If you collect a particular type of coin, why is it THAT type?
MFeld
Posts: 13,617 ✭✭✭✭✭
Is it due to:
the design?
affordability?
possibility of acquiring an entire set?
ties to your childhood?
remembrance of a family member?
history?
age?
other reason(s)?
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
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My father and I decided to put a collection together after I got my boy scout merit badge. We looked for something that was perhaps possible to complete. Something that was very different from what people normally collected. Something that although a little of a financial stretch was reasonably affordable. We came up with 3C trime patterns. As the ability to complete that went stagnant, for awhile expanded to 3c fractional currency and 3c stamps just to keep on the 3c theme. Eventually came back to concentrate on the 3c nickel pattern part. However after 44 years, was able to complete the Trime portion. It wis nice to be able to complete while my father is still able to comprehend.
Visit USPatterns.com
The first coin I ever bought on my first visit to a coin shop was an 1804 (C-10) Half Cent in PCGS55. I remember taking it home and staring at it. I didn't know the denomination existed, I wondered how something so large (about the size of a modern quarter) could be worth so little... and how something so old could be still in such good shape (I have since found older in better shape). This spurred me into collecting Half Cents.
Now that I am coming close to completing this collection. I put a lot of thought into my next one. I wanted something challenging, but not as cost prohibitive as half cents. I did some reading and asked the boards. I landed on Barber Half Dollars in AU.
To answer your question plainly:
1. I have to like the design
2. I tend to like things that I don't see a LOT of on a bourse.
3. Affordability does play a role, but moreso applies to grade collected than series.
4. I tend to like older/classic US series
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
History - The chopmarked trade dollar has a built in history in every coin that simply does not exist for any other series. The impact of global trade in the late 19th/early 20th century cannot be overstated when looking at the state of the world and geopolitics today. It shapes (along with other factors) how we still live our everyday lives. I like being able to hold that history in my hands.
Design - I think the trade dollar is a very attractive coin and is unique amongst US types.
Scarcity - Trade dollars are not common and chopmarked trade dollars in appealing (or even sometimes in less than appealing) condition are anywhere from scarce to quite rare.
Apparently Adolph Weinman and I were very close friends in a past life and I must have also had a crush on Anna Williams!
I can give no other valid explanation.
To quote Jeff Spicoli “I don’t know”
I have seen a few pop up lately that I’m going to take a run at
I collect Liberty half eagles at this point - have been doing it since I sold my Walkers and seated liberty halves in 2016 or so. I decided I wanted to collect a gold series and I guess I wanted a challenge. I also thought the series was a little undervalued when I started. Then Fairmont hit and interest in the series has exploded to where it is now likely overvalued.
I have a talent for mistiming things but i also have a stubborn streak so I probably won't stop until I finish at least the date set.
I also miss collecting silver and the variety and beauty that toning lends to series like Walkers and Seated halves. Toning in gold is much more subtle but still interesting.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
Coins of the US Mint 1794-1807.
History: The Industrial Revolution, art history, and the formative achievements of the US and political ideology, are all reflected in the coinage.
Design: The Draped Bust design for gold, silver and copper is a stunning achievement. The Heraldic Eagle design is a forceful statement to the world during a time of war.
Rarity: A collecting challenge that can take decades to build a comprehensive collection.
in the US series, I'm drawn to coins up till 1804, especially 1793 coppers, in worn or details condition, because they embody the robust early commerce in the US, and they're the coins I always imagined buying some day when I was a kid flipping through the Redbook
they're common in that I could buy a hundred 1793 chain cents on eBay at any time, but I like to search for slightly lower than retail so I can sell fast if I want and not lose money, but I know the bottom of the market well enough that I can buy when I can with confidence
I am not an expert in copper by far, but I really just love nice copper, especially the early stuff.
It’s all of these reasons for me that I collected Walkers.
These coins were issued during the time in which both of my parents were born. My dad had a lot of circulated coins that he gave me that he acquired as a child and/or young man (Franklins, Washingtons, Roosevelts, Mercury dimes and Walkers). Out of all the coins that he gave me, I thought the walkers were the most beautiful (All of the Walkers that he gave me were from 1936 to 1947).
