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I'm a New Inductee - Novice, but Eager to Learn!

Hello, everyone!

As my first post to this forum, I'm here to introduce myself as someone relatively new to this hobby, but eager to learn & ambitious to collect. By joining, my hope is to acquire enough knowledge that I can minimize my mistakes, broaden my understanding, share common interests, and UN-common perspectives.

I plan to do much reading of previous subjects here, and occasionally present a question or two which may - or will - test the patience of more seasoned members. For this, I apologize in advance, and promise it will become less so with the passage of time. And, like the coins I'm collecting, I'm sure your guidance will become more valuable the longer I try.

Thanks!

OWC
UBERCOINER

A Truth That's Told With Bad Intent
Beats All The Lies You Can Invent
«1

Comments

  • image Welcome aboard!
    imageQuid pro quo. Yes or no?
  • direwolf1972direwolf1972 Posts: 2,076 ✭✭✭
    image
    I'll see your bunny with a pancake on his head and raise you a Siamese cat with a miniature pumpkin on his head.

    You wouldn't believe how long it took to get him to sit still for this.


  • OWC, Welcome aboard! image There are lots of great people to learn from around here!

    What types of coins are you interested in?

    Eric
    EAC member since 2011, one third of the way through my 1793 large cent type set
  • Welcome To The Forum! Ray in Florida.. image
  • LongacreLongacre Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
    Welcome. We all have to start somewhere. Ask away!
    Always took candy from strangers
    Didn't wanna get me no trade
    Never want to be like papa
    Working for the boss every night and day
    --"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
  • cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 7,958 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • 19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,492 ✭✭✭✭
    image

    You have outlined a very good plan.

    Now execute it!

    As for the questions? The only bad question is the one that didn't get asked!
    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    Welcome to the forums. May your participation be pleasant, enlightening, and fulfilling.

    Russ, NCNE
  • blu62vetteblu62vette Posts: 11,943 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Welcome!!! Fire away with questions. This is a great place for knowledge, very very experienced people with answers for most everything.
    http://www.bluccphotos.com" target="new">BluCC Photos Shows for onsite imaging: Nov Baltimore, FUN, Long Beach http://www.facebook.com/bluccphotos" target="new">BluCC on Facebook
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,573 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Don't let anyone fool you...

    there are more than twosides2acoin image
  • Hi!



    Good Luck with your endeavors!







    -sm
  • ttownttown Posts: 4,472 ✭✭✭
    Welcomeimage
  • Wolf359Wolf359 Posts: 7,663 ✭✭✭
    Welcome.

    Don't worry about testing people's patience, it's part of life. Ask away about coins, and don't be
    intiminated or deterred by responses you don't like.
  • mcheathmcheath Posts: 2,439 ✭✭✭
    Welcome, that is a great attitude to start off and I wish some more experienced collectors shared it as well. Enjoy the processimage
  • Welcome and Happy hunting!image Ask anything you want. What types of coins interest you?



  • lkrarecoinslkrarecoins Posts: 2,137 ✭✭✭
    welcome, and anyone with Canoli in their name is a friend of mine!!!!!! Welcome!
    In Loving Memory of my Dad......My best friend, My inspiration, and My Coin Collecting Partner

    "La Vostra Nonna Ha Faccia Del Fungo"
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Welcome to the forums... enjoy... Cheers, RickO
  • BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭
    Welcome. Most questions are answered quickly and accurately. Watch out for the jokesters who may hijack threads. They are only having fun and you may have to ask your question again. image
  • image By the way ... I love your profile name! I am thinking of changing mine ... maybe Darth Vermicelli
  • UtahCoinUtahCoin Posts: 5,366 ✭✭✭✭✭
    imageimageimageimageimageimage
    imageimageimageimageimageimage
    imageimageimageimageimageimage
    imageimageimageimageimageimage
    imageimageimageimageimageimage
    I used to be somebody, now I'm just a coin collector.
    Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image may the Creamy Force be with you! image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • ElKevvoElKevvo Posts: 4,136 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Welcome to the boards!

