I do have an interest in foreign coins, the main reason I don't actually have any right now is availibility. The coins I get now are coins I find in circulation, I see foreign coins from time to time but never anything old or interesting. The US coins I like are coins my dad taught me about when I was a kid, the coins that have history to me personally. The things my dad was probably shown by his parents once. The foreign coins that interest me are coins from countries I feel some connection to, ones of precious metal, or ones I find esthetically appealing. I was being moony over some singaporian gold the other day, but had to let it pass. I can't afford the really nice or old coins, foreign or otherwise. Cheers, Jessie L.
I collect both US (type set plus large cents and half cents) and some foreign, specifically British Victorian, British Conder Tokens and a Canadian type set. Some beautiful coins from outside of the US!!!
I do collect world coins. I have 15 Eliasberg World Gold Coins. I like the darkside but I have to admit I like U.S. coinage just a little more. I do want some more Central American Republic and 16th Century English coinage, especially of Elizabeth I.
<< <i>I just started being interested in Darksides beyond the circulated stuff relatives would bring home from vacation.
They're pretty!
-Amanda >>
I like the Canada 50 cent pieces as well. I have a date set 1937-1967 silver Canada 50c. 1948 and 1947 (Maple Leaf) are the toughest dates with mintages only around 37,000 or so.
You can get WAY more coin for the dollar on darkside materials... and there is sooo much cool stuff to pick from. I have about a dozen 'nice' coins such as the one above (NGC encapsulated) in my collection, and hundreds of raw older coins from various places... And the proof sets... oh, there are so many cool proof sets.
<< <i>I only collect U.S. coinage, but there are so many beautiful and inexpensive dark side coins that it's hard to resist.
What's your reason for exclusively collecting U.S.? >>
You can't collect everything. You have got to have some focus. I have collected some foreign coins that went with U.S. coinage. These include stuff like the Spanish Milled Dollar and its fractional parts and a gold doubloon. I dabbled in English, but just did not get bitten by the bug. Ditto for ancient Roman. If I ever became really wealthy, I'd do more with both of those, but for the moment I've got to stick to U.S.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
I have focus: here is the summary of what I collect (my theme) If I like it, I buy it. Buy cool looking coins from around the world, especially original older toned coins and proof sets. It may be a wide target, but its a target.
I collect ancient (just a few greek bronzes and tetradrachms) and Mexican coins as an adjunct to my US collection. The ancient because I can see their influence on later coinage (the Peace dollar is an excellent example) and coins of Mexico because its history parallels our own (living near the border helps).
I just cannot relate to the history of a country other than the one me and my family were born in and have lived our entire lives in. By collecting U.S. coinage I can hold something tangible and meaningful to my own history. I've tried collecting foreign coins, but I just couldn't get too excited about them.
I don't , I have a soft spot for the chinese panda's. The designs are great and I love to look at them. Other than these the US coins suck up all my funds.
PEACE! This is the first day of the rest of your life.
I have collected just about all of the US coins that interest me. (I then to like the small denominations and almost exclusively pre-1836) I'm now almost exclusively collecting Darkside material.
<< <i>I just cannot relate to the history of a country other than the one me and my family were born in and have lived our entire lives in. By collecting U.S. coinage I can hold something tangible and meaningful to my own history. I've tried collecting foreign coins, but I just couldn't get too excited about them. >>
Having said that, I do find ancient coinage somewhat interesting. However, I know nothing about them and so won't collect them until I do. Can anybody recommend any good books for a beginner in ancient coin collecting?
I collect modern world "bullion type" coins. Also, any Silver coins from any country of my birth year. Have quite an extensive set of silver from around the world. Most of the modern world coinage is Aluminum or some other cheapy metal. But I do like the 5+ Euro Commemoratives because they are SILVER.
Next question, those of you who do collect foreign coins, where do you find them? I just looked over the BST forum and didn't see a single thing. Is eBay a "safe" place to buy foreign coins? Are there any dealers that sell them whom you've have good experience with?
