Beginner Blues

mheffner2

Over the past 6 months I returned to collecting again after a 15 year vacation (I was 15 then and girls got in the way). I've read so much (books, net, everything) that my head is spinning. One article I read Build(ing) Type Set seems like a nice, systematic way for me to go about my rediscovery of collecting. Yet I've read so much and look at so much online I've become scatter-brained in working on this type set. It should be a rather simple thing I'd think: Buy as many types from the list as I can afford and then concentrate on those that warm up to me. Simple. Yet I can't do it - so many choices, so many places to buy from. I'm in a rut doing something as simple as building a typeset of worthwhile raw examples.

So, is this common for a newbie? Any advice? Is a typeset not the way to go for new collectors? Perhaps I should be thumbing wheaties into a Whitman! Any words of wisdom would be super appreciated!

Mike

mgoodm3

Type sets are great. Sounds like you need a direction within it. You could start modern and work your way back, that's how I started it. It's a big set and it's easy to get overwhelmed without a direction.

Tootawl

I love type sets! On building a Type Set, I found that it is much easier to concentrate on one denominaton, finish that, then go to the next one. If you try to look for stuff for all the types at once, your head will explode. Example: Get all the large cents done, then tackle the nickles. I like to divide most types into 1800's and 1900's. It makes it easier to find ones if you limit your concentration.

Myqqy

Many people enjoy type sets for the reason you mentioned- it's a good way to get some exposure to a variety of coins, and then allow your heart to fall in love with a particular series or number of series. If you feel like you have too many options right now, perhaps you should limit the number of dealers/websites you frequent?? It might be helpful to have a short list of people/places that you trust that can sell you quality merchandise, and thus your options might not get to the overload level. I know for myself, I picked a series and began collecting, and in due time other series began to call to me- I didn't try to rush it, and soon enough I knew the directions I needed to take. Some people do a lot of browsing with the redbook, or magazines, to get a sense of where their interest is headed- it's cheap, and it exposes you to lots of pictures, information, history, etc... I think everything you mentioned is common for a newbie- this hobby (especially in this day and age of plastic, online dealers/auctions, coin doctors, etc) can be very overwhelming until one learns to filter out all of the unnecessary noise....

291fifth

Concentrate your efforts on 18th and 19th century type. Collect by major type only. For example, when you get to the Liberty Seated series collect only 1 quarter, let's say a no motto; then, when you add a Seated dollar add the with motto type. When you add the half dollar make it an arrows & rays. This way you have great variety in your set and can tell the whole story as well. Don't spend much time on the 20th century issues. There are plenty of them available and you can add them at your leisure.

mheffner2

YOU ALL ROCK! And to think I lurked for months, afraid to ask questions like this. Cheers! In just looking for E-bay deals I think I have my moderns about covered with slabbed specs. All of your kind advice is appreciated.

Theop

20th Century Type:

Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse With VDB On Reverse (1909)
Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse With No VDB (1909-1917)
Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse With VDB On Obverse (1918-58)
Lincoln Cent, Zinc-Coated Steel (1943)
Lincoln Cent, Memorial Reverse (1959-2000)
Liberty Head Nickel (1901-1912)
Indian Head Nickel, Full Mound Reverse (1913)
Indian Head Nickel, Recessed Date On Reverse (1913-1938)
Jefferson Nickel, Normal Composition (1938-1942, 1946-Date)
Jefferson Nickel, Wartime Alloy (1942-1945)
Barber Dime (1901-1916)
Mercury Dime (1916-1945)
Roosevelt Dime, Silver (1946-1964)
Roosevelt Dime, Clad (1965-2000)
Barber Quarter (1901-1916)
Standing Liberty Quarter, No Stars Under Eagle/Bare Breasted (1916-1917)
Standing Liberty Quarter, Stars Under Eagle/with chain mail (1917-1930)
[Additional Note: Standing Liberty Quarter, Recessed Date (1925-1930)]
Washington Quarter, Silver (1932-1964)
Washington Quarter, Clad (1965-1998)
Washington Quarter, Bicentennial Reverse (1976)
Washington Quarter, All State Versions (1999-2000)
Barber Half Dollar (1901-1915)
Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947)
Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963)
Kennedy Half Dollar, 90% Silver (1964)
Kennedy Half Dollar, 40% Silver (1965-1970)
Kennedy Half Dollar, Clad (1971-2000)
Kennedy Half Dollar, Bicentennial Reverse (1976)
Morgan Dollar (1901-1921)
Peace Dollar, High Relief (1921)
Peace Dollar, Low Relief (1922-1935)
Eisenhower Dollar, Clad (1971-1978)
Eisenhower Dollar, 40% Silver (1971-1978)
Eisenhower Dollar, Bicentennial Reverse (1976)
Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1979-1999)
Sacagewea Dollar (2000)

Barry

Welcome. It's easy to get overwhelmed. When I got back into collecting a bunch of years ago, the first show I went to was an ANA national show. Big mistake! Boy, was I overwhelmed. Quite a difference from filling Whitman folders from circulation and looking at the coin counter in Gimbels. Over time, I found a focus. That's what you need to do. Keep reading, searching Ebay, going to shows, and sooner or later you'll decide what you want to do.

BillJones

I'd say start with the 20th century type set, and see if you are "bitten by the bug." If you can't get turned on by some of the coins with which you are familiar, you probably won't get turned on by the 19th century stuff that looks different and strange. Once you get to items like the seated coins, go for the major types first. THEN go back for the coins with arrows and draperies.

mheffner2

I actually have half of a Merc Dansco album plugged, nothing gem like for sure. Something bout those wings...

MadMonk

<< <i>I'd say start with the 20th century type set, and see if you are "bitten by the bug." If you can't get turned on by some of the coins with which you are familiar, you probably won't get turned on by the 19th century stuff that looks different and strange. Once you get to items like the seated coins, go for the major types first. THEN go back for the coins with arrows and draperies. >>



As usual, good, astute advice form Bill Jones!

Steve27

The type set shown in your link is overwhelming. Try buying a Dansco or Whitman Classic Type Set album, they're a little more reasonable and help you focus on the coins needed for the set.

mheffner2

Got a Dansco Modern this afternoon.. thanks everyone!

numonebuyer

Welcome and good luck.

razorface1027

Yo AYEEEE...Welcome! Ahh, what dah hey...Start with Morgan dollars.