So, Here is my dilemma. I am looking to invest/collect in a few type sets. 1. Morgans 2. $5 Liberty Head gold. I only have a limit amount of money to work with right now, but as time goes on I will be able slowly make purchases. Back to the dilemma.... Should I look to purchase high grade slabbed common date coins (ms64 to ms66) OR rare date/mint coins in low slabbed grades (vf to xf)? Thanks for you Help
For investment, higher grades and or rare coins will always fetch higher prices and will likely go up in price if the demand is there. If you think gold is going to be a better investment long term over silver, perhaps that will help you decide in whether or not to go for the gold coins over the Morgan silver coins to start with. It all changes though if you're just collecting to collect, collect what you like and are wiling to spend your money on.
I can't say for sure, but many times the MS60-64 coins, slabbed or not, are "problem coins" and actually in worse shape (but excluding "wear") than an MS55 or 58 coin, so if you are looking to pick up nice looking coins, then going the one step down into a high grade AU may be for you. Also, since the low 60s can be problem coins, it might be worthwhile to say that you want to shoot for MS 65 or 66. Those are high enough to remain generally without "problems" but not graded too high as to command a price when the difference, if you are not an expert in grading, can be very minimal. Almost always people here are recommending that if you have a choice between a MS69 and MS70, to take the 69 because the price difference can be large, but the differences in coin is so small. If you do buy slabbed, probably you should stay with PCGS or NGS at first, until you can get a good idea of what the differences of grading is, because those are the top two, and unless you purchase a fake slab (or a real slab where the coin has been exchanged out by someone nefarious), then you probably are going to be ok. But don't fall into the trap of buying coins in other holders for the same amount that a PCGS one goes for unless you really know the coin and can verify the grade given is strong for it, where it would most likely cross over to PCGS at the same grade if you chose to put it through. There are many 3rd party TPGs that grade super generously, and sometimes outright wacky high, trying to get a price for a coin where it doesn't deserve it. Always buy the coin not the slab, as the saying goes. If it is a large cent collection, unless you have hugely deep pockets, then you probably will not be getting into the MS grades at all. So....the final answer can be "it depends". Hope this helped you. This forum can be great for learning.
Not trying to sound smart - but which is it invest or collect? If you want to invest then I would try something else - like a solid mutual fund. And if you are looking to invest extra paycheck money and then I would recomment 90% something other than coins and maybe 10% coins. I really do not think coins are an investment. Now - If you want to collect the higher the grade I think the better off you are with key date coins. And instead of buying lots of coins, save and buy the one really good coin. Then again, if collecting and you really desire a solid set of what ever you like best - then pick a grade for the key dates and get them first. Then you could always get higher grade common dates. I like Morgans, but everyone seems to collect them, but really collect what you like best. Just a quick 2 cents worth of opinion.
To the contrary, if I found myself with the opportunity and the funds to pick up an MS70 Morgan or half eagle, I'd certainly leap at the chance.
Those coins would be in the Bill Gates income range. BUT I would be more than happy to drool on some slabs.
I'd be doing it partly for the news value -- as far as I can see, no coin from either series has ever been certified MS70.
I don't know...if given a choice between an AU Morgan and an MS-70 (even if there was one) and I had the money, I'd go with the AU. There is almost the same amount of detail and luster, but maybe a few bag marks and the slightest circulation wear. In other words, there's more appeal to me as a collector than seeing a coin with no character. Of course, if I were to invest in them, I suppose I'd do just the opposite. Guy
Personally, I would buy problem free scarce issue VF-XF gold issues. Morgans can be found in abundance usually, but you need time to actually find many $5 problem free coins for sale. It ultimately comes down to your preference, but if you are a collector who values the thrill of the hunt I think you would enjoy the $5. This is my bias though, I enjoy seeking out the hard to find, rather than the easy to find but maybe hard to afford. Chris
investing in coins. think of their melt value only. rare coins could go as the rare stamps went, down down.