    K
    ANA LM
  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,726 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Welcome aboard.
    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • DorkGirlDorkGirl Posts: 9,994 ✭✭✭
    image
    Becky
  • pontiacinfpontiacinf Posts: 8,915 ✭✭
    image

    Yoda says "welcome" and to watch out for Jabba the butt, oh wait sperbs isn't around anymore image
    image

    Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill
  • mgoodm3mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭
    Welcome™
    coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Yoda says "welcome" and to watch out for Jabba the butt, oh wait sperbs isn't around anymore

    image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • ObiwancanoliObiwancanoli Posts: 1,065 ✭✭✭
    Hi, Eric...

    Thanks for your greeting...

    Started by responding to a WSJ adv. for LCC, and 50-sate quarters. Decided to order the first 45 via the ad, as my Dad's birthday's coming up, and he likes to collect coins. Nothing organized, really, but I thought he'd like them.

    When the order came in, it included an uncirculated 2008 AE... nice. wanted to keep it, but after going online to LCC and checking out a few things, I called them to inquire about obtaining a "proof" instead. Sure, they told me... $45.50.

    So I ordered a couple. Then learned they were MS-63 (by this time, I'd learned a little about what this meant), went to the US Mint site, where I found I could order the same or better proof for $31. Then a light bulb went off.

    So I started surfing Ebay. Short story is, I've got about 2/3 of the series, a few duplicates ('cause the deal seemed pretty good), mostly PR-70's, but some 69's (PCGS & NGC's only).

    For now, I'm focused on the AE's, and want to collect the full set. A couple, as many people here already know, are a bit more difficult to come by, let alone fit into my budget, but it's becoming fun to look.

    My Dad's always had a few Morgan's, wheat pennies and Buffalo nickels... and it would seem one can at least collect SOME Morgan's without going broke whilst doing so... I'll probably add to these as I go along...

    Thanks!
    UBERCOINER

    A Truth That's Told With Bad Intent
    Beats All The Lies You Can Invent
  • speetyspeety Posts: 5,424
    Welcome, and believe me, most of us have asked more stupid questions than you could imagine!

    Mark
    Want to buy an auction catalog for the William Hesslein Sale (December 2, 1926). Thanks to all those who have helped us obtain the others!!!

  • commoncents05commoncents05 Posts: 10,096 ✭✭✭
    image to the boards!

    -Paul
    Many Quality coins for sale at http://www.CommonCentsRareCoins.com
  • PreussenPreussen Posts: 2,307 ✭✭✭
    Welcome to the board. -Preussen
    "Illegitimis non carborundum" -General Joseph Stilwell. See my auctions
  • MisterBungleMisterBungle Posts: 2,308 ✭✭✭

    Hi and welcome!!

    ~


    "America suffers today from too much pluribus and not enough unum.".....Arthur Schlesinger Jr.

  • image
    Trustworthy BST sellers: cucamongacoin
  • Welcome to the Boards.imageimageimage
  • curlycurly Posts: 2,880


    Welcome aboard brother, how you? You may ask any question you want, we're all experts here. image
    Every man is a self made man.
  • fcfc Posts: 12,793 ✭✭✭
    hi
  • SwampboySwampboy Posts: 13,102 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Glad you're here! image

    "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso

  • percybpercyb Posts: 3,333 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Hi, Eric...

    Thanks for your greeting...

    Started by responding to a WSJ adv. for LCC, and 50-sate quarters. Decided to order the first 45 via the ad, as my Dad's birthday's coming up, and he likes to collect coins. Nothing organized, really, but I thought he'd like them.

    When the order came in, it included an uncirculated 2008 AE... nice. wanted to keep it, but after going online to LCC and checking out a few things, I called them to inquire about obtaining a "proof" instead. Sure, they told me... $45.50.

    So I ordered a couple. Then learned they were MS-63 (by this time, I'd learned a little about what this meant), went to the US Mint site, where I found I could order the same or better proof for $31. Then a light bulb went off.

    So I started surfing Ebay. Short story is, I've got about 2/3 of the series, a few duplicates ('cause the deal seemed pretty good), mostly PR-70's, but some 69's (PCGS & NGC's only).

    For now, I'm focused on the AE's, and want to collect the full set. A couple, as many people here already know, are a bit more difficult to come by, let alone fit into my budget, but it's becoming fun to look.

    My Dad's always had a few Morgan's, wheat pennies and Buffalo nickels... and it would seem one can at least collect SOME Morgan's without going broke whilst doing so... I'll probably add to these as I go along...

