Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

I picked up and looked through a few coin magazines. Anybody here read em?

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

I get Coin World mailed to me every week. It's about 95% ads.

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Hey, Anty Ep:

I probably should, as I classify myself, a numisimatist. However, I have found a lot of those prices exaggerated from what dealers buy and sell. PCGS is a classic example. I can't find anyone who will pay those prices (not even ebay buyers), but it's good to know what the high end is.

I try to haggle, and if I can't the deal I want, I move on. Although I must say, I am buying more numismatic coins than PM bullion. Historically, numismatic coins perform better than PMs. The real challenge is to guess what coin is on the rise.

The Great Ag

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

I use too years ago prior to the internet. Mostly I use to look for the ads and rare articles about bullion coins/bars back then.

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

I get a few... Some Ok articles, few good ads, makes for great Bathroom material..

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

I just looked at three ads in Coin magazine, for rolls of fifty mercurys at the same alleged quality level. there was quite a price divergence!

I dont think one can really be confident in moving into numismatics unless you learn how to grade, right? Otherwise you may get some POS (and I dont mean price of silver), have a chance to look it over, stupidly hold on to it and pay too much for it.

I dont know how to really learn that fast except joining a club. I have limited time to dick around with this stuff but the coin itch is really got ahold of me.

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

While I have some others I mostly collect old Silver Dollars, then mostly Morgans...

I know, I know, everyone that collects, collects them...

I like'em cause they are big enough to see all detail, somewhat easy to come by and its really amazing to me that somehow a coin was minted in the early 1800s is still in near perfect condition yet, I've seen some coins that are only a few years old and look like they are ready to be retired...

I have several that are graded by PCGS in MS65 and higher... I also have some that are just raw in and on both ends of the grading spectrum...

Also, its kinda fun to imagine that some of dollars minted at the Carson City (C.C.) mint, may have been used by a famous cowboy or outlaw... Maybe in one of those poker games you see in the old western saloons...

I've always collected and had a thing for coins, but as a hobby 1st...

If one day, I go to sell them and I make can take a decent profit, great!!! But, I'm not really betting on them as an investment vehicle...
Lastly, like PMs, there are only so much, so they ""Should"" only go up, (sure they'll bounce a little, so do PMs) even if slowly...

They may dig up more silver, but they'll never mint 1800s Morgans again...

Another thing, I only buy coins with money I can afford to burn... Its kinda like entertainment..
Some people will drop 3-500 on a few hours at a Casino, hookers, drugs, etc......

I won't... I know after that time, I'll have nothing to show for it... But I'd buy a 50-100.00 coin that I like and have wanted... Years later I'll still have the coin(s)...

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

well I dont do hookers, drugs, or gambling, but I dont want to lose my discipline on coins either. :birthday:

ps does alcohol count as a drug?

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Hey, Anty Ep:

We all start at the same place. I educated myself by doing two things, okay three. I bought this book http://www.amazon.com/Official-Guide...e=UTF8&s=books It's PCGS' guide book for grading. It has a lot of color pictures, and many more black and white pics, but it has the grade each coin, from large cents to $20 gold coins. A must have for any serious numismatist. Second, I bought what I believe to be a reputable price guide. Third I bought a good loupe which has a 4x and 5x magnifier whiched placed ontop of one another is 9x magnification. I spent around $10 for this, I believe.

Lastly, I took all this info to coin shows and dealers spending a lot of time looking at the coin, comparing it to the grade, and haggling over price. I also would buy PCGS certified MS65, 63 coins of a particular coin I was collecting to have them on hand to compare at shows and dealer shops.

I feel that I am very comptent at grading coins from G-1 to AU-55. I can also grade MS, but my skills are not that honed, yet.

The real trick is figuring out which coins are going to be hot and which ones are on the way down. Overall, if you are looking to buy and hold, you cannot really go wrong with coins minted prior to 1965. If you are looking to make a quick buck, do your research, just like you would do with a stock.

If you have more questions ask. I love talking about the art of numismatism.

The Great Ag

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

And I love to read them!

I find with PCGS that their prices are highend, as you said.......my coin dealer uses (and hands me to see) Greysheet prices which seems very reasonable.

With Ebay, unless the coin is toned, I find they will generally pay about 3/4 PCGS price...that seem about right to you?

