Top 10 Coins for New Collectors

There are so many possiblities that the list could go on forever. Since, as you suggest, the person is new and wants to get started, I would first recommend that they get a copy of the Red Book and maybe even the ANA Grading Standards to study. Then they could decide what they want to collect and in what conditon, whether it be brilliant uncirculated, found in rolls or directly from circulation.

Chris

 

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yes, all good suggestoions

some of the other coins I considered for the list

1909 VDB cent (I remember getting excited by that when I was a kid)
Peace Dollar
Franklin Half Dollar
Kennedy Half Dollar (perhaps from the 60's)
Wartime Nickel
Liberty Head Nickel
Modern Commemorative
Barber Type (dime, quarter, or half)

 

Your list seems to be firmly rooted in the 20th century. I am also a bit confused by the coins you suggest. Some are specific coins, yet some are series. Are you suggesting a type set maybe? As far as series go, you have named virtually everything from 1850-date and I can't say that i disagree with any of them, but are you asking about specific coins, or specific areas?

If I were to suggest an area of collecting to move on to, I might steer them toward CC Morgan Dollars. The Indian Head Cents (you mentioned the 1859 a 1 year type) are a fun series. There are Large Cents and Bust Halves that are available for reasonable prices.

I don't think I could point to any specific coin, but if pressed I would say the 1922 No D cents. There are several die varieties and a wealth of education about the minting process all within 1 date and mint mark combination.

 

I'd throw in a BU later-date wheat. You can pick up a 195x wheat in MS66 for like, $25 or so.

 

That's a great list Wingedlib. And I love your photos. However I would re-name that list the "10 most popular US coin series"

I think that there are some fairly expensive series in that list that might scare away brand new collectors. The Morgans come to mind. There are a handfull of key dates in that series that run you $500-1000 and up, even for lower grade specimens.

IMO the top ten US coin series for new collectors would have to include Lincoln Cents, Washington Quarters, Jefferson Nickels, or even Buffalo Nickels and Mercury Dimes. Some of those series are still found in circulation, and so can be a great intro to the hobby as new collectors roll search or dig through their change to start out their sets. Then as they get more familiar with numismatics, they can start Buffs or Mercs without spending a whole lot.

Then, as they gain an appreciation for the hobby, they could start Morgans and ASEs and some of the other coin series you listed. That way they've built some knowledge at relatively low cost before they dive in with the high dollar series.

 

Agreed on the peace dollar-need one of those in the collection, and they're fairly easy to get.

 

I like your selections WL. You have the 19th century classics like the Walker, Standing Liberty, Merc and Buffalo, a commem, a beautiful Morgan, and even a gold coin. I wouldn't change a thing. You obviously spent a lot of time thinking it through. New collectors would definitely benefit from reviewing your suggestions. Thanks for the post.

Bruce

 

Bruce, I assume that is a typo and you meant "20th" century Walker, SLQ, Merc & Buff.

Chris

 

[Addendum: By Popular Demand, I added #11 and #12 to the list. I suppose these additions makes this a top 12 instead of a top 10 list!]

#11. Lincoln Cent (Wheat-backed)

The Lincoln Cent series is one of the most widely collected series in U.S. Coins. Wheat-backed cents made from 1909 through 1958 can still be found in circulation with some hunting. Buying the 1909 VDB is a nice addition since it's the first year of issue, and the prominant V.D.B. initials on the reverse (standing for Victor David Brenner, the coin designer) created a unique 1-year variety. The 1909 VDB cent in lower grades can be had for less than $10, and uncirculated less than $50.



#12. Peace Silver Dollar

The Peace Silver Dollar was originally conceptualized as a commemorative half dollar celebrating the end of World War I, but was finally struck as a Silver Dollar. It then quickly replaced the Morgan Silver dollar and became the last Silver Dollar produced in the U.S. for general circulation. This was a short-series coin, produced for only 15 years from 1921 to 1935. Then, in 1964, after a nearly 30-year hiatus, over 300,000 Peace Silver Dollars were stuck at the Denver Mint -- however this last-gasp Silver Dollar program was soon cancelled and all 1964-dated Peace Silver Dollar coins, melted. Nice Uncirculated Peace Silver Dollars of the more common dates between 1922 and 1925 can be found easily for less than $50.

 

Yeah Chris, I had a brain freeze....and it's not even cold here. Thanks for the correction.

Bruce

 

Good post. I think that there should be a Top 10 for the 20th c and Top 10 for the 19th c. I know for me I had to research what coins were going for as I have a fixed budget and I almost never have anywhere close to $100 to throw down on 1 coin. So maybe a Top 10 for those on a budget? Maybe one for undervalued coins under $50? Just some random thoughts.

 

excellent ideas ... great food for future threads

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I'd say low grade problem free key coins
32 s and d quarters
21 p and s halves
1908 s cent
1909 Lincoln
...you get the idea