Just Random Thoughts on My Coin Journey

Shane6596

Again, im completely new at this. Its only been a couple weeks that ive been collecting.

As i sit here and look over the 20 coins i have, i am starting to see the small differences in them. I have a couple walking liberties, one in nice condition, the other kinda rough. Its nice to sit and compare them at my own pace. I can see the wear differences, the brightness differences in spots, scratches on field...etc.

I have 3 morgans in 3 different conditions. Looking them over and comparing all the little different marks and scratches. Im slowly beginning to see what is being talked about in grading and the small imperfections.

What im getting at is, i think buying coins i like that are not ridiculously priced but not junk is a good path. If i see a worn mercury dime for $12 i buy it. Now i have it in hand to study and compare to pics online and future dimes of the same.

When im at the coin shop its overwhelming to look at so many samples because i just want to see so much, but it leaves no time to really study any of them. Maybe that will change later as i become more into one particular type, series...etc.

Looking at coins online just doesnt give any feel for me. Theres no depth, colors are off. It great for research, but lacks immersion.

Sitting with my coffee in morning or adult beverage at night and studying, looking over my coins in certain lights is just enjoyable.

I dont know where i was going with this, just putting thoughts down.

Thanks for reading.

WQuarterFreddie

@Shane6596 said:
Again, im completely new at this. Its only been a couple weeks that ive been collecting.

As i sit here and look over the 20 coins i have, i am starting to see the small differences in them. I have a couple walking liberties, one in nice condition, the other kinda rough. Its nice to sit and compare them at my own pace. I can see the wear differences, the brightness differences in spots, scratches on field...etc.

I have 3 morgans in 3 different conditions. Looking them over and comparing all the little different marks and scratches. Im slowly beginning to see what is being talked about in grading and the small imperfections.

What im getting at is, i think buying coins i like that are not ridiculously priced but not junk is a good path. If i see a worn mercury dime for $12 i buy it. Now i have it in hand to study and compare to pics online and future dimes of the same.

When im at the coin shop its overwhelming to look at so many samples because i just want to see so much, but it leaves no time to really study any of them. Maybe that will change later as i become more into one particular type, series...etc.

Looking at coins online just doesnt give any feel for me. Theres no depth, colors are off. It great for research, but lacks immersion.

Sitting with my coffee in morning or adult beverage at night and studying, looking over my coins in certain lights is just enjoyable.

I dont know where i was going with this, just putting thoughts down.

Thanks for reading.

Welcome and it sounds to me like you are on a great path!😎

My advice to you is collect what you LIKE and eventually you will develop a passion for certain coins over others.

Enjoy and thank you for sharing your story.😉

ifthevamzarockin

"Again, im completely new at this. Its only been a couple weeks that ive been collecting."
"What im getting at is, i think buying coins i like that are not ridiculously priced but not junk is a good path."
"If i see a worn mercury dime for $12 i buy it."

For someone just starting collecting ebay can be a good place to watch for deals if you have the time.
There are plenty of coins that fall through the cracks and sell for a decent price.
If you place bids on the .99 cent start auctions and then watch them you can find some good deals.
You can search SOLD listing from low to high to help you get an idea of what is a good deal and try not to go higher.
Here are a few examples of sold listings. (none of these listings are mine)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144895057297?hash=item21bc6b1d91:g:UB8AAOSwa-FjvbQ-&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAoEN6BW15601xM2jIXgBNWKZteZIPCG2DdcMVQmTUU0MlA5c5++hHTerASwxioSbjGXPvnZCVSkDAwVBmFm+LTyR0JWkwmAvQD0wvaGaJoU0oJyY3KsENQ33cavx7LlhQD09Xyp7x9B6K6gZRp+cmfofLa5cBFO+ydD5Pmsw1/xSy/AffEmUHXWW0uHxB0z31RI5sOguz6xPn6rMFD80bXn0=|tkp:Bk9SR4yB7OzFYQ&nma=true&si=nLEH8FiAUODtQgvC7beEj%2B%2F805o%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

https://www.ebay.com/itm/314232907334?hash=item4929bda646:g:Ib0AAOSwp8tjdCrP&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAoEVfUwXSIsf7ZLlbbffJHKpplXNnQG8GIi1cRpTLhcE/U/o1eDw/OEoBjiwlJZ2SH0z51pcUHl1fPGnU7rsCnI7nr3K8nvlNmQvndLRAD8FY82zx0QGaX9oZ1kHxFq9MNuaWjGmhO+zJVcMlAg2105YUZCbuSm0iEURjGPU9yya5fRr6YYP3j1IlIoSx6r5Ksn75dOHyY16A5fdy1v3mF3E=|tkp:Bk9SR46B7OzFYQ&nma=true&si=nLEH8FiAUODtQgvC7beEj%2B%2F805o%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

