Ok guys and gals, I seem to be at a standstill in my collecting progress. All of you fellow CTs seem to be inclined toward a certain set or...well, anything in general. As a sidenote, my favorite collection is probably Lehigh's--those toned coins are just awesome. However, I recognize that it takes a great deal of patience and expertise (and sometimes, moolah!) to start a good collection, and I admire all of you for having that drive. My problem, or so it would appear, is that I have no clue what I want next in my collection. For those of you who don't know, my collection started out when I found my great-uncle's collection in our old attic, and I was ECSTATIC. However, there didn't seem to be any sets started in this collection- just a bunch of random old coins. Perhaps this is why I don't have a direction yet. I've kind of followed suit in this way, as I've been buying random coins off of ebay this fall. These purchases range from a few Ancient Romans (uncleaned of course, where's the fun in cleaned??) to a couple of proof Ikes (probably not the most intelligent buy, but they were cheap) to Indian Heads to Buffalos. And a barber dime in miserable shape. I wanted to have a little of everything (which I don't have, still looking for a cheap Standing Liberty quarter and some barber coins), and it's exciting for me to hold different pieces of history in my hand and call it my own. MY PRECIOUS! ok, sorry about the lame LOTR reference, but I think that covers my thoughts right now. What do you guys think I should do? I seem to recall reading that most people start with the Whitman folders and Lincolns, and I have some wheaties, but not a collection by any means. And now that I've written a novel for a post....your thoughts? Thanks and best wishes, Peter
Peter - I think the best advice is to collect what you like, not what your great uncle collected or what other's think you should collect. So, when you look at various coin boards, review U.S. and World sections, is there something that strikes your fancy? I also think that rather than trying just to own a sample of everything, regardless of condition, is a mistake. If you like the type, save up to buy a nice example - that way you won't want to get rid of it later. Well, those are my thoughts. :blah:
Peter, Like cat says "collect what you like". There are no "rules" to collecting other than that statement. If buying albums and filling the holes turns you on then go for it. There is so much richness to this hobby that you have to be the person who decides which course to pursue. But above all else pick something you really like and make it a labor of love. Oh, and one more piece of advice. Take with a grain of salt what people will think about what it is you collect.
I agree, do what you like. I'm all over the place right now. Only rule I am following is get a good price at high condition. Good luck.
Do you have a red book? If not, I think you should pick one up and read thorough it. But, don't forget to look at the pictures while you're at it. Find a design you like, there are many of them out there...just pick a set you like. That's what I would do. Once you find a set you like, see about how much it costs and set your goals from there. For example, lets say you chose Franklin Half Dollars. The vast majority of that set is very affordable and you would be able to put together a nice MS set for not a large investment. If you wanted to venture into the proofs as well, you'll find they do cost more (a lot more in the case of the 1950) but it is all doable. However, if you really like Morgan Dollars (like me) you'll find that many are affordable but some are VERY expensive and low grades for those might be your only hope (like me). Or, you will find that you like everything and want to do a type set like was suggested before. But, a word about type sets...don't let someone else tell you what is in a type set. "Design" your own type set. Go through the Red Book and decided what is in a type set. Here is why, lets just look at Lincoln cents: My Dansco 7070 type album has spots for 4 Lincoln cents...which is fine. But, I could argue there needs to be a couple more to be a complete "Lincoln type set." The book has slots for a 1909 VDB, a 1909-1958 Wheat Back, a 1943 Steel cent, and a 1959-Date Memorial Back. I would argue that a Lincoln type set in my eyes (and some might even have more) would include: 1909 VDB 1909-1942, 1947-1958 standard 95% copper composition wheat cent (one example from any of those dates) 1943 Steel cent 1944-1946 Brass cent 1959-1982 standard 95% copper composition memorial cent 1982-2008 Zinc composition memorial cent 2009 anniversary reverse cent That of course includes next year which has 4 different designs. So, collect what you like is the take home message. Also, don't forget to look at commerartives...putting together a set of modern commeratives would be a fun set to assemble with many unique designs.
Peter, I am happy to hear that you like toned coins and have a few suggestions if you are looking to venture into the toned coin market. It sounds as though you may have a limited budget and dramatic rainbow toned coins usually cost hundreds or thousands of dollars each. However that does not mean you cant find great toned coins at reasonable prices. One suggestion would be to start a short set (1934-1945) of gem state Mercury Dimes (NGC or PCGS). Please don't attempt to purchase raw toned coins until you have extensive experience. You will be able to find nicely toned Mercury Dimes at very reasonable prices. I was able to pick this coin up on E-Bay for $66. Some other options for high grade toned coins would be Roosevelt Dimes, Washington Quarters, and Franklin Half Dollars. However the toning on these series are usually a little more mottled and less vibrant in color. Heritage has a registry set of rainbow toned Washington quarters for sale. Now these coins are all MS67's and very expensive, but if you take a look at them, you will be able to see the toning patterns available on Washington quarters. Take a look at the 1951-S NGC MS68 CAC, holy cow. You can find nicely toned Washies in MS65 for the 1940's+ for under $100 each. http://coins.ha.com/common/search_results.php?No=100&N=51+793+794+791+1577+368 Just some food for thought! If you ever need any advice about a toned coin, feel free to ask me either in public or in a PM. Good Luck my friend.
Peter, Check out this Heritage auction for a 1938 PCGS MS66 rainbow toned Mercury Dime. My guess is that this coin will sell for $40-$55. Very nice! http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=68113&Lot_No=63188#photo Paul
Two other sub-types of the Lincoln cent come to mind. After the initials VDB were removed in 1909, from then until 1917 inclusive there were no initials on the coin. They were restored to under Lincoln's shoulder in 1918. Also, in 1963, the tin was removed from the composition, and essentially the composition changed from bronze to brass. Picky, I know, but ---
Wow! I can't thank you guys enough, this is so encouraging. My thanks to all of you, I'd never even heard of Type Sets, but that sounds like fun = D I have a friend whose mom just inherited a bunch of old coins, and I asked her if I could possibly look at them. Now, I know that there is tons of information out there on coinfacts and etc, but I'll have a hard time trying to find all of the information I need. She's going to send me a list of the coins and the years she has, would anyone be interested in me shooting them an email or just posting it on here? I really don't want to blow this opportunity!!
