Hey everybody: What are some good collecting areas/methods/strategies that tend to flow along the "less expensive" side of the hobby? My main interests lie in early US issues (large cents, early quarters, etc). I also like "old" US gold..and am putting together a "cheap as I can" set of many of the gold types. Any ideas? I've been thinking about maybe trying to collect various types of US coins from the early days (pre 1850 say).. thanks, Ken
A good way to get higher-grade coins is to concentrate on holed coins. they will sell at a high discount but in better condition will still have allot of detail. Coins were holed for many reasons; one that I think is quite interesting is that they used to sew them inside the lining of a coat as emergency money. I would believe a coin like that would have a hole in a more random location instead of directly above the obverse relief or reverse relief. Also stick to more common types with higher mintages. I also collect with a theme, i don't look at my coin collection as one collection i consider it many different smaller themed collections. The hobby is more fun with a focus on what you want. This will drive the thrill of the hunt.
You are asking for an answer to an impossible question: 'less expensive "old" US gold..and am putting together a "cheap as I can" set of many of the gold types." That is one great oxymoron. Seriously, collect Barber coins. edit: and welcome.
As cheap as possible? Get them holed and damaged but the only problem is when you are trying to sell them - then you will regret that you wished you bought them at a better grade.
The point of a collection does not have to be the investment value. It can be for enjoyment. Or to maybe explain a segment of history with coins. Their value will appreciate a little. But it would make an interesting collection. It would be more interesting than looking at a roll of buffalo nickels. If you are looking for an investment then no, but then he would not be looking for the cheapest thing possible from the mid to early 19th century. If you were looking for an investment you would be looking for a low mintage high grade coin that you could turn in a few years for a profit. As long as you understand what you are purchasing, and it's potential as a collectible, there is no wrong way to collect.
Good points. I've collected ancient roman coins for a few years. The historical aspects and pure enjoyment were the main reasons...not so much having the nicest example and certainly not for investment. And in buying I knew it probably wouldn't be easy to liquidate (although I'd like to get something out of my collection one day..but I'm not expecting a "good return"...if I'm looking on a good return for my money I'd be in other investment vehicles). One recent US coin example for me..I purchased a very nice AU50 Half Eagle Classic Head...I love the coin. The reason I was able to buy it was because it has file marks on the rim. For me it doesn't distract from the enjoyment I get out of the coin...and it provides some historical talking points when I show my collection (similar to the "holes" mentioned above). I'm sure my initial question was confusing..and I'm sorry..I knew I should have left "gold" out of it...my Mr. Hyde side put that in. I meant my question to be more along the lines of...what is a collecting area in US coinage that is fairly cheap to collect? Quarters minus the 1796 year? Half Dollars? Indian Cents? regards, Ken
I don't think that a particular coin set could be completed from that era without a key date or mint missing. you may be able to get a fairly nice typeset as long as you stuck with high mintage years. A coin's face value or it's intrinsic value(silver only, gold is a different issue) will not play much of a role when selecting a series from this era so i would have to say any that you mentioned would be ok. as long as you stick with high mintages and lower grades.
