A friend new to collecting asked my opinion for the best coin to add to his collection for $300. My first instinct was to go with a nice Morgan but thought of other coins too, so I'm throwing this question out to you all. His goal is to truly enjoy the coin, not necessarily to make money on it.
For that price range.... I would pick up a MS61-62 graded $2 1/2 Indian, or possibly a larger graded silver ancient in XF to AU.
Maybe branch out across the world. You can get some nice Australia proofs for $300. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Australia-1...444121?hash=item2105283dd9:g:MzQAAOSweW5Vfj7O http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUSTRALIA-H...644023?hash=item488583aaf7:g:ht8AAOSw0vBUgj2h http://www.ebay.com/itm/Australia-1...408647?hash=item2ca4151f07:g:v3oAAOSw5ZBWOdHZ
Personally, for that amount of money, I think there is much more value out there to be had than simply going with a nice Morgan, but it's not my money. This thread could be 30 pages of suggestions, and while some may be helpful, none would matter as your friend's preferences is all that does. Perhaps it would be better to post some of his likes and dislikes; at least this would narrow down the options some.
Opinions are like bare bottoms.......everyone's got one. May I suggest exploring classic commemorative coins?
Maybe one similar to this one? A quick "bay" search found this for $265. Over 2000 years old, big silver, famous guy.
A Morgan is the LAST coin I would buy or suggest. I'm not sure on the prices of these coins, but I'd guess they are around $300. Proof Mercury dime, MS standing Liberty quarter or AU if MS is more than 300, a high grade walker with nice color, seated half, or capped bust quarter
This is a good question. I also wonder if your friend has general preferences i.e. U.S. types, foreign, ancient etc. With out knowing that, we can only guess. Regardless, I like that ancient Tetradrachm suggestion. It's old, silver, and somewhat a large size coin.
Show your friend some of your coins or take him to a coin shop to look at some of theirs. Guide them but try not to lead them I say.
Agree 110% or more. At one time I asked myself "why did I buy this?" Answer: "Self," I said, it's because I liked it."