https://www.ebay.com/itm/394390545650?hash=item5bd38224f2:g:qQ8AAOSwpaJjpJcW&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAoDNzIaT/wgyRc0Nl0Z+07bz9y6KmCPMQAbVaC7fo9sXVoPSDywwfLypUPE2DTVWTlrALDRDMHTbif2D6g15lPW/IMe88zJudfXYUqLrS9f4K+sYeqElGoTIEU41F0Iy97SSbf8X4rcTh0ouk8O2LqxutA0vrIqsJfYYBgFlCwkPv/ygD81DaMnAFdMhP66cbO1uhhQ3DJUK+mzrFmthd1y8=|tkp:Bk9SR5CB7OzFYQ&nma=true&si=nLEH8FiAUODtQgvC7beEj%2B%2F805o%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266018340737?hash=item3defedbf81:g:vioAAOSw5LdjiA7N&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAoPwjzgRH+FLZClsL1Heq2YkQh3mdBFVR0pkQuOQNFhMelXKsV0ShEN04jVP5LdKtyO9+ycG/bxexYZLxRxhsu69BSIk2p9phDPqNtMjJ1nh4/LrqSm06UkyuwcKSxoEYDbPYMCPlOzWWKDbzXHcPj4EH1DElLi6eAHMHMyKaJSRfaowdGepLyQbXwUhNVQwPMmXpYNEAYsmYTd/m9vYSE1U=|tkp:Bk9SR7a4j-3FYQ&nma=true&si=nLEH8FiAUODtQgvC7beEj%2B%2F805o%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325506885104?hash=item4bc9b8e5f0:g:OaMAAOSw8ytjshko&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAoEPTK2DLEXcN+ZIwQ3k2IcR1tAa0JQNn8Ss1JmFgwamfDBHSgRm8EA0lbs36ecUzmhziRh+1MuDkn400M341T0n6Y89zOxl+H0YQnzDinfhJHxTFeYZzwj+hMmwbxuLhxA9l45Rr452sXQk+R3g2BAtSrvSj5HxzHXSUk1KfLTYQd9NttKlO+R3ef8w8a+rS+hehG95moGwWaKOdxTvWf6M=|tkp:Bk9SR7a4j-3FYQ&nma=true&si=nLEH8FiAUODtQgvC7beEj%2B%2F805o%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165830180996?hash=item269c3fc084:g:9b4AAOSwgodjl6mq&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAoNzUOTLMtXZjWNl64UtduJ5tNgWI3CC6ZyC1ejOpGR4+W0CAeDa38zmkH3iElVjZ2rygKhEX21vbnk9cje4x13GixYmRth6XXVgAVnanVui0tedhG/Ak1BVrKtYlHShphJMrtx26VaJAI481/ZhlrHpbnbao++FiU66ptGXnaBVs5QnegsOVh2JrD80uAo2qzpKqm97ZxkngfmcUnp9/0xM=|tkp:Bk9SR7i4j-3FYQ&nma=true&si=nLEH8FiAUODtQgvC7beEj%2B%2F805o%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

https://www.ebay.com/itm/404097482625?hash=item5e16163f81:g:8YkAAOSwc-Zju1JM&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAoLoTSjLbeWkXGc6zEJp3wIeVsMSdTK4xKCWxYfEG1oOPu2PfE37UmPW6SMvZg8vl1m4OZHwmfh5J3m/KcTBPjLmbR3Kz5uHaIu4i7aa+QP7xX6m05JTwvNOQ/I/fIUOHQ84oFex0PM7qskucCd/Nuqt+zyYiLIveWzGFvenZJfUTVFotagw2VNEgbL3O89jvY7D503XJVimirABJuMdWWFQ=|tkp:Bk9SR4rWpO3FYQ&nma=true&si=nLEH8FiAUODtQgvC7beEj%2B%2F805o%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

jmlanzaf

@Shane6596 said:
Again, im completely new at this. Its only been a couple weeks that ive been collecting.

