1. Buy reference books on the coin(s) of your choice and read them before spending a lot of your money. Learn everything you can about them FIRST.

2. Unless you know the dealer and that his grading is relatively accurate, I would not recommend buying coins from magazine or newspaper advertisements at cut-rate prices.

3. A good way to get a fix on a low ball advertiser is to check his prices on sets of coins (Proof, Mint, and Prestige sets) to see how they compare with prices other known established dealers are charging. If these prices are comparable while his other prices are quite low, beware!

4. Never buy coins from a telemarketer (unsolicited over the phone).

5. All MS-63, MS-64, and MS-65 are not the same. There is quality in every grade! Look for high end (PQ – Premium Quality) coins in the particular grade you want, even if you have to pay a little more for them.

6. Join a coin club. If there is not one in your area, start one! There are many benefits in becoming an active member of a club. You will enjoy it, believe me!

7. Display bourse floor etiquette when attending a coin show. Be respectful and considerate of a dealer’s time and space.

8. Attend the American Numismatic Association’s Summer Seminar! Take advantage of a full week of wall to wall numismatics on just about any subject you want. Go once and I will guarantee you will return year after year.

9. Learn to grade! Develop a self-confidence using the proper basics so you will be able to tell a MS-63 from a MS-64 from a MS-65. And, if you are buying encapsulated coins, as has been said over and over, buy the coin, not the slab.

10. Have fun!

Top left: Bill Fivaz having fun at the 2001 ANA’s World's Fair of Money® in Atlanta (Rule #10).