    Thanks! >>



    Welcome and it sounds like you have a plan. There are those among us who order ASEs directly from the mint rather than buying them slabbed from others. You may decide you don't want to pay a premium for modern slabbed coins.
    "Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world." PBShelley
  • ObiwancanoliObiwancanoli Posts: 1,065 ✭✭✭
    Thanks, everyone...

    OK... I have a few questions...

    First, while there are a few books on coins, pricing, grading, etc. that are on my list, my very limited experience to this point suggests that "guides" - such as the online PCGS guide I've perused for AE's - seem to be off by a wide margin, compared to prices some people actually pay for these coins. At least, that's my take on it from spending time on Ebay. But it's just a guide, right? Such things are subjective, to a degree, and in my own case, there's no accounting for taste. If I like it, that's a large part of my decision making process, and given the extent of my knowledge & experience, I might pick something up that the next person wouldn't give a second thought to.

    The reality is, people will ask - or bid - whatever they think a particular coin may be worth to them, and most times, the actual figure seems inconsistent with the "guide". And yet, I feel I need SOMEthing that might illustrate whether or not I might pay too much for something, or, fortune be with me, if I've found a true bargain.

    Secondly, insofar as current [read: new] coinage is concerned, coin dealers must be buying these in bulk from the US Mint, unwrap or unpackage them, apparently sending them to be graded, with the hope they'll come back with the highest possible grade, and thus, bless the profit they hope to make in selling them. However long this process takes - and however much it may cost - would it, and does it make sense for an insignificant guy like me to send MY brand new, shiny "proof", first strike coins off to some far-away critic to have MY coins graded? If grading equates to value - even for a personal collection such as what I want to build - is it practical to do so? Why, instead, don't I simply forego the middleman, so to speak, and buy graded coins from somewhere other than the US Mint?

    Case in point:

    I'm currently awaiting a few AE "proofs" I've ordered from the US Mint. Having seen what appear to be identical coins on Ebay, for instance, I have to wonder what the real difference is between the $31.95 coin I get from the US Mint, and the PCGS or NGC PR70 DCAM or UCAM I bought for $63? I've been fortunate in that I've also acquired several PR70's & PF70's (now, what's THAT all about?) for about double the US Mint "proof" cost... but what do I know? They all look pretty impressive to me.

    Anyone want to take this one on?

    Thanks!!



    UBERCOINER

    A Truth That's Told With Bad Intent
    Beats All The Lies You Can Invent
  • A coin is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Price guides as you have noticed are just that a guideline but may not represent current market trends given the vast numbers of different venues.

    If you are looking to collect 70 graded coins and don't plan on selling, I would suggest sticking to PCGS graded coins as they have the most conservative grading standards. After time, you should be able to notice what makes a coin grade higher than another that appears to be identical.

    image
    Never teach a pig to sing. You'll waste your time and annoy the pig image

    image
  • Type2Type2 Posts: 13,985 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image+1


    Hoard the keys.
  • GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 17,922 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image


    Welcome Obiwancanoli, Fresh Meat is most welcomed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • FullStepJeffsFullStepJeffs Posts: 1,874 ✭✭✭
    image

    and ask away.

    Steve
    U.S. Air Force Security Forces Retired

    In memory of the USAF Security Forces lost: A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson, 9/28/05; SSgt Brian McElroy, 1/22/06; TSgt Jason Norton, 1/22/06; A1C Lee Chavis, 10/14/06; SSgt John Self, 5/14/07; A1C Jason Nathan, 6/23/07; SSgt Travis Griffin, 4/3/08; 1Lt Joseph Helton, 9/8/09; SrA Nicholas J. Alden, 3/3/2011. God Bless them and all those who have lost loved ones in this war. I will never forget their loss.
  • ObiwancanoliObiwancanoli Posts: 1,065 ✭✭✭
    Gentlemen (and Ladies, as the case may be) -

    I've started off by focusing my interests and efforts in two directions - Silver Eagles, and the Presidential Dollars. I sure wish I knew about this years back, but have initiated my interests by focusing on subscribing to the Eagle Silver $, and the Presidential dollar sets from the US Mint. For the latter, I've subscribed to (and bought a few items already) the Presidential Proof Set (S), the Coin Cover Series (mintage 50,000 P&D), the Silver Eagle, and - I probably made a mistake here - the Presidential PDS set from LCC.

