I need some suggestions for a new US series to start collecting

Hi all,
some know I collect mostly Ireland, Iceland and recently started on Norway. I know a whole lot more about world coins than US. Anyway, I want to start a new US series as well. I'm thinking either Mercs, Franklin halfs, or quarters. Cash is a little tight right now so I'm trying to go with something more afforable than morgans at this point. I have a few of everything but no completed series. Any suggestions, or pointers would be greatly appreciated!

 

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go for Mercs or franklins.

 

My suggestion would be Franklins. Are you collecting these (potential series) raw or holdered Mark?

 

Hello merlin,
There are many US series to pick from. However one that is affordable, but also provides much satisfaction and enjoyment would by Mercury Dimes. Many circulated examples can be picked up for below ten dollars, and are very easy to come by. A nice set of Mercs is very rewarding!

 

I'm partial to raw, but don't have any issues with slabs either. I know Franklins are a "short" series which I like that idea. BUT, what about key dates? Are there any crazy expensive keys? I know there are a couple Mercs that are just astronomically expensive.

Thanks for the reply Green

 

Arent there a couple of Key dates that are REALLY expensive?

Thanks Mike

 

I have become quite enamoured with the Franklin series.It is a series that is quite doable in high grades as there are no real stoppers if you don't insist on full bell-line, top-pop coins. About the most expensive non-variety coin would be the 1950 proof at about $400. Even better most have relatively low mintages (only a few have mintages over 20 million) but a lot of varieties. As such, it pretty easy to acquire a lot more than simply a date and mintmark set.

Have fun

 

I'm kind of partial to raw too when it comes to moderns. The series is quite affordable if you don't have to have the best of the best. I've been meaning (for years) to start a higher grade (< 65) set to compliment my circulated set compiled in my youth.

 

Yes there are, but only a fraction of the series. There are only three major keys which are the 1921, 1921-D,( Can be found anywhere from $40 to $100 in average condition) and of course the 1916-D which eludes many collectors do to its greater value. Also there are a few semi keys, but they do not command as noticeable of a price. Despite these few, the majority of the series is quite easy to come by. If this is the path you wish to head down, there are several very informative books that go along with the series. However no matter what you decide to collect, make sure to have fun!

 

Lincoln cents all the way.


Dusty

 

I would vote for Mercury Dimes. If you ever decide to acquire some junk silver, rolls of dimes seem to have more keepers than other denominations.

In the past year, I have accumulated 57 different dates of Mercury Dimes from searching bulk silver before I roll them back up and put them away. Best coins so far, 1917 VF and 1931 VG.

 

A date set of Mercury Dimes would be a good choice, though if you want to have a full set, then go with the Franklin's.

 

I just went thru what I currently have, 18 mercs and 6 franklins. Not that that means much LOL. The Mercs are all over the place grade wise, the Franklins are all Unc. I also did a quick search on ebay and yes both are fairly inexpensive. I have read here on CT that some people think Franklins are a "sleeper" collection. Any thoughts on that?
I really appreciate everybodys input!, THANKS!!!!!

 

I think I'm gonna give Franklins a go,
Thanks Again for the input!

 

Franklin halves!!!

 

I like Ike(s)

 

I know I come late to this discussion as you already made your decision, but having compiled a set of Mercuries and Franklins, I would say I'm most proud of my Mercury dime collection. I found that collecting them in a circulated condition with a specific range was challenging and affordable. Franklins are really nice in uncirculated, as well as affordable, but I found I got hung up on the "I can buy a better one" hype regarding bell lines and grade making me linger on the series more than I had anticipated. So in short, I would say go for Mercs and if that pesky '16 D is a downfall regarding price, just skip it.

 

Skip the bell lines and be hanged with the higher grade........don't drink the Kool aid.......have fun indeed.

 

Why don't you work on a type set? In this way you will learn about many US coins and can learn about different eras, metals and artistic representations. It will also allow you to buy coins that simply look cool in your eyes instead of being hemmed in by a date and mintmark assembly line.

 

A complete BU set of Franklin halves can be assembled fairly easily, but its also very enjoyable as well. Quality examples of dates & mints can also be found at prices that will not destroy the kids college plans! It's a fun series to collect & is a smart investment set to create as well. Down the road I believe a complete set of BU could be worth so much more than what it takes to assemble in today markets.

But coin collecting is different for every collector. Each person collects what appeals to them. Personally, I really enjoyed assembling my Franklin set. Still working on completing the proof set though. That darn 1950 proof slot remains empty for me & it's the only one missing. Keep buying scratch off lottery tickets to cov the costs for the 1950 proof, but no luck quite yet!