Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;medoraman, post: 1330234, member: 26302&quot;]JBaker, if you are new at coins, grading, etc. I would not buy any coins yet. My thoughts would be to due the following, (apologies to those who have read this before):</p><p><br /></p><p>1. Buy a Red Book and ANA grading book</p><p>2. Get a bag of cents, nickels, or both</p><p>3. Go through each bag separating out the coins by grade. Use the grading book to guide you. This will get you used to grading, (a critical skill you simply MUST learn how to do yoruself). Once you are done, go through each pile and see if you still agree with the grade. Learn from yoru mistakes. </p><p>4. When you are done, start with the highest grade pile and pick out one of each date/mm. The rest go back into the bag. Do this until you have picked out the highest grade date/mm for all of the coins you have. Now you have the basis of a collection of these coins, all for face value, and taught yourself a little how to grade and use your Redbook. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie1" alt=":)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>Cheapest way I know to start, and learn. Take the rest of the coins back to the bank. If you wish, pick another denomination and repeat. There is never TOO many coins to look at and grade. The only way to learn is to do. Once you get good at this, then you can start worrying about buying coins. Honestly, if you cannot tell the difference between two grades, you really have no business buying either. Slabs are not protection, you need to learn to grade yourself. </p><p><br /></p><p>This is exactly how I have helped many new collectors to start, and it works very well. I myself started this way.</p><p><br /></p><p>Chris</p><p><br /></p><p>P.S. If you wish to buy an inexpensive, cool coin to reward yourself for getting into coins, that is ok. I know the lure of owning a large cent, or an old silver dollar is a great temptation. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie1" alt=":)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /> That is fine, just buy an inexpensive example until you personally know why a higher priced one is worth the extra money.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in