Your opinion on the best U.S. coin(s) to buy near the $500 range.

What grade?
Here are my 10 top picks based on CDN bids.

#1 MS63 2.5 Ind.
#2 MS63 $5 Lib.
#3 MS64 Barber quarter.
#4 MS63/64 BN classic head 1/2 cent.
#5 MS64 BN braided hair large cent.
#6 MS64/65 seated dime
#7 MS65 Barber dime.
#8 MS65 Grant commem.
#9 MS64 Gettysburg.
#10 MS63 TY-1 gold dollar.

 

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Great choices!
You can go for a low survivor $2.50, proof example of an earlier Lincoln (under $500), proof example of a seated half dime/dime, or a nice Draped Bust silver.

 

I say get the one you like the most. It's all about what you want to collect. Let us know what you decide and please share pictures!

 

I would go with a Bust half in AU. Something with nice color.

 

One of my driving forces is to complete a set.
In your case (based on your candidates) I would think a type set would work well.

 

Opinions, by nature, are subjective. Nothing I'd do with $500 appears on your list.

 

If you like Peace dollars, you could get a 1921 in MS-63 and probably have some change.

 

Wouldn't mind owning a 63/64 coin...

 

#1 MS61 $5 Indian

 

I realize I am not the "sharpest knife in the drawer," but I really enjoy collecting Barber Halves (probably from collecting on my paper route in the 50's). I started over about 5 years ago and now own 7 or 800. I would love to trade some, to fill the missing slots in my four books.

 

Or even a 62 for < $500.

 

Is this value for collecting dollar or potential appreciation?

If the first, I think they are decent collector values in the context of US coinage except I would exclude the two commemoratives. There must other coins out there that are better values, even if in somewhat lower grades. An example is the colonial 1773 Virginia half penny.

 

I would go with a nice Colonial or early federal piece. You just can't beat absolute rarity. For $500 you could buy a problem free VF state copper or a F-VF draped bust half with original skin. Also you'll do okay if you decide to sell it some day. But I would bet that you probably won't want to.

 

What? No Lincoln cents? I'd buy a 1914-D... Well, I'd also be dumb enough buy any of the -S mint marked cents from around the same time: 1913-S, 1915-S.

 

Personally, I love Barber Halves, so I would spend the $500 on either a really nice 1914 P Barber Half, or an 1892 O Barber Half of high quality.

 

Out of what's on your list.. Id go with a barber quarter. They look killer with a nice strike and a little tone!

 

#1 MS63 2.5 Indian

 

A Goodacre Sacagawea ... (angry mob incoming!!!)

 

Barber halves, maybe 2-3 with nice original luster or maybe just one appealing unc

 

This one should be at the $500 range by the year 2385......