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

You mean, did we eat the killer parrot? Well, we DO have a recipe for parrot (and read it to him when he misbehaves), he just doesn't have that much meat on him.

But JUST turkey? Not this cook - we had our special turkey, with a stuffing that I created from a recipe off the table of King Henry VIII..its to die for and people who won't eat stuffing eat this!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Great Ag (Post 426926) Grey sheet is fair pricing, but I find it can be inflated, but that is what the dealers use, so must we all.

Exactly - and that is sort of the industry standard - PCGS is more retail pricing and Home Shopping is more like gouging! :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Great Ag (Post 426926) With reference to eBay, it depends. Mostly they do, but it depends on the coin. I purchased some peace dollars ms-65 for about 40% of PCGS pricing. I think the high grade ms-65 is way overpriced, but in grades fine to low about uncirculated they are not too much off the mark from greysheet. It's those lower grades eBayers will pay 75% price of PCGS.

Absolutely - I have gotten some great deals on Ebay.....and yes, I was talking generality on Ebay pricing........25-30% off PCGS seems to be a rough guide.......so if I look up a coin price on PCGS, and then knock off about 30-25%, it gives me a rough idea what to pay on Ebay!


Also - I got this today - and you might find it interesting........>>

PS - JUST FOUND WHERE I SAW IT - YOU CAN SEE THE CHARTS HERE!
http://news.goldseek.com/GoldSeek/1164661200.php



The Buy of the Century<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
-- Posted Monday, 27 November 2006
By Dr. Steve Sjuggerud
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Few people have noticed…<o:p></o:p>
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But the bull market in gold is back in full swing. As I write, the price of gold is at $638, roughly 10% away from highs reached this summer.<o:p></o:p>
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While some have noticed this, absolutely nobody has noticed the complete detonation of rare gold coin prices this year. While the price of gold is near its highs, coins have gotten crushed - creating what I believe is the buy of the century in pre-1933 graded <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region><st1:place>U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> gold coins.<o:p></o:p>
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Take a look at the two charts below… the first one is the price of gold over the last two years. The second chart is the price of pre-1933 graded gold coins since 1970.<o:p></o:p>
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While gold is near new highs, pre-1933 graded gold coins have lost a third of their values. It’s extraordinary:<o:p></o:p>


So what's happening? The story from coin dealers is that the new issue of 100% gold coins from the <st1:country-region><st1:place>U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> Mint sucked up any money that investors would have moved into rare coins. This is the first issue of a 100% gold coin in the <st1:country-region><st1:place>U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> (most other <st1:country-region><st1:place>U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> gold coins are not quite 100% gold).
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The popularity of this issue caught the rare coin market by surprise. Don't quote me on this, but I've heard that the U.S. Mint has sold something like $350 million dollars of these since they began issuing them this past summer.
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For following the rare gold coin market, the metric I like to track is the "premium over melt value." In recent years, rare gold coins have been trading at all-time lows in relation to their meltdown values.
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But with this complete trashing of the pre-1933 graded gold coin market--a 33% fall based on the index above--high quality, graded gold coins are the cheapest they've ever been in terms of premium over melt value.
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I want to own gold for the long run… and right now, the best way to own gold is through graded pre-1933 <st1:country-region><st1:place>U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> gold coins. Your downside is limited, as they've fallen closer to their melt value than they've ever been. <o:p></o:p>
And if gold keeps going up, I expect these will go up even more.
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If a bull market in gold really takes off, these things will absolutely go nuts. In previous gold coin bull markets, rare coin indexes from PCGS (like the one above) have risen by over 1,000% in just a few years.
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The buy of the century--so far--is pre-1933 graded gold coins, right now.
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Don't miss it.<o:p></o:p>
Good investing,<o:p></o:p>
Steve<o:p></o:p>

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Yeah,----------

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Thanks for that advice. I will buy that book. I just missed a coin show in my town, it was not advertised and I didnt see it in the coin mag till too late. Where does one buy a loupe? I figured that was essential equipment.

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Great thread. I only do any hobby if I think I can learn something useful from it. When I was younger that was martial arts. For a time that was shooting. Now it's this.

The bullion play is simple. Numismatics is far more complicated. That's where I can learn something, and maybe, cautiously, identify a small niche game that I can play for profit. The more you guys yak about coins the faster I will learn.

I can tell Great Ag and Master Ho are the resident coin guys. Who else? Raise yer hands and don't be humble.

