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Could I buy better coins if I lived in the U.S....the answer is YES!!

If I lived in say New York or some other huge town I could go out all day and walk into coin shops and compare coins (side by side) better than I ever could on the internet. Yes you can do this over the internet but 1st class service is just not there. Of course I can spend a full day or 2 on the net finding one but then again 90% of dealers DO NOT ship to Canada (I have spoken to about 20 of them and I would say about 18 do not). So this leaves me with fewer options and then add the fact that I must find dealer I trust and that offers me the chance to upgrade my coin down the road at full value of my coin versus theirs and a cash difference. My other option is to ask my main dealer in Canada who goes to 2 major auctions a year to find the coins I want that suit my needs...but he will want probably a 10% commission on each and every coin I buy. So I will simply trade them in with say David Lawrence and upgrade them over time or with the company called U.S coins or some other contact I have that is trust worthy.

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    For example the other 2 1909-O Barber quarters that I could find the dealers DID NOT ship to Canada...one had a PCGS F-15 and the other a VF-25 graded by PCGS....it sucks but I have to deal with that fact...I am a Canadian living in the U.S threw my hobby.

    The opposite would not be true for you guys because here in Canada we have say 5 great dealers and they have most of the best coins and they ALL ship to the U.S so you guys could very well get the better coins. You guys have 1000's of dealers in the U.S and 100's of good ones.
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    TomBTomB Posts: 22,966 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If it makes you feel any better, please realize that few collectors in the US frequent many shops and most do not attend shows, either.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
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    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    not sure how far up into canada you live but if you can travel to the usa get google maps open, find some coin shops and plan some day trips, maybe even lasting a few days
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

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    stealerstealer Posts: 4,039 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>If it makes you feel any better, please realize that few collectors in the US frequent many shops and most do not attend shows, either. >>


    ^This. A lot of nice stuff comes off the 'bay too, just gotta weed through the junk.
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    I live about 10 hours from New York...I do not own a car I use the public transit here (much cheaper and this is what helps me be able to grow my collection every year). I will fly down one day to the big show in Orlando but I want to have a lot of money with me to make the trip worth my wild. Can't go spending 1500$ on a trip with the idea of buying 2000$ worth of coins (that would really take any investment out of the equation) it would have to be for at least 20 000$ to 30 000$ or more to make it worth it.
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    stealer

    That is true and I intend to do so.
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    stmanstman Posts: 11,352 ✭✭✭✭✭
    There are plenty of ways to still buy nice coins from here if you would just listen to all the advice you've been given on here rather than make excuses for every reason. Yeah, I'm a tough love kinda guy. If you're not willing to give a dealer a commission for working on your behalf, and you expect full trade in value on your coins all the time..... good luck. If you were a reasonable kinda guy, and I'm not saying you are not...... there are plenty of dealers out there that can and will pre-screen coins at all the major auctions for as little as 5%. And some if you don't win it they charge nothing. Although, I would suspect if they felt they were being taken advantage of they would put a stop to it. So, stop whining, and making excuses for past mistakes. Be willing to learn, and take some advice from around here and most important, enjoy yourself. Did I say stop whining? image
    Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!
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    stman

    It cost me a few 100$ dollars extra on all my coins I purchased so far (but some others I did well like my 1794 1/2 cent I paid 1400$ and they last sold on Heritage for 1750$ in the same grade)....and this allowed me to make a few solid links between me and some 3-4 dealers in the U.S (Good ones) is well worth it because now they know me and know that I pay on time and do not play games. So now I can start asking them to find coins for me at major shows and have confidence that the transaction will go well and more important so do they. Some times one must invest a few bucks for this type of relationship.

    Five percent commission does NOT bother me 10%-15% does do. So I will make it clear with my contacts that I intend to spend a fair amount of money per year and they will make there money in the long run with me if they approve then I will move forward if not I will find another contact.
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    stmanstman Posts: 11,352 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sounds like a start! Just don't throw too much extra for a relationship.image
    Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!
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    stman

    Hahaha of course not they are aware of my intentions we have spoke and they also wanted to make sure I am not playing around and wasting there time and money.
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    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    is renting a car an option? not trying to pry but i'm into creative solutions in a big way

    btw i'll ship to you in canda image

    i've shipped to every continent but Antarctica.
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

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    LanceNewmanOCC

    I could but when I go down to the U.S I much more prefer just flying down I TRULY HATE traffic and having a anxiety disorder does not help at all. I even fly when going to Toronto inside of Canada and that is only about 5-6 hours away from me by car. You can send me your internet link if you like.
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    << <i>So I will make it clear with my contacts that I intend to spend a fair amount of money per year and they will make there money in the long run with me >>



    The road to hell is paved with good intentions...

