Research: The Numismatist's Best Friend
RKKay
Posts: 3,015 ✭✭✭
Like may other areas, there's no substitute for a little research. There are books and articles about most every coin you'd want to collect. Beyond books, look at auction records and check out how much various dealers are asking. Further, look at lots and lots of coins. You'll notice trends in your series (which you may have been able to read about). Looking at lots of coins will also help you learn to grade. Also talk to knowlegeable dealers or collectors. Many board members here are more than happy to teach. Finally (for me, but not the subject), if you buy raw, you must learn to ID fakes and altered coins. The ANA summer seminar has a class, and there are a few good books out there. As well, if anyone is going to KC in April, remind me to bring my counterfeit patterns, and I'll have them at my table.
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I will look for you in KC in April, Rick.
Specializing in 1854 and 1855 large FE patterns
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And I'll add that learning more about coins will greatly enhance your enjoyment of your collection.
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.