    As for my Ebay activity, I've picked up several US Mint Eagles from various years, and wondered if it's worthwhile for me, a completely green and numismatically challenged rookie, to consider having them graded... and if so, how do I judge when, with what volume, and to which service I should consider sending them? Does it make sense for me to do so on my own, or should I seek the help of the one and only local coin shop in town? Does it make sense at all to consider it at such an early stage (for me)?

    My interest goes beyond the mere possession of the coins... I'd simply like to collect the best possible coinage I can, and that means - if I'm not mistaken here - PR/PF 70's graded by the most reputable service(s) possible - PCGS or NGC, most probably. I've collected several already graded, many 69's, a few 68's (THAT was an early mistake, but the deal seemed good, even as 8's). Perhaps over time, I can replace these with 70's, but for the moment, they look pretty nice to me as they are.

    Your thoughts?

    Thanks!!
    UBERCOINER

    A Truth That's Told With Bad Intent
    Beats All The Lies You Can Invent
  • ObiwancanoliObiwancanoli Posts: 1,065 ✭✭✭
    Gawd, I must read like such a rookie to you all... BUT... you've been most gracious in your welcome, and so, I enter once again.

    After reading percyb's recent comment, I began focusing more on the US Mint issues, as opposed to graded coins. I've explored the Mint site, even subscribed to a few items, and wish I'd done this years ago. If you're interested in newer coins, that, of course, is the place to get them, rather than places like Ebay. This lesson didn't take long to learn, fortunately.

    I stopped by the only coin dealer in my city yesterday. Not a lot of floor space, but then, profitable coins don't take up any more room than the rest of them, do they? In any case, it was suggested that if I didn't have older, or more valuable coins, having newer coins graded was a costly process for the hope of getting back a small percentage of coins graded as 70's, for instance. I was also told that PCGS pretty much doesn't issue a 70 grade any more - hard to believe this, 'cause I see them out there, but they certainly are few and far between.

    Almost makes MORE sense to stick, for the moment, to Mint-issued coins, hang onto them for a while, and perhaps, down the road, consider having them graded. But that makes sense only if there's a profit incentive, wouldn't you say? If you're a true collector, grade becomes a secondary issue, does it not?

    As an example, I picked up two 20th Anniversary Silver Eagle sets - one graded by NGC, all 69's, and the other ungraded. Leaving aside, for the moment, the fact that the box they were shipped in shouldn't have been opened if grading were important, the price I paid for the two differed by a mere $30.

    I glean from this the following conclusions:
      NGC, reputable though they may be, seems less credible where grading is concerned, than PCGS.
        PCGS, grading at 69, seems to command more credibility - and thus, value & price - than 70's graded by NGC.
          Grading doesn't necessarily enhance significantly the value of certain newer coins - in my case, the SAE's - compared to Mint issues.
            For all the expense of having a coin graded, it appears to make sense to postpone the act, until such time as rarity and/or low mintage, or uniqueness might suggest substantially enhanced value as a result.

            Time to pick up a couple of books, too, methinks... the Red Book, and one other, a Numismatics Grading Standards book, I think... do you have other suggestions that won't get me cross-eyed trying to understand it?

            Thanks!
            UBERCOINER

            A Truth That's Told With Bad Intent
            Beats All The Lies You Can Invent
          • FatManFatMan Posts: 8,977
            Here's a Big FatMan Welcome to Ya!image
          • curlycurly Posts: 2,880




            << <i>If you're a true collector, grade becomes a secondary issue, does it not? >>



            Brother, IMHO grade never becomes a secondary issue.
            Every man is a self made man.
          • Welcome and really, I can't believe no one has given you the best advice of all yet....

            "Leave the gun, take the canolis"

            imageimageimage
            image

            Seriously, have fun with your ASE's. Nice set to start out on.

            Rufus T. Firefly: How would you like a job in the mint?

            Chicolini: Mint? No, no, I no like a mint. Uh - what other flavor you got?



            image
          • Welcome and enjoy!!!

            This place has kept me from blowing more money than I can imagine. Not that I still don't make mistakes, but they sure have been minimized.

            Best piece of advice I can give is, I have never been disapointed or made an error with any purchase from the BST here. Every transaction has been very smooth, and I have always received at least what I thought I was getting and frequently more!!!

            Have fun and ask lots of questions!!
            image

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