booksandcoins's Bio
I've been collecting coins for over four decades. My first coin was a half eagle. Most of my coins are not certified/slabbed as I like to assay each and every item, examine them carefully, to inspect and study closely each coin in detail.
As a numismatist I've come to realize the historic and socio-political value of coins, though their monetary value is important from the point of view of the investor, I am more interested in the bigger picture, what I call numismatic poetry, the ethnographic relation to our world and our past, the mysteries trap in a single coin or a collection of them.
My best advise is to spread the numismatic bug by participating in your local coin club, joining and supporting the ANA and/or CNA, but most importantly utilize the wealth of information, materials, books, sources, contacts, seminars, and conventions available to members.