19th Century Set

Well, I have completed my Lincoln cent collection (except for the 1909-S VDB, which I'm saving for a little bit at a time) and decided I needed a new, multi-year project. So I'm thinking about taking up a 19th century set in an 8x10 Capital holder. It would complement my completed 20th Century set, also in a white Capital holder, and bring my coin collection a full range of all the major non-gold U.S. types.

I also plan to have at least one coin from every decade in the 19th century and every non-gold mintmark in this new set.

Any ideas on where I should start? Maybe hit the Seated dollar, Trade dollar, and twenty cent piece now before prices go up? Or take take the same money and fill in most of the minor pieces?

Thank you for any thoughts, comments, or ideas

 

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My suggestion to you is to figure out what the most expensive coin that you are going to eventually going to put in your set, re-evaluate if that truly is the direction that you intend to go, and look for one of the higher priced coins for it to start off. The higher stuff is only going to be more expensive and harder to find later. The minor stuff can be found at almost any time.

 

A lot of your strategy will depend upon the grade range that you are looking to obtain. In general the Classic Head large cent will be the toughest coin to obtain in the set in original condition followed by the Seated dollars. I doubt the Capital set has a slot for the Gobrecht dollar, but if it does then you just added quite a bit of money to your expense.

 

Thanks for your suggestions! I appreciate your feedback. The Capital set is pretty basic, and it does not specifically require any of the Draped Bust coins (including the dollar). Still, it covers a lot of territory and all the major types designed in the 19th century.

With a grade range of problem-free G/VG to XF, I don't expect too many hurdles. My biggest challenge will be finding solid, undamaged/uncleaned coppers and putting forth $250-$300 for the Seated dollar. If I can buy certified, then all the better. Even though nothing here is extremely expensive (due to my budget), these Chinese fakes have me nervous, and I know they proliferate among some of the types I need for this set.

 

I"m with MikeNoodle. That's a good idea for you.

 

Yeah, start with the absolute hardest stuff to come across and find in good shape, then work your way down.

 

Thank you so much for your insight!

 

BTW, since no one else has said anything about it yet, congrats on your almost completion of your Lincoln set. I true dream to oneday be in your situation and looking to move one to another after completion

 

I agree with the others. You have 2 expensive coins to purchase starting with 09-s vdb then your top coin in your new project. I would look at a 1000 coins before I decided...

 

Financeman,

Thank you for the supportive compliment. You'll be in the same spot someday. Just take the series one piece at a time, set aside a dedicated amount (whatever it may be you can afford) per week or month and and before you know it you'll have nearly every hole in the album filled! Good luck!

 

Definitely, Abe. It looks like finding a decent Seated dollar without any problems is going to be my biggest expense and challenge, so I'm certainly going to set my sights on that after I can the 09-S VDB for the Lincoln collection.