Feeling ‘Not Good Enough’ When Coin Mysteries Stump Me: A Collector’s Journey

After decades in numismatics, I still get tripped up by coins sometimes. Just last week, some fantasy strikes had me second-guessing everything I know—they danced right on the edge between imagination and reality. That whole experience got me thinking about ethics, authenticity, and how we grow in this hobby. Funny how those moments of uncertainty often become our best teachers.

When Fantasy Coins Captured My Imagination

Take Dan Carr’s work, like his “what if” Eisenhower dollar overstruck on a Susan B. Anthony piece. To my eye, that hybrid design beats the actual SBA dollar any day—it’s history remixed with pure creativity. The versions he struck on golden dollars? Even more intriguing. But here’s what really hit home: coins mimicking rarities like a 1958 doubled die with VDB? They’re wonderful art pieces, not lost treasures. Learning that distinction helped me enjoy them without blurring numismatic facts.

The Honesty Factor in Collecting

Handling these pieces showed me a real ethical tightrope—they could easily confuse newcomers without clear labeling. That’s when it clicked: artists absolutely need to sign these works. One tiny signature prevents mix-ups and protects genuine coin history. I’ve seen Carr’s unsigned pieces almost pass as rare errors at shows, setting up collectors for disappointment. My rule now? Breathe first, then verify. A minute with PCGS CoinFacts or the NGC database has saved me from more than one heart-stopping “discovery.”

Building Confidence as a Collector

If you’ve ever felt out of your depth with a coin, try these approaches that worked for me:

• Authenticity check: Jump on PCGS CoinFacts or NGC first—fantasy strikes often sneak in modern design elements
• Spot the story: Look for overstrike clues like ghost images or mushy details that scream “fantasy piece”
• Touch and learn: Handle coins at shows, flip through Whitman books, ask dealers—nothing beats hands-on learning
• Follow your joy: Love fantasy coins? Collect them proudly! Just keep their origin story part of the conversation

Finding Your Own Path in the Hobby

Here’s what stays with me: collect what makes your pulse quicken. I’ve caught myself grumbling about designs I dislike, but I’ve learned to appreciate that one collector’s trash is another’s treasure. We can disagree without dismissing—there’s room for all tastes here. These days, I save my energy for discussions where facts are fuzzy, not fights over preference. Our different approaches actually make the hobby richer. Embracing that truth turned my moments of doubt into stepping stones.

Next time a coin leaves you feeling stumped, lean into it. That’s not failure—it’s your next collecting adventure calling.