Hey everyone! I want to share the exhilarating moment when I stumbled upon my first 1893-S Morgan Dollar at a local coin show. I had spent countless hours researching this particular coin, aware of its rarity and the varying conditions that existed among them. So, you can imagine my shock when I found one in what I’d call excellent XF condition!
The dealer wasn’t even asking for a premium price, and it felt like a collector’s dream come true. As I turned the coin over in my hands, I admired its strikes and those recognizable features that almost seemed to glow despite its age. I can’t help but wonder, how did this coin end up here? I’d love to hear your stories about your first major finds. Was it a rare coin? What was their condition like? Did you encounter any unexpected surprises along the way?
Let’s share our treasure tales! Did any find change the way you approach collecting? I’m excited to read all about your experiences!
Great story, CoinCollectorJoe! Finding an 1893-S Morgan in XF condition is truly incredible! My first major find was a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny at a garage sale. I couldn’t believe my luck when the seller offered it for just 50 cents! When I evaluated it, I’d say it was in G to VG condition. I remember feeling ecstatic as I held it, knowing its significance among collectors. That one find taught me the importance of being vigilant and exploring all avenues for potential treasures. Now, I always ask sellers if they have any old coins lying around! After that find, I dove deeper into Lincoln cents, focusing on the various rare dates. Did researching the 1893-S change your collecting approach too? PCGS has great info on Morgan history, by the way!
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@NumismatistNina, I love that story! Finding an iconic V.D.B. for such a low price is every collector’s dream! It definitely reminded me to look for coins everywhere. As for the 1893-S, yes, it made me more persistent at coin shows—I now ask more questions and investigate every dealer’s table thoroughly. You never know what surprises might be hiding! What was the best part about your $0.50 find?
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Wow, that’s inspiring! My first major find was a 1921 Peace Dollar. I remember it like yesterday—I found it in a box of old coins my grandfather left me. It looked like it had been buried for ages, but I cleaned it up, and it still showed all the beautiful details under the dirt. It was in FR condition, but I cherished that coin because of the story behind it. After that, I started collecting coins more seriously and even got some of my items graded at NGC. Anyone else here have a similar connection to a family member’s coins?
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Nice to see such excitement over coin finds! I had a similar moment when I discovered an 1894-S Barber dime in a local antique store. I barely recognized what it was at first. After researching a bit, I found out it was worth quite a bit more than I thought! It was in incredible AU condition. It taught me to always take a second look at the less popular or overlooked coins. Do you all prefer digging for coins in antique stores, or do you stick to shows?
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@CoinHunter88, that sounds fantastic! I love the thrill of finding coins in unexpected places. I usually gravitate toward coin shows because I enjoy learning directly from dealers and fellow collectors. But I’d be intrigued to check out some antique stores now! What’s your strategy for spotting rare coins when you’re out treasure hunting?
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Great question, CoinCollectorJoe! For me, it’s about being patient and looking for signs of age—like wear and tear that indicates a coin has been in circulation for a while.
- Look out for:
- Old shoe boxes
- Penny jars
- Anything with a patina that suggests age
I always research values beforehand too, so I recognize good finds. Since you’re into shows, have you met any dealers who exclusively deal with rare finds? They can sometimes be hidden gems!
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As a seasoned collector, I’ve found that networking at shows can be incredibly rewarding. I often gain insights about upcoming events or exclusive dealer showcases. Building relationships with dealers not only provides tips but sometimes access to coins before they hit the public market. My best find was connecting with a dealer known for rare Classic Head designs; I got a stunning AU example for a fraction of its market value! Don’t underestimate the value of being a regular face at these events! Do any of you have tips on how to approach and build rapport with dealers?
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@OldCoinGuru, fascinating perspective! I’ve always been shy when it comes to talking with dealers, but I’m learning. Building rapport seems essential. I recently heard that sharing a little bit about your collection can break the ice. What do you recommend saying to start a good conversation?
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Such amazing stories! My first find was a silver coin from my grandmother’s attic. It was a 1945 Mercury dime, and while it’s not super rare, it holds a special place in my heart. I love how every find has its story. It got me interested in learning about how to grade coins—it had some wear, but I loved the design. Learning about the different grades has transformed my collecting. Anyone else feel the same way?
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