There is a lot of history there, in the series, as well (The Great Depression and both World Wars). Speaking of which, when I discovered that there were earlier dates made from 1916 to 1933 and how rare and scarce they are, well, that excited me even more! Ever since I was in my early 20s, I dreamt of putting together a full MS or mostly MS set. That dream was finally realized in late 2021, after many years of hunting, researching and fantasizing.
Walkers are extremely challenging due to their condition and absolute rarity, as the early dates can be very expensive (high grade middle to late dates can, too!), but not completely out of my reach like something such as an 1804 or 1794 dollar or 1927 D Saint Gaudens Double Eagle would be.
Original skin Walkers with nice toning are very scarce and desirable, also! I like my Walkers with either a lot of color or white with very strong, mint state luster.
Those are just some of the reasons that I love walkers..😉
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I really enjoy collecting three cent contemporary counterfeits. There is a great history behind them. Variety, as different examples can be the same design, but at the same time be nothing alike. It's a challenge. Some are quite hard to find and years may pass waiting for a specific example to become available or maybe even an example that has yet to be documented.
You have to combine 3 ingredients to create my story.
First was my OMA. On her wedding day she was given a wooden glove box filled with Seated Coins from a favorite aunt. I had the honor of being the only family member she ever allowed to look at and catalog those coins. Nothing turns me into a 13 year old kid (still sitting at my Oma's formica table), than a Seated coin. However, she had 9 children and I have no idea what number grand child I was. Getting coins? No. She did give me the box though.
Slabs. I live in fly over country and I am a collector rather than a numismatic expert. i am also mainly Dutch, so I wouldn't spend 10 cents of my family finances on a coin unless it was 100% REAL. Forget grades, (I can learn to grade). Ignore designations. I found and re slabbed over 30 Seated Half dollars by variety. But without slabs this never happens.
Walter Breen's Encyclopedia. The Redbook is a great book but many times it is just lists of dates, mintages and fingernail descriptions. This book allowed me to take a deeper dive. This book is the root source of all the coins I would focus on, create a collecting plan for; own. If there were other books available either in real life or on the internet, I couldn't find them but I am damn glad I found this book. James
I just love most of the designs. If it's high price, sorta speaks, I save for it. Fwiw
When I returned to my childhood hobby 20 years ago, I envisioned building a classic type set. I remember going to my LCS and asking if they had any flowing hair dollars.
That was certainly unrealistic, both in terms for the LCS having one and my understanding of value/quality/affordability.
As I continued learning more about this great hobby, I started attending shows and buying type coins. I recall purchasing a proof seated half in NGC 62. I was enamoured with the incredible strike showing all the detail of the design. I remember either showing it to you/or buying it from you while meeting you in an aisle at a show, Mark. It must have been nice if it passed your muster. I no longer own the coin.
I came to the conclusion a few years ago that I didn't want to collect by type any longer. There were certain denominations and designs that were unattractive to me and buying them felt like an obligation versus enjoyment. As I looked at what I owned, I felt most drawn to circulated seated halves and decided to build a small set focusing on the O mints. I have since expanded beyond this mint mark initial focus while also occasionally acquiring a few uncirculated versions.
Seated halves are classic coinage in a large enough denomination to be visually engaging,. They also have design variation and offer collecting challenges in terms of availability, series length, condition, and overall quality. Tackling the series isn't for the faint of heart since the journey is a long term commitment that will likely never be finished.
This coin was once in Mark's inventory but @RYK beat me to the punch to buying it. Later, he graciously sold it to me in 2012 and this coin became the cornerstone and inspiration for my collection journey.
Mark's pics:
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Always liked it after seeing the Mexico pillar dollar on page 3 in the old Red Books. Since I didn't bother to read the Red Book entry, I didn't know there were other denominations and mints until I resumed collecting in 1998. That's about all I have bought since about 2010.
The only coins I currently own are Carson City Morgans. I used to attempt to fill Whitman folders as a child in the late 70's, but my the time I reached high school age, they were long gone. Fast forward to 2019. I knew a woman whose grandfather was a big coin collector. He'd died and his collection passed down to this woman's aunt. The aunt died later as well, leaving the niece and her brother as heirs.
The aunt had died before providing a combination to the safe, so I offered to study "safe-cracking" methods and within a week or two, I had the combination figured out. It was stuffed with hundreds of Morgan and Peace dollars, pre-33 gold of various denominations, and completed folders in all denominations from cents to dollars. Everything was raw. I'd never seen such a collection!
For some reason, the coins that intrigued me the most were the Carson City Morgans. Perhaps it was due to the fact that while researching values, the Red Book showed them to be worth way more than the other mints. I was always excited when I came across one in the pile. I vowed that one day I'd put together a complete set. Four years later in late 2023, I decided it was time, and my first purchase was the 1889 key date.
My Carson City Morgan Registry Set
I enjoy 19th century type set collecting more than series collecting. I think part of the reason I like type set collecting is that my older brother gave me a 3 cent nickel coin for Christmas when I was about 9 years old and I was fascinated by both the odd denomination and by how old it was and also how cool looking it was to me.
Mr_Spud
Definitely due to the design and the history, because they sure aren't affordable in the grades I like, and an entire set (all the Die Marriages), would probably be beyond my expected reach. I also like the fact that a good many of them are over 200 years old now, and quite a few have interesting anomalies such as cracks and clashes.
“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
Morgans.
Design, luster, size and affordability relatively speaking.
I could own a set of 3 MS66 Morgan's and be happy. DMPL, PL and regular business strike with a nice white cartwheel and be happy.
I only got into collecting coins a few years ago.
Another thing I like about this hobby is this forum.
Lots of good people who show their coins.
Good question Mark.
Looking forward to others responses.
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
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I just like to collect things that can not be commonly found on the bourse. With my pioneer gold collection, those issues have a lot going for them-
But I can find those attributes in other series as well, hence my recent diving into Japanese Kobans. The design on those coins isnt quite as interesting to me, in which case I decided I only want to collect deeply toned pieces.
One thing I've commented on this forum before is that I dont have that childhood connection to the popular 20th century issues like Walkers or Lincoln Cents, and as a result, I gravitate towards the real old classic types like early federal bust coinage and early gold.
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I began collecting coins something over 60 years ago, from circulation. I had no money, so Lincoln cents seemed like a natural.
Over the years, I collected all other coins that were still in circulation then. Since that included buffalo nickels, Mercury dimes, standing Liberty quarters, and walking Libery half dollars, there were more candidates than I could afford to keep. But it was fun.
Sometime while in high school, life got in the way, and I stopped collecting. But I never got rid of my coin folders. Eventually, with kids grown, I got back into it. And I even had the means to buy some coins, adding Morgan dollars and peace dollars to the list. It still is fun, even though I now buy coins very rarely.
I collect basically any US coins from about 1840 on. My collection is not so much limited to a certain design as it is limited to a certain look. Crusty/toned coins, mostly in low grades, are my main focus. For example, album toned, coins with reverse toning stripes from old Whitman folder (silver), anything dark or tarnished, lightly cleaned and retoned coins (silver), circulated cameo. No white or gray coins-a circulated equivalent to "blast-white". Why? Affordability and possibility of acquiring an entire set - and the mindset that each coin in my collection has to be unique enough to be memorable.
Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
Life is roadblocks. Don't let nothing stop you, 'cause we ain't stopping. - DJ Khaled
The look of that hammered, patinated gold is intoxicating.
Appreciate the history of how Morgan Dollars came into being... thanks to Leroy Van Allen's Big Book. The challenge of attributing Morgan varieties to the VAM numbers, particularly those of the year 1878 is enjoyable. (Sometimes, Peace Dollars too.)
Like the design.
Which design?
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
A black and white proof Morgan in 68DCAM is the most beautiful coin in the world to me- it has nothing to do with the other qualities you mentioned, it’s sheer 100% aesthetic beauty that does it for me.
Thank you for that. I’m a bit embarrassed not to have included aesthetic beauty (or something similar) in my selection of qualities.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
To re-phrase John F. Kennedy in his ‘we choose to go to the Moon because it is hard’ speech at Rice stadium in September l962:
"I set sail on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained………. But why, some say, Bust Quarters? Why choose this as my goal? And they may well ask, why climb the highest mountain? Why, 85 years ago, fly the Atlantic? Why does Rice play Texas (LOL)? I choose to collect Bust Quarters. I choose to collect Bust Quarters in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of my energies and skills, because this challenge is one that I am willing to accept, one I am unwilling to postpone…..."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_choose_to_go_to_the_Moon
Oh wait, I collect Bust Quarters cause theyz purdy:
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Even an advocate of crust like myself can’t argue with that, that coin is an aesthetic work of art and I can’t imagine anyone would not be captured by it’s beauty.
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I'm partial to Early Copper and Middle Date Large Cents in particular. Early Copper was a childhood endeavor that was well beyond my means at the time but I still recall mowing enough lawns to buy my first "1700's dated coin"... a 1798 Large Cent (2nd Hair). It was well worn but had a readable date and decent details. Early Copper coins were larger and more affordable than silver. I started collecting around the time the Hunt Brothers started the run-up in silver. Also, these big copper coins had a bit of historical significance. These dates also spanned the Industrial Revolution and this is reflected in some of the minting practices (and errors) of the time. They were also more likely to circulate in commerce at the time, so at least for me, there's that tenuous link to the past.
I settled into Middle Dates for more practical reasons... Flowing Hairs and Liberty Caps are cost prohibitive for me, as are a full set of Draped Bust Cents (1799 and 1804 are stoppers). I only recently completed a full set of Classic Heads but there are many lower grade and problem coins... again, cost here. When I initially started my date run of Middle Dates LC's, decent VF's were fairly readily available and an occasional nice XF/AU coin would pop up too. Coins would typically hammer in the $100-200 range. That's changed somewhat over the past year or so. I've been outbid on nicer VF/XF coins even after bidding substantially over PCGS Price Guide levels... even on raw material.
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Many already know that Carson City is my penchant. I grew up there and my Great Grandfather, Mathias Rinckel, helped build the first stone and brick buildings in the early 1860's. Of course the Mint was a favorite place to hang out (State Museum) as it was free to kids back in the day.
Never got the place out of my blood even though I left in 1964 and never went back (except for visits of course).
Now reside in Las Vegas, so still love this Silver State and plan on being here for a while!
bob :https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/126249230/matthias-rinckel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rinckel_Mansion
I like modern coins in chBU that have a denomination equivalent about to the price of a loaf of bread when they were issued. Most are quarter size and made of cu/ni.
They are the workhorse of most coinage systems and were often undersaved. They are high enough denominations that people think of them still as "real money" and were expensive to set aside. Most have been degraded or melted in far higher percentages than other coins.
It’s the plastic surgeon in me- beauty first!
Damn...forgot what I was going to post.
So I guess you’re not one of those that prizes originality and a natural look? 🤣
Patients always walk in and say they want natural, but they really don’t- what they brought me was natural and they are in my office because they are not pleased with it for one reason or another.
I like Barber halves because there are no real set-stoppers. The 1892 Micro O is certainly a tough coin but it's a flukey variety so I haven't set my sights on one. I like the challenge of trying to find mid-grade examples with eye appeal.
Granny had about 60 Morgan Dollars that she pulled from circulation working in a bakery through the 40's and 50's.
Probably should have spent them on a facelift.
Liberty Nickels.
My selection of coins I collected for nearly 70 years have been from beauty of design and with national significance. Coins such as the Indian Head Cent, the Buffalo Nickel or the Walking Liberty Half Dollars. These also were coins that were in circulation at the time I started collecting, 1958. It was later on when I was able to garner some nicer specimans that I truly discovered their beauty. These are not the only coins as nearly all of the pre 1948 coins were gorgeous, but then something happened and suddenly beauty seemed to no longer be the larger factor that went into design. I guess kind of an art noveau change to design. Did not and still do not like it. Even though available from change, I never was interested in collecting them, although I did the Jefferson Nickel and Roosevelt Dime just because. Probably a real influence was price and availability, which is why I never tried to collect Standing Liberty Quarters, while beautiful they soon became P01 coins and the nicer ones were not available to me due to price. So gathering them from change was nearly a mute point. My recollection.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Is it due to:
the designs? Yes. 50 piece series of Early Classic Commemoratives with many story's to tell, good and bad.
affordability? Yes. Prices run the gambit of $100s to $10,000 of thousands of dollars
possibility of acquiring an entire set? No. Can't afford it.
ties to your childhood? No
remembrance of a family member? No
history? Most definitely! Love research.
age? No
other reason(s)? Great mentor/s.
@habaraca collects bust halves because he used to pull them out of circulation when he was a kid
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
I collected sets of the Classic Head $2.50 and $5.00 gold pieces because the history and the connection to Hard Times tokens. I also admired the design as something "exotic" when I was kid.
I've never really exactly chosen what to collect. I do it kind of backwards. I continually start collecting all kinds of things on impulse, and then I constantly struggle to cut back on my collecting projects just to keep my head above water. So whatever I'm actually seriously collecting is there not so much because I chose to collect it, but more because I haven't chosen to stop collecting it. Seriously.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I couldn’t make my mind up because I loved almost every type coin design. A guy who worked in the coin shop in Fayetteville NC back in the 80s suggested I collect XF Barber Quarters. Sounded good and I liked them very much. It gave me direction and some focus. Too bad, I did not foresee the immense difficulty this meant. I’d never heard of the key dates at this point. Yikes!
I’m still at it, though.
WTB: Barber Quarters XF
Interesting thread.
As an adult collector (returned to the hobby in 1998 at 42 years of age after about a 20 year absence) I primarily collect 1936-1970 Proof and SMS coinage. I do so for a variety of reasons including:
Connection to collecting as a YN (these coins, both circulation strike and proof) I collected as a YN starting in 1963;
Affordability (especially collecting them raw);
Endless variety (including untoned, toned, Cameo contrast instead of only Brilliant, varieties abound, cherry picking is still feasible and collecting coins that are an expression of the highest quality of the minter's art); and
Being able to complete sets (from low costs sets that are not challenging to extremely challenging very expensive sets).
I decided to focus on the Liberty $2.50 set for several reasons:
As a teenager I noticed that 1880's $2.50 issues with sub 10,000 mintages did not carry substantial numismatic premiums. Later when I had the disposable income I decided I would try to assemble at least the 1880 to 1907 short set;
Few collectors were attempting to complete the entire 1840 to 1907 $2.50 series when I started building my set in 2008. Not pursuing a series already crowded with other collectors meant that I could afford low surviving population coins that would be beyond my reach in a popular series; and
I was fascinated with collecting gold coins not seen in circulation after 1933.
Starting in 2008 I sold all my other sets including a competitive 1938-1964 Jefferson Nickel proof set. My $2.50 set is an attempt to collect one set well instead of many sets indifferently.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/gold/liberty-head-2-1-gold-major-sets/liberty-head-2-1-gold-basic-set-circulation-strikes-1840-1907-cac/alltimeset/268163
I’ve assembled a number of series that I collected as a kid in the 50’s. Sold them all. I now only collect type, but I have a very expanded view of type. So, I may have several examples within a series if they are distinctive. For instance, have a Morgan toner, a proof, a DMPL, a high-end blast white, a first year, a last year, a cc, a NO. A beautiful type. Large cents present a large number of distinctive “looks” over the years beyond the traditional types -Mint History. One can collect type and expand the series’ one appreciates the most without regard to date or mm.
I'm a sucker for Deep Cameo.