The registry obsession and single-point huge jumps haven't permeated the darkside market. Sure, you pay a premium for an MS67 over an MS63, but you're not likely to see order-of-magnitude jumps based on a difference of 1 point. It's more like there are 3 ranges where you see differences in pricing: 60-63 price similarly, 64-65, and then 66+. (In this respect the Grayside market seems more like the U.S. market; Canadian coins are becoming more and more priced down to the point).
I think this may be a reason that some people are scared away from Darkside: it isn't as cut and dried with respect to pricing. There may be more than one catalog that can be used, and can vary greatly (Krause vs. Charlton vs. Trends on Canadian; Krause vs. Spink on British, Krause vs. Moneytrend vs. Jaeger on German).
If you like early high-grade pieces, you can make your collecting dollar go so much farther than with U.S. material for comparative years and denominations.
If you like U.S. colonials but can't afford mint state pieces, you can pick up British pieces of similar design in mint state for $100-300.
If you like early proofs, especially cameo proofs, you can buy Germany and German States proofs for pennies on the dollar compared to U.S. proofs of the same era. I've bought slabbed DCAM proofs that predate World War I for under $150.
The coin below is one of my alltime favorites. This piece is almost 100 years old and is about the closest thing I've seen to a "reverse proof" (not in the same sense that the U.S. mint reverse proofs are, but rather in that there is FAR more device than field). It's in an ANACS 63 HEAVY CAMEO holder, and ran just over $200. Try finding a U.S. piece from 1910 with that level of cameo...
<< <i>In the event the market craps out I can still spend my american coins!! >>
That's true. One big difference between classic US coins and darkside coins is that classic US coins are still legal tender. Classic coins from many other countries have been demonetized and are no longer legal tender.
Every time I look at the prices of many Darkside coins compared to U.S. coins, and every time I see less slavish devotion to plastic and registries, it makes me wish I could get excited about foreign coins. I've tried, and I'd like to be...but I can't will myself to it.
One thing that turns me off about many foreign coins is royalty. I'm ok with dead presidents but people who got on coins as a birthright don't do it for me. I do have a few series that I follow and none of them have royalty
Go to Walmart and try spending 90% silver for bullion value. I bet it's easier to spend Liberty Dollars at face value than 90% silver at bullion value.
The money exchanger standing on the corner doesn't accept American Express. And I should add, having seen the effects of hyperinflation first hand, in both Peru and Israel, I'm speaking from experience, not out my arse like you.
<< <i>The money exchanger standing on the corner doesn't accept American Express. >>
How many money changers are there that take bullion silver compared to commercial retail establishments? You think the numbers are comparable?
<< <i>And I should add, having seen the effects of hyperinflation first hand, in both Peru and Israel, I'm speaking from experience, not out my arse like you. >>
Getting personal because you're feeling defensive? No need for that. Just relax. I'll grant you hyperinflation is more common and perhaps even likely in some parts of the world. I was mostly talking about the US which might have a currency melt down but then it also might not. The stability of the US government and economy is also one reason why classic US coins are still legal tender while older coins in many parts of the world are not.
1) Because education in the market would cost me more than I'd be willing to pay. I paid enough in mistakes learning the U.S. market. 2) Because there are no reliable price guides. 3) The liquidity isnt as strong; fewer dealers/collectors. (This may just be my perception.) 4) Because I cant even afford all the U.S. coins I want. I dont want to add more wants to my already long list. 5) Focus grasshopper. Focus.
The days of cheap darkside are over for many countries.
"Men who had never shown any ability to make or increase fortunes for themselves abounded in brilliant plans for creating and increasing wealth for the country at large." Fiat Money Inflation in France, Andrew Dickson White (1912)
Foreign coin collecting does not have the issues of crackout problems, multiple submissions, and huge price differentials from one grade level to the next and OGH's are plentiful. In fact great raw coins can be easily found.
I manage money. I earn money. I save money . I give away money. I collect money. I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
With US coins I have a fair idea as to what they are worth because of the numerous price guides, auction archives, etc. Foreign coins are much more difficult to price.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>With US coins I have a fair idea as to what they are worth because of the numerous price guides, auction archives, etc. Foreign coins are much more difficult to price. >>
This is certainly a big drawback for darkside but hardly a killer.