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Loupes are great - I have had one for years.........

BUT EVEN BETTER..........> Optivisor - Optical Glass Binocular Magnifier!!!

Its sort of like a set of goggles you wear on your head and put down over your eyes...tilting up when not in use.....leaving both hands free and is adjustable for any size ("big" :rofl: ) head. You can even buy interchangable lens plates and a loupe that attachs for microscopic view. (I had a bunch of Buffalo coins for the mint all graded PF69, had no idea why not 70 - my coin dealer couldn't see it, nor I, with a loupe....but with the visor and attached loupe we could see the smallest of pin-prick sized holes! When PCGS grades, they use microscopes too!)

I use mine for a lot of other uses too - they are made to do jewelery work, crafts, needlpoint, etc.

I got mine from my coin dealer and it cost me about $40....it was so cool and useful I bought two - them I had friends see it and they bought some too!

I supect you can find it online - or I have an address for the company that makes them.

Ho

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Sifu Ho-

Thanks, I have not yet frequented the local dealer but I imagine from what you've said, that's the place for optical aids.

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anty Ep (Post 428980) I can tell Great Ag and Master Ho are the resident coin guys. Who else? Raise yer hands and don't be humble.

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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Lord - I didn't see that when I posted my last response - but thanks for the tip of the hat (and yes, I noticed The Great Ag is particularly up on his game in this too.)<o:p></o:p>
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I was into shooting before I got into numismatics - does this mean guns lead to coins?<o:p></o:p>
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Of course, I was into gold and silver in 1979 and that was before guns - maybe gold leads to guns.<o:p></o:p>
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And marijuana leads to harder drugs - and mother's milk leads to marijuana.......and gold and guns.......<?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 stroked="f" filled="f" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600"> :D <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:shapetype><o:p></o:p>
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Actually, though, I have been into gold (truly) since 1979 and did very well on that last go-round, I've been out of metals during the slump and only back since last fall......when I woke from a dead sleep having not thought about metals since 1997 (when I bought a little platinum at $385) hearing a voice in my sleep saying "Put all your money into metals NOW!" and I woke up, checked around the couch cushions, and did.<o:p></o:p>
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But bullion, which is what most should and do have, gets boring after awhile - and I have spent the last year studying numismatics (but only gold and silver, not nickels or pennies or paper) - mainly Morgan's, St Gaudens, American Eagles and the like. Plus I have a couple of friends who are coin dealers and experts whose ears I can bend.<o:p></o:p>
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That book you mentioned is suppose to be excellent - and because I have so many coins that are in good enough condition to warrant grading, I am joining PCGS (where I already have some coins listed) to get a discount on the grading - and the coin book is their additional gift for joining - so I don't have it yet - but I hear great things about it!<o:p></o:p>
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I also have Coins for Dummies which is a light, but cheap and fun read for starters. Then I have coming a third, which I ordered from Amazon -The Experts Guide to Collecting & Investing in Rare Coins by Q. David Bowers which has been highly suggested.<o:p></o:p>
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So while I am no expert - I talk to a lot of people who are - but most importantly.........while I love GIM and the people here (well - MOST of the people here :cheerful:) there is sort of an 'end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it' energy that permeates many of the threads. While I think the sun may not come up polka-dotted tomorrow - I have to consider it MIGHT - its possible, not probable.........and I consider the Mad Max world scenario POSSIBLE, but not probable (so I have bullion, ammo, food, water and even a little nuke medicine stored away).........but to live one's life in fear and paranoia is not for me.....and further, people somehow muddle thru and even when Britain lost most of its power, it didn't become a bunch of hoodlums fighting for crumbles and I do not think the US will either.<o:p></o:p>
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With that in mind - while most of my metals are in bullion - I think it's fair and fun to have some in numismatics which is more interesting to look at and whose value also goes up. <o:p></o:p>
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Its a fairly new hobby for me after almost 30 years in metals - but I do enjoy looking at coins (I watch the Home Shopping Network's Coin Vault at night while I am working at the comp - I wouldn't pay those prices, but I do enjoy looking at the coins and learning snippits about their history) - and holding a bit of history in my hands. It hard to hold a Morgan, especially a Carson City coin, and not think of the old west, the poker games, and think about the old characters who might have tossed that coin into the kitty.........or enjoy the incredible beauty of the Lunar coins from Australia with their reverse-proof looks.<o:p></o:p>
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Sorry for the length - I'll shutup now! But thanks for the nod! I DO get PMs. emails and calls from people on GIM who seem to think I can help them with bullion or coin purchases - its funny cause I never expected that - but hey, we're all in this world together and I figure, it will spin a little faster if we help each other - and I appreciate the help I have gotten from reading posts here - including yours!<o:p></o:p>
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Cheers!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Ho<o:p></o:p>

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Yeah, I buy and read the magazines once in a while.

