I have a birthday coming up at the end of the month, and I want to tell my wife to get me a slabbed coin. My wish is for a proof walker. But I don't think she will go that much, so, I am wondering what UScoin you people would wish for if you had a chance, for less than $ 400.00. Dave
If you have a LCS go pick out several coins you like, have the dealer hold them for your wife. She can pick one and the dealer puts the rest out for sale. I did this for years and it really works but you need a good relationship with the dealer.
Should be able to get a 1941 or 1942 proof walker in PR63-64 for around $400. Stretch to about $500, and you can get a PR65. Fulfill your wish! Cal
For the under $400 a nice early star’s obverse half dime or dime. In au. Or better or a good original xf bust half. Or the bullion route. A nice 2 1/2 liberty gold
I would go with your wife when she goes to buy the piece. Not all certified Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollars are created equal. Some pieces that have high grades and even CAC stickers are dull because they have large amount of haze on them from the celluloid sleeves the mint used to house them when they were sold Many collectors kept those coins in those holders back then. A little haze with the Proof mirrors shining though is okay, but if it's really heavy it's a pass for me. I don't mind if a piece has been dipped if it came out looking nice. From what I have seen, neither does CAC This 1938 Proof half is graded PR-64, CAC. It has no hairlines, but is slightly dull, which accounts for the grade. This 1941 Proof is a PCGS PR-66, CAC. It was dipped, but it came out nice. This 1942 is NGC graded PR-67. In my opinion this about as nice as it gets. My pictures don't do it justice. I have been working on the 1936 to '42 Proof sets for past couple of years. I have all of the nickels and half dollars, but I'm still lacking some cents, dimes and quarters. Some of these coins are a marginal given the slabbing fees, which makes them harder to find certified.
The OP wants a proof walker with a budget of $400. The two PR63’s shown below went for $360 and $384 in auctions in the last 2 months. The PR64 went for $408. So, it’s doable. Cal
An 1805-07 Draped Bust Half Dollar can be obtained for under $400 in VG, in fact you might even be able to manage a Fine-12. That is what I would personally go with.