I'm fiending for a new old coin, but I don't know much about prices. I want an old coin (or coins) that I don't have already. Circulated coins are fine as long as they're in good shape. Silver is always a plus. The older, the better. What would you buy for $20?
With silver a bit down right now, I'd go into a LCS and cherry pick the foreign silver...buy about an ounce worth. You'd be surprised at what you'll be able to get...if you even have to pay for the silver at all. Just my humble opinion...
I could get several nice Mercurys for $20. I have a really nice BU 1944-D dime that I gave less than $3 for.
I recently purchased a circulated but nice Walking Liberty half from 1945 for $15 (I'm waiting for it to come in the mail.) I was surprised that it was so reasonably priced. I guess that's what I'm looking for: a coin or coins that are inexpensive compared to others. An example is the Standing Liberty quarter vs the much cheaper Barber quarter, one of which I recently got for $7. It surprises me when older coins are worth more than newer coins.
You could always buy a nice BU Franklin. Not that old though. Go on Ebay and sort your search whatever interest you and limit your price to $20. You don't have to buy anything but you can at least gain an idea of what is out there and maybe something will catch your eye.
I like Franklins but I don't have a BU specimen. I work at a convenience store and I've found 3 Franklins from 1952 and 1953 that customers have spent. I actually like the patina of the nice but circulated Franklins I own. I like this idea.
Glad I could help. I have followed your "Bugo finds of the day" thread and I must say you are one lucky person. I wish I was into this hobby when I was a cashier at a convenience store. So much probably past through my hands.
I had no idea that anybody read that thread anymore. I haven't updated it in a few days, but I think I will go update it right now.
It's a little more than you're talking about spending, but I was tempted by a very nice looking very affordable seated half dime on eBay last night. I vaguely recall it being a BUY IT NOW at $29.95, dated 1856-O, and grading Fine, although the seller did not assign a grade to the coin. I passed on it only because I've already got one. If a dealer is tempted, a collector should be pleased to own such a nice coin.
