I was trying out a new photo rig and thought I'd share. I still have a Benji out for re-holdering, but here is the half-dollar typeset I have been working on. I doubt I will add to it unless I find a really sweet deal on a Draped Bust. I really like this one. NGC graded it XF 40. This coin is graded Shipwreck Effect and is from the S.S. Republic. This is my favorite in the set. It doesn't photograph well, but this AU 58 still has luster underneath the toning. This is an MS 65. This is graded MS65. I don't love it. I'll probably upgrade it at some point.
My experience has been that the very modern (1960 and later) coins graded MS-65 are disappointing. I knew a dealer who was selling MS-65 graded state quarters in 1999. He sold a couple to quarters at stupid prices like $40 apiece. I looked at them. They looked like the coins in my pocket. A couple of shows later, those buyers were after him with “pitchforks and torches.”
Here's the one it took me 50 years to get. The 1796-7 Draped Bust, Small Eagle half dollar is the "holy grail" of type coins. I wish it were a VF, but sometimes, you grab what you can afford and what is available. This is graded Fine-15. I was searching for this "look" for a long time for the Flowing Hair type. This type is not that scarce, but really nice examples are. This is graded AU-58. Here is the one that one has replaceded. Unfortunately I bought this circa 2012 when prices were higher, and I'm "buried" in it. I'll wait a bit longer to see if it comes back. It's and EF-45.
@croesus_amok . Many people consider it annoying but I both enjoy and feel compelled to add all the varieties. Do you have any plans to flesh out your set? Large head Bust 1808/1809 Reeded edge 1837 "50 cents" Reeded edge 1838 "Half Dol." With Motto Seated Arrows & Rays Just Arrows? Various mintmarks? You get the drift. James
I have been a very dedicated type coin collector. I have all of the type coins listed in the NGC registry, but I have to say that I was getting “coin fatigue” with the 1873-4 with arrows type coins. I have acquired them to fill the holes, but they are not my favorites.
@samclemens3991 That's an excellent question! Honestly, I don't know. I have been on this 'coin journey' for a few years. I have completed this type set, I have Lincoln cents back to 1909 (except for the 1909 S), and I have all U.S. coins post-1964 and a good amount of pre-1965 silver. I have taken the NDP from the ANA which has focused solely on U.S. coins. I can't deny that I'm hearing the siren call of some other currencies. I have already started collecting UK farthings. So for now I am still trying to figure what I want to collect.
