What would you suggest?
DBSTrader2
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Small-time collector strictly to fill Whitman blue folders. Been so my whole life. Have pretty much completed all sets U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, & Mexico that I can with the exception of the key or semi-key dates, whose price I cannot justify with all other expenses of life. Really in it more for the thrill of the hunt & the history behind the coins, and now just keeping up with new issues.
While my collection does not include SLQ's or any Barber denominations, on occasion I've considered them, but obviously would be constrained by grades & the price of silver, since none of those are available from change (which is how I established the bulk of my collection, with the exception of my limited # of silver dollars).
So my M-I-L is giving me $100 for my recent B-Day, and I'm wondering what might give me the most "bang for my buck" enjoyment coin-wise (the more the merrier).
What would everyone recommend?
Comments
Tough question, since buying a special coin is a personal thing. I will give a suggestion based on what I would consider (given the $ constraints and your history).... How about a commemorative with a design or history that particularly appeals to you... That would make it memorable, and your MIL would also be impressed with the thought put into it...Good luck, Cheers, RickO
If you are referring to the $100, consider upgrading your Whitman folders with some Dansco albums. Not only will you have a nicer display for your sets, you will be spending a good amount of time revisiting each coin as you transfer it.
My strategy is about collecting what I intend to keep, not investing in what I plan to sell.
If you’re looking to add to an existing set maybe find an AG-3 1932D quarter in a slab to crack out. That would fill a hole and leave some money. Maybe start a set of bullion silver eagles? Mexican onzas?
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"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Some ideas:
-ASE
-Slabbed version of a coin from one of your albums...my daughter collected Indian pennies and Washington quarters, I gave her a high grade slabbed version of a generic date for each of those so she could see the details in the coin
Congrats on building that many collections! I bet they are wonderful to look at and enjoy.
I don't have any recommendations right now.
what about some sort of gold type set say early gold, fwiw
As @ricko stated, coins are a personal thing ... but I like his idea.
I also like the idea from @SimpleCollector of possibly grabbing a slabbed higher grade coin from one of your favorite (or your absolute favorite series). Understanding the nuance of wear and design is easier when you have a high grade (potentially even Unc) coin to compare with.
Finally, I like @TurtleCat 's idea of picking up a key-date or semi-key date from one of the series that you most enjoy in a grade that compliments your set.
I have nothing original to suggest, except to say congratulations on how far your collections have come.
Whatever you do, I hope it makes you happy and will be a piece in your collection you'll cherish for many years.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Thanks for all the suggestions so far!
I had thought about getting one or more of the missing semi-keys to one of my series, or maybe picking up a couple of missing Walkers. At one point, I'd given some thought to trying to start a folder of SLQ's next vs getting into any of the Barbers, but they'd likely have to be out of junk bins to get any decent number.... so do I really want to start with such low condition aspirations just to widen my scope further, or should I devote more efforts to filling obvious holes (especially the ones preventing a page or book from finally being complete).
Besides, all the mom & pop coin shops near me have closed down over the years, shows have stopped or moved, and I'm not keen on heading out given the current pandemic to sift thru a box of coins. OH, HOW I LONG for the days of my youth, when I'd walk with my Grandparents downtown to "Smelter's Row" and search thru coffee cans full of silver coins at melt! (That's how I got a majority of my Mercs, Roosies, & Washies - - but was too young/dumb to go after Morgans/Peace, SLQ's, or Walkers/Franklins at the time!).
I did have a few of the early Silver Eagles , but never kept up with those. Even though I like their design, they'd be much more than that $100 to make any significant dent in catching up. And, given the choice, I'd go after Morgans & Peace $'s, as I like their design & history behind them that the bullion just doesn't have for me.
At one point, I'd also thought about going after either 1 nice example of what I collect now but in a much higher grade than usual (either an IHC or 2-cent piece), or maybe doing an upgrade to the framed set of 19th/20th Century coins I have from my Dad with higher-grade versions. But I'd likely eventually trteat them as I do slabs - - just not within the realm of my "appropriate for blue Whitman folders" collecting habit. I'd have to keep it in a slab or protective holder even as a "pocket-piece", I'm afraid. So I'm not sure there............
So many ways to branch out or dive deeper...... this is going to be a tough one.......
But thanks so far, and keep those suggestions coming!
-- Dave
I would suggest Liberty Head V Nickels. You can get a complete set less the three key coins in an album for under $100.
I actually have all but the 4 key/semi-key V Nickels (1885, '86, '94, & 12S) in our first set, with my boys' set missing maybe 9 or so more. Most in lower grades, however, which is fine for our Whitman folders.............
I would suggest a nice RB mint state Indian Cent.
Start a capital plastic lincoln cents project. 1909 - ???.
If you need a white capital plastics 1909p-1940s with most coins + a few nice toned ones I know a kitchen cabinet that has one.
A free $100 for coins makes for a great birthday present. I like the idea of filling a key/semi-key hole with it. Low grade 1921 Mercs and Walkers can be had in that range, along with some others you might not have yet.
Good luck! I’m excited to hear what you get.
I'm leaning towards filling holes, maybe starting with a few Walkers............
You could consider a type set. Dansco 7070 albums are kinda pricy at times but you can also find Littleton albums. You wouldn’t have to worry about key dates, could probably fill a lot of slots with stuff you already own, and have plenty of holes left that are easily fillable under $100. There are a few slots that will cost you more, but no worse than the keys in your existing albums.
Collector of randomness. Photographer at PCGS. Lover of Harry Potter.
SiriusBlack: I actually have a Whitman version of 20th Century U.S. coins that I believe I've completed, but going back the next century might be an interesting idea. Thx!
I second the idea of a Dansco 7070 basic type set. It's a great album to showcase the different designs over the years for each denomination. If you get common date coins the cost won't be unreasonable for you to complete.
I'd find looking at that more enjoyable that looking at a Whitman folder of common date circulated Washington quarters...
@DBSTrader2 The Dansco 7070 can be found with and without the Gold page so keep an eye out. If it includes a gold page it typically goes for substantially more, like the gold page alone costs as much as the whole album without. Normally it’s 5 pages. The Gold page is the 6th. That said if you go that route and watch eBay look at photos! I bought mine used for $40 WITH the gold page. There was no mention of it at all, but in the photos I saw the 6th page and bought it!
Collector of randomness. Photographer at PCGS. Lover of Harry Potter.