Key Descision

I'm sure there are many here that can help with this question. I could do the research myself, but I'm finding I just don't have the time. The thing is, I'm going to a coin show in October in Las Vegas and was hoping to aquire one of two keys that have been the crux of two sets I've had laying around unfinished for years. The keys are the 09 s vdb Lincoln and the 16 d Merc. Problem is, I don't have the means to purchase both the same day in any decent grade. So, based on future price increases, demand, supply...whatever...anything besides just personal preference, which one should I aquire first?

I've gone back through a few years of Red Books and according to their pricing the cent has fared better than the dime as far as appretiating in value. Based on this, I'm inclined to get the Lincoln now before it goes up even more, what with the 100 year anniversary approaching.

But, even though the Lincoln has done better than the Merc, the dime is far more expensive in comparative grades, and if I don't get one soon, I may be paying considerably more for it in the near future.

What to do?! What would you guys do?
Guy~

 

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Read this thread and figure out which is the general consensus.

What are you gonna do?

 

I'm sticking to my original points in the thread Rim's has linked to.

 

You should have bought the 1909S VDB several years ago when they were $300. Now you're looking at spending $700 - $1000 for one. Oh well, both coins should continue to appreciate but I suspect the dime might do better than the cent after the excitement wears off over the 2009 anniversary.

 

I'd still go for the 09 S VDB.
With the 100th anniversary & the change in designs coming up-- it'll explode in price.
(Maybe from $700 to $701. Or perhaps not.)

 

You're funny like a clown you know that? I mean the way you tell a story.

I'd say at least $705.

Seriously though the dime has been going up for years but I think the Lincoln will explode and retain value.

 

The dime may take off-- if they ever change the design.

 

I'd put my money on the 1909-s vdb right now, the nicest one you can afford. Then I'd worry about the 16-d Merc.

 

I'd go for the dime! If I were you and could afford it I would try to get one graded VG or better.

Speedy

 

When I go to a show with a list of wants, that total more than I can afford to spend at that show, I buy the first one on the list that I find at an acceptable price in an acceptable grade, and keep doing so until I run out of acceptable candidates, or available funds.

Is seems to me that if I collected US coinage, I would apply the same principles.

In your situation that means that if I found an acceptable, affordable 16d first, that's what I would buy; if I found an acceptable, affordable 09s vdb first, I'd buy it; and if I found neither, I'd go home with my funds and save them for the next show.

 

What??? I amuse you??? Am I here to amuse you???

 

Yeah!

LOL

 

I wish there were different words for these two coins - or at least for the 16-d Merc. They're more than keys - they're the holy grails.

Personally, I doubt whether I will ever have either of those coins, but I appreciate your quest and your pain.

I basically agree with what's been said so far. The 16-D merc will probably go up, but not nearly as much as the Lincoln.

If you want to be really sneaky, I would buy the Lincoln and as others have said, it should zoom up for the 2009 thing, then sell it. Then wait for it to go down so you can buy it back cheaper.

Ahhhh.... The risks.

 

You don't have an ice-pick on ya, do ya ?



Oh, Coleguy, I vote for the 1909-s vdb too.

 

I think I'll go with the Lincoln. I was leaning toward it anyways, but I wanted to make sure there wasn't anything I was missing. By percentages, it's price has risen the most, and I hate to miss out on getting one before it goes up any more. The wife's already going to blow her top at me spending a grand or more on a cent....I'd hate to wait and risk serious injury or death if I buy when it's over two grand or more.
Guy~

 

I hear ya, I spent like $1500 in June in a coin buying frenzy on eBay, my backside is still sore from the beating I got from the wife!:hammer:

 

I will be going to the coin show at Circus Circus in Ocotber also. I would think that which ever one you can get the best deal on. But, I read somewhere that a lot of dealers are buying up the 1909's for the new cent in 2009 to have the old and the new to sell to customers. So you may not see a lot at the coin show. Good luck with whatever you decided to purchase.

 

By any chance, do you know if the show at Circu Circus is any good? I see it advertise every year, but have always opted for the one at the Plaza. Just curious as to size and number of dealers there.
Guy~

 

I just want to disagree with everyone. I'd go for a 16D Mercury Dime if I were you. Not sure how often you go to a coin show, but around here we have 3/month, every month, all year long. I've seen 09S VDB Lincolns at practically every show for all types of prices in all types of grades. But a 16D Mercury Dime makes appearances very seldom in any grade. If a dealer I know has one they tell me about it as soon as they see me as if they just had a new baby in the family. One dealer at one show usually has 10 of the 09S VB's but seldom a 16D Merc. One dealer was telling me he has a 16D put away until the buyer can raise the money and has been making payments on it for close to a year. Not so with the 09S.
My money is on the 16D Mercury Dime. I collect all coins so not a certain type preference.
If you do go for the Mercury Dime, check out the reverse for a rotation. Mercury Dimes are notorious for rotated reverses.

 

Please note for some reason this forum will not allow me to edit my last post. Where I may have said 09S and 09S VB, it was supposed to be 09S VDB.