I'm getting a little money in a couple of months, and I'm thinking about taaking the plunge on a standing Liberty quarter. The year and mintmark are irrelevant. I looked on ebay and the prices start at ~$200 for an MS62. Is there anywhere I could get one for less? Is the standing Liberty quarter a good investment? (I'm not looking to sell it, I'd just like to know that it's going to go up in value.)
You could spend a lot more, or a lot less, depending on what grade you want. Some of the dates in the late 20's should be available in 62 for less (more in the $150-$175 range). You could also try specialist dealers, or an auction house like Heritage or Great Collections. SLQs are very attractive, but they aren't considered "hot." Are you buying this coin because you like it, find it attractive, and want to collect it? Or are you buying it as an investment? If the former, I'll help as much as I can; if the latter, I can't help you (and would not advise an SLQ).
$200 seems to be in the neighborhood for an MS62. I'd check out past auction records to see if there's enough of an increase in prices. Attached are the prices realized for 1920 MS62 coins, and while there is an upward trend from 1998-2015, over the last five years they've remained pretty stagnant. This may be different for other dates, but do realize for the coin to be an investment you may have to sit of it for 10-15 years, which isn't a short period of time. http://www.pcgs.com/auctionprices/details.aspx?r=5734&v=&dv=1920&pf=ms&c=111&g=0
I just like knowing that I have something that is gaining in value in case I do have to sell it for some reason.
In that case, you should sell all your coins immediately so you don't lose any more to the cost of living. Chris
I want it because I find them aesthetically pleasing to look at. I want one that is guaranteed to be uncirculated because of the delicate intricacy of the design.
I am referring to having to sell the coins because of financial difficulties. I have no desire or need to sell them now.
That's even worse! When you are forced to sell because of financial difficulties, you're likely to lose even more. Chris
His point is that the coin market is fickle, very fickle. In other words prices do not just move upwards, on the contrary they quite often go downwards.
Finding well made standing lib. quarters in MS condition is difficult, especially for less than $200.
Go for an attractive AU example. Many times an AU coin will look better than an '62 and you could maybe save some bucks.
If he wants to have fun, that's fine, but if he wants to make money, he should become a defense attorney for drug dealers. Chris
Nobody here whose last name isn't Madoff is going to guarantee that any coin you buy will go up in value between now and the time you sell it. If you spend more effort carefully selecting a coin to buy, you will tip the "win some, lose some" scales more in your favor in this respect. Look through for a nice 1917 Type 1 in MS63. Compare with coins designated FH and graded 64. Cherrypicking for grade should yield a nice coin more likely to increase in value come time to sell.
Good Luck with that...this is a hobby and it sure has it's ups & downs. If your lucky it will be up when you need to sell