What it usually doesn't mean...

PQ is actually a term used by dealers. It means "Premium Quality" and believe me the "Premium" will be in the price you pay for the not-so-good "Quality". A long time ago, when God was a kid, somebody said "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". You, the collector and potential buyer need to decide for yourself what exactly IS "premium quality". This decision will (or at least should) change from coin to coin too. Use your lense and have a good reference book with you.

I dont want to give the idea that dealers, in general, are trying to finance their next trip off of your purchase, just be careful and use common sense. As for where to find your elusive dreams, I personally like a coin store with a bid board. I live outside Salt Lake City and there is an awesome coin store called Ace Coins (4100 S & Redwood). They have a bid board that accomodate about 200 coins. Bids close every saturday at 2pm. I love to go there and I have found many treasures to add to my collection. What is really a kick in the pants is about 1:45 the store will be packed with all these collectors hovering over their potential wins, like a vulture circling over a dead animal. It's just tooo funny to watch, and yes... I am one of those vultures.

Establish a relationship with a good dealer. The above mentioned Ace Coins has 3 people working there. Over the years I have come to know and trust them. They are good people. A good dealer will want to know what you are looking for and will keep a skillful eye out for you. It is in their best interest to do right by you, so you will keep spending your money with them, and perhaps you will mention them to your friends.

Ebay has also been mentioned. I have spent literally thousands of hours (and dollars) on ebay. Caveat emptor, buyer beware! Check feedback. Not just their rating but the individual feedback too. you'd be surprised what comes in as a positive. Some people will have a bad experience but are afraid to post a negative for fear of a retaliatory comment... checkk that feedback. Ask questions, what is the return policy?? No return policy, no money!! Again, use common sense. I have been burned a couple of times, but that was when I was young and foolish. Now that I am OLD and foolish, I am not as easy to be hornswaggled.

This is part of what makes this hobby so fun. The sport of it, if you will. The HUNT !! With each purchase youmake, wether it be off a bid board, Ebay, dealer direct.. whatever, you will gain more knowledge of this hobby. Most will be happy and fun experiences, the others... learning experience and that too is a good thing.

Well.... off I go to Ace Coins in Salt Lake City. I have coins for sale this week on the board and I want to see people spending their money on my coins. Isn't this a great country ??

Respectfully,

Michael Cooper

I bought this at Ace Coins in Salt Lake City. On their bid board, raw, for 4 bucks. Had it graded by NGC... Killer deal!!

1962 1c PF