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GotTheBug
Posts: 1,633 ✭✭✭✭✭
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GotTheBug
Posts: 1,633 ✭✭✭✭✭
GotTheBug
Posts: 1,633 ✭✭✭✭✭
Comments
Half cent collectors get to go to Belleview. They are located right next to the Shield Nickel collectors.
I like them better than large cents-- have a draped "spike chin," a classic and one of whatever last version called.
Most of us are deranged to some extent. So go have fun!
I was "deranged" in from the mid 1980s until the mid 1990s. I collected by die variety.
Half cents are cheaper relative to rarity than their large cent counterparts. I also think that they are more attractive, especially the Braided Hair type.
The troubles are you have a lot of breaks in the date sequence. For some of them the breaks are sold with no coins issued. For others, there are coins you can get, but they are rare and expensive. You can check out the Red Book to see where those gaps are. Don’t be fooled by listed prices. The chances to get a lot of those coins are few and far between.
The trouble with die variety collecting is that you can get only so far. After a while you will hit a wall and going any further will be tough. Most of rare coins are in “strong hands.”
You will also run into the guys who have to collect by die state. They can soak up a lot of coins, especially some of the rarities, which makes building a set harder.
Overall collecting half cents is a lot of fun, but as you can see there are pitfalls and frustrations.
I'd attempt to answer....except that I have a 90% complete set of 3-Cent nickels, and am therefore waiting for you to join me in the wacko bowling league at Belleview.
At the last show I was at (not a big show- maybe 30 or so tables) I asked a dealer how he did and he said he sold a bunch of half cents. Maybe the buyer was the "deranged individual" of whom you mention? By the tone of voice the dealer used this transaction seemed to him to be not only surprising but indicative of an upswing in the market.
Many years ago they though I was nuts for collecting double-dimes and two cent pieces.
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I collect half cents. I've ended up with a few dupes that I will sell soon.
Reason I mention that is to let you know that, while some of us collect them, it is less than the large cent collectors. So, you can find some nice half cents, particularly circulated, out there, and with less competition.
When I was thinking about starting to collect some early copper, I contemplated large cents initially. I bought a few raw, including an 1818 "Randall Hoard" cent (from a board member here). I also bought a half cent. When I looked into completing a set, I saw all the varieties and how frustrating it could be doing large cents (for someone with my funds and my style of collecting....so, I went half cents. Still need a couple to complete the everyman's set I have, and haven't purchased one in a few years, but I like what I have right now. Didn't break the bank, I think they look nice, they do have some history, and less seem to be messed with.
So, if you do it, enjoy and let me know if I can help with advice/thoughts/or anything.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
I think a date set would be doable. Getting into varieties or die state collecting considerably ups the ante....
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
The little sisters are great. Have fun. It's always nice to be a bit of a contrarian in the world of collecting.
May be a steep learning curve. I like them but would be uncomfortable in a nervous hospital.
I think it's a great idea and there's nothing wrong with them.... in fact; I think they're pretty cool.
I know you were losing interest a while back....Sounds like this is a spark that you need.
Have fun and learn a lot!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Are you calling yourself a "half-wit"?
Be careful, you might discover half dimes next?
The road less travelled is replete with adventure.
I love old copper no matter the series GotTheBug, and if you can get them at a "bargain price" than all the better.
PS I collect 2 Cent Pieces...………….SHHHHH!
This thread needs some photos. Here's my 2 cents:
almost an Army of one...
Very interesting series- hope you have fun with it!
And I know that you have a good eye, and have always enjoyed the road less traveled. Looking forward to seeing how you do.
For the Futurama fans
And my first son was born there, so that makes it extra funny to me.
I think they are beautiful
Well, I like half cents, two centers, 3 cent nickels and shield nickels.
So, yeah, there are a few of us out there.
In my opinion, you get a better bang for your buck, and as others have said, compete with fewer collectors.
And I don't think the whales are much interested in the krill we're pursuing....although I may be wrong about that......
The SIiked chin half’s are cool. This one is mine
I've thought about chasing half cents in the past (really enjoyed them when putting together a 7070), and still consider it from time to time. Maybe in the next few decades I'll get off my butt and do something about it.
Hmmm.... Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital is closed, so it looks like the OP (or his friend) will just have to be deranged and enjoy his deranged half cents whole-heartedly.
Half cents are pretty cool, the non-collectors get a kick out of them because of the odd denomination. I liked the Draped Bust design the best, and like to pick up nice examples when i see them. That's why I have 5 1803's and 3 dated 1800. Sounds deranged if you ask me.
My spiked chin piece:
10-4,
My Instagram picturesErik
My registry sets
I always liked the half cents
I still want a nice example of the first year of issue, 1793.
Someday
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
I've been feeling the Half Cent gravity for some time. Have resisted so far... but... not sure... how much longer...
Smitten with DBLCs.
I have my eye open for the right ones.
That's an excellent choice, such a classic design(s) out of the many U.S. coin series. Good luck on your endeavor and keep us updated with photos of your acquisitions.
Collect what interests you and ignore the opinions of others... it is a hobby, to be enjoyed.... Cheers, RickO
You stole my line!!!!!!
:):)
Collecting old copper is a great project. As long as you know what you're getting into like BillJones mentioned, and are armed with a half cent book of some kind, go for it. Best of fun and luck at it.
.....and how could you get tired of seated half collars?🙂
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I would buy the Second Edition of Roger Cohen’s “Little Sisters” half cent book, if you can find one. It’s a good compromise between the Breen book, which is a little overblown for some collectors, and the earlier works which Roger updated.
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The little half sisters are sadly forgotten
It's Bellevue and Belleville is in New Jersey although there's not much difference in the two
A new half cent book was announced in last week's E-Sylum, authored by Bill Eckberg. It should be excellent.
I like the half cent designs and collect them by type. There are many ways to collect them. Robert Scot's first engraving of an original (master) die at the US Mint was the 1794 half cent.
Your deranged friend is no more crazy than the rest of us die variety nuts
I collected 90 varieties before selling off and moving on, I loved the set. If you do go that route, I strongly suggest the book by Manley also as an excellent source of info. ( with better pictures )
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