They don't have to be, neither should they be, CAC-stickered, slabbed, or anywhere close to perfect. I just want to be able to say that I have almost all of the Lincoln cents made (errors and varieties aside). Basically all of the "S" mint Cents from 1970-present. I found some on eBay, but there has to be a better place. Please advise. Thanks.
Unless you have a coin store near you or an occasional coin show nearby eBay is probably your best bet. 1970 to present "S" Mint Lincolns don't have enough value to list anywhere else that I know of.
Cheapest I see on eBay is ~$110 for all 48 coins, which comes out to roughly $2.30 each. Some local coin shop *somewhere* has to be able to beat that. If anyone knows of any, please let me know. Thanks.
Ebay is going to be your best bet. Try searching for the specific date/mintmark that you want, find the best coin for the best price, and buy it.
There are a few S minted business strike Lincolns, but most of the coins in that range will be proofs. Entire proof sets can be had cheaply. You will find no shortage of them at a local dealer or show and won't have to pay shipping.
