I have been working really hard the last 5 years on filling the holes on Lincoln's, Jefferson's, Roosevelt's, Washington's and Morgan's. Really made a dent. The last set for me (besides Morgan's) was the Washington's, including the state series. Have been thinking about future game plan. Maybe start working on the Indian Head set. I know I can't get MS like I try to on the others, but was wondering what other members here comments are on chasing the Indian Head series.
I think the 1877 is the toughest date. Might set you back a few Franklins for a decent coin, even in a low grade.
V nickels are relatively cheap. Most can be affordable in VF. Even low grade key dates are undervalued in my opinion.
I love Indian Head cents...it's a great series. Like has been said already, the 1877 is the key as is the 1909-S. There are several semi-key dates but overall I think it's a great set. It also features the transition from Cu-Ni cents to 95% copper cents which I like.
I'm within 3 IHC's of being complete. I finished my silver Roosies in 66FT. I'm semi-treading water about which set to try next. Filled a few more holes in my Early Commems set but not sure that's going to be my new push.
I know the 3 key dates. But I stand by my opinion that they are still undervalued. The whole series is, IMO.
I don't believe a lot of people think they are particularly attractive. They have been out of circulation long enough that most people haven't encountered one in the wild like you can with Buffalos. Shield nickels are similarly overlooked, underpriced in comparison to their real scarcity - they saw lots of heavy wear.
In the Indian cents, try to find nice ones with full diamonds in the ribbon. Just as when you go after the Standing Liberty quarters, try to get the ones, with full rivets in the shield.
I appreciate this series...but I'm a believer that no series is undervalued. Value is derived from supply and demand...so it really can't be undervalued. But, that's just how I personally look at it.
Some coins wear their circulation better than others. In my eyes the Liberty Nickels, because of their low relief design, don't look very attractive in grades below EF. So I would be looking at a moderate expenditure to assemble a date set. IHC's, in my opinion look better in lower grades, but you've got those pricey keys. On my budget, neither series is something I'm interested in collecting as a date set, simply because I prefer AU+ coins. They're the kinds of coins I like to have a a few choice examples of.
With some sets you go into you know you can't fill every hole , unless you win the lottery. I like the series where you can get the majority if them in high grades at prices within my budget.
You're right of course, but I've been rather anal about date sets in the past (I don't have any going at the moment). If I can't fill every hole with a coin that has significant eye appeal, even in a lower grade, I just go with a few of the nicest type coins I can afford.