There are several "fudge factors" you can use to adjust Krause pricing which will get 90% of the prices into the ball park. The problem is that the final 10% can be a bear and krause can be from less than 2% to a- bout 500% of the "real" value.
This is one of the things that I really like about darkside though: It's far more complicated than US, with far more issues, and it has something for everyone.
Newbies should be very careful because of the vagaries of pricing and it must be understood that grading is far more strict. A lot of stuff we call BU is XF in the home country. In most countries a coin is expected to be choice in order to grade UNC. There's no such thing as AU and having a little luster won't keep a coin out of the VF grade.
I have become totally bored with US and the insane prices don't help. I'm into German, Austrian Thalers and you can get a lot of coin for the bucks. coinarchives.com is an excellent resource to research prices.
Comments
The US coins I like are coins my dad taught me about when I was a kid, the coins that have history to me personally. The things my dad was probably shown by his parents once.
The foreign coins that interest me are coins from countries I feel some connection to, ones of precious metal, or ones I find esthetically appealing. I was being moony over some singaporian gold the other day, but had to let it pass. I can't afford the really nice or old coins, foreign or otherwise.
Cheers, Jessie L.
My OmniCoin Collection
My BankNoteBank Collection
Tom, formerly in Albuquerque, NM.
Box of 20
<< <i>I just started being interested in Darksides beyond the circulated stuff relatives would bring home from vacation.
They're pretty!
-Amanda >>
I like the Canada 50 cent pieces as well. I have a date set 1937-1967 silver Canada 50c. 1948 and 1947 (Maple Leaf) are the toughest dates with mintages only around 37,000 or so.
You can get WAY more coin for the dollar on darkside materials... and there is sooo much cool stuff to pick from. I have about a dozen 'nice' coins such as the one above (NGC encapsulated) in my collection, and hundreds of raw older coins from various places...
And the proof sets... oh, there are so many cool proof sets.
Oh yes... darkside has its allure!
<< <i>I only collect U.S. coinage, but there are so many beautiful and inexpensive dark side coins that it's hard to resist.
What's your reason for exclusively collecting U.S.? >>
You can't collect everything. You have got to have some focus. I have collected some foreign coins that went with U.S. coinage. These include stuff like the Spanish Milled Dollar and its fractional parts and a gold doubloon. I dabbled in English, but just did not get bitten by the bug. Ditto for ancient Roman. If I ever became really wealthy, I'd do more with both of those, but for the moment I've got to stick to U.S.
If I like it, I buy it.
Buy cool looking coins from around the world, especially original older toned coins and proof sets.
It may be a wide target, but its a target.
Apropos of the coin posse/aka caca: "The longer he spoke of his honor, the tighter I held to my purse."
Just not as actively as Morgan dollars.
"Bongo hurtles along the rain soaked highway of life on underinflated bald retread tires."
~Wayne
El quartero busto
Fred, Las Vegas, NV
<< <i>I just cannot relate to the history of a country other than the one me and my family were born in and have lived our entire lives in. By collecting U.S. coinage I can hold something tangible and meaningful to my own history. I've tried collecting foreign coins, but I just couldn't get too excited about them. >>
Having said that, I do find ancient coinage somewhat interesting. However, I know nothing about them and so won't collect them until I do. Can anybody recommend any good books for a beginner in ancient coin collecting?
I collect both.
Darkside material is far more compelling, in my opinion. It never gets boring. I don't have to worry about my collection getting stale.
<< <i>Can anybody recommend any good books for a beginner in ancient coin collecting? >>
BobGreene - Take a look here.
Also, you should turn on your PM (private message) function.
Cheers, Jessie
<< <i> Next question, those of you who do collect foreign coins, where do you find them? >>
VCoins
I have bought Ancients from a number of dealers on VCoins, and have been happy.
It is a network of dealers in world and ancient coins.
RE: I sometimes pick up coins minted in the Republik of Kalifornia (san francisco).
The registry obsession and single-point huge jumps haven't permeated the darkside market. Sure, you pay a premium for an MS67 over an MS63, but you're not likely to see order-of-magnitude jumps based on a difference of 1 point. It's more like there are 3 ranges where you see differences in pricing: 60-63 price similarly, 64-65, and then 66+. (In this respect the Grayside market seems more like the U.S. market; Canadian coins are becoming more and more priced down to the point).
