For some reason I prefer the eye appeal of certain coins that are VF-30 - XF-45 over AU-MS. Particularly with examples such as Barber Halves, Standing Liberty Quarters, and Bust Halves (unless the higher grade has nice natural toning). There is just something about old U.S. silver that speaks to me, when it doesn't have much wear, but has a strong natural grey look to it. My goal is to focus primarily on these grades in U.S. silver regardless of the opportunity cost that I'm giving up from an investment in higher grades. Does anyone else share these feelings on U.S. Silver? Here is one of my favorite coins. ~Jason
You are not alone in your logic. For some, the eye appeal and collectibility of the coin is because of it's history. Where was it used? Whose hands did it pass through? Some much prefer these types over coins that have been bagged up or hoarded away, never being used for their original intention.
Just ask any Early American Copper collector . When I first started collecting I bought what I could afford , as I got older it had to be MS or proof , now I collect early halfs and CWTs , I still like the AU coins but I can really appreciate the worn coins now . As a matter of fact I have a bid in on a 1806 half in VF , and I would love to win it . Collect what you like , don't worry what others say .
Nothing wrong with your logic at all. There are plenty of people who feel lower grade coins have more eye appeal. Like gbroke said, with circulated coins there's also the historic side that the coin actually circulated. I actually prefer old original circulated gold coins to MS examples. Btw, taking it to the extreme, there are some people who are doing "lowball" sets (collecting the lowest grade possible). http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/default.aspx?c=139 Funny thing is those low population low grades can bring a significant premium.
Nothing wrong with the VF grade. I like some of the nice natural grays with bust half in that range. My album is probably all in the VF to XF range - maybe one or two that might qualify as AU.
I'm right with you on what you like. I'm putting together my type set and all the 19th century coins are going to be VF's with a nice grey tone to it. Circulated cameo is what numismatists call it?
It's all good. I love my early Lincolns in gem red, Indian Head cents in colorful RB, large cents in XF, circulated cameos in VF. Capped Bust halves in AU are a favorite. This coin is nothing special, but I can't imagine parting with it. It feels genuine and resonates with personality. Lance.
I like my Bust halves too but here a halve series that a lot of folks over look! Seated halves. :kewl:
Personally JCB I believe you have wonderful logic. I find BU to be pretty overpriced versus rarity, along with key coins. To me the true bargains in US coins today are problem free, VF-AU rare coins. These are the backbone of the hobby, always in demand, and have not gone up as much as BU and key date coins. Tell you what, you will have a hard time finding truly attractive coins in those grades for sale. They disappear fairly quickly from dealers as collectors always collect. A lot of dealer inventory will be problem coins. Learn to determine cleaned from uncleaned, stay away from problem coins at nearly any price, and I strongly commend your logic and goals. When I collected US coins I did exactly what you are proposing, except making some mistakes early on like we all do. Thumbs up from me! Chris
Absolutely NOTHING wrong with the logic! I prefer circulated coins because I can think "Wow! That coin has some history!" For instance, before I started collecting, I found an 1821 dime in a u-scan at my local safeway. I almost decided to spend it, but decided to do some researc and figured out that there is a lot of history in this coin and it has sure seen a few pockets in it's day! After that, I started collecting. The way I figure, the F-XF grades show a lot of history and the MS65-70 only know the history of somebody's closet. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
I'm thinking about doing a Dansco of gray Morgans, say from vg - vf. Might be a challenge, many circ common Morgans went to the pots long ago. Seems like some dates are far more common unc than circ ie. 1903o, 81s,85cc.
