Advice to other collectors as well as myself.

Study and look at coins you like that are totally out of your reach financially. Then, look at the ones within your reach. Find those that are far superior in eye appeal to what you cannot seem to afford, and then you've figured out what true value really is. It's easier than you think. Just remember...your critique can be just as valid as anyone elses.

If you can afford anything you want, then perhaps you could gain knowledge from examining the sets of coins you think you would not normally look for. Perhaps you might find that you didn't know what to look for at all, before.

Edited to add: study, study, study...

Edited again to add: I was looking at a current auction on the internet, and am amazed at the prices that hairlined 'MS' Bust Halves are going for. Who's the fool? And it's really sad, because there's a buyer out there getting something not nearly worth the money they're spending, especially when you can find other specimens of 'lesser' grade that are so absolutely superior to what is getting the 'big money'. Just had to vent.

Which is the better coin?