Bringing a knife to a gunfight...

Hello everyone,

I thought I should introduce myself. Please forgive me if the post is a bit too long, you can just scroll down towards my swap offer.

I am a newbie here and hardly someone who can be considered a serious coin collector (so most of you should probably stop reading at this point and go do something more useful and important). Just a guy who lived in or visited a few too many countries and witnessed a few financial systems fall or being replaced, and so kept pocketfuls of change as mementos. In time some albums appeared, and the coins crept in them from various purses and jars where they originally resided, but again without much consideration. Finally, through almost no fault of my own (I totally blame my wife and son!) a couple of kilos of unsorted coins found their way to my desk from a local numismatic store. And then my passion for identifying and cataloging stuff kicked in, and I decided to finally organize all that (when you cannot organize your life, you should at least try to organize something, I am pretty sure Dr. Freud would have had a few choice things to say about this sudden outburst of activity ). Well, so when looking for info on various less than familiar coins I acquired I was inevitably sent by Google here, to Numista, I just had to look more closely -- and was immediately hooked up. It is both a wonderful research tool and a great community of experts and enthusiasts!

At the time it seemed like a good idea for me to join, and luckily I had a long Easter weekend on my hands, so I dug in... And here I am, with most of my collection digitized (still not finished Russia and completely untouched Ukraine and USSR, but that would probably take some time to sort through, so I am pausing for a while). I opened it for the general view, so the curious ones can take a peek...

Anyway, so (I told myself) now would be a great time to take advantage of all this hard work and maybe do a swap or two. So I started looking into various user profiles and forum posts, hoping to find suitable swap partners... And a sudden horrible realization had dawned on me: I came with a knife to a gunfight! What can all these serious people, casually throwing things like "I am in a coin-dealing business for 25 years", "I only swap based on catalog price, never 1:1, and I do not like THAT catalog, only THIS one", "which countries in your collection have more than 1000 coins?" etc. see in my puny little assortment of common recent coins aka "junk" or "crap"? They seem to be mostly interested in British colonial silver and ancient Chinese palace tokens -- all strictly in uncirculated condition

But, in the hopes that humble bottom feeders like myself do exist here, here is what I have in mind. Please do not judge harshly if I say something stupid or violate some unwritten rule...

My swap list mostly consists of very regular and very common (or commemorative -- also circulated and common) coins from a number of random countries. I am sorry to say that I was confused by the quality grade system and realized only too late that I should not have entered grades at all. Oh well, this cannot be fixed now (correct me if I am wrong, I understand that quality grades cannot be removed once they have been invoked, only changed from one to another). So most of my coins are listed as F, which for me means "usual circulated condition" (i. e. definitely some patina and other types of oxidation, small scratches here and there, raised features are slightly worn off etc. ) . If there is something wrong with the coin in my opinion (large scratch, big oxidation stain, significant wear etc.) I list it as VG and try to explain in the comment what this means. If the coin looks "much better than usual" to my untrained eye, I list it as VF (used XF a few times only, but I think none are in my swap list). Used UNC only for a couple of actual uncilrculated sets I have, I won't be swapping those. What I am saying is that my grade assessment is probably inconsistent and you should not trust it. Please ask me for details if you have any doubts, but since as a newbie I am required to send my swap coins first I hope this won't be a problem.

What I want is also random common or commemorative circulated coins from countries/years/mints I do not have, in similar condition (i. e. pretty much any, except for really significant damage). If you do not want to use 1:1 swap with me, you'll have to patiently explain how to use a catalog for value assessment. There are only two special reservations that I have. I would like to exchange my state quarters primarily for other state (or state park) quarters and I would like to swap my 2€ commemorative coins for other 2€ commemorative coins. But you are welcome to try to persuade me otherwise, I might be gullible enough to jump at something else shiny...