    So you live in Canada and you hate traffic. I'm guessing Montreal.
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    DeliaBug

    Yes Montreal downtown....I use the metro (subway) and bus systems they are MUCH faster than a car and much much more cheaper....Toronto would be even worse (population of about 6 million people and Montreal is about 4 million people). I could not even imagine New York YARK!!! I love the city life but have my ways to be able to cope with the inconveniences. I work from home so this makes a whole world of a difference!!! I love Montreal do one of the most fun cities in the world and has so many things to do ALL the time at ANY hour of the day.
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    TomBTomB Posts: 22,966 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I don't like cities, either, but always loved living in Providence, RI and Montreal, Canada.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
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    TomB

    Montreal is a great city but LOTS of weirdos (Mostly at night....when I was younger I would be going out more at night with friends but as I get older I rather just sleep and stay in and go out during the day) I guess that is free entertainment in itself....lollll!!!
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    << <i>DeliaBug

    Yes Montreal downtown....I use the metro (subway) and bus systems they are MUCH faster than a car and much much more cheaper....Toronto would be even worse (population of about 6 million people and Montreal is about 4 million people). I could not even imagine New York YARK!!! I love the city life but have my ways to be able to cope with the inconveniences. I work from home so this makes a whole world of a difference!!! I love Montreal do one of the most fun cities in the world and has so many things to do ALL the time at ANY hour of the day. >>



    I've done that drive when I lived back in NYC. It's only 6 hours and there isn't traffic at all once you're outside of the cities. When the ANA show is in NYC, that would be a great opportunity for you to go to if you wanted to keep travel expenses down and be exposed to some great coins.
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    DeliaBug

    Is the ANA once or twice every year? Where is it located in New York in Manhattan or? How many dealers are there?
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    << <i>DeliaBug

    Is the ANA once or twice every year? Where is it located in New York in Manhattan or? How many dealers are there? >>



    The ANA shows vary their location every year and there are two, maybe three now, per year. The big show is every August and it is massive. I would direct you to the ANA webpage but it's just about impossible to find information there and it looks like the myspace page of a 13 year old girl.
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    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    for anyone that hasn't been to a larger coin show, this will help put it into perspective - from most of the bourse floors i've visisted, this one holds dozens of them

    some people i know used to sell antiques at the atlanta expo center (correction) which would probably hold dozens of this bourse image

    image

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

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    That is huge compared to here in Canada where we get like 30 dealers at the ''big'' shows!!! Looks like a LOT of fun!!! I may just go there instead of the show in Orlando. Is Orlando a bigger show?
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    WTCGWTCG Posts: 8,940 ✭✭✭
    Grass is always greener on the other side. in the U.S. you have more exposure to U.S. coins the same way Canadian coin shows and shops have a better selection of Canadian coins.
    Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup
    Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
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    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>That is huge compared to here in Canada where we get like 30 dealers at the ''big'' shows!!! Looks like a LOT of fun!!! I may just go there instead of the show in Orlando. Is Orlando a bigger show? >>



    here is your link :-)
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

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    This is crazy in size....I love it I can't wait to travel down south and check these out!!! Feels like the movie Goonies!!!
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    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>This is crazy in size....I love it I can't wait to travel down south and check these out!!! Feels like the movie Goonies!!! >>



    it is fun but be forewarned, get plenty of rest. i don't know about the rest of you but walking a big bourse floor as diversely as i buy, my brain is usually playdough at the end and i need a good bit of rest afterwards
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

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    LanceNewmanOCC

    lolllll I am only 32 so I hope the body holds I walk a lot since I have no car so I hope that pays off!!!
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    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>LanceNewmanOCC

    lolllll I am only 32 so I hope the body holds I walk a lot since I have no car so I hope that pays off!!! >>



    i'm 34 image
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

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    LanceNewmanOCC

    Cool I will fit in then!!!
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    Realone

    This is my learning curve I still have a ways to go.
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    Matrix, I hope you take this in the spirit with which it's written.

    Take a deep breath and slow down. Your enthusiam is apparent but with buying coins well, is a liability. I've found that the two most important attributes to have when buying coins are patience and knowledge. You appear to have neither and this is a recipe for disaster. Anyone who feels the need to post here asking if he "got a good deal" immediately after winning a coin on ebay really shouldn't be flying to major shows with 20-30k in their pockets. Unscrupulous dealers favorite customers are enthusiastic newbies with a lot of money, looking for a deal.

