Do you seek the learned counsel of more advanced collectors, or do you just rely on dealers for advi

Longacre

One of the best things about collecting is the relationships that you develop not only with dealers, but with other collectors. Because other collectors collect coins "for fun" (rather than for profit, like dealers), sometimes I find that they have a different passion than your typical dealer. Of course, there are some dealers who come to mind who are passionate about numismatics, such as JK, CCU, QDB, etc. However, there seems to be a bit more oomph when talking with a fellow collector.

When you are thinking of making a purchase, do you seek the learned counsel of fellow collectors, or are you a lone ranger? Or do you rely on the advice and wisdom of your preferred dealer? Personally, when I am thinking of making a purchase, I typically inform RYK and get his opinion. Board member Reece (who put together the Pinnacle Collection of New Orleans gold) frequently gets a note or a call when I am close to making a BIG purchase. And of course, whenever I do anything numismatic, I always ask that age-old question, "what would fc do?"

Do you seek the advice of fellow collectors, and can you give a specific example of when that advice was particularly useful?

StampAlarm

I would seek their advice if I had any friends that were collectors.

BAJJERFAN

I guess it depends. I would talk to both if necessary and likely more than one of each. I do not think that I would rely solely on the advice/opinion of a party who stands to have financial gain from the issue; tho you don't state if one would buy from that same dealer that he got his advice from.

Cladiator

I just buy the ones with the stickers on them.

RonLJr

Collectors. I have'nt been able to get some dealers like (Whitlow) to answer emails after 3 tries so I move on.

bidask

<< <i>Collectors. I have'nt been able to get some dealers like (Whitlow) to answer emails after 3 tries so I move on. >>

Try calling and ask for Mike Printz.

TwoSides2aCoin

I'll pick anyone's brain who allows it. And I'm grateful for all the grey matter I get.

MidLifeCrisis

I'm generally a bit of a loner...the meaningful coin collecting relationships I've established have been with a very small group of dealers. I will ask one dealer's opinion about another dealer's coin though from time to time.

RonLJr

<< <i>

<< <i>Collectors. I have'nt been able to get some dealers like (Whitlow) to answer emails after 3 tries so I move on. >>

Try calling and ask for Mike Printz. >>



If they don't have time to answer a quick email, they don't have time to run my CC.
I purchased 2 MS66's elsewhere today from another top company.
Difficult to phone during work, lucky to have wireless ISP
Regards

seateddime

both

TahoeDale

You should seek out other collectors of the series you are working on, as it pays big dividends.

Steve Duckor, Peter Shireman, and even David Akers are all consulted in the Barber halves (and quarters- include Doug Kurz).

We each view coins at auction, and exchange opinions. Especially for the auctions like Queller, and Buddy Byers, where raw coins were the predominant ones offered.

For Lib nickels, Baxi and I discussed all coins at auction, and when we viewed other private collections.

Most dealers, (exception: Davd Akers for the Barbers, and Sheridan Downey and Don Willis for the early bust and capped bust halves) do not see enough coins for the series to have special information that long term collectors have.

Early proofs--probably a dealer will be the best choice, like Joe O'Connor.

So, its not an either/or, and I try to use all sources of information.

Myqqy

It's hard to find anybody that likes morgan dollars...

ElKevvo

Good question...I guess I am more of the lone ranger type as I am pretty busy outside of collecting with family stuff so I really don't have any relationship with dealers or other collectors. Most of the knowledge I pick up is through reading or through these boards. Honestly since I have not been to a brick and mortar shop in years the only direct contact (other than the BST forum) I have with dealers is at local shows and since I am the polite type I don't want to take up any of their time chatting about coins when they are trying to sell.

I should try talking to a few of them and see what comes out of that...there have got to be some good ones somewhere!

Have a great evening!

K