Best Of

I'd agree the 1909-S VDB cent, or a few other 20th century key dates probably fits the definition for most US collectors as "potentially" affordable. The other would be the 95-W ASE.

For me who does not buy any US coins, it's the 1853 US Assay Office territorial $20 gold in AU and in this instance, I'd go for a CAC even though I don't care about stickers otherwise.

Another one would be a really nice draped bust/heraldic eagle half, XF or AU. It was the coin I wanted most as a YN because I thought I could eventually afford it (in VF).

Other candidates would be a handful of colonials or early federal silver but in at least middle quality.

I have three; the only half eagle produced at the NOLA mint, the only $3 gold coin produced at the NOLA mint, and the only classic head $2 1/2 gold coin produced at the NOLA mint. You might notice a trend here. All are available at times however all can be rather pricey for my budget levels.

For a majority of collectors I would pick the 09-SVDB or the 55/55 in mint state, I think those would qualify as obtainable but a stretch for some.

@jmlanzaf said:
Or maybe it's just psoriasis.

This made me laugh, but I actually agree with you that having a large sum of money tied up in one coin would not be comfortable for me also. One of the reasons I likely will never own one of the three I listed.

I think a few of the key dates count like an 1877 IHC, 1909 S VDB, 1916 D, even the key date walkers. All are expensive but people buy them. Heck I have all 3 raw.

@david3142 said:
I think you are correct that the 09-S VDB is the answer.

Even more so, the 1914-D Lincoln Cent at over $700.00 in XF and above.

Judging by some of the other choices, this is a relatively cheap option.

Pete

For me its an 1878-s Half or 1799 Lg cent in XF or btr.

@4Redisin said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@MidLifeCrisis said:

@Project Numismatics said:
Everyone has a different definition of attainable depending on their financial circumstances and comfort level.

A better question might be - What is the most popular (i.e. in demand) coin at $[X] price point.

Good point, thanks. But I didn't want to define a price. I was thinking something like "I want a ________ and even though I can only afford one in a very low grade, I still want one", or "I want a Chain Cent and, even though they are all expensive, I'm willing to save or trade up for it".

People on this forum have bought $10 million coins. @Project Numismatics has a valid point. To other people, the thought of spending $1000 on a coin seems like a reach. The question is unanswerable without parameters.

Even in your answer to Project Numismatics, you used the word "expensive". Some people never spend over $100 on a coin and that seems "expensive ". Other people consider a VF SVDB to be inexpensive at $1000ish.

That makes sense, so what coin would you pick? My pick would be an AU HR $20.

I want a gold Norse. I could afford a gold Norse. I won't buy a gold Norse because the thought of putting $30k into my safe makes my skin crawl. But, of course, that doesn't answer the OP'S question which is why I didn't offer an answer.

In fact, if i won a gold Norse for free, I'd likely sell it because putting $30k into my safe makes my skin crawl.

Or maybe it's just psoriasis.

@Boosibri said:
My reach may be a different than the next man, but my willingness to stretch is certainly greater.

A man whose reach exceeds his grasp!