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GoldFinger1969

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Status Replies posted by GoldFinger1969

  1. pancakez1981

    I am new to this coin thing too. My dad left me a bunch of coins when he died in 2017 and I broke my ribs in December and was forced out of my job. I got a wild idea to have them inspected and graded. This seems to be both fun and disappointing. I spent $315 to grade 15 mint and proof the quarters from the 1999-2009 state quarters collections, thinking that because the mints were in mint wrappers, they would be MS69 and MS70 like the proofs were, but I was dismayed to say the least. So, I am gathering other ideas to make use of my coins and time. I have read articles of how coins go up and down in value, so I decided to grade them rather than turn them into trinkets or jewelry like those who "roll" coins into rings or "press" pennies in them novelty shop presses.

    1. GoldFinger1969

      GoldFinger1969

      I was dismayed to say the least. So, I am gathering other ideas to make use of my coins and time. I have read articles of how coins go up and down in value

      Pancake, it is very difficult -- especially in the short term -- to "make money" from coins, either bullion or pure numismatics.  You can absolutely make the right case for a coin type and then watch gold or silver drop 30% in price and you are underwater.  Or you can buy non-bullion coins and watch thousands of oldtimers or estates sell those coins and while the overall market is flat or up a bit or maybe down a bit...you coins get slaughtered in price.  Has happened to many types of coins over the last 10 years.

      The great stories of "making fortunes" in coins are so often a product of a very long time horizon....investing prior to a big runup in gold or silver (like pre-1970)....or just luckily getting into a series that catches on with others in the future (i.e. Carson City Morgans or Liberty or other coins).

      As others have said....we do this because we love collecting.  We love accumulating over time...we love saving up $$$ for a purchase...we love the history that goes with our coins....we love reading about how our coins were used in commerce or trade back when they were first minted.  99% of what we talk about here is about that.  The rest is about the money we make (or lose) and grading arguments. xD

      So don't put anything into coins that you might need for a rainy day.  Your coins are like a piece of art or a sports car that you enjoy.  Maybe an extra windfall for a rainy day or retirement...or something for your heirs to inherit and learn about before they sell it (or maybe keep it xD).

      Ultimately....just have fun, regardless of what others say about your coins or their prices. (thumbsu

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