Expert: Joe Hylas - 3/18/2009

Question
Getting back into coin collecting and wanted to know if there are some pitfalls to avoid in collecting proofs, where is best place to buy them, any article on it, etc.

Secondly, my son found a quarter from the 1990's in which there is an oddity.  There are 3 spots above the ear in which the hair detail is flat, as if there wasn't enough medal there to fill in when it was stuck.  It is very noticable when comparing it to any other quarter.  Where would be the best place to get a value on something like this.  Thanks.

Answer
Let's start with the quarter.
You can have that authenticated at either NGC, PCGS or ANACS.
They all have websites and instructions and costs for certifying coins.  Only once it is attributed as a mint eroor, can we value it.

I would start with ordering Proof Sets (Current years issues) from the US MINT.  As for other yeras from 1956 to 2008, shop around for those.  Ebay can be a good source.  Becareful that the sets are in ORIGINAL PACKAGING, that is very important in the long run.

Get to know what they are worth, what others regularly sell them for.  Don't just assume that because you can buy a proof set that is 35 years old for $10 that it's a good deal.  Some are only worth $5.

Good Luck
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US
Omega Precious Metals