... I'd like to begin collecting some silver. Right now I'm enjoying all types of small cents, but in 2011 I'd like to get a few books and branch out. I'm considering doing one of the following. 1. A dime type set, excluding draped busts for monetary reasons, and a year set (date/MM to come in the future) of mercs and roosies. No proofs. 2. A quarter type set excluding drapes busts, and full set of Washington quarters '32-present. No proofs. 3. A half type set, starting with capped busts, and either a full set of franklins or a year set (future date/MM) of walkers. No proofs. I'm wondering what does everything would be the best? Why? And what book do you consider to be the definitive book on collecting the set? I will obviously do my own research and decide what to do based on funds available and what I really enjoy, but I also value the opinions of the many experience collectors on CT. I look forward to everyones opinions!
Why not just get a 7070 (that way you can work on all the types)? Then you can work on the Franklins, Washingtons and others mentioned. That's what I did and am close to complete on those sets. 1932 Washington D & S and the only difficult coins in both sets.
I'm with usc on this one. A 7070 is a great way to get a nice type set going. But, if I had to choose from your choices I'd go with the dime type set. A complete dime type set wouldn't set you back much at all and it looks really great when completed. Guy~
I like option #2. The quarters are very reasonable in price and still ongoing with Washington on the obverse since 1932. TC
I'm with Guy on this one. Readily available in superior grades, and not gonna set you back a whole lot o' "jing".....
It is a Dansco album. It includes all types of coins. One hole for each kind of coin. On another note, I thought Dansco's and Littleton's are bad for your coins?
Thank you. When you say each type of coin, does that include the same years, but different mints? I'm a beginner, to say the least.
You don't have to be album bound in your collection. Try to buy the 10 best coins you see in 2011. Don't worry about what kind they are. They may all be Mercury dimes, bust halves, Morgans, etc. and any combinations thereof. Just 10 coins you couldn't live without due to their history or beauty. Albums tend to force collectors to buy specific coins, and may end up with an album of average or so coins. The 10 best coins you can afford will bring greater pleasure in the long run than just the satisfaction of completing a series. A contrarian's view
Good advice. Thank you. I haven't gotten into the slabbed coins, yet. Again, I'm on a beer budget. What would you think getting 10 of the best coins I see in 2011 would cost? Ballpark? I'm also assuming you are recommending slabbed?
I would advise setting a total budget for the year and parcel it out. #9 and #10 might be tough. And I should have added to the best 10 you see that are within your budget Maybe some will even be foreign or ancient. With a small budget, moderns 1934 to present often have nice buys in Buffalos, Mercuries. Jeffersons and Roosevelts, Slabs will add to the cost, and unless you are buying high cost coins, it won't matter much. However, look for some of the low price coins in slabs that are inexpensive because they graded MS-65 instead of MS-66, or such. Use a magnifier and check for cleaning lines of course. I did the albums for a very long time and really feel much better now that I am just looking for nice coins Jim
Jim makes some interesting points regarding collecting. Good solid advice too. If you continue hangin' around these parts long enough, you will find your collecting direction beginning to change. You 're no longer collecting in isolation on these boards. The varied collector community will have its' effect upon you.......
I'm so new to this, that I'm definitely thankful for all the great advice. Until now, I've basically bought for silver content. I'll have to talk to more coin dealers and see what's available for modest pricing. Thanks.
This maybe another option for you to complete a collection.....the cheapest thing to do is buy all mint set and open them up, it's cheaper than buying the coins at one time and you will complete Lincoln cents to half dollars at one time. (plus they will be in BU condition)
You may want to consider what grade you wish to collect. A 20th century type set in Extra Fine shows all of a coin's details, offers enough of a challenge for 2011, and your budget will go a lot further. Later you can work backwards to the 19th century.
You should buy coins that you like and want to have them in your collection. There is no sense in buying a coin just to fill in the hole if you do not feel you will enjoy the coin. Buy what you like and stay with in your budget and you should have an enjoyable hobbie for years to come. Good luck and good hunting
I'm in the same boat as you... recently rediscovered the hobby of collecting, was all about silver at first, but now find myself drawn to what was always my favorite type of coin, Morgan Dollars. I'm gonna do a date set of Morgans in PCGS MS63 with one of each mintmark, and at least one PL and DMPL. Maybe a Proof if I can get a great deal on one. I've set a budget of $60 per coin ($1680 total), on average, and think it should be challenging, but doable. My advice? Find a type you like, and do a date set in AU-MS. Set your budget, and have at it.
