Hello from a new member! Airsoft fan & coin collector

[Borys]

Hi everyone!

I’m excited to join this community. I’ve been passionate about military history and themes since I was a kid, which eventually led me into airsoft — it’s been my main hobby for a while now.

In terms of actual vintage items, my most prized "collection" at the moment consists of my great-grandmother's bravery awards. Unfortunately, they are currently at my parents' house, but I’m planning to bring them to my place very soon to give them the care and display they deserve.

Besides military history, I’m also an avid coin collector. I absolutely love the hunt for a new piece and the history behind every coin.

Since I’m looking to expand my collection, I’d love to get some advice from the experts here:

    Where do you usually look for truly valuable or rare pieces?

    What are your go-to methods for spotting fakes or reproductions?

Looking forward to learning from you all and sharing our interests!
Best regards, Borys

[Wade20th]

Welcome to the forum from a fellow coin collector, Borys!

 

Wade

[Mr.Jerry]

Welcome! You might be our first Moldovan member!

 

The best way to get good pieces is to network with other collectors/dealers. 90% of the good stuff never hits the open market, good stuff sells with a phone call. There are many people I work with but it is a two way street- I find stuff for others, and they find stuff for me.

 

As for fakes, that is a constantly moving target- but getting to see and handle real items (in collections or at shows) really helps. Most of this stuff was machine made, so once you know the good patterns, the fakes usually look really bad. (although some are getting better everyday!)

 

Jerry

[Borys]

Hi Jerry,

Thank you for the warm welcome and for the great advice! You are right, networking seems to be the key. I hope to build those kinds of connections here as well.

If you ever find yourself in Moldova, you are more than welcome! I’d be happy to show you around. We have a local flea market that’s packed with vintage stuff. To be honest, it’s mostly Soviet-era items, and since I’ve seen so much of it over the years, I’m starting to lose interest in that specific niche. I’m really craving something new and different now—something with a different history or from a different region.

But for a collector from abroad, that market might still be quite a fun experience!

Looking forward to more chats, Borys