Best Buys Under $50

Since I did not want to seem to hijack stldanceartist 's thread I started this one.
Comments?




Naturally, for the last few months, the coin market has been quiet, however, it traditionally slows down for the summer months, and then picks up once again in the Fall. Starting with one of my favorite series, Barber dimes, the two dates that seem to fit the bill are the 1895 S and the 1904 S. Both are lower mintage dates and are included in a popular series that is attracting more collectors every day. It was not too long ago, 2002 to be exact, that they listed for far less at $20 (for the 1895 S) and $25 for the 1904 S, both in a grade of good. Today they each list at $45 and there are many collectors who would be glad to pay that, if they could find the coins. If you find any of these dates that are properly graded, and without problems, you probably won’t go wrong.
There are many other dates that I also like, but they are more expensive. Skipping ahead to Barber quarters, there are a number of underappreciated dates that you may be able to find at a decent size coin show. The dates that I like are the 1892 S, 1896 O, 1897 S, 1901 O. Each is a date with a lower mintage and they seem to have appreciated some during the past four years. Each is still difficult to locate, especially without problems, in the current market. The only reason that the prices are not higher is possibly because dealers are having a hard time locating inventory. If there are not enough coins for sale the market tends to be quiet. In past years I could find several of each date at most coin shows. Today it seems that if you can find one of each date at a medium size show you are doing very well.
Staying with good condition, the 1892 S currently lists at $35, the 1896 O is $27, the 1897 S is $45 and the 1901 O is also $45. A quick look back to 2002 shows prices (respectively) of $14, $4, $13 and $18. Each date has appreciated quite well in only four years, however, they are getting more and more difficult to find. I will buy as many of each date that I can locate. Sadly, during the last twelve months I have only been able to find two each of the 1892 S and the 1896 O, and only one each of the 1897 S and 1901 O. These coins seem to be very undervalued at the current market prices.
Moving on to Standing Liberty quarters, there are two dates that seem to be very good values at current prices, the 1927 D, with a mintage of 976,000 and the 1927 S, with only 396,000 seem to be very worthwhile at $15 and $35 each. Staying with our budget, the 1927 S was priced at only $9 as recently as 2002. Collectors and hoarders have watched this date for years and nothing has ever happened with it, but suddenly it has started to move. Collectors of this series know that the dates before 1925 wore off very quickly, and then they were recessed to protect the date from wear. However, they still wore quickly. With a mintage under 400,000 pieces the 1927 S has to be a better date, and the Standing Liberty quarter collection is finally starting to be more appreciated, even in circulated condition. In March of 2005 I was able to acquire a piece in very good condition for $20. Today it lists for $45, not a bad 125% return in less than a year and a half. Looking back, I acquired my first piece, in good condition in 1997 for the massive sum of $2, yes that is the correct cost. Today, as you know, it is worth $35. Or 1,650% in nine years, that even beats the inflation that we had Jimmy Carter was President.
Moving up to half dollars, let’s stay in the Barber design. The first date that fits our dollar requirement is the 1896 O listing for $40 in good condition, then the 1901 S, which is $35, both are early dates in the series and are popular. Also consider the 1904 S, 1905 P and 1905 O, all of them in good condition. These last three dates all have mintages under 700,000 to as little as nearly 500,000. They seem to have been ignored for far too long and have increased a bit in value since 2002. Originally they (1904 S, 1905 P and 1905 O) retailed for $14, $9 and $10 (in 2002) and the dates are now trending for $22, $40 and $25 respectively. Sure, they have appreciated in the past four years, but they have two requirements that we look when considering dates: 1) low mintage; and 2) popular series, but not too popular.
The last two pieces that you may consider are the 1916 P and D Walking Liberty half dollars. They are part of an extremely popular set and, importantly, are the first year of issue for the series. Collectors commonly collect first year of issues when they decide to start a type set, that is, one coin of each design. The 1916 P has only 608,000 minted and the 1916 D just over one million. Neither was actively saved at the time, a half dollar was a lot of money then. In very good condition they each list for $50, just squeaking into our price restraint.
Finally, there is one more one more that you may consider, I just had to sneak one more in. This time, consider the Morgan dollar, a nice large coin and there are twenty five different dates and mint marks that fit our price requirement, and, this time, each of the dates is in uncirculated condition. In MS (Mint State) 63, which is a choice uncirculated coin, these dates are fairly available, and should be relatively easy to locate at most dealer’s tables. However, don’t jump on the first piece that you see. Look around and select the piece that appeals to you the most. Remember, buy in haste, repent at leisure. Look for pieces that are nice, few bag marks and, preferably graded by a third party grading service.
Until next time, good luck and good hunting.

 

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Just to be sure I get this, are you looking for coins that list for under $50 (now you have the problem of whose list price do you use) or are you looking for coins where you were lucky enough to pay less than $50 for?

 

As many of you know Treashunt and I tend to agree on these coins. We both have saved a lot of dates BEFORE we knew one another at all.

I'll never argue with him on ANY Barber that's for sure.

So I'll pop in a few more. Going to stick with more mainstream as there are tons of type coins with lower mintages at good prices. One does have to factor in popularity of the series though.

1931-D Lincoln Cent. As far as that goes (barring the 31-S) any Lincoln through the 33-D.
Lower mintages, still readily available in better grades.

1912-D Liberty nickel. Sure, an often times ignored coin, as the mintage is nearly 10 million but one of only two Liberty nickels bearing a mintmark. They have gained in the past few years but still very affordable in VF for under $50.

