Can anybody else relate to this?

CUEBALL

I am in my 50's and have been collecting off and on since my brother showed me some old coins when I was about 8 or 9 years old. But I have always had one little problem, I have a lot of friends but I don't have any coin collecting friends.I live out in the country away from any cities and there just isn't any collectors around that I know of anyway.I have learned everything that I know about coins from reading and going to 2 or 3 coin shows a year.But anyway I would like to say that the best thing I have stumbled on in all the years I have been collecting is not a coin but this forum.Although I do a lot more reading than printing it is like sitting in on a conversation with dealers and collectors.I have learned a lot in just the few weeks I have been reading the threads, much more than in books.I look foward to being in this forum until the big day comes.Thanks for letting me get that out.

TerrapinWill

Amen

Barberman55

I can relate to what your saying. I'm not as old as you are, (I'll be 50 in September), but I found these boards to be a great source of information and enjoyment. I'm sure you will find a small group of people, on these boards, who specialize in what you collect, who you will become very friendly with. I have already met a couple of great guys, thru private messaging and the boards, that specialize in Barber quarters and halves. Coin clubs are another great way to meet fellow collectors.

LeeG

I'm 47 and was ignorant about coins and lost big money till I found this forum. Now I'm a little smarter than I was then thanks to the great people and info found here!!! Lee

DNADave

Try to go to a show and meet some people, You'll probably see them again at small shows.

mgoodm3

Same situation here. I live out in the styx, about the only thing that happened here lately is the infamous Valentine's Day suicide pact that made the news recently. Not sure we need that kind of publicity. this forum has been invaluable to me.

kranky

I absolutely can relate. Though I maintained my ANA membership, my Coin World subscription and bought a few books in that time, there was a period of about 15 years when I bought no coins, didn't go to shows, nothing. I knew my level of knowledge was below where it needed to be but had no way of learning.

When I stumbled upon this place in 2001, it totally rekindled my interest in actual collecting - and I've met a bunch of great people from here.

I know exactly how you feel. It's not simply that this place exists (although I'm grateful to PCGS for providing it), it's that there are experienced collectors and dealers who are generous with their knowledge.

I think of how Russ came to the board knowing just about nothing, and in two years could cherrypick Kennedies as good as anyone, plus have a great batting average on submittals. He of course deserves all the credit for putting in the effort, but I think he'd admit without this board he couldn't have done it the way he did. In two years!

WaterSport

I believe it is this feeling lonely perception that kept me from pursuing the hobby consistently through life...You are among Friends now!
WS

Longacre

I can relate as well. I tend to pick up a lot of very useful information from the questions and answers posted (even the ones that don't pertain to my collecting interests). After a while you will get an idea of who is an expert in what series, and who is not really an expert (but they try hard). I also met some people through this message board who I speak to on the phone or through PMs or regular email, who I consider to be very good collectors, quite astute, and a good resource for suggestions and thoughts.