Share with everyone, the most important thing you've learned from this forum???

coinguy1

For me, it might be, that sometimes, this place has a much larger impact on others (here and elsewhere) than I would have imagined. Other times, the stuff that goes on here, isn't nearly as important to the rest of the world, as it is to us.

Disclaimers:

1) I realize that I actually mentioned two things I've learned, rather than one, above.
2) My reply was purposefully general in nature, so that I could cover many areas all at once.
3) Even with #2 above, I reserve the right to change my answer.

Anyone else care to comment?

JTMC

one important thing i learned from this forum is to post pics of coins here before i send them out to be graded. i seem to have no talent for judging a coins grade. this will be the topic of my next post.
i have also learned that there are an awful lot of really nice people residing here and i use as an example the post that someone put on these boards about his sons coin collection being stolen and the instant response by so many to just be willing to send him coins without hesitation. speaks volumes for you all.

john

SethChandler

The reiteration of the fact that coin collectors come in all shapes and sizes, sane and insane.

Seth

paigowjohnny

That every type of coin, no matter how disinterested you are in it, has somebody who likes and collects it.

and, oh yeah, don't buy raw from the big boiler room national publication advertisers.

Kim

I can only hope to learn as much as Mark has forgotton....
Some very sharp minds around here....this is place where you come to go deep! Ask a question, get an answer, and often, others will add more and more detail...just a great place to round out your knowledge base!

millennium

I learned I have access to a WEALTH of knowledge from some pretty smart individuals that will enhance my collecting for years to come......And I hope one day that I too, can pass along that knowledge.

goose3

I've learned that I will generally learn something new each day on here!

CalGold

I have learned four rules of equal importance:

Rule 1. I should only buy great coins, meaning those in the highest MS or PR grade available because those coins will always find a buyer when it comes time to sell, unlike run of the mill MS/PR 63-65's.

Rule 2. Despite the truth of Rule 1, the price of those great top pops is likely to collapse as soon as I buy them, and I and my heirs will be financially buried in those coins forever.

Rule 3. You can't get really nice, PQ coins at grey sheet prices, so unless you pay a premium over sheet you will always own dogs and run of the mill ho hum coins that no one else wants.

Rule 4. Despite the truth of Rule 3, anyone who pays more than grey sheet asked is a sucker who is being gouged by dealers.


CG

nwcs

The single most important thing I learned is to not purchase coins with the thought of resale but only for the enjoyment. And the first corollary to that is to be more patient with my purchases and plan them a little more. I'm still working on that one...

littlewicher

I've learned how to pick out people that are just number collectors and true numismatists with a passion for coins.

CarlWohlforth

I've learned so many things here it isn't funny. Thanks everybody!

The single biggest thing I learned was to keep asking questions, one can always learn more!

Bear

I have learned to keep my muzzle closed, more then I would have liked.

tjkillian

I've learned that there are all kinds of collectors, even modern collectors. Buy coins that have great eye appeal. Avoid fourth tier slabbing services, and have Mark Feld check all your indian cents for body bags

Tom

mact

I've learned to buy the coin not the holder but I think more importantly buy the books, read, educate yourself.

matt


and of course all that was said above me, I agree with that

airplanenut

I've learned that the registry is simply a game... and one that I don't want to play because it makes better coins in lesser holders seem inferior.

I also learned that not all people in the biz are nasty to kids

FatMan

I've learned that this is a great place to learn.

ursabear

It is difficult to pick just one thing...

However:
Patience is a virtue in buying and selling coins.
There are unimaginably wonderful coins out there - I can see stuff here that I would never have seen otherwise.
Read first, buy second...
Get excited about your coins and share your excitement - even if you're the only one that enjoys a given type of coin, your exitement is infectious.

coinlieutenant

I have learned a tremendous amount about individual series from the specialists on this board. I am amazed at the level of expertise that we have at our fingertips. It really is priceless.

