I’m new to collecting

[mikeweatherley@gmail.com 0]

Can anyone advise where the best place to buy old predecimal coins?

 

[jelida 1,364]

21 minutes ago, mikeweatherley@gmail.com said:

Can anyone advise where the best place to buy old predecimal coins?

 

Best place? A coin fair every time, followed by a recognised dealer or auction house.  EBay and Facebook are widely used but fraught with risk for a beginner, especially the latter due to the sheer number of fakes and misrepresentation. As you learn more about the subject you may be inclined to take greater risks on EBay - bargains can be had - but in general Caveat Emptor applies.

Purchases via this forum are pretty safe if via a long-standing member,  but only rarely offered. 
 

Jerry

PS and welcome to the forum, sound advice (usually) freely offered here.

Edited Sunday at 09:03 PM by jelida

[terrysoldpennies 782]

Welcome to the forum Mike.   You didn't say exactly what your interest is , but what ever it is , good hunting.

[Paddy 1,806]

Good advice from @jelida and welcome to the forum.

Another source of relatively cheap coins is local auctions. You can often buy box loads for only a few pounds. There probably won't be anything valuable in there, but it willl give you experience in sorting, identifying and grading coins. I find sorting through a large pile of coins strangely rewarding, even if there is little in there of much interest.

[Citizen H 61]

Hello Mike, Until I arrived here , I'd bought from boot fairs, my lessons being here have been about just because its old wont make it valuable, Ive some very old un's that look like its been rubbed to hell and back,  its been educational and still loads more to learn about. ....& don't be afraid to show and tell and do ask loads of questions.... being here is in good company. and welcome rgds "H"   

[blakeyboy 1,765]

23 hours ago, Paddy said:

Good advice from @jelida and welcome to the forum.

Another source of relatively cheap coins is local auctions. You can often buy box loads for only a few pounds. There probably won't be anything valuable in there, but it willl give you experience in sorting, identifying and grading coins. I find sorting through a large pile of coins strangely rewarding, even if there is little in there of much interest.

"strangely rewarding" - nicely put.

Welcome to the forum!

As for Ebay purchases- I've enjoyed buying mixed piles of coins, but searching using 'nearest first',

and asking a seller of something interesting whether you can go round and have a look through the pile.

I've done good deals there and then in the past.

 

[Peckris 2 2,156]

Welcome to the forums 

You can always ask here for advice, especially about where to buy from, and what to get. What are your main interests?

[Master Jmd 90]

Maybe not the best for those just starting out, but https://www.numisbids.com is great for searching many online auction house listings in one go.

[jelida 1,364]

43 minutes ago, Master Jmd said:

Maybe not the best for those just starting out, but https://www.numisbids.com is great for searching many online auction house listings in one go.

I agree, I use it all the time, with searches that send me an email if matches occur.

Jerry

[Sword 1,504]

I would suggest buying some UNC George VI and George V coins from dealers / coin fairs to appreciate what top grade coins look like.