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If you were a new copper collecting YN...
llafoe
Posts: 7,220 ✭✭
Larsen is beginning to collect half cents. I purchased two copies of Breen's Half Cents. If you were a copper collecting YN, what else would you do? Would you join the EAC? Would you buy any other half cent books? What dealers would you patronize? (I know Bob Grellman.) Larsen likes the chocolate look... how stable is copper in the slab? We're going to stay in the circulated range (AU58'ish). What other advice would you give a 10-year-old?
Ron (Bochiman) has been a great help... Thanks Ron!
Ron (Bochiman) has been a great help... Thanks Ron!
WANTED: Cincinnati Reds TEAM Cards
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If he's insistent on copper, I'd suggest he learn and study proper storage methods so he doesn't pay RD prices for copper that will be BN when he's old enough to sell it and buy a house with the proceeds... which is my major concern when shopping for copper.
<< <i>I'd tell him that he's young, and shouldn't limit himself to one type (or metal) of coin. Collect what you enjoy collecting, and if you want to buy something and have the money to do it... do it. I, personally, got too caught up in collecting specific types of coins when I was young and it ruined the hobby for me for about a solid decade.
If he's insistent on copper, I'd suggest he learn and study proper storage methods so he doesn't pay RD prices for copper that will be BN when he's old enough to sell it and buy a house with the proceeds... which is my major concern when shopping for copper. >>
He collects all the series but wants to specialize in Half Cents. He only likes BN so hopefully it won't turn... more worried about PVC and verdigris. I've seen a lot of copper slabbed with green verdigris which I assume is active? I know copper collectors like their coins raw so they can brush them... will the fact that early copper is in the slab cause it to degrade if it doesn't get brushed?
<< <i>
<< <i>I'd tell him that he's young, and shouldn't limit himself to one type (or metal) of coin. Collect what you enjoy collecting, and if you want to buy something and have the money to do it... do it. I, personally, got too caught up in collecting specific types of coins when I was young and it ruined the hobby for me for about a solid decade.
If he's insistent on copper, I'd suggest he learn and study proper storage methods so he doesn't pay RD prices for copper that will be BN when he's old enough to sell it and buy a house with the proceeds... which is my major concern when shopping for copper. >>
He collects all the series but wants to specialize in Half Cents. He only likes BN so hopefully it won't turn... more worried about PVC and verdigris. I've seen a lot of copper slabbed with green verdigris which I assume is active? I know copper collectors like their coins raw so they can brush them... will the fact that early copper is in the slab cause it to degrade if it doesn't get brushed? >>
Beats me, I don't know jack about EAC.
Next, go to www.coinvideo.com and check out the early copper DVDs---there are a number worth getting: Collecting U. S. Half Cents, Copper Quotes by Robinson 101 and Upward, How to Build a Library for Early American Copper Coins, How to Grade Early U. S. Coppers, among others.
Then get the latest edition of Copper Quotes by Robinson (CQR)--you need this because no other price guide approximates market values for coins net graded EAC-style. The 20th Ed. of CQR will run $50.
Enjoy!
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
Who are the copper dealers (PCGS) that I can contact while I'm in Afghanistan and say "I want an original eye-appealing 1803 in AU58 that is chocolate brown." and believe it will be such a coin since I won't be able to review them (and unable to return them)?
<< <i>Who are the copper dealers (PCGS) that I can contact while I'm in Afghanistan and say "I want an original eye-appealing 1803 in AU58 that is chocolate brown." and believe it will be such a coin since I won't be able to review them (and unable to return them)? >>
CRO would be my first choice.
I would not be hung up on grading notions like 'AU58'. TPG grading is very different from EAC grading. I would go for a choice coin in a lower grade before choosing a higher grade, average coin.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
<< <i>There are a number of dealers: for example, Butternut, Tom Reynolds, & Shawn Yancey have websites.
I would not be hung up on grading notions like 'AU58'. TPG grading is very different from EAC grading. I would go for a choice coin in a lower grade before choosing a higher grade, average coin. >>
But, but, but... we're on a TPG forum?!
The first thing that some early copper collectors do after buying a slabbed copper is to crack it out.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
<< <i>I would call Jim McGuigan. >>
Jim McGuigan
I'd want you for my (sugar) daddy!!!!
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>"If you were a new copper collecting YN..."
I'd want you for my (sugar) daddy!!!!
I sent Mr. McGuigan an e-mail... Thanks John and Mark!
Ron... I can still be your sugar daddy!
<< <i>All the early copper he has now (Colonials, 11 18th Century Half and Large Cents, etc.) are RAW (about a dozen later dates are counterstamped, including an 1839/6). Looking to put together a matched slabbed set. >>
Do you plan to have the coins he has now slabbed? I would recommend it.
A few more thoughts...
I would recommend older holders whenever you can get them for coins that you add to the collection. Older holders provide a level of stability that is very important for copper.
I agree with joining EAC and C4. But I think the value in joining these clubs is to get to know other members, attend the conventions, and get their literature. I would not get too wrapped up in EAC grading. I would stick with the more mainstream grading used by the ANA and the TPGs. That said, recognize that EAC grading is generally more conservative and that they generally don't mind coins with issues that would cause them not to grade at the TPGs. It's good to understand EAC grading when you see it in auction catalogs and dealer descriptions.
I'd stay away from harshly cleaned coins...but realize that a lot of early copper has been brushed, oiled, lacquered, waxed or otherwise "conserved". You may decide that you're comfortable buying such coins. Personally, I shy away from them and I look for coins that I believe are original...but I recognize that conserving copper has been a widely accepted practice in the hobby for years and there are a lot of othewise nice coins found this way.
In my opinion, color and surface quality are the most important aspects of early copper. I prefer a smooth, hard planchet with a nice, even warm color that reminds me of milk chocolate.
Sonorandesertrat made the comment "I would go for a choice coin in a lower grade before choosing a higher grade, average coin." I think this is good advice but it's easier said than done.