I Am Just Not Good Enough for This: My Battle with Coin Collecting Overwhelm

I’ve collected coins for years, but some days I still feel like a rookie—like I’ll never spot the real treasures among the fakes. That hit hard recently when I got caught up in a fiery debate about rare coins and fantasy strikes. It left me spinning, but taught me priceless lessons about what truly matters in this hobby.

The Allure of Ultra-Rare Finds

Nothing gets my pulse racing like chasing truly scarce coins. I remember stumbling on talk about a 1958 doubled die piece supposedly limited to just three examples. At first glance, details like the VDB initials screamed “real deal” to me. But digging deeper—turns out it was a fantasy piece, not a genuine mint error. These modern pieces mimicking history trip up so many of us. That experience taught me to always verify sources before getting swept away by excitement.

Fantasy Strikes: Creative or Confusing?

My relationship with fantasy coins like Dan Carr’s work has been… complicated. Carr crafts imaginative pieces—like an Eisenhower dollar struck over a Susan B. Anthony coin, reimagining mint history. Personally, I find these hybrids fascinating—they’re often more visually striking than the real SBA dollars. But they’ve sparked heated collector debates. Here’s my take:

• Upsides: They’re creative tributes that add fun to the hobby—I own one purely for its novelty
• Downsides: Without clear labeling, newcomers might mistake them for genuine rarities

That’s why I believe artists should sign fantasy pieces prominently. Simple clarity keeps the art alive while respecting authenticity.

Collect What Makes Your Heart Race

This whole journey reminded me that collecting is deeply personal. I’ve taken heat for loving unconventional pieces, but I’ve embraced a simple truth: collect what sparks joy for you. Whether it’s bullion, history, or artistic fantasies—your collection should mirror your passions. Critiquing coins? Fine, I do it constantly. But attacking someone’s taste? That crosses the line. I’ve learned to choose my battles—constantly trying to convert others is exhausting. Sometimes stepping back to appreciate our hobby’s wild diversity is the real win.

Real-World Tips from the Trenches

From my stumbles and wins, here’s practical advice to build a collection you’ll love:

• Trust but verify: Cross-check coins with PCGS or NGC guides. For “ultra-rare” claims, examine mint marks and dates—inconsistencies often reveal the truth
• Feel the difference: Fantasy strikes frequently have unique weight or overstrike marks—when in doubt, get it professionally graded
• Question unbelievable deals: If something seems too good to be true (like “only three known”), demand provenance and buy from trusted dealers
• Follow your passion: Build around what excites you, whether it’s silver stacks or artistic oddities. And remember—walking away from arguments preserves your peace better than “winning” every debate

Feeling “not good enough” actually pushed me to grow. By focusing on what I love and staying curious, every coin in my cabinet now tells a story—and that’s what makes this journey worthwhile.