North Alabama covers a lot of territory. If that’s the NE part of Alabama, there are bigger shows twice a year in Dalton GA. There is also a reasonable monthly show in Marietta near Atlanta. Atlanta itself will host a bigger show soon, and the Metro Atlanta Coin Club will always welcome you as a guest (Twice a month)
“The key here is to not get hosed,” says Ben, “The Coin Geek,”🤓 the owner of Old Pueblo Coins in Tucson, AZ. Those are certainly encouraging words to hear from a numismatic professional, i.e.- a coin dealer. 🤔 😲😳😬 🤣😂🤣 However, I would argue that his advice shouldn’t be limited to buying just raw coins, but certified coins as well. ⚾️⚾️⚾️ ROGER, The LOS ANGELES DODGER
Good 'take to the bank' advice overall Ben. In the 70's, 80's early 90's, besides the good advice, "buy the book" the other key piece of advice would have been, learn the rudiments of grading, particularly for the series that interest you most or that you are currently collecting. The book 'Photograde' and several others had/have high quality comparison pictures in each most commonly used 'Sheldon scale' grade, and then spell out the particular points of comparison to look at, all in simple to understand language. Also even if a person opts for collecting only pre graded/certified coins, I think you do yourself a disservice in not learning/teaching yourself to come up with a reasonable approximate grade on a raw coin. Secondly I would say, at least consider the possibilities of collecting in the VF- XF range. The coins generally still retain the lions share of their 'as struck' details and are satisfyingly attractive, without you having to mortgage the house to be able to pick up the scarcer dates (depending upon the series).Mr.Ben also does a lot of comparison type videos focused on grading comparisons that can help you train your eye as you've probably noticed, good hunting.
Hey, Ben. I took advantage of the Greysheet special you mentioned. Here is what I already thought that was confirmed. 1. OPC has great prices, even generous. 2. Coin dealers work with such small margins especially when compared with other types of retailers. Thanks for everything you do.
I suggest buying an old Red Book that actually shows what a VG, VF, AU coin, etc., looks like. I realize in this day and age, the popular thing is to buy graded coins. But you still need to be able to look at a graded coin before purchasing, and understand why it graded that way and if properly graded. I live in Canada and most of the local coin shops have long gone and the employees in antique stores that have a small coin section don't seem to be knowledgeable about the coins they have. Because I collect ancients, I have developed relationships with auction houses and coin shops around the world that I trust. Research first (buy the book) before you make a purchase. I'm always updating and adding to my numismatic book library.
Ben is totally correct regarding purchasing raw coins. I have wasted money getting raw coins graded and will not do it again. These are coins I bought over e-Bay (or at a local coin show) that were marketed as BU, often GEM BU. It is disappointing to have them come back graded "UNC Details - Cleaned." Much better to purchase slabbed coins for sure.
About 5-10 years ago a huge ebay dealer was slinging raw legit uncirculated Morgan and Peace dollars and looking back on my purchases they hover around MS62 average, more likely MS61 than MS63. Back then a good buyer could get some raw "shot 63" coins for a great deal if you sniped them at auction. But now.. Those opportunities are completely gone. Looking at their graded coins now there's a lot of 63 and 62 for sale in their listings. Anyway those are the grade coins they used to sell raw. Buying raw unc on ebay isn't worth the hunt anymore. I'd add to your point to say that there's a lot of fraud out there too. Buying authenticated certified coins with self due diligence will provide the coin insurance buyers need. OPC selling a raw coin would have some due diligence behind it.
I've been collecting for almost 30 years now and I am in no way a professional by any means. If someone were to ask me how to get started collecting, the few things I'd say is to read up on EVERYTHING possible and I mean EVERYTHING ! Start on one type of coin . & just have fun with the process. I started with Jefferson nickels. My birthday year to present P&D. Once that was completed, I'd do my birthday year & back to 1938. Same with cents,dimes, and quarters. We have to keep it fresh and interesting. Ben always has my mind wondering... It never hurts to open a book and learn.
Do a type set; get exposed to a lot of different coins. Like Walking Liberty halves? Do a sampler; instead of buying a bunch of common dates, buy several rare/key dates.
I have a "good" lcs near me. Their $4/oz above spot premium on used generic Buffalos is laughable. I shop elsewhere. Hallenbeck coin gallery is the lcs in referring to. They are in colorado springs.
Whenever anyone says they like I walkers I always suggest that whatever their budget they splurge for a nice example. There are few coins more beautiful than a nice Walking Liberty half dollar
My nephew operates a small coin shop in Montgomery - Tom at Trademark Coin and Currency. He will treat you right.
North Alabama covers a lot of territory. If that’s the NE part of Alabama, there are bigger shows twice a year in Dalton GA.
There is also a reasonable monthly show in Marietta near Atlanta.
