Am I Not Good Enough? My Coin Collecting Dilemmas and How I Overcame Them

I’ve been collecting coins for years, but there are moments when I feel completely out of my depth, like when I stumbled upon what I thought was a rare gem only to realize it was a clever imitation. It made me question my skills, but through trial and error, I’ve learned valuable lessons I want to share.

My Brush with a Supposed Rarity

Recently, I came across a coin that looked incredibly convincing—it featured a doubled die effect and even had the VDB initials on the reverse, screaming authenticity. At first glance, I was thrilled; after all, only three of the 1958 Philadelphia doubled dies are known, with none from Denver. But as I dug deeper, I discovered it was actually a fantasy strike by Dan Carr, imagining what an Eisenhower dollar might have looked like if it continued in 1979, overstruck on a Susan B. Anthony dollar. That moment of realization hit hard—I felt foolish for not spotting it sooner.

Navigating Fantasy vs. Authenticity

This experience taught me how easily fantasy pieces can blur the lines with real coins, especially for new collectors. Items like Carr’s Ike/SBA mashup are artistic and fun, but they can cause confusion if mistaken for genuine issues. Here’s what I now do to avoid such pitfalls:

• Research before buying: Always verify details through trusted sources like PCGS or NGC databases—a quick search can save you from costly mistakes.
• Look for signatures: Many artists sign their work; I make it a habit to check for subtle marks or engravings that indicate it’s a modern creation, not a historical coin.
• Understand the context: Know that fantasy strikes are meant as tributes or art, not counterfeits, and appreciate them for what they are without expecting rarity.

Balancing Criticism and Personal Taste

As collectors, we all have preferences—some love the creativity of pieces like the Ike overstruck on golden dollars, while others find them distracting. I’ve learned it’s okay to voice opinions, like suggesting artists sign their work to prevent confusion, but it’s crucial to respect others’ choices. Criticize the coin, not the collector; after all, numismatics is about passion, and everyone deserves to enjoy what they collect without judgment.

Practical Tips for Building Confidence

To combat that ‘not good enough’ feeling, I’ve adopted a few strategies that have boosted my confidence:

• Start with grading basics: Focus on key elements like strike quality and surface marks—practice with common coins before tackling rarities.
• Attend shows and network: Talking with experienced dealers helps me spot red flags, like inconsistencies in fantasy strikes versus genuine errors.
• Keep learning: I set aside time each week to study market trends, such as how demand for precious metals affects coin values, so I’m better prepared.

In the end, collecting is a journey of growth. Those moments of doubt have made me a sharper, more discerning numismatist, and I encourage you to embrace the challenges—they’re what make this hobby so rewarding.