If your starting out as a coin collector one of the best ways to learn about numismatics and discover coins you may not otherwise see is to hook up with someone who is already involved in numismatics as a collector or dealer. They can advise you on the coins you should look out for and those you should avoid. They will also have stories to share about their experiences and the coins they owned or regret not buying. They may also share with you the mistakes they made when starting out as a newbie so you can avoid making the same mistakes yourself.
Here are some places where you can meet other coin collectors and dealers:
Coin shows: Coin shows will usually have a large and diverse range of coins and some experienced numismatists from outside your area. This can be a great way of developing an interest in coin collecting so don’t forget to bring your kids.
Coin clubs: Coin clubs give you a chance to meet other coin collectors in your area and attend local coin club meetings to share your experiences.
Coin shops: Here you will find coin dealers in your area who you can talk to on a personal level. Stock with those that are the most helpful and trustworthy. If you show an interest in what they are selling they are sure to provide useful advice for free.
Specialty clubs: Perhaps you are only interested in Ancient Roman coins or old American coins. Specialty clubs give you an opportunity to meet other collectors who share your particular interest. You can find many specialty clubs online so you are sure to find one that suites your interest even if it is very specific. For example if your interest is in early American copper coin then why not join the Early American Coppers Club (www.eacs.org). If your interest is United States colonial coins then there is the Colonial Coin Collectors club (www.colonialcoins.org)
Educational Seminars: Education seminars offer you the chance to listen to an expert numismatist on a broad range of subjects ranging from the history of the mint, the politics and economics of coin minting, to important events and legislation that determined the coins that were minted and their value today. The expert numismatists who presents the seminar should have a question and answer period to get to know the experts and ask questions.
The American Numismatic Association’s Summer Seminar: This is a yearly event held at the American Numismatic Associations headquarters in Colarado Springs. They offer week long courses on subjects that include how to grade U.S. Coins, detecting counterfeit U.S coins, rarities, coin photography and more. While class sizes are limited the attendees do have full access to the instructors who are true experts.