I have purchased 3 of the 20th Century Type Set Albums (not the folders) and my question is what grade coin should I try and go with? I bought these to eventually give my three grandsons and just to have fun filling. I realize they don't contain the rare high value coins the 70/70 set does but I'm not that kind of collector. I had considered using proofs for some and SMS for some and possibly even XF AU for others. I guess what I'm asking is do people normally try for a consistent even look like the same grade and all business strike? Since it is a type set demonstrating coins of the 20th century used in circulation would proofs and SMS and other varieties just make it confusing to someone looking at the album? I know collect what you like, and believe me I do I have some of almost everything, but I haven't tried my hand at a set like this so I would appreciate the help.
I'm doing a 20th century type set of business strike coins in mint state, but only because that's what I like. Generally, people do seem to be happiest with a matched-looking set, or a set with a theme (for instance, all toned coins; or, all VF-XF coins; or all AU/MS coins). In the end, you and your grandsons are the ones who will be the ones who have to like these coins, so pick based on your preferences (and theirs, if they're old enough to have any).
You might get circulated coins to wow the kids with money that people actually used "way back" in the 20th century, and maybe a few Unc or Proofs to show off certain designs (Indian head cent, Walking Liberty, Wheatie, etc.) I like both kinds, myself--also first-year-of-type coins.
Suggestion: mix them all up. Get whatever coin in whatever state that you kinda like as you see them, then snatch 'em up. You should end up with 3 totally different albums with a mix of circs and incercs and proofs to show off all the different states of condition. Each kid will get his/her unique album. Having them compare them with eachother might get them more interested in coins.
If you want all AU-MS coins, the Barber quarter and half will cost you. I would have no problem with MS modern stuff and lower grade early 20th century as budget allowed, especially if tying up money for sets that you have no idea how they'll be appreciated, if at all.
Take a look at the Barber quarter, half, and standing Liberty quarter. Those are the expensive coins in the set. Determine the highest grade for these that you can comfortably be able to afford. That should be the minimum grade you should put in the set.
I think going for the highest grade affordable in business strike seems to the way I'm leaning. I really like nice circulated pieces prior to 1930 as I do like to imagine who or is it whom might have had the coin in their possession. I also feel (again JMHO) that early AU coins look better than most of the lower grade MS examples of the same coin more so even in the brown coppers, but even the early silver in 58 can show a better detailed strike with a little wear than a 61or 62 often does in pristine condition. I appreciate y'alls help this was kind of how I was leaning.
Since you plan this for kids, Extra Fine-Almost Uncirculated is a good choice. I have a Type Set I am building in a Dansco album, and I want to use it to interest my kids. I want better grades, so the full essence of the coin was present, but did not want some extremely high value, untouchable bunch of coins either. At XF-AU, they are able to handle them, enjoy them, carefully! To get a sense of them, as they would have back then, without destroying the value. Not to mention, collecting these older obsolete types can be breathtakingly expensive in uncirculated grades. Given that a Type Set contains many coins, you can always put in a few very high grade or proof ones without breaking the bank.
If you're shooting for a full album on a budget, get what you can afford. After they are all filled, if the time and money is there, upgrade where you can and want.
I did one in a Capitol Plastic holder, they range from AU53 to MS67. The modern ones are the higher grade. I put the set in a frame and hung it on a wall. By the way several were cracked out of slabs.
Try here and I bought the frame from MICHAELS the craft store. http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/product/capital-holder-20th-century-type-coins-8x14.html
