Best U.S. Coin Type for Beauty & Investment Potential

Hello Group,
I know there are many collectors who collect only what they really like without consideration of their collection's investment potential. But for those of us who enjoy our 'cake and eating it too', i.e. coins both beautifully designed with potential for increased value, I was considering spending $1-2K on an addition to my U.S. collection.
I like the looks of late 19th century seated liberty silver proofs but feel that the collecting base might prove a wee bit niche investment wise. If anyone has a suggestion that fits my collecting paradigm, please feel free to comment.
All the Best,
J.T.

 

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I collected very average coins most of my life. It's only been the last 6-8 years that I was able to enjoy finer examples.... In that short time what I have noticed is the coins with the better labels are steadily increasing in value. My twenty dollar hole fillers are still twenty dollar coins.... But the pieces I have laid out some cash for that have a good straight grade have steadily trended up.... I would look for an MS62 or better coin that appealed to me and had some eye appeal. And that flies entirely in the face of my collecting credo.

 

For that amount of money, I'd consider a certified proof walker. Hard to beat for beauty. Series is popular. Even though the mintages are low, many were saved. Can get as high as PR67 within your budget.

Cal

 

I have always considered the Walking Liberty Half as the most beautiful ever produced by the US Mint.

 

Thanks Inspector, Randy,& Cal,
I agree with the Walker suggestion, design wise, as it truly is one of the U.S.'s most attractive coins. (I've completed the extended short-set in PCGS white MS-65, 1938-'47.) I am concerned however with their large number now listed for sale on eBay..... Although a MS 66-67might prove a wise investment.
J.T.

 

If you go for a proof walker, go for PF67 unless you’re going for the 1936, which is much pricier than the other dates. Look carefully at toning; some is ugly. Could also consider an Indian half eagle in NGC/PCGS mint state. Some of the branch mint coins and the 1929 will be too pricey. But there are a lot of possibilities otherwise.

Cal

 

Who knows what the future holds for coins or anything else, but those FBL early Franklins seem to have appreciated well. I don't collect them, but it appears to me have gptten very popular over the last year or so.

 

I don't collect them (yet) but if funds weren't an issue I'd opt for the Standing Liberty Quarters in AU and higher grades. Don't get me wrong. I really like Walker halves and Morgans. But for sheer beauty in design of both obverse and reverse I don't think you can beat the Walking Liberty Quarters. And the design didn't carry over to any other denomination, so its kinda unique too.

 

If investing is the goal why buy the popular series? The price is high and may or may not stay there. Look at something like half cents where there are some indications they may move higher in the future.

I’d still just skip the investment angle though and collect what I truly enjoy. It’s a hobby. I have seen a wise saying here and other coin sites, “the easiest way to have a million dollars in coins is to start with 10 million.”

 

The new 2023 American Liberty Proof metal is one of my new favorites and short $$

 

With proper patience and due diligence, for the funds indicated you could acquire a lot of several MS70 and virtually perfect "proof" top TPG certified Gold coins, amounting to more than a half-ounce of U.S. Gold coinage.

These coins have a large international buyer clientele.

I've done this for years, with great results, after acquiring high premium Silver "specialty" coinage with a limited clientele.

JMHO

 

One thing I learned early on is that common date coins in the circulated grades have a limited potential for price appreciation. I collected a set of Indian Cents in Fine to low end Unc. in high school. I lost two thirds of what I paid on that set. One of the problems was that the market for Indian Cents had dropped when I sold it, but most of the problem was that it didn’t matter if the common dates were in VF or Good, the dealers viewed them the same. They were all “stuff.”

 

Definitely one of my favorite coins, and I have none in our collection.

 

I forgot about an article I read rcently. The lady that wrote said certified mint state buffalo nickels are definitely the most undervalued coin we have these days. I have no idea if she is correct or not.

 

Okay, I'm a bit biased on this, but this is the one I would go with. It's on my wish list, and I know one day I'll procure one. Get yourself a proof buffalo nickel.

 

Here are the three choices.

Brilliant Proof



Matte Proof



1936 Satin Finish Proof. I actually like this one the best. I think that it shows off the design better than the others.

 

I was hoping you'd come through with your wonderful examples!

I agree that the satin finish proof seems to make the design "pop" more than the others. That is the type I plan on going after when I get serious about it.

 

Hello Millard,
I too am a huge fan of the SLQ quarters and am lucky to already own these:
1916 STANDING LIBERTY QUARTER (SLQ) PCGS MS-63FH
1917 SLQ T-1 PCGS MS-66 FH
1917-S SLQ T- I NGC MS-65 FH
1917 SLQ T-2 PCGS MS-65 FH
1921 SLQ NCG AU-55
They have appreciated well enough, as well my expanded short set of MS-65 Walkers. However I was hoping to possibly add another type to my small but happy coin family.
Thanks for chiming in,
J.T.

 

The good news is, as of now, is that collectors don't like the 1936 Satin finish variety which makes it cheaper by several hundred dollars. It's actually supposed to be a little scarcer than the brilliant one.

 

Shh! Lol! Id take this puppy over ST.G