When Coin Collecting Makes You Think ‘I am just not good enough for this’

My Personal Encounter with Coin Confusion

I’ve collected coins for years, but every so often something stops me cold and makes me wonder if I know anything at all—that “I am just not good enough for this” moment. Like when I spotted what I swore was a rare 1958 Philadelphia doubled die, only to realize it was a fantasy piece. That gut punch of misidentification reminded me how easily we can get fooled, especially when pieces blur reality and imagination.

The Allure and Pitfalls of Fantasy Strikes

Take Dan Carr’s Ike dollar overstruck on a Susan B. Anthony coin. I handled one recently—it reimagines Eisenhower’s dollar continuing past 1979 instead of switching to SBA designs. While overstruck on real coins and creatively brilliant, that similarity to genuine issues can trip you up. Those VDB initials on the reverse? They scream authenticity until you realize it’s not a mint product. Here’s what I learned: enjoy these as collectible art, but treat them differently than historical coins.

• Check trusted sources like PCGS or NGC before assuming rarity
• Spot fantasy items by hunting for modern touches or unusual overstrikes
• Value the artistry—pieces like the Ike/SBA mashup are fun “what ifs” for history buffs, not investment pieces

Practical Advice for Avoiding Collector Confusion

To dodge that “not good enough” feeling, I’ve developed some habits that really help. New collectors often stumble with fantasy or custom coins, so here’s my field-tested approach. First, learn your basics—mint marks, design quirks, the works. Practice grading on common coins first; grab a loupe to check surfaces for anything off-kilter. Stick with dealers you trust and skip impulse buys from shady sites. If something seems too rare or underpriced—like claims of “only three known”—your spidey senses should tingle. Better yet, connect with seasoned collectors at club meetings. Nothing beats hands-on learning.

Navigating Opinions and Ethics in Our Hobby

Our passion for coins means we’ll always debate pieces like fantasy strikes. It’s fine to dislike something—I’ve done it myself—but keep it civil. Take Dan Carr’s work: suggesting artists sign their pieces prevents confusion without dismissing their craft. At the end of the day, collect what moves you—whether it’s precious metals, history, or artistic medals. My rule? Keep discussions constructive, and if an argument goes nowhere, walk away. Save your energy for the joys of numismatics.

Embracing Growth Over Doubt

Looking back, I see those moments of doubt differently now. Each misstep—like my coin mix-up—has actually sharpened my eye and deepened my love for the hobby. So if you’re feeling “not good enough,” remember: every collector started somewhere. Dig into books, ask questions, and celebrate small victories. Because when you finally spot a true rarity or crack a grading puzzle? That thrill makes every stumble worth it.