I used to have a real nice collection, but had to sell last year to avoid bankruptcy. Guess I was just too small not to fail
Anyway, I got most of my deals from auctions. Fancy auctions mean fancy prices, so don't waste your time. Keep in mind your auction fees and taxes when bidding. Here's a link to auction calendars (if I do this right):
AuctionZip.com - Live Auction Locator - Fast,Easy, and Free!
As far as coin shops, I had a good relationship with Lost Dutchman at 4983 N Franklin Road in Indy. Matt is a stand up guy. Just like every other business, he is in it to make a profit, but after checking out every other coin shop, his was the best that I found. He also has civil war and WWII memorabilia.
You really have to look hard to find deals on eBay and you need to stay current on pricing. Redbook is good, but if you are looking at collecting you will need the CDN "Grey Sheets" and the ANA Grading Standards book.
Hope this helps