I probably should start with something simple like small swaps in Germany or other EU countries to build up my rating (we can also do the swap in person if you're living in or visiting Cologne/Düsseldorf area). I think I figured out how the swap system works here at Numista, but not yet sure how to do the actual sending, I'll need to discuss packing and registered/unregistered mail issues with my first swap partners...

Lastly, I am open for communication and any advice. And thank you if you actually read through all this, I am a bit nervous and so I write too much

Cheers,

Y.

First of all, welcome to Numista. Not an official welcome since I'm not a Moderator/Numista team member . I am a collector whom kickstarted my hobby last year here right on Numista; still a bottom feeder, technically. After reading your post, I felt called upon to share my experience with you.

This website is user-friendly for cataloging your coin (as well as token & exonumia) and also for coins swap and sale/purchase among members. Tutorials are available under Numisdoc tab.

Numista members (mostly) prefers swap where you exchange coins. The swap is usually based on 1-to-1, silver-to-silver, gold-to-gold, catalogue value (Krause, etc), or currency value. Definition of fair swap differs from person to person. (My style: 1-to-1 and offer some extra local coins for free).

Few pointers (proven to help me big time).
1. Start small and cheap. Don't select expensive coins unless you can offer some in return.
2. Go with your guts. If you feel something is off, take a few steps back, and re-examine.
3. Don't ever rush to confirm a swap. Make confirmation on all arrangement prior to confirming a swap. Once a swap is confirmed, there's no turning back.
4. Always check the prospect's profile page. Check (i) if there is warning issued by Numista Moderator, (ii) read his/her rating, and (iii) watch out the number of swap-on-the-road. A new member having too many swap-on-the-road is, but not always, a foul play (Numista will highlight the number of swap in red lettering).

Some significant (not big) achievement

1. Failed swap - no coins in my mailbox - 5 swaps; but I consider luck was not on my side. I didn't leave bad ratings to my swap partners.
2. Almost got conned - numerous occasions from several prospects across the globe

3. More than 50 successful international swaps (including under the table...omg, I feel so badass saying this).
4. Having coins (at least 1) from more than 150 countries/issuers of the world.
5. Getting to know wonderful strangers (the best milestone) and continue the r/ship (read: under the table) outside Numista.

That's all I can think of to share at the moment. Happy collecting coins.

Best wishes from Malaysia,
Yusof

P/S: Sorry for the ranting

Thank you very much for your reply! This all is very helpful. Yeah, kick-starting a very old hobby (see my post in the "how you started your collection" topic) is exactly what I am doing. Sorry for saying "bottom feeder", that what a bit of self-criticism, and only later I realized that since I am comparing myself to other similar collectors, they may be offended by this

Well, I think starting small for me is definitely not a problem

Sadly, being here just a few days, I have already noticed some scam activity going on here -- just reading ratings and forum posts. Luckily, these people seem to hunt collectors with gold and silver, so I feel pretty safe

Welcome to Numista !

Welcome. I reckon anyone who can write such a witty and self deprecating introduction is going to be fun to have around.

Here you'll find all types of collectors ranging from those who think nothing of spending North of $100 to fill an album space right down to those who enjoy filling folders from circulating coins. Both are equally valid collections and it's safe to say that most of the first type started out as the second type.

Everyone has their own way of managing swaps, for my part if someone has a coin I need I'm happy to swap it for whatever you need. I don't really care what it's made from, I'm a serious collector of coins not a damned silver stacker. I generally avoid those partners who have too many "rules". Silver for silver... it doesn't make any sense to me at all. If you have an exceptional Victorian penny to offer me then I'll give you all the silver you can eat.

I often see coins marked "special swap only". I'd expect to find this tag attached to a truly exceptional coin. If I ever get a spare Petition Crown to swap then I'll probably mark it "special swap only". What I invariably find though, is some easy to find, middle of the road coin, with nothing remotely special about it. The impression it gives is that here's someone who has an inflated sense of their own coin's value and also someone reluctant to swap anything of even a modest value. These "special" coins might seem unduly impressive to a novice collector but honestly just because a coin is old or made from silver doesn't give it any extra value.