John

crito

I've learned to be a true numismatist you have to buy monster toned classics for multiples of greysheet. If you collect moderns or white coins you're just a novice coin collector. Unless they're PCGS MS68 moderns that sell for $200, then they call you a "registry participant". Whatever that means

FrattLaw

I've learned that I don't know anywhere near as much about coins as I thought I did before joining.

I have to agree with Baseball 100% on that one!

And I also learned that there are a great bunch of people who post here that have made this hobby much more enjoyable for me!

Thanks to all,

Michael

ldhair

I've learned to be much less assertive here than I must be in the business world. Thats really hard to do.
In other words I've learned to keep my mouth shut for the most part.

Just think if the internet and this forum had been here 30 to 40 years ago.

It's hard to think how much we could have learned by now.

Lakesammman

I've learned some new friends

greghansen

I've learned that conflicts of interest abound in spades between major market players and the so called 'independent' third party grading companies.

ClarkOfKent

Measure once, cut twice.

barberlover

That you don't find out who your real friends really are when your on top of the world, but that doesn't just go for this forum.

And also I know why it's been so hard to find nice Barber coins, to many forum members are looking for exactly the same ones I am. Les

MrEureka

I've learned that I never want to be a public figure.

Catch22

I have learned that there are far more collectors of modern coinage than I had ever imagined.
I have learned that the Set Registry has had a far greater impact on what people collect and what they are willing to pay for high grade coins than I had ever imagined.
I have learned that far more people than I ever thought are more than willing to send newly minted coins into the grading services.

All these things have really left me speechless and scratching my head at times.

Askari

I've learned that, given the proper lures, even the most adamant Litesider can be enticed to broaden their horizons ... at least a little.

Legend

I've learned that there are too many lawyers moonlighting as dealers!!!!

ER

<< <i>I've learned that there are too many lawyers moonlighting as dealers!!!! >>


I've learned that there are too many dealers moonlighting as collectors.

eddye

I don't have enough space to put it all down. I'm new to this forum and first let me say how friendly the people are and anxious to help a newbie out. The knowledge of these people is scary. I inherited a coin-collection from my dad and that's how I found it. Hell, I never knew about an FBL. I know one guy got the electric chair for taking another coin from somebody and putting it on his thread. Then he was asking what your favorite coin was and I don't think he found out from everybody. But his fav coin got him booted and it made me laugh. I would like to know how to submit a pic so I could ask opinions from people. If I have these pics in my email, is there anyway that I can get them on this forum? And are there any good ways to shoot pics (lighting, backround, etc.) so they will come out the right way? I gave some Frankies to my son to shoot for me cause he has this so called great Canon camera. Hell, it looked like the nights went out in Georga. So he did them again and sent me the attachments on my email and I don't know how to transfer them. But I want to say "Thank You" to the nice people of this forum for being so freindly. Saxophones I know but coins noway!!!!!

Eddye

PS And this nice guy named Bill who is giving a coin to a "Nam Vet". I'm a Nam Vet and I don't want the coin and I think he should keep it himself. If he doesn't want it and I would win it, I want him to sell it on ebay and give the money to the DAV like another brother said.

cladking

This may not be the most important thing I've learned here but it is the most surprising.
The universe of coins is much bigger than I ever imagined. I've seen and heard of coins
which I previously wouldn't have even believed existed. It's just incredible that collectors
have always been able to intercept examples of just about everything and are then able
to protect them in their original condition for many decades or centuries.

It's great that all of these important pieces of history are and will be available for study.
As time goes by coins are likely to become increasingly important resource tools.

berylcoin

First, that there is more knowledge and information about coins on these boards alone than I could ever hope to learn in several lifetimes.

Second, that the above is OK with me.

Third, and having the most direct effect on my collecting, that the more problems a coin has when you buy it the more it's likely to have when you sell it.

BC

CLASSICS

that there are some really great people in the hobby........and you can find them right here....................

braddick

Don't collect any wooden nickels.

ohbaby

The most important thing? Well, 2 related things.