I like old coins, but I've pretty much stuck to ones low priced or close to bullion value. I might get some more valuable coins eventually, but I'm not in a hurry.

I got photograde, which may not be as nice as the Official PCGS Guide. But I've found it a good book.

I'll look through it and make a list of coins and the grade range is acceptable to me for them. Then I'll check out prices and add them to the list, noting what's in my price tolerance. This helps me know what I want and what to look for.

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Actually - I think this is the right way to go - the difference between "numismatic" and "semi-numismatic".....most of mine are MS 63-65 for gold and higher for silver. As the price of the metals increases and demand for coins goes up - so will the price of these coins.....

The MS66-70 stuff is gorgeous but overall its a lot higher priced than bullion and while it will go up too - if TSHTF and we only get bullion prices for coins (which I do not expect but can not rule out) then we don't stand to lose as much as those paying the much higher prices....

In my opinion, for whatever its worth, you are on the right track with the non-bullion coins you have!

Cheers!

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Dear Coinmag-reading-numistophiles:

I just picked up "coin values" and "coins" off the rack. Jan 07 issues. What are some deals in there as you guys see them? I am looking for some pre33 gold coins that are in good condition. Let's say I only have about $5,000 to spend on such a project at this time.

Can you name pages and specific adds, and then, I will look them up? I am wondering with your learned eyes if you could give me a lesson. Thanks!

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Hey, Anty Ep:

I go to www.brent-krueger.com for all my numismatic supplies. In terms of a loupe, if you go that route versus the Doctor Reverened Master Ho's binocs (both work equally well) make sure you get 10X. I have an inexpensive model that has 2 loupes one 4X and 5X so together 9X. I have not found a supplier less expensive for the quality. When storing your coins, always go for the best. There is not much difference in cost from the poor quality to the high quality. If you are collecting a specific series, i.e., Lincoln cents, peace dollars, franklins, sacs. . .etc go for the Dansco silver treated storage album. These are the best things out there. Anyone who says buy intercept storage is yanking your chain and wants your money badly, because their intercept storage system sucks, and want to get some money back.

I do not have those mags (any pics of naked ladies in there holding coins?) :haha: In terms of gold coins, also buy this book by Bill Fivaz. Unless you are buying certified gold coins, this is a must: Gold coin counterfeit detection. http://www.amazon.com/Counterfeit-De...e=UTF8&s=books

In terms of getting deals, $5 and $10 coronet head coins (1838-1907) can be purchased for much less than other similar gold coins because the design was around for so long than other coins. You will pay an arm and a leg for a $2.5 Indian Head gold coin, an year.

Good rule of thumb figure out spot price for the weight (remember pre '33 coins have less than Golden American Eagles. I do not remember the gold content off the top of my head, but $20 Double Eagle = .75 oz gold, $10 Gold Eagle = .42 oz gold $5 half-eagle .21 oz gold. Pay spot + $50 and no more, unless both you and the seller know it's worth it. Also for any coin graded fine or less, do not, DO NOT pay anything more than spot price for gold. If the seller won't do that, walk away, unless you think gold will sky rocket and so a little extra is okay. REMEMBER BRING YOUR LOUPE, OR WHATEVER YOU USE ALONG TO LOOK FOR COUNTERFEIT GOLD. There is a lot of it out there, especially Indian Heads. In the 30's a Lebanese company was making these by the ton. Real gold, but not made by our mint, and therefore counterfeit. These fake indian heads have been sold and resold as the genuine article, and they are not. Buy Bill Fivaz's gold book, very helpful. I have even helped my dealer spot counterfeit gold coins with the knowledge I gained.

St. Gaudens $20 gold eagle always pricey, probably the most perferred American Gold coin. I have always liked the $20 Liberty Head, beautiful Heraldic Eagle on the reverse, and the $5 and $10 indian head.

