What is your favorite U.S. Sleeper?

The first coin that I ever bought from a coin store was a Seated Liberty Half. It was most likely (good). Cannot find it at the moment. Anyhow, are there any sleepers that you are fond of? In your opinion is it true that the Seated Liberty Half and Bust Quarter are some seriously underestimated U.S. series. I guess it makes sense that she is taking a rest.

 

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Rip Van Winkle.
Oh, you meant coins I presume. There are whole series of US coins I think are sleepers, like the Barber and seated Liberty dimes, two cent pieces, nickel three cent pieces, most large cents- especially middle and late dates, 19th and 20th century tokens (civil war, store card, hard times and a host of others), Barber halves....these are just the ones I can think of without digging out some books. Most of those series have mintages well under half a million for at least half of the years they were minted. Survival rates are probably less than 25% of that.
Guy

 

Man, I went metal detecting today. Didn't find anything but a 1967 cent. How many of them are in the ground.

 

I think Barber coinage as a whole is an under-appreciated series that could be defined as a sleeper. Especially the half dollars. The mintages are so low, the whole run was only 23 years or so. Many circulated so long that there are lots of examples in AG-G, yet there are relatively few in the mid to higher grades.
The other thing that makes me think that the series, and in particular key dates are sleepers is that I have a hard time finding many of them in any grade/condition, and when I do, the price is almost always over retail/Redbook. Try to haggle with a dealer on these coins, and they'll say; "If you don't buy it at this price, someone else will."

I guess the fact that you're paying over retail means they're not really sleepers, but they could still pay off in the long run as supply is quite limited and demand seems to be out-pacing supply.

 

While I agree with Doug's post, I think he is ignoring the cyclical nature of the industry. Coin series go in and out of style, so at certain points, when they are out of style, they are sleepers because its a good bet they will be hot again in the future. I have been saying for a number of years I thought classic commemoratives were sleepers. These were red hot in the 80's.

 

I've committed to US Philippine coinage as a 'sleeper' investment. I think as more people become aware of it, there is a large potential for the value to climb.

The mid-grades in particular seem to have potential, as many trade at no greater premium than low grades... for now.

 

I think the Sacagawea / Native American dollar coins will be a sleeper series. Perhaps not in my lifetime, but will be someday especially those that are uncirculated and retained their original color.

 

I agree, the classic commems were the first thing that popped in my mind the moment I saw this thread. I would also throw in barber coinage, ike dollars, the 1955 Roosevelt PDS dimes, and classic head half cents and large cents in the mix.

 

My 2cents

Both Roosevelt 1946-64 MS&Proof
& 1964-70-D Silver Kennedy's are one's in my opinion

 

While I agree they were dogs for decades, I thought they were popular in the 80's, so much so most dealers could not keep them in stock, before the whole 65 boom. When that market took off like a rocket it swept away most everything else, then crashed just as spectacularly.

Classic commemoratives and maybe colonial/early US copper are about the only things interesting enough to ever get me back into US coinage. I just think its an interesting series with varied, wonderful artwork. Especially 1920's examples, some of the finest masterpieces our mint has ever produced.

 

My favorite sleeper, especially with a 427 and a 4-speed.

 

Haha, now that's what I was thinking when the OP said sleeper.This is one of my favorite sleepers.

 

Sweet ride, GreatWalrus!

My own personal definition of a "sleeper" coin, since it seems to be debatable here, is when a coin seems very cheap for reasons no one with a numismatic background can explain why.

 

:hail:

 

Doug that was awesome. Your reply reminded me of a scene of a favorite movie growing up.


[video=youtube;2dgmgub8mHw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dgmgub8mHw&feature=related[/video]

 

My definition of what a sleeper is must have been slightly off. I was thinking popularity. Which one is not being sold/traded as often? I guess in a sense you guys are correct because this would/could lead to price fluctuation. I suppose if you studied price guides the sleepers would be the ones that changed the least or decreased, because the demand was down? I do not see Bust Quarters, Ike Dollars, and Rossies... (Heck we all know them pretty much). Changing hands that often. I believe if coins could talk you might hear something along these lines (Ike Dollar) “He Walker where have you been? (Walking Half) “LA, Florida, Iowa, Canada... You?" (IKE Dollar) "Timmy’s Basement."

Love the cars by the way. I'm into classic bugs (original everything).

 

nice ms gem clad Ikes
2005-2010 non-satin dimes and nickels rolls or certified ms67+
+++2011 Silver Eagle set+++
2011 US Army commem halfs (unc not proof)
maybe those proof rolls on ebay that go for 2x or 3x face value
any good looking coins that go for generic prices

 

To me, a sleeper is a coin that few if any appreciate right now but that will gain in popularity over time. I think the Ike series is underappreciated. TC