When I first signed on to Coin Talk nearly one year ago I was primarily a collector of modern day issues...proof sets, mint sets, modern comm'ems etc. I really had a very narrow view of the hobby, much like a horse with blinders. I've learned a lot about the hobby in the last year and that's mainly because of all the good solid information and advice that I've read in these forums and also from personal advice by some of the members here; I thank you all. I feel that now I would like to broaden my horizons and start collecting the Capped Bust Half dollar thanks to the many resident gurus and experts on this forum. The bug has bitten and I need your input fellas. What was it that got you into collecting this series? What do I need to know, as a new collector of this series, that will make my collecting experiance more enjoyable and rewarding? Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
Buy the books if you really want to get into it & have fun . Al C. Overtons Early Half Dollar Varieties, & Patterson's Guide to attibuting Bust half dollars- The Patterson book is great for a quick guide but I always go back to my Overton to confirm varieties. Attributing is one of my favorite things to do- Its all in the search or the chase of the coins for me. I dont own as many as I used to but I do get to veiw ALOT of Bust Halves & thats where the fun comes for me.
I like the looks of the bust coinage - halves are not all that I collect. Plus the history that goes along with the coins. I also like all the varieties with clashes, die cracks, etc. And they are affordable in the F/VF range. Look at bonediggers collection most of his were collected at less than $100 dollars. I will post my newest one when I get home tonight - every now and then like Ben I get one less than $100. My only advice is to get a book on Bust halves - while you don't have to go for the varieties it will help to know what you are bidding on. You never know you might get to cherrypick an R5/R6 coin. I moved most of my modern coins and purchased bust coinage - that was a personal choice.
Here are a couple of valuable links. http://www.busthalfdollar.com/index.htm http://coinzip.proboards79.com/index.cgi?board=lebust http://www.half-dimes.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=6&sid=94cc9bd3d701a022f69a2b2b4aec1165 Take Care Ben
I agree. Buy the books. Read. Learn. This applies to any area of numismatics but even more so with Bust Halves due to the varieties. It sounds like you found the series that you will enjoy. Happy hunting!
Hmmm, recurring theme - 4 replies and 3 say buy the book. I know Ben would recommend the book also - Bust halves are fun to collect.
Thanks guys.....I really appreciate the book advice; that's one area I need to bone up on and with all of your help I've got some nice resources to look at.
Green, I have been collecting coins for well into 40 years. I have collections of most every series. The two that bring the most enjoyment are Busties and Large Cents. Varieties galore and they are fun to search. They look great and the search is fun. Go to coinzip.com and you can learn TONS..
Thanks Jim...right now I'm a little overwhelmed. I think I'm going to ease into this with the Overton book as that seems to be a favorite among you guys.
Okay fellas...is this the one? [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]United States Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794 - 1836 [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] By Donald L. Parsley - 4th Edition [/FONT]
That one will do. It's my main reference book along with Ed Souders "Bust Half Fever." Some say the 3rd edition is the best, but they both are pretty much the same. BTW, I use #1, #2 and #4 and they're all very helpful. Take Care Ben
You can't go wrong with BH , I only have one , but their beauty and history draws me into getting more , plus you have a built in set of advisers with Bone , Mark , and others . rzage
All right....I've taken the plunge. Two books ordered and hopefully shipped to me by next week. Bust Half Fever & United States Early Half Dollar Die Varieties. Should keep me busy for awhile.
I think you'll be pleased with these two. Definitely the right decision and direction you've taken. :thumb: Take Care Ben
Ben: The reason that I prefer the 3rd edition is because the pictures are clearer, and you can even use a loop to enlarge the detail. On the 4th ed. all that you get is larger pixels.
