Hey ct, So I've recently finished my war set of mercury dimes. Now I want to branch out, I've always collected Morgans, peace, and mercs, but now I want a new face to my collection. The only thing is I don't know where to go. I collect based on eye appeal and what is artistically pleasing to me as well as their historical story. Like wise I like larger coins and cents to help show detail and the artwork. The issue I have is when I go to the next dollar, say the trade or seated or to the next half dollar, Like the seated they get expensive. I've always been able to buy in au or up or around $100. Now I'm up against 200-300 for a low xf. I've just always had an issue with paying that for a coin who's details are "shot to ****". I'd much rather spend that much on an ms65 instead of Coin who can't even see or who's Details aren't crisp. So to the community at large, what are your experiences with other coins and varieties and why I should collect it? Thanks. And I apologize for my ranting
I just completed a set of proof Franklin halves, and the cost wasn't overwhelming. It took a while because I wanted cameo coins, but it wouldn't be hard to do a set of the regular proofs at all.
Kirk got to it before I could, but I agree that Franklins are a great series to collect, and there are many ways you can put a nice set together. However, do your research on pricing, as you will not find cameo gem + proofs, from 1950-1959, for double digit prices anywhere. If you do decide to collect the series, I recommend: And Rick Tomaska's:
Perhaps Standing Liberty Quarters or WLH's? If you are artistically pleased you could always do what I'm doing and work on a complete set of toned franklins.
Well, you did a war set of mercs, so maybe a set of war nickles would be nice. And of course it would have some silver, which is always a plus.
If even considering seated material in EF minimum, you had better rethink this $200-$300 estimate for anything other than the common stuff, especially if you want quality. I often meet people who have an interest in taking this route, yet have little understanding of how tough this series - other than type coins - really is. Unless you have a rather large coin budget, are willing to go low grade, and/or are willing to make this a long-term project, LS halves or dollars is not the way to go. If condition is more important than type, you might as well go with a relatively modern series.. maybe a Walker short set or Franklin set. Someone mentioned SLQs and although great coins, they are much easier to appreciate in MS grades since the design is rather unforgiving when circulated (most below Ch AU are unattractive IMO). Not to mention, if completing a set is a goal, its not going to happen with your stated price range.
Think of coins that you love and collect those...kinda be a type collector of the type coins you like....
Well, to go along with your "war" theme.... Why not try US minted Philippine coinage? There is tons of history behind them! If that isn't enough, they also have a really nice design! There are some real show stoppers but you can do short sets or just certain denominations. The 1/2 Centavo set is doable in your budget range. The entire set consists of 2 business strike coins (1903, 1904) and five proofs (1903-108). You could do a type set, 1/2 Centavo, 1 Centavo, 5 Centavo, 20 Centavo, 50 Centavo and 1 peso, or you could do manila mint set. Many people don't even know that the manila mint in the philippines was actually a branch mint of the United States!
One of the things I did, early on, is a type set. I wanted to get one of every denomination (and if possible series) of coins in the USA. This is do-able, and even on a budget for lots of the coins if you look a lot. History - out the wazoo. Interesting coins - what more could you ask for?
