I Am Just Not Good Enough for This: Finding My Footing in Coin Collecting

You know that moment when you feel completely outmatched in this hobby? I’ve been there too, especially when facing coins that dance between reality and fantasy. It hit me hardest when I thought I’d found a holy grail – a 1958 doubled die coin – only to discover it sat squarely in a collector’s gray area. That experience shook my confidence, but it also taught me valuable lessons I’ll share with you.

The Allure of Rarity and Hard Truths

We’ve all felt that jolt of excitement hearing “only three exist!” I certainly did when spotting what seemed like an impossible rarity. But when I looked closer at that coin, things didn’t add up. Take the VDB mark – usually a trusty authenticity sign – but here it adorned a pure fantasy piece. Real treasures like the 1958 Philly doubled die come with rock-solid histories and zero Denver counterparts. Now I always double-check supposed rarities against reliable sources before letting my heart race.

Fantasy Coins: Creative or Confusing?

Handling Dan Carr’s fantasy strikes changed my perspective. His “what if” 1979 Ike dollar overstruck on a Susan B. Anthony coin? Honestly, I think it’s prettier than the actual SBA design. These artistic experiments can be genuinely fun to collect. But at my first coin show with one, I realized how easily they trip up newcomers. While I appreciate the creativity, I firmly believe artists should sign their work. It’s simple courtesy – keeps things clear for everyone hunting genuine pieces.

Navigating Disagreements (Without Losing Friends)

Let’s be real – coin collectors can get passionate! I’ve seen shouting matches over whether fantasy pieces are “creative” or “garbage.” Here’s what I’ve learned: It’s fine to say “that design doesn’t work for me.” But attacking someone’s taste? That’s where I draw the line. These days, if someone adores a coin I can’t stand, I smile and move on. Life’s too short for collection-shaming arguments.

Staying Grounded: My Go-To Strategies

Through all these stumbles, I’ve found what helps me sleep at night:

• Research before buying: Hit those online databases – don’t let rarity claims sweep you away
• Demand signatures on art coins: Protects you and helps new collectors avoid confusion
• Master the basics: Spotting mint marks and wear patterns often reveals imposters quickly
• Follow your joy: Collect what fascinates you, whether it’s ancient history or modern fantasies
• Know when to exit: If a debate’s going nowhere, walk away and enjoy your collection

Turns out feeling “not good enough” is just part of growing as a collector. Each misstep taught me something new, and slowly, my confidence caught up with my curiosity. Here’s to embracing the journey – happy hunting!