Hard times for collectors

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to post a few comments to us, the small time collector. I have heard and seen first hand what these hard times are doing to the small time collector, myself included. Many have had to sell there collections, some of which took years and years to collect.

What can we do in these times to save our collections or to start up all over again? I have almost had to sell and may well have to before it is all said and done, and this is something that has kept me up late at night.

Well circulated coins, probably where most of us started off at, is the best way to keep this wonderful hobby going. It only costs us the face value I my self have bought numerous boxes of Pennies ($25.00), Nickels ($100.00), Dimes ($250.00), and Quarters ($500.00) from my local bank. The best part of this is what ever I do not keep, I return, and it honestly didn't cost much at all.

As far as the dread of selling, how can we get the most of our collections, with not getting riped off from a dealer or crooked seller? Research, Research, Research. I recent;y brought the bulk of my coins to a coin shop, and asked for quotes. Some said my collection was not worth buying as there was to many common coins,a nd not enough Key dates. One place quoted a price of about one tenth what i know it is worth, and I sad that you and left with all my coins in tow. Another place quoted me a fair price on one set, but wanted to charge a fee in order to evaluate them. Again I said thank you and left with coins in tow, having not sold anything.

I have also researched on line, Heritage, EBay, and others. Some seem fair but it is always a chance with auctions, unless you can have a reserve.

Thus far I have been fortunate enough with great friends to not have to sell, yet. If some of you have not been as fortunate and have had misdealing, please let me know. Maybe there is nothing we can do alone, but together, maybe we can make selling of our collections a little less painful.

My email is s_devou@yahoo.com

Regards,
Coinman