My Epiphany Regarding Circulated Coins

brianc1959

Maybe my tastes are maturing, or maybe I'm just getting cheap in my old age, but this coin in XF45 - which I hope will arrive in the mail soon - has made me re-think collecting grades below 60. If a coin has made you feel similarly, post it!

TomB

An 1839-O RE half dollar in EF45 can be a great coin at a great grade. There is certainly nothing wrong with that combination. I have managed to squirrel away one or two pieces of this issue in this grade for myself over the years, as well.

CoinJunkie

Great example of a classic issue in American numismatics. Nothing wrong with owning nice circulated coins for dates where UNCs are just too pricey.

Sonorandesertrat

It's perfectly fine to go after circulated coins if you feel uncomfortable with the cost of Unc ones. Decades ago, I completed a set of Barber halves in AU50-58 for exactly that reason. However, unless the coins are very expensive in low grades, most collectors want to see a reasonable amount of meat on the bone (say, at least VF20 or better).

I bought the large cent below because I did not think that looking for one in a higher grade would make me feel a lot happier with it.

bearcave

I know this pissed off some but I thought it was a good purchase. I've had my share of MS .

amwldcoin

To me it sounds like you don't like the coin! If that's the case....why did you buy it? I will say I'm not a fan of the coin. There are nicer examples out there for the grade.

@brianc1959 said:
Maybe my tastes are maturing, or maybe I'm just getting cheap in my old age, but this coin in XF45 - which I hope will arrive in the mail soon - has made me re-think collecting grades below 60. If a coin has made you feel similarly, post it!

TennesseeDave

XF-45 is one of my favorite grades for circulated coins and that 39-O is a nice coin to own.
Here's one of the 45's from my collection.

Smudge

45 and 58 are terrific grades.

oih82w8

I like circulated coins for a couple of reasons. They were made to circulate in commerce. The price drop from MS/PR coins...kinda like a new car. As the owner, once you drive it off the lot it depreciates...how much? Quite a bit.

Very nice looking Branch mint Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar with Repunched Mint Mark!

fishteeth

I love ef45 coins

Crypto

I love circulated coins! they have so much more history to them after being used for what they were made for. I love gems too but more as art. Circulated coins say artifact and help me time travel in my day dreams. The New Orleans mint is my favorite. Here are some well traveled Big easy soldiers

Flatwoods

I have an affinity for circs too.
My sweet spot is Vf 30-40.
I definitely wouldn't turn your 45 away though.

JRocco

I agree that mid grade coins can get the pulse moving.
They show off a coin to a certain degree.

Justacommeman

A have a soft spot for circulated gold. Sexy

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Desert Moon

And sometimes nice ones can be very circulated and nice.

ricko

I say focus on the coin.... if you like it, then buy it. Now, if you are a dealer or participate in registry competition, then grade is important. I have XF45 coins and I like them very much... and sure, I have some 69's and 70's that give me great viewing pleasure....It is all about the coin and the hobby for me. Cheers, RickO

CollectorBonEZ

Here are my favorite XF coins that I would not get rid of.

asheland

Initially I wanted only MS coins for my gold set, but would let MS looking AU58 coins pass...

These two changed my outlook:

asheland

Mainly because of cost, but I ended up with XF45 Charlotte:

And I couldn’t pass this one up either:

asheland

@Crypto I love that 55-O T2 Dollar!

Outhaul

Outhaul

CircCam

My favorite circulated coin

ReadyFireAim

I like circulated draped bust anything.
Especially copper.

Saints however, are a different story.