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Considering a new Christmas tradition, need some schooling

ChiefsFan1stChiefsFan1st Posts: 845 ✭✭✭
in Q & A Forum

I'm a football card guy and occasionally post on the other side of the universe. I've had this idea bouncing around in my head for a bit and the limited research I have done into it tells me I don't understand how this all works. Sure could use some general guidance.

Last Christmas, my brother got me a bar of troy silver (he is a card collector, too). I thought that was a cool gift, different from our normal card exchanges. And, can't go wrong with precious metals, right? But I have been bouncing around the idea of graded coins as holiday gifts. It would have to be graded stuff, because I certainly couldn't spot a fake if it kicked me in the rear!

So I guess, to start off, what do I need to know about graded coins as far as purity of metal, condition, heck I don't even know what I need to ask to be honest. Can somebody point me to what a rookie needs to know as far as just gift giving is concerned? Probably not so much interested in collectible quality, more interested in authentic and pureness of metal.

I dont wanna grow up, Im a Toys-R-Us kid!

Comments

  • HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭

    The Red Book of US Coins is a good start.

    In the main US Coin forum there is a thread stickied to the top that has plenty of invaluable reference material. Here is the direct link to the thread.

    But, getting back to basics check the Red Book.

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1006619/resources-books-to-read-on-numismatic-series-and-varieties

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @ChiefsFan1st said:
    I'm a football card guy and occasionally post on the other side of the universe. I've had this idea bouncing around in my head for a bit and the limited research I have done into it tells me I don't understand how this all works. Sure could use some general guidance.

    Last Christmas, my brother got me a bar of troy silver (he is a card collector, too). I thought that was a cool gift, different from our normal card exchanges. And, can't go wrong with precious metals, right? But I have been bouncing around the idea of graded coins as holiday gifts. It would have to be graded stuff, because I certainly couldn't spot a fake if it kicked me in the rear!

    So I guess, to start off, what do I need to know about graded coins as far as purity of metal, condition, heck I don't even know what I need to ask to be honest. Can somebody point me to what a rookie needs to know as far as just gift giving is concerned? Probably not so much interested in collectible quality, more interested in authentic and pureness of metal.

    Start him on a date collection of Silver Eagles in PCGS holders.

  • HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Agree with @Insider2 withe the ASE’s they are moderately priced (except key dates), a good heft, a PM, and larger than the usual coin.

    There is also a lot if information out on the ASE’s to research further.

  • sellitstoresellitstore Posts: 2,862 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Besides certified coins, you would be pretty safe buying modern mint products in original packaging.

    Commemorative silver dollars and silver proof sets offer opportunities for nice coins at small premiums over bullion value.

    Collector and dealer in obsolete currency. Always buying all obsolete bank notes and scrip.
  • Namvet69Namvet69 Posts: 8,951 ✭✭✭✭✭

    If you have a reputable local coin shop, you should stop in to check the inventory. Coin dealers often acquire collections that include items that might be worthy gifts. PCGS slabbed silver makes a great gift. Peace Roy

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  • ChiefsFan1stChiefsFan1st Posts: 845 ✭✭✭

    Thanks guys. I just ordered a copy of The Red Book of US Coins. I am flying to Japan here in a couple weeks and needed new reading material for the flight anyways, so this is pretty cool timing for that. I can read up while I'm flying. Also, the Silver Eagles idea sounds cool. That might be the route I go.

    Couple more questions. His birth year is 1978 and graduation year is 1996. Any suggestions for those years? And what does first strike mean? Is that like first day production or something? I seen that term on a lot of Silver Eagle holders when I glanced at E-Bay.

    sellitstore, do you have a link where a person could feel relatively safe buying from? Like I eluded to, I am a babe in the woods on this topic. Namvet69, I'm out in the sticks in North Missouri. Most people around here are like me. We think we have valuable coins because we have 3 or 4 drummer boy quarters :D We don't have anything for coin (or cards as a matter of fact).

    Guys, I'm headed to see the grand daughter. Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

    I dont wanna grow up, Im a Toys-R-Us kid!
  • HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭

    “First Strike” (FS) is a term used by this forum’s host. Other TPG’s have their own term and conditions.

    In general, FS, is a coin slabbed within 30 days of release from the US Mint. More info here:

    https://www.pcgs.com/firststrike/

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