Getting Down to the Last Couple Pages - Lincoln Cent Album

Fairfaxthunder

Greetings:

Just thought I would share with the group - and newcomers like me - what I've done with my Lincoln Cent album during the last year. This is actually my first album. By way of background, I grew up with not a ton of money and not near any coin shop but have always valued collecting things, coins to some extent. But now in my 40's I have been bitten. I decided to start with an album I could afford and that would allow me a lot of practice at a relatively low cost (practice at looking, purchasing, making mistakes etc..). For newcomers here's what I did:

1) Joined a local club, which is amazing.
2) Didn't buy on Ebay because I didn't (and still don't most of the time) know what to look for.
3) Hit garage sales, put up adds in my local neighborhood apps (more on varieties later)
4) Tried to get my kids involved (failed miserably).
5) Listened as much I could.
6) Learned to walk away from something I liked, mainly because I knew my standards would be higher later and, at least at my level, there's always a better coin to be found.
7) and of course bought a couple of the books in the reference post on this site and took my time.

Now that I feel more comfortable, have a solid network of people, and some money I saved I am moving toward the key dates. For me, I did not buy the key dates first, I wanted to know more when the time is right. While the 4 major key dates will be slabbed, I still think this matters as I didn't want to simply buy the holder. I acknowledge people may have opinions on this matter - I am not trying to rekindle any type of debate here. This was my approach. I am also slowly but surely wading into varieties and go through about 5K-8K Lincoln Cents a month. Its a great way to stay sharp and relax; the people I have met doing this are amazing and helpful.

The album by no means supposed to impress people, as I still have some serious upgrades to make when the time is right but it took far more energy, help of friends etc...than I initially thought, which gave me a lot of satisfaction and appreciation for the task. Separately, I have also started a US Typeset with an intercept shield album I got for free (empty). Right now I have no idea how to start that but that's my next project. Please PM if you are a US Typeset collector with any wisdom to share. Thanks to all on this site. Sorry could not get the pics to order correctly.

OAKSTAR

Beautiful! I can see the time and effort you have put into that Dansco! 👍🏻

WaterSport

Great start!

WS

Fairfaxthunder

@OAKSTAR said:
Beautiful! I can see the time and effort you have put into that Dansco! 👍🏻

Thank you. One thing I was not counting on was how social collecting can be. I have met so many great people, interesting and accomplished in their lives, who carry their kindness and time over to fellow collectors. Buying things online and in a vacuum is no way to learn; the conversations with countless people at shows and such really is key. I can see a time when I know more and have very specific needs that buying online would make sense. But I think the interaction with people so passionate about this hobby was the biggest positive experience for me.

OAKSTAR

@Fairfaxthunder said:

@OAKSTAR said:
Beautiful! I can see the time and effort you have put into that Dansco! 👍🏻

Thank you. One thing I was not counting on was how social collecting can be. I have met so many great people, interesting and accomplished in their lives, who carry their kindness and time over to fellow collectors. Buying things online and in a vacuum is no way to learn; the conversations with countless people at shows and such really is key. I can see a time when I know more and have very specific needs that buying online would make sense. But I think the interaction with people so passionate about this hobby was the biggest positive experience for me.

Yes, it's a pleasant surprise when you find others with the same interests and passion in a hobby you're involved with.

Fraz

I’m impressed by what you write, as well.

Edit: autocorrupt

braddick

Definitely a neat-looking, well-matching set of coppers.
Great presentation.

gumby1234

Looks good so far.

ricko

@Fairfaxthunder ... Thanks for showing us your collection/album. Nice work. Plus, you obviously have had a lot of fun/enjoyment with this project. That is important and the fundamental value of a hobby. Good luck with more acquisitions... Cheers, RickO

lusterlover

Love it. That's how most of us got started as well. I still have a passion for Lincolns but also have a type set/box of 20. It's a very common pattern. The beauty of that is you can buy anything to start. I stuck with copper first (indian cent, flying eagle, large cent, half cent) before dipping my toe into silver and gold. Something will catch your eye and you'll be off to the races...

PeakRarities

@Fairfaxthunder said:

@OAKSTAR said:
Beautiful! I can see the time and effort you have put into that Dansco! 👍🏻

Thank you. One thing I was not counting on was how social collecting can be. I have met so many great people, interesting and accomplished in their lives, who carry their kindness and time over to fellow collectors. Buying things online and in a vacuum is no way to learn; the conversations with countless people at shows and such really is key. I can see a time when I know more and have very specific needs that buying online would make sense. But I think the interaction with people so passionate about this hobby was the biggest positive experience for me.

I had this same realization after my first show, and it was enlightening. I hadn’t started collecting again until Covid and I never found a good LCS to patronize. The interaction part of it is one of the best parts of the hobby, and I applaud you for your progress thus far!

1Mike1

Thanks for sharing.