Atlanta itself will host a bigger show soon, and the Metro Atlanta Coin Club will always welcome you as a guest (Twice a month)
“The key here is to not get hosed,” says Ben, “The Coin Geek,”🤓 the owner of Old Pueblo Coins in Tucson, AZ. Those are certainly encouraging words to hear from a numismatic professional, i.e.- a coin dealer. 🤔 😲😳😬 🤣😂🤣 However, I would argue that his advice shouldn’t be limited to buying just raw coins, but certified coins as well. ⚾️⚾️⚾️
ROGER, The LOS ANGELES DODGER
Love watching you, i'v learned alot..my dream coins are 1921 peace dollar & a standing Liberty quarter
With you all the way!
Good 'take to the bank' advice overall Ben. In the 70's, 80's early 90's, besides the good advice, "buy the book" the other key piece of advice would have been, learn the rudiments of grading, particularly for the series that interest you most or that you are currently collecting. The book 'Photograde' and several others had/have high quality comparison pictures in each most commonly used 'Sheldon scale' grade, and then spell out the particular points of comparison to look at, all in simple to understand language. Also even if a person opts for collecting only pre graded/certified coins, I think you do yourself a disservice in not learning/teaching yourself to come up with a reasonable approximate grade on a raw coin. Secondly I would say, at least consider the possibilities of collecting in the VF- XF range. The coins generally still retain the lions share of their 'as struck' details and are satisfyingly attractive, without you having to mortgage the house to be able to pick up the scarcer dates (depending upon the series).Mr.Ben also does a lot of comparison type videos focused on grading comparisons that can help you train your eye as you've probably noticed, good hunting.
Hey, Ben. I took advantage of the Greysheet special you mentioned. Here is what I already thought that was confirmed. 1. OPC has great prices, even generous. 2. Coin dealers work with such small margins especially when compared with other types of retailers. Thanks for everything you do.
I suggest buying an old Red Book that actually shows what a VG, VF, AU coin, etc., looks like. I realize in this day and age, the popular thing is to buy graded coins. But you still need to be able to look at a graded coin before purchasing, and understand why it graded that way and if properly graded. I live in Canada and most of the local coin shops have long gone and the employees in antique stores that have a small coin section don't seem to be knowledgeable about the coins they have. Because I collect ancients, I have developed relationships with auction houses and coin shops around the world that I trust. Research first (buy the book) before you make a purchase. I'm always updating and adding to my numismatic book library.
Ben is totally correct regarding purchasing raw coins. I have wasted money getting raw coins graded and will not do it again. These are coins I bought over e-Bay (or at a local coin show) that were marketed as BU, often GEM BU. It is disappointing to have them come back graded "UNC Details - Cleaned." Much better to purchase slabbed coins for sure.
About 5-10 years ago a huge ebay dealer was slinging raw legit uncirculated Morgan and Peace dollars and looking back on my purchases they hover around MS62 average, more likely MS61 than MS63. Back then a good buyer could get some raw "shot 63" coins for a great deal if you sniped them at auction. But now.. Those opportunities are completely gone. Looking at their graded coins now there's a lot of 63 and 62 for sale in their listings. Anyway those are the grade coins they used to sell raw. Buying raw unc on ebay isn't worth the hunt anymore. I'd add to your point to say that there's a lot of fraud out there too. Buying authenticated certified coins with self due diligence will provide the coin insurance buyers need. OPC selling a raw coin would have some due diligence behind it.
What I have learned from my short time in this hobby is you should just buy graded coins.
If I could drive to a (good) coin shop I'd be in big trouble. :o
A collection can be as little as 2 really very fine coins.
I've been collecting for almost 30 years now and I am in no way a professional by any means.
If someone were to ask me how to get started collecting, the few things I'd say is to read up on EVERYTHING possible and I mean EVERYTHING !
Start on one type of coin . & just have fun with the process.
I started with Jefferson nickels. My birthday year to present P&D. Once that was completed, I'd do my birthday year & back to 1938. Same with cents,dimes, and quarters. We have to keep it fresh and interesting.
Ben always has my mind wondering... It never hurts to open a book and learn.
Comment for the algo. Keep it up, Ben!
Do a type set; get exposed to a lot of different coins. Like Walking Liberty halves? Do a sampler; instead of buying a bunch of common dates, buy several rare/key dates.
I don't get the point of 'set' collecting, seems as though a person wastes a ton of money on common coins.
Great information, thanks Ben.
I have a "good" lcs near me. Their $4/oz above spot premium on used generic Buffalos is laughable. I shop elsewhere. Hallenbeck coin gallery is the lcs in referring to. They are in colorado springs.
Happy December! Thanks for the Sunday upload
Smaller local and regional coin shows for the win.
Fully agree with Ben, don’t buy raw online
Hi Ben
Thanks for the video, Ben! I'm a Russian in love with the US coins. Please help!
Whenever anyone says they like I walkers I always suggest that whatever their budget they splurge for a nice example. There are few coins more beautiful than a nice Walking Liberty half dollar
My local coin dealer was arrested for defrauding customers and $5 million at the casino...in one year. Unreal.
Cómo estás old amigo.
Hey Ben how do I find you on eBay?
He's got his eBay link on his website. It'll take you right there.
Step 1..find a redbook,any year
No local coin shops? Head over to Numismy.
*FIFTH*
Start with Franklin half series much easier to collect and afford.
🍿 mmmhmm. Numis