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What have you learned?

lincolnSencelincolnSence Posts: 407 ✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
This forum is starting to feel more comfortable for me now. I have started to understand the culture and look forward to many years of enjoyment. I have also learned a number of things. For instance I never knew holders can and are collected as samples. I wish I'd have figured this out earlier. I'm sure all of us have "learned " something they had not previously known. I'd be interested in hearing some of those items. It would be great to hear from as many as possible as this in itself is a great way to help newcomers realize the depth of this forum.

Comments

  • kryptonitecomicskryptonitecomics Posts: 9,185 ✭
    When I started collecting 10 Years ago I had never heard of Artificial Toning, nor how to spot the difference. Obviously, this has been a key topic on these boards for some time, and I think it has really helped myself and a lot of other collection be more cautious in buying toned coins. Thansk to all who have enlightened us over the years, with stories, pics, tapes etc.image
    Kryptonitecomics Ebay Auctions
  • MartyFMartyF Posts: 188
    So far I have learned that grading coins is an opinion. Although there are certain "standards" in place, it is still based on opinion and can fluctuate dramatically, because grading is done by individuals and will be consistent with personalities and personal opinions. It's sort of like paintings and other art work....some people look at Coke can on a pedestal in an art museum and call it "modern art". Others look at it as simply a Coke can....So, with that said, I personally think that collecting coins is a continous, never ending learning experience which I find very exilharating.....
    eBay Auctions
    Computer Services
    What did the doe say when she came out of the woods?.....Last time I do THAT for a buck! image
  • DHeathDHeath Posts: 8,472 ✭✭✭
    LS,

    Try some of the dark-side stuff. Imagine buying a US penny circa 1854 for $4. Probably the most important thing I've learned is that there is no limit to this hobby given enough time.

    1854 Bank of Upper Canada Half Penny PC-5C1
    Developing theory is what we are meant to do as academic researchers
    and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
  • WisconsinWisconsin Posts: 645
    I have learned that members of this chat room are very helpful people. I hope in time that I get to meet some of you people. I am impressed with the fact that most people are helpful, and not jealous of other people. It is very fun reading and respoding to these messages. I know I just became a member and hopefully some day will be well known as some of you are.

    Jay
    image
  • 09sVDB09sVDB Posts: 2,420 ✭✭✭
    I would like to second Wisconsin. The members here are Always willing to help.
  • Dog97Dog97 Posts: 7,874 ✭✭✭
    lincolnSence did you ever learn that some of us can indeed grade coins? image
    Change that we can believe in is that change which is 90% silver.
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    Dog - I have been grading coins for 20 years and I bet
    I can grade within 10 points of your grade. image Bear
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • ldhairldhair Posts: 7,232 ✭✭✭✭✭
    There is no way bear can grade coins. He is just kidding us. He can't pick up coins with his paws.image
    Larry

  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    Idhair - I dont have to pick em up,
    with my sensitive nose I can smell the grade, smarty pants. the little bearimage
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • ldhairldhair Posts: 7,232 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sorry. I know better than to underestimate a bear.
    Larry

  • PhillyJoePhillyJoe Posts: 2,700 ✭✭✭✭
    I used to be more confident of bidding from decent ebay pictures, but lately I've learned the picture can change a dud into a classic. I will be very leary of buying anything raw in the future. If it looks TOO good, run very fast. You might lose out on something special but another one WILL come along.

    Similarly, if everyone is looking at the same coin, why am I the only one bidding on it? I guess, bottom line, is I'm learning to be patient.

    Joe
    The Philadelphia Mint: making coins since 1792. We make money by making money. Now in our 225th year thanks to no competition. image
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    I like to think I am able to accurately grade My Kennedy PR specialty.
    ,
    However, when Russ shows us a picture lately, I end up overgrading the damn coin. Its just too uncertain
    trying to grade from a picture , which may have been enhanced by lighting and tone changes and angle.
    I have been ranging from right on the nose to 2 points off or more . Not a good record for a supposed
    Kennedy Proof specialist. Must be these poor old eyes of mine. the little bear
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • DHeathDHeath Posts: 8,472 ✭✭✭
    Bear, you can't go by Russ's pics. They're like coin glamour shots. He's a great coin photographer, and most people aren't. You're used to grading from average pics. His coins are beautiful, but those pics kick.
    Developing theory is what we are meant to do as academic researchers
    and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    Don - Those pictures by Russ are so beautiful , that Mrs Bear is afraid I am going to get
    emotionally involved with one of the pictures. They are almost (but not exactly) like looking
    at a Playboy centerfold.I thing the League of Decency or someone like that should have a talk with Russ
    Bearimage
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage

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