I Am Just Not Good Enough for This: My Journey Through Coin Collecting Confusion

As a long-time coin collector, I’ve had moments where I felt overwhelmed and thought, “I’m just not good enough for this.” It usually hits when I encounter rare or misrepresented pieces that blur the line between fantasy and reality, making me doubt my knowledge. Recently, I explored a situation involving a supposed ultra-rare coin that turned out to be a fantasy strike, and it taught me valuable lessons about navigating the complexities of numismatics.

The Fantasy Coin That Tripped Me Up

My experience started with what I thought was a genuine rarity—a 1958 Philadelphia doubled die coin. I heard whispers that only three existed, but upon closer inspection, something felt off. The coin had a VDB on the reverse, which initially screamed authenticity to me. However, it turned out to be a fantasy piece by Dan Carr, overstruck on a Susan B. Anthony dollar. This was part of a series imagining what an Eisenhower dollar might have looked like if it continued past 1979, instead of the SBA. Carr also had similar pieces overstruck on golden dollars. The confusion arose because these weren’t official mint issues, and without clear markings, they could easily mislead new collectors into thinking they were real.

• Fantasy strikes like this are creative art pieces, not counterfeits, but they can cause chaos for those unfamiliar with them.
• Always verify claims of rarity with trusted resources; in this case, no genuine Denver-minted examples exist, and the Philadelphia ones are well-documented as fantasies.

Practical Advice for Avoiding Pitfalls

Based on this eye-opening encounter, I’ve refined my approach to collecting to prevent such mix-ups. Here’s what I now swear by:

• Do thorough research before buying—use online databases from NGC or PCGS to check authenticity and rarity.
• Look for artist signatures on fantasy items; unsigned pieces can blur lines, so I advocate for clear markings to reduce confusion.
• When in doubt, consult experts or attend coin shows for hands-on learning; it’s saved me from costly mistakes.
• Focus on grading details: examine edges, strikes, and inscriptions closely, as fantasies often have subtle differences from genuine coins.

This has helped me build confidence and avoid feeling inadequate when faced with tricky pieces.

Respecting Collector Diversity and Critiques

One key insight I gained is how personal tastes vary in our hobby. I might find the Ike/SBA mashup unattractive compared to real Susan B. Anthony dollars, but others love it for its historical what-if appeal. I’ve learned that it’s fine to express opinions on coins—like criticizing a design—but it crosses a line when it targets the collector. For instance, debating the merits of a fantasy coin is healthy, but attacking someone for enjoying it isn’t. I’ve adopted a mindset of picking my battles wisely; if a discussion becomes unproductive, I step back to focus on what I love without unnecessary conflict.

• Collect what resonates with you, even if it’s unconventional—it keeps the hobby joyful.
• Market-wise, fantasy pieces have a niche appeal but can affect perceptions of precious metals investments, so I stay informed on trends.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Reflecting on this, I realize that moments of doubt are part of the journey. By embracing continuous learning and respecting others’ choices, I’ve turned “I’m not good enough” into motivation. My advice? Dive into numismatics with curiosity, use tools like magnification for grading, and remember—every collector starts somewhere. With these strategies, I’m building a collection I’m proud of, one coin at a time.