How should I go about this?

KevinGlo

Hello again,
I am about to embark on quite a daunting numismatic journey. I plan to assemble a proof and higher end mint state US type collection. I like the idea of having one of everything and love proof coins. I figure it will take me 4 or 5 years and at least $25000 and I am willing to go through with that. My question is: How do you think I should go about this? I live in Los Angeles, but still most dealers don't have older proof coinage in their stock. There's always Superior, but I can't stand the big auction fees. Basically, I want to get these coins at a good price. Would you recommend buying heavily off of the Internet?

nwcs

The first step, I think is always going to be in looking first before spending much. That is, the lesson I've learned in hind sight! Also, the ANA has grading classes you can take that will help train your eye as to what to look for. I think that with a more experienced eye comes better purchases of coins you'll be happy with for a long time. Not to mention it'll help you from getting taken for a ride.

After that, then I'd suggest finding a couple of dealers who you can trust and get to know. They can help you find the harder/rarer items that you might not get. There are dealers on this forum who would fit the bill quite well. Then it's scouring the shows and doing some submissions on your own (which also is helped by taking a grading class).

Neil

TomB

Wow, that's a big collecting goal. I think you are off by several years and tens of thousands of dollars if you want a comprehensive type set in extremely high grade. Also, I wouldn't worry about what something costs so much as what its value is. They are slightly different but will make a world of difference in your collection. Good luck.

LucyBop

start by saving your collection of junk coins you spammed us with...

sinin1

Don't buy anythingmore from Littleton, unless you plan on holding it 50 years to get the value of what you paid back.

Best way is one piece at a time - start by making a list of what coin series you want in your type set -> start easy and then get harder ->

Decide on roughly how much you want to spend on a coin ->

evry few months, add another coin to your collection ->

don't buy raw, stick with PCGS or NGC

RKKay

I'm in L.A. as well, but don't think it's necessary to stick to the area. PM me and I can recommend a variety of honest dealers who are easy to deal with. Rick