I don't really have any "rules", if you've got what I need then let's swap. I do however consider the merits of each offer. There are some countries where the postal service is pretty much a large scale organised theft ring. While I'd love to be able to do so, it just doesn't make sense if there's a 50/50 chance the coins won't arrive. I also pay attention to feedback, both given and received. Any "lost mail" sob stories and I'm out. Mostly it's grounded in dishonesty, mail just doesn't get lost that often. If it does, then while you might be an honest guy, there's clearly a problem in getting coins to you or from you so is it too much to ask that you clear up the problem before inviting swaps?

So while there's no specific rules on my part governing the number of coins or the metal they're made from, that doesn't mean I'm an idiot. I've got thousands of silver coins to swap, but only if you can offer something I need with a similar value in exchange and in sufficient quantity to justify the cost of postage. I can't even begin to tell you how many swap offers I've declined from people checking off $100's worth of high value coins but all they have to offer is pocket change in return. I don't get angry, it's mostly new collectors who don't know any better. I do however politely decline. I guess I could add a silver for silver rule but as most of the coins I'm looking for are base metal I'd be shooting myself in the foot.

In terms of value I use K&M as a guide (see below for links). For US coins I use Numismedia, but with the understanding that some of the values for lower grades are exaggerated. At least for US collectors who have easy access to such coins. So for example if you and I were making a swap and your part of the deal was K&M based in exchange for my Numismedia based US junk silver then I would try to make if slightly more favorable to account for the differences. (In return I'd also take into account the excessive cost of mailing from the US to Germany). K&M for K&M or junk silver for junk silver there's no such problem. What I don't accept during negotiations are 'eBay prices". You can use these to "prove" just about anything you want. I hope this makes sense. If not then please feel free to send a PM if you ever have any concerns or questions.

With regard to thieves, scammers and other assorted vagabonds, the real bottom feeders incidentally, don't be too alarmed. The reason you notice them is because we do a pretty good job of identifying them and with the support of our moderators, rendering them impotent. Of course it could be better so it's incumbent on each of us to take appropriate steps to protect ourselves and not rely on others to do so. If you believe they only steal gold and silver then you're very wide of the mark brother. While I'm sure it would be their first choice, these low rent bastards will be just as happy stealing from you.

There have been numerous discussions on the subject which can be found with a simple forum search so there's no point repeating them here. There is one area though that's never been addressed and it's of particular relevance to someone in your position. As you've quite rightly stated, as a new member you will be expected to mail your coins first as part of any swap. Fair enough I'd say. But we have a new breed of thief who specifically exploits this informal rule.

Don't get fooled by "sock puppet" feedback. These losers typically make several accounts and exchange a bunch of bogus 5 star feedbacks. They might even complete a couple of real swaps just to give it a bit of credibility. Once they get ten or twenty such "swaps" they'll move in for the kill, looking specifically for new members who they can demand the "send first" rule be applied. If you get such an offer take a close look at the source of their feedback. If you find it's nearly all from accounts with a single trade created at roughly the same time then don't mail anything. Report the matter to the moderators and they will deal with it. (Incidentally there one such type posting right now on this very forum - bonus points if you can spot him)

Also pay attention to the number of swaps underway (it will actually turn red if it's more than ten). They don't go to all of the trouble just to steal one lot of coins, they're going to grab as many before the account gets exposed and they have to make new ones.

Here's a few links from my browser bookmarks which you might find useful -

https://www.ngccoin.com/price-guide/world/

http://www.numismedia.com/fmv/fmv.shtml

http://www.coins-of-the-uk.co.uk/values/index.html#index

https://www.pcgs.com/prices/

https://en.numista.com/forum/forum12.html

Good luck to you with your new found pastime. If you need any more specific information or advice please feel free to ask.

