What is the general idea about the new set coins that come out? For example in 2009 they had the Lincoln memorial pennies and they seem to have become quite the item on ebay. I have begun searching pocket change for the older coins and I have a magnifying glass on the way and own a newer (last 2 years) mint mistakes book. but I am wondering about the newer items.
My opinion is that if I like them, they are collectable to me, and that is all that matters. For instance, I am in love with the ATB quarters, despise the Jefferson nickel, and will always have admiration for the dime...always must collect the current year to have the current collection. If it appeals to you, go ahead and collect it and have fun with it!
Anything and everything is collectible. Very, very little of anything and everything collectible is a good investment. It's like playing roulette, out of 38 numbers only one will pay off, and no one knows ahead of time which one.
I think that the 2009 nickel and dime and all the ATB quarters must be collectable. They must be since I'm seeing virtually none in circulation in central NY.
Honestly I am collecting for 2 reasons, it's pretty cool and because if by some chance I find a coin worth a nice chunk of green I will use it to help alleviate financial stress. Don't worry, I'm not just doing this to sell everything but that is why collectables are collectable. Someone is willing to pay for the ownership.
I don't consider my coins as collectibles at all. For me coins are pieces of history and cultures. Today's coins are part of history after few years and I think the time to pick them up in unc is now. Usually people start to appreciate things after it's too late or pricey. Take a look for 1970's and 1980's "antiques" - there are lot of high priced stuff that was common back then. BUT what comes to today's coins as an investment - stay away from coins! There are lot of better investments than coins, after few years we will know what those were
The most important thing is to enjoy what you collect. If you like it, then its collectible. Far too many new collectors wants the big money coins. But if you slowly learn about collecting and what to look for. Eventually you will get the expensive coins either through pocket change and acquired knowledge.
Even that wouldn't come as a surprise to me. You don't want to know some of the things these old eyes have seen over the years.
If I had a collection of toilet paper that had been used by Jesus Christ, Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, and Leonardo Da Vinci...........I'd probably put them on the mantle piece! Enclosed in an air tight chamber of course.
The definition of collectible is "capable of being collected" (source: Dictionary.com), which would make even toilet paper 'collectible'. But seriously, as already pointed out, collect (save, set aside, keep) whatever you like. Certainly, newer coins are collectible. Will they ever be worth more than their face-value? Only time will tell.
For those that want to invest in coins there is always junk silver and Silver/Gold American Eagles. Since these are based on the coins silver content, you can buy low and sell high.
I was looking into the newer coins for something to pass on to any children or grand kids I may have in the future. If that doesn't happen they are going to a charity for homeless cats.
People collect a variety of coins. I know I went into a AC Moore looking for coin holders and all I found was a presidential dollar folder. These have no premium but people collect them. I have set books that were my grandfather's and these are all modern coins up to the late eighties. The clad dimes and nickels have no premium but he worked on these folders. The good thing about modern coin collections is that much of them can be found in circulation. People collect a variety of items: Precious Momment Dolls, antiques, art, license plates, etc. Many times these have a monetary value more than what was paid but many times they would be just used items at a yard sale. As far as my grandfather's collection that is not in his locked box at my uncle's house many are only worth face, some are worth a couple bucks a piece like a couple buffalo nickels and a couple silver dimes. I have been adding to the Roosevelt up to 1964 book. These have not matured as collector items and are mostly worth melt but as someone mentioned, only time will tell if they will be worth more.