    Think about this realistically; do you really think you're going to get "deals" going up against folks with decades of experience who do this for a living?
    “When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” — Benjamin Franklin


    My icon IS my coin. It is a gem 1949 FBL Franklin.
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    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Matrix, I hope you take this in the spirit with which it's written.

    Take a deep breath and slow down. Your enthusiam is apparent but with buying coins well, is a liability. I've found that the two most important attributes to have when buying coins are patience and knowledge. You appear to have neither and this is a recipe for disaster. Anyone who feels the need to post here asking if he "got a good deal" immediately after winning a coin on ebay really shouldn't be flying to major shows with 20-30k in their pockets. Unscrupulous dealers favorite customers are enthusiastic newbies with a lot of money, looking for a deal.

    Think about this realistically; do you really think you're going to get "deals" going up against folks with decades of experience who do this for a living? >>



    i would normally say this is a bit harsh but all coins are not created equal and that goes for slabbed ones and ones with pretty stickers. it is a hard lesson i learned to buy the coin before the holder the majority of the time. i would suggest spending hundreds but preferably thousands of hours looking at all kinds of coins, in person and in images. The more you look at the more you should understand which coins to purchase and which ones to avoid, depending on price and some other small factors. Find as many coin shows large or small and put your butt in some chairs and handle as many coins as people will let you. Get a great loupe and learn as much as you can. At 32 your brain should still be like a sponge and now is the time to get out there and get your hands dirty, so to speak. looking at many auction results and studying surfaces and comparing which coins go flat and which ones scream is a great analytical practice with oogles of variables.

    hope it helps and as always, enjoy your coins image
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

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    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    .
    another good thing to do is read some threads about people that buy anywhere from 0-5 coins per year because they are looking for that just right one(s) and they devote enormous amounts of time to adding the "correct" coin to their collection. i know a few people with some deep pockets and i find it entertaining and interesting to no end to see their restraint.
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

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    I wish someone had been a bit harsh with me when I first started out. I don't believe in investing in coins but some knowledge, patience and restraint can help to keep you from getting fleeced.
    “When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” — Benjamin Franklin


    My icon IS my coin. It is a gem 1949 FBL Franklin.
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    TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 45,022 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Realone

    This is my learning curve I still have a ways to go. >>



    This is a gracious statement. I send out to Canada, but rarely do I get acknowledgement the items arrive. I know Canucks are friendly because I have friends there, but some of my coinstituents (in particular -ebay), need to acknowledge when an item arrives. We sellers have no way of knowing except through correspondence or feedback, since our mail systems are not interlinked for tracking, that an item arrived.

    That's just a case in point. I trust the mail system but I still never know image , eh .
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    291fifth291fifth Posts: 25,171 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I live within walking distance of four coin shops. I have visited two of them this year (one time each) and bought nothing. They no longer give me any reason to visit them as I am not interested in looking at jewelry, bullion or Morgans.
    All glory is fleeting.
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    CoinRaritiesOnlineCoinRaritiesOnline Posts: 3,689 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Take a deep breath and slow down. Your enthusiasm is apparent but with buying coins well, is a liability. I've found that the two most important attributes to have when buying coins are patience and knowledge. You appear to have neither and this is a recipe for disaster. >>



    This is a good quote.
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    SonorandesertratSonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Take a deep breath and slow down. Your enthusiasm is apparent but with buying coins well, is a liability. I've found that the two most important attributes to have when buying coins are patience and knowledge. You appear to have neither and this is a recipe for disaster. >>



    This is a good quote. >>



    Yep. Many of the posts Matrix wrote strike me as being motivated by investment concerns. Historical price information is fun to ponder, but shouldn't be taken too seriously because grading standards have not remained constant. Today's market for U. S. coins is very quality-conscious. Learning to discern what constitutes quality for a given grade is important. So is learning something about the working of the coin market.

    The only smart thing for someone in his position (a newbie) is to slow down, and carefully consider why he finds coins interesting. If there is little of interest beyond investment concerns, it is better to quit while one is ahead. What keeps dedicated collectors tied to numismatics tends to be other considerations: design aesthetics, political and economic history, pedigrees, minting technologies, etc. People who exuberantly rush into numismatic collecting need to understand that serious study is required to derive real emotional and financial rewards. People who don't will quickly become ex-collectors, with little but red ink to show for their brief times in the hobby.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
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    I am going to slow down and find the right coins from this moment on thanks guys!!

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