The best advice I can say when buying un-certified gold coins, make sure the seller has a return policy. Do not assume the seller can detect counterfeit coins! Even on eBay, if the seller will not honor a return do not buy.

If I was going to buy 5k in gold coins, I would buy a type of each coin, i.e. $1, $2.5, $3, $5, $10 and $20. After those I would take the left over and buy more of the coins I preferred. It's really cool to show your friend, or even yourself the different face values of our gold coins.

If you have specific questions about a coin you find in a mag, it should be online too with that dealer, post it or pm me and I will give you my opinion.

The Great Ag

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

good suggestions, I will work through that advice. I am in no hurry as gold seems to be in one of those hot phases, which come and go every few months.

also I think I'll work up a bio on my local dealer through open source information just sos I knows who I'm dealing with before I visit his store to see what he's got. I like to be well informed, heh heh

I figured I should get a good set of scales or something like that, as I imagine that counterfeits rarely will match the known weight of coins. but I think I'll check out that counterfeit book you recc too. I already bought one of your recommendations from amazon, which is on its way.

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Great posts and words of advice here........

Just one quick comment - with more and more counterfeits around, this is another reason why its best for most people to purchase graded coins.......even if YOU know its not (for whatever reason) when the time comes to sell (and while I can not imagine selling a few of my coins - one day - when I am old and grey - like nexst week - I might) having graded coins means whoever you are selling to can rest assured the coin is real!

Carry on!

Cheers!

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

YOU ACTUALLY HANDLE THOSE COINS???? :eek:

Ohmygod!

I never handle mine without wearing the white cotton gloves.........one could accidently scratch, damage or even drop a coin - lowering its value.

And then.....ohmygod......they have been around for HUNDREDS of years and been handled by HUNDREDS, if not THOUSANDS of people.......people with unwashed hands! They've got germs!!!!! You could get germ from some disease from over a couple of hundred years ago!!! I don't even handle mine with the white cotton gloves until I have sprayed them heavily with Lysol first........and even then, only if I don't have clorine to dip them in!!!!!!



OK - only kidding..........yes, I agree, the slabbed ones are slabbed both for grading and their protection - most of mine are slabbed - but I do have a few BU or AUs of gold and silver that I won't bother getting graded and its a trip when I look at friends or students and say - "Ever held a silver dollar?" or "Ever held a gold coin?" Its amazing how few people have (a survey says less that 45% of the population has - which blows my mind considering how many I have handled!) Their eyes light up when they hold them - its real money - its real value - and the weight adds to the sense of it.........then you tell them a little of the time period or history of the coin.......and they love it!

For people trying to get others into understanding collecting gold and silver - even if its modern bullion - you can talk forever and it falls on deaf ears - place a coin in their hands and see how fast they come around!! Be it an American Eagle, a Morgan or Peace dollar, or any gold from any country or time period!!

They MAY be sheeple but they are not entirely stupid!
(Or at least they have some sense of greed! :D )

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

You crack me up Master Ho! :haha: :aetsch: :ARMS1: :banana:

The germ thing is a conspiracy. The anti-bacterial manufacturers are promoting this notion of germs and coins. Coins can't hold germs, any monkey knows that, duh! It's a huge racket for them, makes them millions of dollars each year from ignorant numismatists.

The Great Ag

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

It might be a conspiracy but doesn't it make you feel better about posting here knowing the numismatics around here wash, ro whatever reason, with antibacerial soap? :D

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

Well, I will take that as a compliment - tho I fear I am in the 2% on GIM that does not expect a Mad Max society by Christmas.......I just figure its ok to have a small percentage of one's PM in something beyond bullion - and I ejoy looking at my coins now and then!

Thanks!

Re: Coin magazines-- anybody read 'em?
 

I have been a "survivalist" ever since I got my camping merit badge, like 20 plus years ago. From Red Dawn to Kurt Saxon to Tom Chittum's CW2 I have hoarded, read books, learned and practiced various skills, met various characters people would know and jawboned with them, done gun shows and comps, etc. All along, it's always the same mentality, that TSHTF tomorrow and next month probably TEOTWAWKI. That is why I got a good laugh when I was referred to this forum because lo, here are all these folks who think alike.

But odds are that the same old same old will continue as you say.

Anyhow I will continue to have questions about numismatics as I inch along carefully and I hope you all will continue to comment on these topics and that others will chime in too.