Well like most collectors I have quit a few doubles/extras of coins. I was thinking about getting rid of one of my complete well above circulated Franklin set for a nice buffalo set. What do you think is it smart or possible? I personally hate getting rid of silver right now, plus I'm not a big fan of buffalo's. But I think I need to get a set while prices are not thru the roof on most dates. Looking for opinions. I had the same problem when I bought a complete set of Peace dollars. I dont like them, but when I had them in hand I was glad I did it. Also I know I dont have to worry about buying another one unless its a good price on spot.
Well, here's an opinion, as stark as it may be. I would think that trading in your Franklins for a Buffalo set that you probably won't be a big fan of is would be a waste. I personally detest the Buffalo Nickels, so I can understand your hesitation. Personally, I don't see why getting a set of them just to have them would be any worth while to you. If you are to trade in the Franklins, buy something you'll enjoy with the cash.
Very true but I hated the peace, but I was glad I did buy them. I'm thinking about getting the set because I'm a couple coins short in the Walkers, two coins short out of the wheats 09 S VDB and the 31 S. And a few from the SLQ series and I will have most of the coins minted after 1900 to present. Excluding gold, and new dollar, State Park coins, and commems. So for me to say I have most I need the Buffalos. I hate the new coinage. The designs suck and its nothing but a marketing skeem to drive prices up.
I think it's good idea, value of Franklin half set are most due to silver value, and it's high now, you can sell for more now than recent years, should be able to find nice buffalo set. Not sure how much the sets are going for though.
Why not just sell the Franklins and try to finish up the other sets you are working on instead of starting a new set of Buffalo nickels that you are not a fan of anyway? :scratch: TC
If I do that then at the end of the day I still wont be able to say I have them. I guess my mind is made up and I need a little push. I plan on selling other doubles like a few 21 Peace, and a couple 38D Walkers. I have some Bank Rolls of 64 Kennedy's I got for face value some time ago. to pick up the others.
I think the move is a good one. I think moving to an earlier series is generally a good move, and it is the natural progression of most collectors I know. That said, I wouldn't just trade your set for another set. Said a bit differently, I'd try and buy buffalos one by one to maximize quality. To me at least, the fun in collecting is putting together your set, but YMMV. Hope this helps...Mike
Certainly this is, and should be, a personal decision. But since you're asking for opinions... I would dump the Franklins because they don't inspire me. I like silver as much as the next guy. And I admire the man. But the coins do nothing for me. (Obviously not everyone feels this way.) As for Buffalo nickels: I love the design and many have fabulous color. I prefer Buffalo's over any other nickel series. So, if the right trade came along I'd go for it. But honestly, I'd take the cash from the Franklins and put it toward other unfinished sets or maybe buy a type or key I've always wanted. I also like Mike's reasoning re moving to earlier series. Lance.
ppratt,It is hard for me to relate because I think the Buffalo design is the ultimate in U.S. coinage design -- I believe Fraser's design is timeless and uniquely American and I always find it hard to believe others don't see the genius in the design (but hey, Mr. Barber didn't like it either and did everything he could to sabotage it). It sounds like you're asking for investment advice-- otherwise it's hard to understand why you want to put together a set of coins you don't care for. And I'm a coin collector so probably not the best person to get investment advice from. But... I like Buffalos better than Franklins long-term. Broader group of collectors and a well of individuals who may have shied away from Buffs because of poor or inconsistent TPG grading and a lot of coins that have been messed with. If you can stick to fairly graded unmessed-with Buffs (think CAC), they might be ready to rebound a bit.
Thats what I was going to say as well. I've yet to see a complete set for sale that would be worth my time and money. They're usually mis-matched and of poor quality. For the same money you could assemble a much nicer set on your own.
