Notice poll question asks "serious" (as opposed to casual) collectors. I would imagine wheat cents has more overall (serious and casual) since they are still found in circulation, but which has more collectors that actually buy coins for a premium?
I think both are heavily collected an extremely popular. I'm not really sure how to define a "serious collector" or how to quantify it. But, both are very popular among new and experienced collectors.
I voted wheat cents. As Camaro stated, they're both popular in numismatic circles. But, as you said in your original post, wheats can still be had in circulation, often they are what introduced the once 'casual' collector to the hobby. Over time they become 'serious' collectors and never get over their original numismatic love affair, and therefore continue plugging and upgrading holes in their LWC set as the years go by.
I' would have said LWC's as well. It's the series that got me started in 1970ish. I still have all my Whitman folders from then and continue to fill and upgrade an 8100 Dansco along with what is now 8 Dansco 7106 albums (1935 up) and 2 Library of coins vol 2 albums. About twelve years ago I started working on an MS66 graded short set as well and I don't even consider myself serious.... I think there may be more serious collectors in the IHC series.
For years I thought that beginning an IHC collection would be too daunting, and unsatisfying. I finally finished mine about two years ago, missing only the '09S and the 1877. My LHC collection began in the middle Fifties when I was a boy. I have several sets of Lincoln Wheats but none of them is complete. I'm thinking of starting another IHC collection, only this time with a larger per coin budget. I think of myself as an avid beginner of some sixty-plus years.
I started with wheat and Lincoln cents too. Then ihc. Then I discovered large cents and early us type. Been off and on working on a type set since I was 10. Problem is when I became a dealer about 4 years ago was about 65% complete primarily needing the rare stuff and the commonest stuff and I started selling a lot of it off. Still have a few key coins tho. I don’t have any real interest in ever collecting ihc or Lincoln cents again but would like a nice 55 double die as it’s a cool coin
Couldn't of said ot better. Newb's can't collect coins they dont even know exist. Everytime i drop a presidental dollar at a store. I surprise them
I have a 10s. And a 19s. Those are the only 2 Coins i have before the 30's. But thru roll Searching. I have about 10 indians. I change my vote. Must be the Wheaties
