Friday Evening Post a day early: do you try to look at as many coins as you can??

keets

I'm on shift tomorrow so i thought I'd post today.

When I returned to the hobby with a passion in mid 1999, one of the things that confused me was trying to catch up with all the changes. Perhaps the best advice I got was very simple and to the point------look at as many coins as possible. Go to shows, shops, auctions, join a local club, look at online inventories, whatever it takes. But look at coins and get a feel for grading and different series' until you feel comfortable with what you're seeing and where your interest takes you. Then focus on that area and expand yourself.

Do any other members try to take that approach, looking at as many coins as you can?? I enjoy the luxury of having a friend who owns a shop. He trusts me and seeks my advice in areas where he feels confident in my knowledge. At the same time he tries to share his strenghts with me and gives me a shot at what passes across his desk, even if it's just an oppurtunity to look at the coins and discuss or compare what each of us is seeing.

Do any members belong to local clubs?? State associations?? Nationwide clubs or organizations that focus on a certain area or seies?? I only belong to a few local clubs because I enjoy the oppurtunity to interact face-to-face regularly and see/talk to the club members at any time. It also allows me access to new material, some that hasn't been out of a collection for decades. We travel as far as 200 miles to attend shows/auctions just to get a chance to see fresh coins.

This forum has been a boon for me. First class collectors and first class coins only a click away. Free advice for the asking. I know I only see pictures here, but it's helped me know what to look for when I'm at the other venues with coin-in-hand!!

I could ramble on but you probably get the picture. Look at as many coins as possible, discover what you like, understand your limitations and have a ball while doing it. What have you done to expand your horizons???

al h.

nwcs

Yep and nope. When I got back, I heard the same advice. Look at everything. I didn't do it. I was selective and didn't want to waste my time. But I realized pretty quickly that was the best way to make a bad and impulsive decision. I slowed down and looked at everything at a show before buying. The grading class convinced me for good that you need to look at many coins to get a mental idea of what the coin should look like in a given grade. And auctions are a great way to do it. I practiced for three hours with heritage before I bought more coins at Charlotte. It made a difference.

I do not belong to any local clubs or anything. I know there are a couple around here, but I haven't looked into it. I kind of think of this board as being my club. I also do not focus on a series or coin. I do indirectly, but not a slave to it. I'm looking for eye appealing coins or coins that are interesting regardless of date, mint, denomination. Interesting and appealing can be blast white or toned, mint error, clashed dies, grease strike-throughs, etc.

Neil

vam44

keets,
No! I just look at what the slab says, or what the dealer/seller wrote on the flip.I never really notice the coin within.

rkfish

Keets,

I would agree.....that's the best advice I could give anyone! Look at as many coins as you can!
This has educated me beyond words! I try and make as many major shows each year as I can and
the first thing I do after seeing a few dealers that stock what I'm looking for is spend 3-5 hours looking at auction lots! Heritage is great for this.....just pull up a chair and fill out a sheet and they bring em to you until you are tired of looking at em. The people are nice, friendly, no pressure to buy anything or be in a hurry. I personally can't think of a better education for any series! You do this just once or twice a year and you are ahead of the game. I look at 250-400 (combined) Morgan and Peace Dollars in auction at each show I attend and try to attend 8-10 shows a year. Where else can you look a 2 to 6 of the same date/grade/service......now that's fun.....and eye-opening at times!

stman

I agree attend as many shows as possible. I think too many people are wired into the net looking at coins. Yes it's nice to order a coin and have the pleasure of looking at it under your own light in your easy chair.

But nothing beats the experience of of a buffet of coins at the shows. Even if one can't afford to buy much, one should handle as many with your dirty hands as possible. I just finally joined my local club (until they throw me out) and am looking forward to meeting and sharing coins with some of the locals. And also the 5% discount one local dealer gives for being a member of the club.

keets

one of the biggest show challenges i have is to make it around the floor one time before i buy!! i haven't bought anything at the last few shows, but i did have a chance to meet up with some forum members and other friends to talk coins. that's always good for me, getting someone elses perspective on things. this july i hope to get to baltimore, my first Real Coin Show where it should be first class all the way. you'll recognize me, i'lll be the guy with his eyes bugging out, especially if Legend has that lib nickel for viewing.

al h.

stman

I've been hitting every show on the west coast. With being self employed and tax time makes it tough right now. But got a small show in Sacramento this weekend, then Santa Clara the following weekend I believe. Met a bunch of forum members at the LB show as well. I'm hoping I see something that at least makes me pull my loupe out this time.