As for Standing Liberties I wholeheartedly agree with the 27 D and S. I put many 27-S aside and now look for the D. A few more of interest would be the 26D, 26S, 28D, 29D, 29S and 30S.
Not astoundingly low numbers but as Treashunt pointed out a series that is more acceptable circulated these days. An MS set costs a fortune.

I have also been paying attention to the 1937-S Washington quarter. When I get the chance to sift through junk silver Washingtons at work I always pull any that are G4 or better. They ALWAYS seem to sell fast. I've picked up a few myself.

If you can get VF or better start picking those up. I see very few in what we buy as junk.

Always keep your eyes on mintages and popularity of series. If you see a lower mintage, fairly popular coin with no problems consider it.
It takes time but I've done fairly well with it over the years.

 

Great thread! Good call on the 37-S. Never paid attention before but it appears to be the third lowest mintage, behind the 32S & Ds. Reasonably priced.

The 37 also has a double die variety to look out for that could be easily missed. Thanks for the heads up.

 

Thanks Frank!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[takes bow to Harry]

Clembo:
Naturally, I agree with you, I rarely disagree with your picks.
Nice choices.

In addition, I would add the 1934 DDO! Too cheap today for a very scarce piece. (how many have you seen lately?) About a month ago I had a shot (at a coin show) one dealer had 7 pieces, apparently he purchased a hoard of them.
Naturally, I grabbed the five without problems, two in G+ and three in G/AG+. They cost the massive amount of $20 each, so, how could I pass on them.

 

CC Half Dollars: The 'high' mintage years

1875-CC 1,008,000 minted VG- $50
1876-CC 1,956,000 minted VG- $50
1877-CC 1,420,000 minted VG- $50

(VF's for 100 or less.)

Either side of these dates, expect to pay several hundred dollars for the lower mintages.

They're on my list.

 

If I've learned anything from collecting coins over the years it is this...

People who buy coins because they are "deals" are generally doomed to underperformance and missed expectations.

People who buy coins because they "like them" generally get more satisfaction from coins.

All IMHO, of course.

Now on to the question... I like any matron head or classic head large cents in circulated grades with nice choice surfaces. Examples can still be found for $50 or less.

They are affordable, attractive, and large enough to appeal to anyone.

Then again, they appeal to me, so I'd say that each person should answer this question for themselves -- as what's good for me is likely to not be good for you.

Respectfully...Mike

 

p.s. I also think the quoted passage from the OP is fraught with mistaken/faulty logic and neglects buy-sell spreads in calculating appreciation. That said, I couldn't agree more with the following, which I found very well said:

"However, don’t jump on the first piece that you see. Look around and select the piece that appeals to you the most. Remember, buy in haste, repent at leisure. Look for pieces that are nice, few bag marks and, preferably graded by a third party grading service. "

That's great advice!

 

Not exactly A coin but.....

2000-S 10 piece silver proof set. I just bought one for $30.00. Issue price was 31.95. This set hasn't budged. 965,421 sets issued and how many have been broken up??

First year for the Sacagawea dollar and 2nd year for the state quarters, plus the first set of the new millenium.

The 99 and 01 sets, having only approximately 100k +/- fewer sets issued than the 2000 set, but they have skyrocketed in price.

30 bucks seems like a good deal for the 2000 set right now. If you're patient, you can pick it up for even less. I don't get it. I'm thinking about buying several more.

 

Vess, I have one word for you: "DEMAND" ...

...or rather lack thereof, and that isn't likely to change any time soon. High-mintage proof sets (i.e. not early or key) have languished since their inception, and that isn't likely to change.

That's not (at all) to say they aren't cool to collect, but I'd think twice before calling them a "good buy".

All IMHO & respectfully submitted...Mike

 

Then why are the 99 and 01 sets going for several hundred dollars now? The number issued aren't that different.

I gave the reasons why I liked the 2000 set and why it looks like a good buy to me. No, the 2003 set or the 2007 sets probably are not likely to appreciate that much. I'll give you that.

I will never believe that 965,421 is a high mintage for a proof set which should be a 'key' year. And, there's no way of knowing how many get broken up over the years or how many dealers are hoarding them, or what gets lost, spent, or ruined.
There's over 300 million people in this country alone. This means that 3% or less, OF OUR OWN population could own one of these sets. Let alone the World population.

It will not take much demand to push these sets higher. I only listed the year 2000 set which to me IS a key year. I'm not saying to invest your retirement on them. I'm just saying that they are still available at issue price and could see a significant increase down the road. So I chose to get one now, and I needed the 2000-S quarters for my set.:smile

 

Good points Mike and certainly should be taken to heart by many. Luckily, for me, I just like older U.S. coins period so while I do look for "sleepers" I'm buying coins that I enjoy at the same time.
Of course I always figured I'd ending doing shows someday as well so I have also tried to have a varied inventory.
Semi keys and sleepers are nice to have when you can't afford a bunch of the keys.

clembo

 

Besides what I've stated, look at the bullion content of this set. About 1.75 oz. of silver total?

Silver goes back to 20.00 again, (where it probably should be right now), just the bullion value of the silver in the set would be worth 35.00.

 

any low mintage date barber dime in F or better is a best bet buy

 

Great thread Frank!!! Great info from everyone!

 

Comparing apples to oranges is a waste of time.

Those sets are smaller. Those are not silver sets. Those are changes of decades, not centuries. Most of the mintages are 2-3x the 2000.

You know, just forget it. Forget I said anything. Every idea I come up with is bad so I won't contribute anymore. Screw it.

 

what a question? i bet no one asked you that when you went through the great crossing to the promised land