Embracing ‘I’m Not Good Enough’ Moments in Coin Collecting

My Brush with Coin Confusion

I was flipping through a coin dealer’s table recently when I spotted what looked like a rare 1958 Philadelphia doubled die Lincoln cent with VDB initials on the back. My heart skipped a beat—could this be one of those legendary three known to exist? But as I looked closer, things didn’t add up. The details felt wrong, and that old familiar doubt crept in: had I missed something obvious after all these years? Turns out it wasn’t genuine at all—it was a fantasy piece by artist Dan Carr. He’d overstruck it on a Susan B. Anthony dollar to imagine what an Eisenhower dollar might’ve looked like if production continued after 1978. That moment of confusion really stung, making me question my knowledge, but it opened my eyes to the fascinating world of fantasy coins.

Understanding Fantasy Strikes and Their Place

After that wake-up call, I dove into Carr’s work. His creations, like that Ike-SBA hybrid, are artistic explorations—not counterfeits—playing with historical “what-ifs.” He takes real coins like golden dollars or SBAs and overstrikes them to create limited runs that get collectors talking. While they’re visually stunning and a blast for folks who enjoy numismatic creativity, they can trip up beginners. I discovered only a few exist for certain designs, which explains their appeal, but Carr clearly labels them as art in his catalog. This whole experience taught me to appreciate the artistry while keeping my authentication skills sharp.

Navigating Controversies and Collector Etiquette

This coin led me straight into a passionate collector debate. Some argue pieces like Carr’s muddle the waters for newcomers and devalue real rarities—and I see their point. Mistaking one could mean costly errors or disappointment. But others, myself included, view them as valid collectibles celebrating history in unexpected ways. Here’s my two cents: it’s fine to critique a piece that feels off to you (I’ve done it), but always respect what others collect. Over time, I’ve learned to choose my moments: share helpful observations without judging tastes, and bow out when discussions turn sour. After all, this hobby should spark joy, not arguments.

Practical Advice for Avoiding Pitfalls

Based on my blunder, here’s how to sidestep similar confidence dips:

• Verify anything suspicious using go-to references like PCGS CoinFacts or NGC databases—cross-check mint marks, dates, and designs
• Scrutinize fantasy items for artist markings; Carr’s pieces sometimes lack clear IDs, so insist on paperwork or buy from trusted dealers
• Know the market: Fantasy coins can gain value as curiosities, but they’re not blue-chip investments like graded rarities—collect them for fun, not retirement funds

When you slip up like I did, turn it into a learning moment. Hone your eye by studying weight, luster, and strike quality—these clues help spot imposters faster.

Personal Growth in Numismatics

This whole episode reminded me why I love collecting—it’s a lifelong learning curve. That initial “I’m not cut out for this” feeling faded when I realized every collector faces curveballs. Now I examine coins, whether classic silver dollars or imaginative overstrikes, with fresh curiosity and less ego. Enjoying artistic pieces like Carr’s for their stories is part of the fun, as long as we help newcomers understand what they’re seeing. Our hobby flourishes because we all collect differently, and I hope my story helps you embrace your unique collecting path without second-guessing yourself.