Hello CCG, I started collecting Aug. 2001. Glenn Schinke from California sold me my first
two pieces. I highly recommend Glenn as he is very knowledgeable and friendly. I search
auctions and sales. My "Bible" for the early dated coins (pre 1500A.D.) is Bob Levinson's
book, extremely well researched and the format is easy to follow. When I find a perspective
coin, I bid very strong. The pride of ownership out weighs the "wish I hads". To me the "hunt"
is not pleasurable, but extremely annoying. The ones that I listed above are some of my most
valuable coins that I own; but not near as expensive as some that I have seen posted on this
forum and others. Even the common coins listed in Bob's book only appear at auction every
few years. With that said, an 1893-S silver dollar is relatively common. The Hungarian coins
are fun to collect as they are relatively cheap ($10-$30 each). Oddly enough, the earlier pieces
(pre 1560) come very nice with some patience. The later dates are troublesome. It took me
15 years, starting in the early 1980's to finish the the first run, the other three even longer.
I am sorry for the long reply, very few people collect the "Early Dated Coins" so I have a
tendency to ramble. I will answer any questions you or the forum might have.
Happy New Year to you and all who read this.