Your Opinion - What Should I Do?

One of the problems I have as a coin collector is that I also have a little bit of OCD. I can't just focus my attention on one "type" of coin and become a quasi-expert in that, I have to have all of the denominations. So I am collecting every denomination of US coins from cents to dollars (minus Large Cents, 2 & 3 Cents - I'll get these at a later date) going back at least two generations. For example I have the following complete sets (Dansco Albums - Non-Proof):

Cents - Shield, Memorial, Wheat, and Indian Head
Nickels - Jefferson, Buffalo, and Liberty V
Dimes - Roosevelt and Mercury
Quarters - National Parks, States & Territories, Traditional Washington
Halves - Kennedy and Franklins
Dollars - Presidential, Sacajawea, Susan B. Anthony, Eisenhower

What I would like your opinion about is where I should start my next area of concentration -- Standing Liberty Quarters or Peace Dollars (I'll get both at some point)? What is your opinion and why? Also, if you don't mind, those of you with experience collecting either or both, which would be cheaper collecting? I am looking for coins to go in a Dansco Album, non-graded, and F/VF condition or better.

Thanks for any input.

Dan

 

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That quite a collection.but I'm a newbie.I kinda have the same problem.but good luck on your next find.

 

Sounds like you need some gold. Here is a short and easy set to put together:

 

Those really nice.I was wonder if I could share something with you.I traded 5 wheat penny's.for a 1963 ddo.ddr it over 22 cross fefenc,

 

Out of all honesty, I have been collecting for years and I still have not specialized =) As long as you are having fun and not getting ripped off, you are good =)

 

Peace dollars, of course!

 

Several questions remain. How much do you want to spend and what grades are you looking at. Peace dollar offer more coins to choose from. Standing Quarters are much tougher with full strikes etc.

 

I would try to put together a nice type set. Since you have such a varied collection it looks to me like your interests are all over the map. I've gone from one series to another over the years without specializing on one series. Having a fresh series to focus on keeps you active. Others are more than happy to concentrate one one series and it's many varieties.

 

I do collect world silver coins for stacking purposes, but I get what you mean. There are so many countries, varieties, and denominations, I'd never scratch the itch.

 

I've thought about Type Sets, but decided to go in series full out instead.

 

Good questions. I was all over the place at one point as well when I started. I liked anything 'shiny'. However I now only collect uncirculated coins and my range has narrowed because of my budget.

 

Classic Commemorative Halves!

Beautiful AND fascinating stories.

 

Please don't take this the wrong way, this is meant as just a suggestion and not a knock on your collection at all. It looks like you have completed all of what I would consider the easy sets. Hopefully though this process, you have learned how to spot cleaned coins, how to grade relatively well and have found a dealer or two that you know and trust. Now it's time to graduate into a little more challenging set. I've always been partial to coppers and the odd denominations, but you need to pick what you want to collect. Perhaps a nice short set of walking liberty half dollars? It's a beautiful coin, more than available in high grades at the later dates and can be completed rather easily. Might I suggest that you be very picky with what you get here; look for nice strikes, high luster, original surfaces and beyond anything else, a good deal in the coin. I would warn that once the short set is completed, you'll probably want to do the rest of the set. Some issues with this series are rather difficult if you go after high grade. The 16-s, 21-d, 21-s and 38-d are by far the most difficult, but they are attainable. It's a gorgeous and valuable set once completed; not to mention a lot of fun and a great way to learn a very popular series.

 

I'd probably go with Peace Dollars in xf-au, it may take a while to find ones that have not been cleaned or messed with, but that's part of the fun . With the SLQ's there are some real stoppers, like the 1916, 1918/7, less so the 1921, 23-s but still pricey. Empty holes in albums always bug me.

 

Thanks for the thoughts. I have been collecting for over 40 years, so yep, understand what is cleaned and not cleaned. I do not like toned coins (never understood the appeal) and avoid slabbed coins simply because of the space issue (although I don't turn them down if offered at a decent price). It's more of an OCD collecting issue with me. Most of the coins I have in my sets are AU/BU. The OCD has affected me with the Mint/Proof/Silver Proof/Souvenir Sets as well. Liberty Halves are on the list, just a matter of time.

 

It seems as though there are quite a few more SLQ with Key Dates then with the Peace. The empty holes bug me too. That is why I go after one series, bury it, and then move on. I have a couple of the Peace and the SLQ, just trying to figure out which one to focus on. My problem is I don't just go after the halves, or the nickels, I need them ALL.

 

Would love to get the gold set. Another issue I have is that I would rather have 60 ASE or Equivalent than a 1 ounce gold coin. And the only reason is because I would have more coins to hold. Not logical, I know, but that is the way my head works.

 

I was kind of leaning this way. It just seems like the SLQ has more key-dates (premium coins) to go after.

 

It would depend on the grade that you would go after. If you want an uncirculated set, the peace dollar has some condition rarities that can be tough. But if you want a nice XF/AU set, the dollars would be much easier than the SLQ set.