I know alot less about coins than what I originally thought and the business side of collecting is filled with fraud. I used to think sports cards was a sleezy business but coins takes the cake. Much more sophisticated and many more parties look the other way.

Almost forgot, I also realized that I don't have to have a registry set or a set of anything. A manageable collection of about 50 really nice pieces suits me fine.

dpoole

I've learned, to my utter delight, that this hobby is a way to bring people from all conceivable walks of life, attitudes, outlooks, loyalties and beliefs together because of a common passion. The phenomenon is fascinating to me.

I've gotten more pleasure from the people I've come to know in the hooby, than from the coins I've collected. And that's saying something!

RYK

I have learned that coin collecting is immeasurably enhanced by the (usually) cordial interaction between collectors, dealers, experts, investors, speculators, other interested parties, and coin books. In my numismatic past, I worked mostly in a vacuum, without collecting friends or resources, and usually flamed out after short bursts of unfocused coin purchases.

Colorfulcoins

I've learned I'm not the only one so inflicted with the "coin collecting" disease.......and I'm on the MS70 program to try to cure it (!).

Tassa

I've learned how to pronounce Dahlonega.

construct

I've learned that it's awfully hard to grade from a scan.

Clankeye

I have relearned the importance of not making a "rush to judgment" about matters. Especially matters you have no first hand involvement in.

I've learned that people with agendas make for some very tedious reading.

I've learned that this forum is a working model for the way people interact with each other in general. It's all here. Whether it be coins, model trains, or a meeting of the local Mensa society. Where people gather, for whatever reason, they will behave a certain way. And that's not bad... just life in action.

Clankeye

SarasotaFrank

I've learned a lot about coins here.

I've learned a good honest dealer is really hard to find. When you find one buy from him/her to ensure they will always be around.

I've learned there are an awful ot of really nice folks in this hobby.

I've learned FatMan is cool.

DHeath

I've learned that people with agendas make for some very tedious reading.


LOL.......

vega1

Generally: I've learned too much to tell

Specifically: I've learned that I will never buy ACG, and I thank my lucky stars I didn't have to learn that from experience.

More recently, I had it in my had I needed to go out and buy a scanner to get some good pictures of my coins. I searched previous posts on the forum looking for a recomendation, and found out that I didn't want a scanner at all, that my digital camera was the way to go (never even dawned on me, duh). I am absolutely thrilled with the pictures I'm getting, and saved money to boot.

Thanks to everyone.

Oh, one more, I learned how to spot an accented hair

IrishMike

<< <i>I've learned that people with agendas make for some very tedious reading.


LOL....... >>





Let me add to that, on here as in real life people love to rush to judgment without knowing the whole story.

Fairlaneman

I have learned to be a little more thick skinned and that everyone is entitled to thier own opinion.

Some great people here with much knowledge makes this place stand above all others for knowledge and reading pleasure.

Also I just Love to look at pretty coins and this sure happens here on a regular basis.

Ken

RKKay

I've learned so many things that I'd have to say I've learned that there are innumerable board members willing to help out at any time.

AbesNeighbor

I've learned:

1. There are a lot of nice people here.
2. Even the best collectors overgrade their own raw coins.
3. I am a coin addict.
4. This is an expensive hobby.
5. Caveat Emptor
6. Frankies kind of grow on you.
7. Morgans, even monster toned are not rare.
8. State Quarters look kind of like those tokens we used to get at the State Fair.
9. I'd like some colonial coinage, but can't afford it.
10. Proof sets are a hoax that the American Coin collector, since 1940, has bought into.
11. I have bought into it also.
This Forum is very addictive.

Dan

dorkkarl

i've learned not to mess w/ numis-ed. if you do, he might try to kiss your A$$!

(or something like that)

K S

NumisEd

I've learned that nobody wants me over at their house for dinner.

I've also learned that slabs suck.