As i sit here and look over the 20 coins i have, i am starting to see the small differences in them. I have a couple walking liberties, one in nice condition, the other kinda rough. Its nice to sit and compare them at my own pace. I can see the wear differences, the brightness differences in spots, scratches on field...etc.

I have 3 morgans in 3 different conditions. Looking them over and comparing all the little different marks and scratches. Im slowly beginning to see what is being talked about in grading and the small imperfections.

What im getting at is, i think buying coins i like that are not ridiculously priced but not junk is a good path. If i see a worn mercury dime for $12 i buy it. Now i have it in hand to study and compare to pics online and future dimes of the same.

When im at the coin shop its overwhelming to look at so many samples because i just want to see so much, but it leaves no time to really study any of them. Maybe that will change later as i become more into one particular type, series...etc.

Looking at coins online just doesnt give any feel for me. Theres no depth, colors are off. It great for research, but lacks immersion.

Sitting with my coffee in morning or adult beverage at night and studying, looking over my coins in certain lights is just enjoyable.

I dont know where i was going with this, just putting thoughts down.

Thanks for reading.

I agree with most of this. But you can learn just as much from the $2 Merc as a $12 "worn Mercury dime". We all paid tuition along the way. But the tuition is cheaper if you study 1st and buy second.

Shane6596

I think i bought the walking liberty for $12, the dime was a couple bucks.

I understand what your getting at about about paying tuition, overpaying from inexperience or buying non quality coins from the start.

My purchases are small, a few dollars to 20-30 if i see something i really like. So i dont think it will be detrimental at this point.

In my ramblings, i was getting at that i like to have some coins in hand to to examine and enjoy, vs just researching and looking at online.

Im willing to spend a few hundred on a handful i like to kick off my start. Its my entertainment budget to speak of as i dont really go out to dinners, or movies, gamble etc.

Ive been researching, i just feel i needed some actual coins to study.

My spending will stay low as i research more, im not going to make large single coin purchases until i have much more experience.

My current coins will just be placeholder or filler coins and i understand that. Im willing to be happy buying those for now.

Thanks for the info. Im very happy with the amount of collective knowledge here and that you are all willing to share it for free.

spyglassdesign

Welcome aboard and good luck. If you don't have one, pick up a red book as well. Also pcgs has a lot of samples to look at online at coinfacts.com. They also have grading tutorials on YouTube.

Be patient and study and you will do alright. If you have questions there are many experts around here to help.

ChangeInHistory

A big part of this hobby is telling yourself 'No!' Don't buy something just to say you bought something. It is difficult when starting off, but it's a very helpful discipline.

Indianlincoln

Buy books on numismatics

Go slow

Have fun

ricko

@Shane6596 ... excellent description of your hobby status at this time. Looking at those coins will certainly allow you to see things that before were basically invisible. Get the Redbook... that is important for a new collector. Online sources and reference books are important, but so is being able to handle coins and view them is varying light sources. Do not be afraid to ask questions here... Lots of expert advice available. Good luck, Cheers, RickO

Glen2022

I would suggest that you pick one or two series and concentrate on those. study these series diligently and soon, you will be able to recognize good deals and avoid overpaying. You might also consider a type set as well. there are type series albums covering the 18th, 19th, and 20th century US coins. These can get quite pricey. It might be a good idea to start off with the 20th century type series (no gold) as examples of these coins in decent condition can be located and not break the bank.

If you like modern coins, you can always go directly to the US mint and by online. Check out their product schedule for 2023.

Good luck on your journey, but more importantly, have fun.

dsessom

Shane,

Most people start out exactly like you are. I started with a handful of raw coins that I was given, and started buying a few here and there on Ebay. It grew from there, and now I have several PCGS Registry sets, an album full of graded and raw currency, and a few albums of raw coins too.

In my opinion, the best thing you can do to help you in your collecting endeavors, is to joint this board - and you have done that. I have learned more here than anywhere else, and made several friends along the way. Keep an eye on the BST (Buy/Sell/Trade) forum, and particularly the monthly "Bargain Bin" thread. You can find some decent and affordable deals there.

Elcontador

@jmlanzaf said:

@Shane6596 said:
Again, im completely new at this. Its only been a couple weeks that ive been collecting.

As i sit here and look over the 20 coins i have, i am starting to see the small differences in them. I have a couple walking liberties, one in nice condition, the other kinda rough. Its nice to sit and compare them at my own pace. I can see the wear differences, the brightness differences in spots, scratches on field...etc.

