Newbie, have questions

[Sir Sisu]

Here we go!

 

1.) I'm new, what's the easiest most cost effective way to start?  Should I pick one part of coin collection and "master" that, learn everything there is to know about it and slowly move on?

 

 

If you plan on going gold, I would answer yes.

 

2.) Good books to read on common coins.

 

For such a general statement, I would have to answer the Standard Catalogue of World Coins.

 

3.) I have bullion...and now I want to sell it off and get coins instead but if I sell them on ebay I will actually loose money(sell for less than they are worth if I melt them) because of fees, any ideas on how to dump the gold?

 

I concur on the local coin dealer suggestion. If one is not near, then perhaps a jewelry shop.

 

4.) Is there a central site or sites that I can check prices to see if something is a good deal or if I'm getting ripped off, what's the best way to avoid being taken for a ride?

 

Sites exist, but it would depend on what specific area you are looking at.

 

Gold really intrests me so I was thinking of collection old gold coins. Any additional information would be appreciated, thanks! 

 

You mention that you have bullion. So is your reason for aiming at gold coins partly related to an investment/savings goal? If so, I would highly reccommend starting in the non-US field. There you can find lots of appealing gold coins for a little above spot value. US gold has a lot of added "collecter" premium to them.

 

 

Welcome to the boards!

[Burks]

US gold has a lot of added "collecter" premium to them.

Welcome to the boards!

 

Very much so. Similar coins with the same weight and production number, the U.S. coin will sell for a higher price. That's one reason U.S. coins are a turn off to me any more, especially gold.