little research to make sure you get a fair price. I’m not quite sure what US coins lol, kind of new to this. I have a lot of learning to do but I really like the old silver US coins!

 

mostly online now from a small company they have reasonably priced to very high priced coins, they have raw and graded coins and banknotes plus non-coin items

sometimes they have rare coins, but mostly common coins and banknotes

they sell bullion both graded and raw

only a $5 shipping charge on orders and a discount here and there

 

Antique stores are good to look at but here in California, last time I checked they were asking full retail prices for their coins. Maybe in different States, you would do better, idk.

 

I have been a modern coins and banknotes collector for about 7-8 years, this means a little studying, market research ... but I have been a collector since I was a little kid.
My sources are mainly well known sellers from sites similar to ebay and also from Facebook numismatic groups. Also a friend from Germany who sold an entire collection with coins and banknotes from my country and I got quite rare items at bargain prices.
A few months ago I decided to switch to ancient coins and my sources are clear - well known auction houses, with good history, user friendly ... you got the picture.

Just some advice for you
- if you are a beginner, don't get too excited about coins described as "extremely rare", "XF-AU-MSXX". Many times (not always!) this is just, let's say overrated, don't buy without checking
- check the correct price from different sources
- stick to well known dealers/auction houses with good reputation
- what I learned in my numismatic experience - if something is too good to be true, then usually it isn't true. I've had my share of bargains and surprises, but if it happens weekly it can't be a surprise
- try to set a goal - you want US coins, between years 1xxx and 19xx (for example), or Roman coins from the emperors Vespasian, Titus and Domitian (just an example again) etc.
- if you are unsure, try to find documentation and ASK. I always found answers to my questions on different forums, including this one.

 

Thanks for the great advice!

 

I’ll agree with that lol they tend to sell for a little more than what they are worth. I did however find some porcelain German coins/medals for $1.00 a piece at a thrift store and it turns out that they are worth about $20.00 a piece. Just gotta get lucky with the find I guess.

 

Sometimes you just need to be in the right place and at the right time.
My first lot of ancient coins consisted in 34 random coins, my winning bid was 100 EUR but I knew nothing about them and the picture was a mess.
It was a well known auction house so I said why not.
It was a great lot, the total value would be around 500 EUR and it had some rare coins, some in good conservation...

But last week I bought another lot, from a different house, 13 coins - 100 EUR. The total value is about 70. So you win some, you lose some.

 

My local LCS, online dealers that are well known to me, antique stores and people that come to me.

 

For modern coins, Coin roll hunting can be good. Look at this thread to see what is being found. You should be able to get coins from the bank again since the "shortage" has loosened up. W quarters, Buffalo Nickels and wheat cents seem to be fairly common finds.

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roll-searchers-post-your-results.10176/page-2193#post-5130800

 

Although most people poo-poo the prices, the Red Book isn't THAT bad...just remember to stay under what they have listed.

 

First off Welcome !! I buy mine online at ebay and some private sellers . The others were gifts from relatives . Everyone remember these ?

 

Ebay, Tradera (Swedish), MA-Shops (German), Ricardo (Swiss), and, pre-Covid, a coin store out in Naples, FL, whenever we would go there on vacation.

 

I think these days many use on line dealers. I like having a relationship with my local dealer. We have become good friends over the years and as a result, he keeps his eyes opened for coins he knows I like. And I believe it translates to better deals for me often times as well.

 

I live in the Northeastern U.S. of A. I have a few local stores, a couple local shows, and a local auction. While we've been in lockdown, I've bought very few things from e-barf. I've also bought a couple things from local flea markets and garage sales, but seldomly.

 

For me (during the Pandemic), e-bay has been the go-to place, but I have bought at flea markets and on Craigslist...pretty much wherever I can.

 

eBay, Heritage, Great Collections and occasionally local shows.

 

For moderns, I use a dealer. It's too difficult to grade from pictures for moderns, where one or two points can make a huge difference. Placing an order with a dealer can ensure someone skilled looks at the coins in hand and selects appropriate quality examples for you.

 

Ebay mostly...heritage...and legit dealers' web sites. Havent been to a show in > 10 years