Hello all, I'm in the process of assembling a rainbow toned 20th century type set. Before I start spending lots of money on coins, I'd like to learn as much as possible. I have David Lange's "Assembling the Ideal 20th Century Type Set" as well as David Bowers' book on type coins. Are there any other books you fine folks would recommend? Additionally, if you have worked on a similar set yourself, are there any nuggets of advice you may like to add? I welcome any and all commentary. thanks so much for reading, Ryan PS http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=12169 is what I have put together so far. Also posted @ the ngc forums
I know several people have attempted this set, and I am sure they will chime in. I am interested to see your progress. Are you going the slabbed, or raw route?
Thanks for your response, bhaugh. I am definitely going the slabbed route. As far as my progress is concerned, I've purchased four coins that I felt were eye appealing enough to be included. Unfortunately, from what I read those were the easy ones. thanks again, Ryan
I'll venture some advice on the series with which I'm most familiar... A basic type set of Kennedy Half Dollars would include 4 coins: A 1964 90% silver issue, an issue from 1965-1970 in 40% silver clad, a ni-cu clad issue with the Presidential Seal reverse, and a bicentennial issue from 1976 with the Independence Hall reverse. Here's some specific advice on each... 1964 - this is the only year the coin was minted in 90% silver for circulation. It didn't circulate much though, as it was widely hoarded - not only for its silver content, but for nostalgic reasons. You'll find EVERY kind of toning on these coins: the good, the bad, and the ugly. A lot of non-collectors hoarded them, so my conjecture is that they wound up being stored in every imaginable situation. Attractive, rainbow-toned pieces aren't scarce by any means, but they will command a premium, since there are so many ugly ones. Look for this kind of color and pattern (from my collection, pardon the scratches on the holder)... This toning pattern was frequently the result of holdering in these popular year sets... One important caveat with this issue is that coin doctors prefer it to any other Kennedy Half Dollar, so be very wary of AT. I'll post more on the other issues shortly.
Quite a nice start. Keep doing what you're doing. As for books, I would focus on learning more about each of the types you're collecting. One of the mistakes I made when starting to put together my type set was not learning enough the nuances of each of the types, particularly the earlier ones.
1965-1970, 1976 BU, PR From 1965 to 1970, the Kennedy Half Dollars were minted of clad silver. The same composition was used in 1976 for the BU and PR collector coins. The outer clad layer of these issues is only 80% silver, so they tone very differently. I've seen a handful of rainbow toners, but more common is this kind of copper-mottled toning, for lack of a better term. Perhaps the higher copper content makes them turn this color, and it can be quite beautiful... These are two different coins - a 67 and a 69. Finding rainbow hued issues from these years might be more of a challenge. This is the more characteristic pattern.
I've specialized in type coins for a bazillion years and have also been a big fan of naturally toned coins during that period, too. Here are some pointers- * The coinage of 1947-1958, exclusive of 1950, will be the most rich vein for business strike issues with great color. The US Mint produced double US Mint Sets during those years and the paper and cardboard packaging resulted in many coins with outstanding color while of course the majority are neurtral or negatively toned. * Clad coinage will generally not tone in the same patterns or colors as silver coinage and many of the nicest clad coins, in terms of color, will take on pastel tones of violet or orange from storage in Dansco type holders. * Don't ignore proof pieces! Coins like proof Barber dimes and quarters might not cost all that much more than business strike pieces, yet can have intense colors. * Be patient. The best coins rarely fall out of a tree all at one time in a basket at your feet. * Be selective. Somewhat similar to the above, but keep in mind that there are literally tens of thousands of coins from the double Mint Set era to inspect. * Good luck and have fun.
1971 - current This is to echo what Tom just said about toning on ni-cu clad issues. It does not look like toning on silver at all. The colors are all there, but they are done in pastel, and there's a dark sheen to the coin, even if it has full mint luster. It's a bit like looking at a silver toner through dark sunglasses. If you come across a ni-cu clad issue with bright colors, be wary of AT, even if it's in a slab. The most common hues on one of these Half Dollars are copper and iridescent blue. Finally, you've got a nice start there at NGC. Looking forward to seeing more. :thumb:
This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks a lot! @johnanthony: What an excellent write up on kennedy halves! Thanks for the encouragement as well.
I am a type collector and want to echo TomB's comment about being patient. Building a type set is a journey best made by exploring different possibilities (viewing lots of coins and getting experience along the way). I will wager that what you like at the beginning of your journey will change later on since you'll have acquired a better eye with more perspective. Thus, you will likely sell earlier purchases to be replaced by better examples. This will probably still happen even if you are extremely careful. It's okay to upgrade yet try and minimize the tuition cost. Also inherent in TomB's "patience" advice is that these coins will usually take time to find. I prefer to let the coin find me and not restrict myself to saying I'm only looking for X type so I can be flexible when I might unexpectedly see a Y type that is a knockout that I feel I must own. That is one of the joys of type collecting to open oneself up to possibilities versus collecting the same coin over and over.
Good luck with your project Emel! I have been working on a type set (dansco 7070 version) of toners for 3 years now. I would love to see what you come up with. -greg
Here ya go John. I can somewhat agree to this, but it completely depends on the cause of the toning, and even the type. I don't want to hijack the thread with image spam, but I will show some examples of natural clad toners. I will agree, 9 out of 10 clad "toners" will be artificial though. Finding the really modern coins like Sacajawea's is where it gets a little tricky. I was able to find a roll with end toners.
I put together a 20th Century Type Set a while back and had tons of fun doing it. NGC and PCGS graded. On the Kennedys, I added the Accented Hair example to the collection. I found out that any coin with the name Barber attached to it was a little spendy for sure. My set isn't toned. I kinda think the toned Barbers and Peace dollar are going to be tough to find. But I guess alot of that depends on your budget. Anyway, sounds like a great project. Good luck with it and don't forget to send us pics.
Welcome to CT. Not many folks will see your post because this thread is really old. I'm sure many would like to see your coin. Start a new thread. I'm sure many will join in.
I have a complete type set from 1792 to present. (excluding the newly added Washington Crossing the Delaware coin which has just been issued.) People can collect whatever they like, but I do not share the "rainbow coin" obsession. Many of those coins are examples of “better coins through chemistry,” and the prices are often outrageous. Sadly, none of the coins posted here would qualify for the true “rainbow coin” The people who buy these pieces are looking for bright, neon colors all over the coin on both sides. That is naturally rare in nature. My ideal 20th century type set would be every coin in Proof that was issued to the general public as a Proof. The only “possible” piece that I am missing is the 1909-VDB cent. Many of those Proofs are owned by a market manipulator.