Hello and Welcome!! I've been a Numista member for almost 3 years and all I can add is be patient!! After reviewing my Swap statistics, I am hoping this may be helpful.

1. Actual Swaps - 18 Declined Swaps - 81
2. My 1st Swap was 5 months after becoming a member.
3. Known scammers whom have taken a run at me - 3.

I added this rule for myself. Only 2 Swaps on-the-go at one time. I have 2 in motion right now and that is odd for me.

Lastly, I could see myself sitting in a pub sipping some beverages with any one of those 14 Swap partners.

I hope you enjoy your stay.

Thank you for your replies! Now I have a lot to read and to think about. And I am negotiating my first two swaps, let's keep fingers crossed...

Hello and welcome to a really awesome site. From the eloquent way you write I am sure you will find many friends here who you will get along with almost straight away. There is also a ton of advice and learning to be found here. I to am new to coin collecting and this forum and I'm sure many are already sick of my constant questions about this or that, but they all seem to put up with me (so far)

As for swaps and swapping, I have put my small collection on this forum for those to see and already I've had some interest, but I am cautious and in no rush. I did find however, that most here will have feedback from past swap partners and that can go a long way to alleviating any angst. This site does do it's best to provide great help, advice, and safety (as much as one can get online I guess). Well.... I've not been here very long, but that is what I have found so far.

Anyhow, welcome to Numista and I look forwards to reading and learning from your posts.

Quote: "Kipsley"​Hello and welcome to a really awesome site. From the eloquent way you write I am sure you will find many friends here who you will get along with almost straight away. There is also a ton of advice and learning to be found here. I to am new to coin collecting and this forum and I'm sure many are already sick of my constant questions about this or that, but they all seem to put up with me (so far)
​

No way, asking questions is what we all [should] do! As someone once said, the ignorant can be taught but the arrogant cannot be. So good on you for asking if you're unsure!

@yuretzius Willkommen! I hardly ever swap on Numista, but I wish you luck in that endeavour.

Welcome!

You might be surprised at who needs some super common low value coins. Plenty of people collect by type and need on each. Best to just put everything you have available on here and instead of grading just take good pictures. I certainly messed up some potential swaps because (like many new collectors) I graded my coins too high. Your way is better, grade them all low and find people that can help you grade them.

Thank you!

Yes, I already felt (surprisingly, I might add) warm welcome from quite a few members. To the point that I had to put the "temporarily no swaps" sign on my profile, because I want to handle those few swaps I am starting right now with as much care as possible, do not want to grab more than I can eat.

In the process of these swaps I have already realized the need to make good photos of my coins -- and not "beautiful", but actually revealing as plainly as possible all the scratches and blemishes. Doing it with my phone right now, but the quality is hardly adequate. Will have to think of a setup to use my DSLR camera for this... Well, a lot to learn, but a lot of fun too. And combining together other things that I like to do -- social networking, photography, international communication... Coming here may have been quite a good idea after all.

Cheers,

Y.

Quote: "pnightingale"​I often see coins marked "special swap only". I'd expect to find this tag attached to a truly exceptional coin. If I ever get a spare Petition Crown to swap then I'll probably mark it "special swap only". What I invariably find though, is some easy to find, middle of the road coin, with nothing remotely special about it. The impression it gives is that here's someone who has an inflated sense of their own coin's value and also someone reluctant to swap anything of even a modest value. These "special" coins might seem unduly impressive to a novice collector but honestly just because a coin is old or made from silver doesn't give it any extra value.

​I don't have any problem with people using "Special swap only" Usually the times I've seen it is where people have a huge swap list, 99% of it is the kind of stuff you find in a 20c junk bin, but the other 1% may be worth a few dollars each. They obviously just use it as note to themselves to let them know that someone is asking for one of their more worthwhile coins and to ask for something worthwhile in return.