I think this may be a reason that some people are scared away from Darkside: it isn't as cut and dried with respect to pricing. There may be more than one catalog that can be used, and can vary greatly (Krause vs. Charlton vs. Trends on Canadian; Krause vs. Spink on British, Krause vs. Moneytrend vs. Jaeger on German).
If you like early high-grade pieces, you can make your collecting dollar go so much farther than with U.S. material for comparative years and denominations.
If you like U.S. colonials but can't afford mint state pieces, you can pick up British pieces of similar design in mint state for $100-300.
If you like early proofs, especially cameo proofs, you can buy Germany and German States proofs for pennies on the dollar compared to U.S. proofs of the same era. I've bought slabbed DCAM proofs that predate World War I for under $150.
The coin below is one of my alltime favorites. This piece is almost 100 years old and is about the closest thing I've seen to a "reverse proof" (not in the same sense that the U.S. mint reverse proofs are, but rather in that there is FAR more device than field). It's in an ANACS 63 HEAVY CAMEO holder, and ran just over $200. Try finding a U.S. piece from 1910 with that level of cameo...
1/2 Cents
U.S. Revenue Stamps
I've actually been buying 1/4 through 8 reales spanish coins, which count as foreign, but also were a part of early America
I ay ant kay eek spay other ay anguages lay.
o ay kay , eh ?
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>In the event the market craps out I can still spend my american coins!!
That's true. One big difference between classic US coins and darkside coins is that classic US coins are still legal tender. Classic coins from many other countries have been demonetized and are no longer legal tender.
<< <i>90% silver is accepted more places than American Express. >>
Somehow I doubt it for anything substantial, say over even just $50.
EDIT: Can't wait to see all you suckers scrambling to exchange you old dollars for new dollars. Hyperinflation here we come...
<< <i>I'll just visit the money exchanger on the corner first. >>
That dramatically lowers the number of places where you can spend your silver. I'd give the advantage to AmEx
Of course, if you only wanted face value for your 90% silver, the number of accepting institutions would be higher.
<< <i>The money exchanger standing on the corner doesn't accept American Express. >>
How many money changers are there that take bullion silver compared to commercial retail establishments? You think the numbers are comparable?
<< <i>And I should add, having seen the effects of hyperinflation first hand, in both Peru and Israel, I'm speaking from experience, not out my arse like you. >>
Getting personal because you're feeling defensive? No need for that. Just relax. I'll grant you hyperinflation is more common and perhaps even likely in some parts of the world. I was mostly talking about the US which might have a currency melt down but then it also might not. The stability of the US government and economy is also one reason why classic US coins are still legal tender while older coins in many parts of the world are not.
Please say Hello to Henry the 8th (middle), King Charles (beheaded), and some Pirate Treasure from Spain. Oh, and some snazzy dressed Kings...
I don't have every US coin that I want yet, so the foreign coins will have to wait.
1) Because education in the market would cost me more than I'd be willing to pay. I paid enough in mistakes learning the U.S. market.
2) Because there are no reliable price guides.
3) The liquidity isnt as strong; fewer dealers/collectors. (This may just be my perception.)
4) Because I cant even afford all the U.S. coins I want. I dont want to add more wants to my already long list.
5) Focus grasshopper. Focus.
-David
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>With US coins I have a fair idea as to what they are worth because of the numerous price guides, auction archives, etc. Foreign coins are much more difficult to price. >>
This is certainly a big drawback for darkside but hardly a killer.
There are several "fudge factors" you can use to adjust Krause pricing
which will get 90% of the prices into the ball park. The problem is that
the final 10% can be a bear and krause can be from less than 2% to a-
bout 500% of the "real" value.
This is one of the things that I really like about darkside though: It's far
more complicated than US, with far more issues, and it has something
for everyone.
Newbies should be very careful because of the vagaries of pricing and it
must be understood that grading is far more strict. A lot of stuff we call
BU is XF in the home country. In most countries a coin is expected to be
choice in order to grade UNC. There's no such thing as AU and having a
little luster won't keep a coin out of the VF grade.