I have 3 morgans in 3 different conditions. Looking them over and comparing all the little different marks and scratches. Im slowly beginning to see what is being talked about in grading and the small imperfections.

What im getting at is, i think buying coins i like that are not ridiculously priced but not junk is a good path. If i see a worn mercury dime for $12 i buy it. Now i have it in hand to study and compare to pics online and future dimes of the same.

When im at the coin shop its overwhelming to look at so many samples because i just want to see so much, but it leaves no time to really study any of them. Maybe that will change later as i become more into one particular type, series...etc.

Looking at coins online just doesnt give any feel for me. Theres no depth, colors are off. It great for research, but lacks immersion.

Sitting with my coffee in morning or adult beverage at night and studying, looking over my coins in certain lights is just enjoyable.

I dont know where i was going with this, just putting thoughts down.

Thanks for reading.

I agree with most of this. But you can learn just as much from the $2 Merc as a $12 "worn Mercury dime". We all paid tuition along the way. But the tuition is cheaper if you study 1st and buy second.

Just want to add. Read and look at as many coins as you can before spending any serious money. The best place to look at a lot of coins is a large show. Long Beach is near where I live, and when I was looking for specific material, I looked at many coins to learn what to look for.

Examples are when I was looking for an MS 65 Braided Hair Large Cent, and to see if made sense to resubmit my Walker which was in a PCGS MS 65 holder. Re the Large Cent, I looked at a good 30 - 40 coins. Some in MS 65, some in MS 64, some in PCGS, some in NGC holders, so I could get a feel for what a nice coin in MS 65 looked like. I checked prices along the way. I learned which dealers had nice material, which ones prices their coins high, versus reasonable, etc.

Ditto re the Walker. Most MS 65s had some tick marks on the skirt and / or rays of the sun. Mine didn't, it had attractive eye appeal, so I resubmitted it and got it into an MS 66 holder.

You are going to make mistakes along the way, but the more know, this will happen less frequently. The advantage of going to a big show is that you may connect with someone who knows more than you who will be willing to help out. After going to a few big shows, this happened to me.

I personally believe you need to actually look at the coin, or have someone you trust who knows what you like look at it. Never buy an expensive coin sight unseen unless you have a clearly spelled out return privilege whose terms are acceptable to you.

Fraz

I study the coins on eBay too. I buy some cheap ones to study as well. Searching rolls gives opportunity to study. It’s addictive.
Nice entry to the forum.

ChrisH821

$12 sounds about right for a circ common Walker. A few years ago 90% was cheaper, like 13-15x instead of 20-24X.
I like the reasoning, buy what you like within your comfort zone.
I would suggest, if there is a dealer around you, look through their Jefferson nickels. You can find some really nice ones really cheap. Production quality was good through the 1940's and early 50's, mid 50's through late 60's not so much.

daltex

Sounds as though you're not nearly ready for a show.

As far as the LCS is concerned, I think you're handling it the wrong way. I really hope that the dealer is one of the good ones, and if he is, build a relationship with him. A shop full of coins can absolutely be overwhelming, but it needn't be. If the dealer is at all willing to be educational, you can go through just a small part of his inventory every time you go, and then ask him about it. If he knows that you're interested in becoming a long term customer, he's likely to answer any grading questions you might have, no matter how foolish they sound in your head. Just be respectful.

This will give you plenty of time to learn what you like. At best it will be a win-win for you and him, and someday you'll be able to go to a show where many dealers have many more coins and be able to know exactly what you're looking for in series, date, grade, and price.

Very pleased that you're trying to learn about coins first before spending a ton of money you'll later regret.

oldabeintx

I've been a collector for almost 70 years now and would add one piece of advice to your thoughtful approach. Unless you enjoy foreign coins or medals, which are often raw, NEVER BUY A RAW US COIN FOR OVER, say, $100.00 (excluding mint products) unless you one day become a professional. I've seen thousands of coins and can grade legit coins, but would never consider buying coins that are often faked or doctored, which includes all US Federal coins of any value.

OAKSTAR

I would say you're on the right path Shane. The path most of us have taken at one point.

pursuitofliberty

Glad you're here Shane. Sounds like you're finding a good starting path into this wonderful hobby!

Namvet69

Welcome @Shane6596 My 2 cents is buy the Grading Coins by Photographs by QDBowers. Get it in spiral and you'll have great pics in all grades of every US coin. Good luck. Peace Roy

baseballjeff

Welcome!!!

Best hobby in the world!