After spending the last couple of days reviewing old posts and digging through the "junk" coins I have collected through the years, mostly from my days working in a grocery store 25 years ago, I think I have an idea where I want to start in collecting coins. It appears everyone collects in a different way and for a different purpose so I understand there is really no right/wrong way to go about this. I have always enjoyed the Kennedy halves and will begin my focus in that area and eventually work into the Franklin halves once I have some experience with grading. I currently have about $200 of old Kennedy's to go through. Most conditions not good but all silver or clad. Lots of Bicentennial. I also like the ASE so will pick them up as I can. And Ike's if for no other reason than to spend them, as some of you do, to get peoples reactions. Also, I was thinking as I was reviewing posts, that not many are fond of the new nickel for collection purposes. However, if the future of nickel design is moving away from pre 2003 wouldn't that mean anything pre 2003 could become something of value in the future...how ever long that may be. Just a thought. I would appreciate your comments and suggestions, especially as to Kennedy and Franklin Halves and also on my thoughts about the nickel. Thanks for reading and all the help I know I will receive on this site. R
Franklins are great. I kindof started with them too..my suggestion is to collect them in lower cicrulated grades first...and then if you like the set later go back and try to better and higher grades. Right now I'm trying to complete my set of PF66 Franklins from 1950-1963...I'm down to 5.... After that I think I'm going to go for MS64 with some mixed in with FBL. I suggest that you get the 1949-D and S and 1953 P and S first!...they are harder than most. Speedy
More power to you and happy collecting. The name of the game is enjoy yourself with the type of collection you are putting togather. If you like the new nickel, reguardless of wheather it may or may not be of value, you start your collection. It really don't make any difference if anybody else like them or not. In fact, if you are the only person collecting this coin, think how special it will become when completed. Enjoy the hobby and have a great day!
Welcome!! This is a fun and enjoyable hobby. You are absolutely correct when you say there is no right or wrong way to collect. Enjoy!! But arm yourself with knowledge, there are others out there ready to take your money. So my one piece of advice, as always, buy the book before you buy the coin.
welcome! my advice - Start small. I'm only 14 yrs old. i'm now amassing quite a 2004/2005 nickel collection. Collect something cheap and easy to find first, then go for a gem. see how this works. it's addicting!!
If you have 400 Kennedys you may already have a pretty good start on a date collection. I'm a big fan of starting by collecting what is available from pocket change and bank rolls because it's about the most inexpensive way to get started, learn and enjoy the hobby. It doesn't make sense to start expending a lot of money on individual coins without a very good idea about where you want to go with it.
Thanks for the replies. I have ordered both books by Wiles on the Franklin and Kennedy halves. Once I have them I will sit down and see what I have already and then go forward from there. OldDan - I was talking more about collecting the nickel pre 2003 as maybe they will have more value since the nickel design is changing. Speedy - I'll keep your advice in mind as I go. Thanks again. R
to CoinTalk Rookie. I strongly disagree with the idea that there are no right and wrong ways to collect. Buying the coin without buying (or at least reading) the book is the absolute wrong way IMHO. Clearly you have chosen the right way. :thumb:
