When Coin Collecting Makes You Feel ‘I Am Just Not Good Enough’

You know that moment when you find something that seems impossibly rare, only to realize it’s too good to be true? I’ve been there—that gut punch of “maybe I’m just not cut out for this hobby.” It happened to me recently, and I want to share what I learned about fantasy coins so you can dodge that disappointment and keep your collecting spark alive.

The Allure and Confusion of “Rare” Finds

Last week, I spotted a coin billed as an ultra-scarce 1958 Philadelphia doubled die—supposedly one of just three existing pieces. My heart raced! But looking closer, I realized it wasn’t genuine. It was actually a fantasy piece by artist Dan Carr, struck over a Susan B. Anthony dollar. Carr imagined what Eisenhower dollars might’ve looked like if they’d continued into 1979 before the SBA design took over. He even made versions using golden dollars, which I thought was a neat “what if” twist on U.S. coin history. What really fooled me? Those tiny VDB initials on the back—they look perfectly authentic at first glance. It’s exactly how newcomers can get tripped up.

Fantasy Coins vs. Counterfeits: What Matters

Here’s the big distinction I’ve come to appreciate: fantasy coins like Carr’s are creative homages, not fakes meant to deceive. They’re more like commemorative tokens than counterfeits. Three things help me tell them apart:

• Check the Purpose: Fantasy pieces celebrate history or explore ideas, while counterfeits exist solely to trick collectors.
• Trace the Source: Carr sells his work directly through his site, clearly labeled as fantasy strikes. If the seller’s story feels vague, dig deeper.
• Know What You’re Buying: These artistic pieces can be fun additions to a collection, but they sometimes distract beginners from genuine rarities.

My rule? If a “rare” coin seems suspiciously affordable, pause and verify. A quick online search or guidebook check saves so much regret.

Embracing Personal Taste in Collecting

This experience reminded me why I collect: passion, not perfection. Whether you love precious metals, historical pieces, or quirky fantasy coins like Carr’s Ike concept (which I prefer to the actual SBA dollar, if I’m honest!), that’s what matters. I’ve caught myself judging designs I dislike, but here’s what I’ve learned—share your opinions about coins, but never attack fellow collectors for their choices. These days, if someone loves a piece I don’t, I smile and move on. Our different tastes make this hobby richer.

Practical Tips to Build Confidence

To shake that “not good enough” feeling, I stick to three simple habits:

• Learn the Basics: Study grading standards through PCGS or NGC resources—knowing what to look for in strike quality and wear changes everything.
• Ask Questions Quietly: Lurking in forums (without posting) helps cross-verify claims about rarity.
• Use Simple Tools: A $10 loupe reveals overstrike marks or artificial aging, and apps like CoinFacts settle historical doubts fast.

Remember: collect what delights you, whether it’s a Carr fantasy piece or a classic Morgan dollar. Just know what you’re holding.

Looking back, I realize every collector faces moments of doubt. Build your knowledge gradually, follow what fascinates you, and those “I’m not good enough” moments become stepping stones. Happy hunting—you belong in this incredible hobby exactly as you are!