Hi, i hope this is not a dumb questions but i'm just getting into coin collecting, i went to a local dealer and decided to start a WL and a Merc dime set. I have a few questions. 1st. Should i just concentrate on 1 set first or can i do both at the same time.? 2nd. If it is just 1 set which should i do first. if 1 set is hotter then the other shouldn't i do that first while i can still aford to? 3rd. Should the set be all of the same condition or is it ok to mix it up like some slabs some XF some G = AG. Sorry about all the questions. Thank you very much for any help.
Personally, I don't think there is any problem with working on them both at the same time. I've always got 3 or 4 collections going on at the same time because when I have a few bucks to spend I can ALWAYS find something to spend it on. As for continuity in grade, I prefer to buy the best coin I can afford for each one...not concerning myself with making sure they're all the same. Sure, I try to keep them close for eye appeal, but ultimately I'm making the set for me (and Joe)...not to please anyone else. If keeping them all in similar grades is important to YOU, then I would suggest familiarizing yourself with a greysheet and picking an average grade that will fall within your budget for each particular series that you're focusing on. You've picked some beauties to pursue...good luck and please keep us posted with pictures.
I can still buy alot of those in silver bags check with local dealers and see if you can get some in face silver.As for the key dates you will have to shop around.I would do both sets that way if you can't find one you might find the other at the same place.Have fun and good luck on your sets.
Myself, I get the dates, and then upgrade the condition. I feel much better about having a full binder with all the dates, albeit well circulated , and then explaining that if I want the 1916D in MS FSB, I'm going to have to sell my second born (my first born was committed to a coworker several years and many jobs ago).
I like sets that are mixed grades sometimes...other times I don't!!! I have many sets that I work on here and there...when I get one almost done I work on it more than the others. I would suggest that you buy the keys first... The dime set the keys are-- 1916-D (I would buy it slabbed...there are too many fakes) 1921-P 1921-D The keys to the Half set are-- 1916-D 1921-P 1921-D 1921-S 1938-D I think that is right...I might have missed one or two... Speedy
Another suggestion that is a mantra here, read, read, read ,read, read about the coins you want to collect. An inexpensive book or two will go a long ways in keeping you from making an expensive mistake (and it adds enjoyment to the hobby ). This way you can avoid buying coins that have been faked, cleaned, or are way over priced for what they are. Good luck in your sets!
Doh! Good point lawdogct...how did I forget to mention that? The Complete Guide to Walking Liberty Half Dollars by Bruce Fox is a great book, although out of print and hard to find. I was lucky enough to pick one up at my local dealers shop. I'm sure with a bit of searching you could scare one up and it would be well worth it, IMO. It covers everything from general mintage info to grading and varieties. Not sure on books about Mercs but I'm sure someone will come along and make a suggestion on that. Good luck!
WLs are my only U.S. coin collection. I'm missing 1916S, 1919 and 1919D, and 1921D for a complete set, but about half a dozen really need upgrading.
You've picked two beautiful and excellent coins to collect. I would suggest getting a coin price magazine or the gray sheet. Also, pickup the ANA grading guide (a great, great guide to bring at shows - and do not feel embarrassed carrying it with you at the show) or grading asistant 2.0 software, which has been helpful at home. Personally, I would focus on the mercs, but then again I like dimes. If you buy a 16-D, get it slabbed (see Ultimate Dime Search thread). Most of the mercs are affordable and fun to collect. For the Walking Liberty Halves, to wet your appetite for this coin, you may want to consider collecting the "Short Set," which are those from the 1940's up. By collecting the "Short Set," you can afford to collect halves in XF and above condition. IMHO, the difference in beauty for Walking Liberty Halves in XF and above is significant compared to those in less than XF condition. But that's just my opinion. Good luck, and most importantly read and have fun!!
Yes I agree with getting the 1916D slabbed. Oh and if you can afford it get a walking liberty half proof they are so beatiful and so expensive(1000$-3000$). I believe there is a book by whitman about mercury dimes or has them in it check whitmans website.
Thank you all very very much, and yes it's very hard to find ANY ref. books on WL, nothing on amazon, ebay or a google search they are all out of print. guess i'll go to the local book store and see if they can dig one up for me.
You just need to know the right places to look Use the following links, one or all of them will almost certainly find whatever book you want. Biblio.com BookFinder.com FetchBook Abe Books
Thanks for the links, tried all 3 no results all said out of print and could not find a copy. Is there another tittle for WL that i might try??
