Hello fellow collectors, I am just finishing up a MS65 Walking Liberty set I started earlier this year and have decided to shift my next endeavor toward a half dollar type set. I am going to get the best grade I can afford, so for the early halves it will most likely be EF and AU grades. I also notice that many of the graded early coins in these grades are cleaned, I am trying to avoid cleaned coins for my type set. Couple of questions... Do you think it is acceptable to have cleaned coins in a registry type set? Do you reccomend the 1964 silver JFK or the 2014 silver JFK (or both) to complete the set? Any tips for someone collecting this set? Thanks in advance! Jess
Collect what you like. If you dont like cleaned coins, they are out there, even for the early dates. Original, unaltered, and eye appealing coins will ALWAYS be in demand, and usually a steady one at that. About the Kennedy, if I was gathering the collection, I would obtain the 64 in Mint State and Proof, a 40% silver from 1965-1970, the 1976 40% silver in Mint State and Proof, then the 2014 Reverse Proof and the 2014 Enhanced Uncirculated. I consider different finishes to be different types since the coins look different and were prepared differently. That way I can show all of the differences over the years, etc.
If you plan to put them in a registry set, I believe they have to have numerical (ie- not cleaned, damaged, etc.) grades or else they are severely downgraded (or not included at all, I can't remember). Be sure to post your acquisitions, especially the early ones!
I would avoid clean coins for as long as your budget can allow. Also, I would go with the '64 Kennedy since that one was actually minted for circulation.
Yeah I think I'd go for an MS64 on that one, especially since it appears the price quintuples to get an MS65.
Yeah, the MS64 is a "little" pricey... Just kidding, it's a lot pricey! You could buy a car for that much money...
Collect whatever you like, but.... There are many, many original and problem free early halves available. Personally, I would always rather buy an original coin at a lower grade than a coin with problems at a higher grade. I don't like coins with problems, and won't buy them.
You would be wise to avoid cleaned coins, and focus on very high quality coins for whatever grade you choose to purchase. The reason? While cleaned and lower quality coins are very affordable, you'll almost always lose money on them when you decide to sell them, unless they are rarities . . . then you stand a chance of breaking even, or even coming out ahead, but only if they are held for a significant time. Because common date type coins are so widely available, you'll never get back fair money on pieces that are not at least well above average. Look for coins with a great look, and completely natural surfaces. I would sooner compromise on the amount of design detail retained to make sure I buy coins with a great look. - Mike
Hello ALL, Just thought I would give you a shot of the first non-modern coin I will be adding to my half-dollar type set. Sending off to PCGS this week to be graded, and will post their grades when it comes back. I am hoping this comes back as a MS62, but I am realistic as it will probably come back AU Details (Cleaned or Improper Color). In either case it is a beautiful coin. I appreciate any feedback on grade or general comments on the coin.
If it comes back with a numerical grade, I could see it anywhere between AU55 and MS62. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if it came back as Details since the obverse fields look a little dull. That could just be because of the pictures though. All that said, I'd be proud to own that coin. If only I'd look that good when I'm 140 years old!
