What is your favorite coin series and why?
Married2Coins
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I NEED A CHANGE! Honest question. What is your favorite coin series with all things considered like history, value, popularity, profit potential when selling, ease of acquiring or completing, etc. Thanks!
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Either the Buffalo nickel or the Indian Head Cent. Both collectible as a series and distinctly American. The IHC in particular is a gorgeous coin in toned proof (or MS) as are the proof nickels. Add that they were available to me as a kid, from circulation, so sentimental value as well.
For U.S. coinage, I prefer any Early American Coinage (EAC) or Seated Liberty coinage. I’ve always been drawn to those types, especially when I started collecting in 1986. I still appreciate Bust coinage and other types, but EAC and Seated types are my favorites.
That are lot of factors that might not all fit into a given recommendation.
I like Indian Quarter Eagles that might fit many of your broad requirements. You could then gravitate from that to building a type set of quarter eagles (that I might do as well).
My main focus is seated halves, but they would fail on ease of acquiring nice examples over such a long series.
Ultimately, you should prioritize what design you enjoy as your first filter and then go from there, in my view.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
For collecting I greatly prefer type sets, which I guess could be thought of as a bit like a sampling menu. They allow great customization in terms of era, coinage metal or denomination in addition to the other series criteria of grade, expense, overall look, etc...
However, if you are looking for discrete series then I will give you my three favorites-
Washington quarters. I started collecting these in earnest around three decades ago and my collection consisted of the original silver series only (1932-1964) in high grade MS. The positives for the series are that most are readily available, most don't cost much money even in gem MS grades, most can be found fairly original as blast white coins or with light toning, the series is pretty liquid since it can be attempted by many collectors and as long as one isn't hung up in the "big five" in the set then the overall investment is rather low.
Reeded Edge half dollars. Similarly, around three decades ago I went after these coins. They were only issued in four years (1836-1839), the first O-mint half dollars were struck in this series, the mintmark is enormous and on the front of the coin directly above the date (which gives them a strange look), they are common enough in VF, there is a fabulous definitive reference book by Graham and Bush and there are only five collectable coins. However, some might nitpick about the 1838-O, which is a monster rarity and not struck for circulation which, therefore, means it is not included in anyone's definition of a set unless they want to argue. Also, the great majority of these coins have been cleaned, wiped, artificially toned or otherwise boinked over the years. Lastly, while three coins will be fairly easy (1837, 1838 and 1839) there are two that will cost into the thousands for a VF (1836 and 1839-O) and this is not for everyone.
Barber half dollars. This is probably my favorite series of all and I spent 10-15 years putting together an exquisite raw EF set that I had in two Library of Coins albums. The set was sold perhaps two decades ago and likely all the coins that were in that set are now in TPG holders. The set is long (around 75-coins), the coins are big and silver so they have a lot of heft, mid-grade coins (VF-ish) for most issues are fairly available, a great looking set can be put together in strict G4 through F12 for really not much per piece on average, most pieces do not cost an arm-and-a-leg, they were issued from four mints (P, O, D, and S), there is a large collector base, the definitive reference book is wonderful and they are challenging enough that you will not be able to finish them in a snap.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I have been for most of my life a Lincoln cent collector, however, while it does fit your list (popular, historical, value) in some ways it is a long series and other than the keys resale value is not there. I now am more of a type collector but the one series I greatly enjoyed putting together besides my Lincolns was the $2 1/2 gold indian series. It checks most of your boxes and has only one really tough and expensive coin. Catbert's suggestion of a quarter eagle type set is also a good one.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Currently the Kennedy series and mostly because you can still find them in high grades in the wild.
I'm thinking Ike dollars. I hate the things but they are inexpressive, not widely popular, and not completely researched so there are lot's of DDO, and DDR coins not attributed. I started thinking about Ikes when I member of my coin club showed us a MS coin struck with retired Proof dies! Who knew. I've already got an almost compere Washington quarter collection of these.
My favorite series is business strike braided hair half cents.
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.
I've gotten almost entirely away from series-based collecting. I think Buffalo nickels would have been a great project if I'd been a collector 50+ years earlier, but I don't think I'd take them on now. Like other circulation coinage of that era, the artwork is great. The series is reasonably concise, there are some interesting varieties, and while there are scarce and difficult coins there are no real stoppers.
The last series I built a collection of was Jefferson nickels, uncirculated business strikes & proofs 1938 until the Westward Expansion group of the early 2000's. I had a lot of fun with that in the 2007-2010 window; it was a nice way to stay really active in the hobby and build a beautiful set during a time when I was working on a very lean budget. One thing I did was to buy a bunch of raw unc album sets other people had built, generally the older the better, and then pull whatever coins therein would be an upgrade over what I already had. My set has the best coins from more than a dozen sets I engaged with that way. I enjoyed how DIY it all was, but honestly now that I think of it as "done" it's sort of a boring thing to own.
To each their own, but I cannot relate to collecting a series that I “hate”. Good luck!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
I collect Morgan's dollars mainly because I really like the look of them. They are readily available and mostly affordable. I do prefer them in PL or DMPL.
I do appreciate all US coinage which is part of what makes this forum great. I get to view other collections and enjoy mine as well.
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7
Morgan Dollars- big fat cartwheels, lots of varieties and ways to collect, and the proofs are the most beautiful coins!
I'm also in for Indian Quarter Eagles. It's a reasonably short series and not completely unaffordable to build a date set. "Profitability" is a question with just about any series but these will always retain metal value.
Twenty cent pieces are another short series and fairly easy to get the four common circulation strikes without breaking the bank. Proofs, not so much. And the 1876-CC? Forget it.
I like three cent silvers too. Not as short a run as the others and a real challenge to build a complete set, especially if you're after eye appeal. Consider this one on the long list that I'll never finish, not for a lack of trying.
civil war business strike.. pivotal time in history. and 100 years before my birth 1961 I was born
Capped Bust quarters. This series's prices have been depressed for some time so there are some nice bargains to be had. Also, its a very tough series and when you get it to where you want it than you got a great feeling of pride that its complete- will almost complete...... Only acquire nice eye appealing examples.
Indian quarter eagles - fifteen coins, all available and only one key that isn’t too wildly expensive. It was the first series I completed and is still my favorite in terms of eye appeal and investment potential.
Outside of early type coins like Draped Bust, my favorite is probably the Indian Head Cents.
My YouTube Channel
Flying Eagles - and I don't know why. Why do some men like blondes and others like brunettes?
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"
I’ve bounced around a bit. It was wheat cents years and years ago but now I’m working on a Kennedy registry set. I find I appreciate bigger coins the older I get. 😂
Early Dollars.
Love the history.
Flowing hair dollars. Can't beat the first silver dollars type made. I also love well struck peace dollars, specifically a 21 peace.
Wow! Those have been going up in price over the years. Have you checked for the die clash examples? Stupid question. you collect the FE series. I've never seen so many together.
Walkers-history, beauty and rarity.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
That's for sure. I used to buy them for decent prices but now even the VG ones can go for 25$ on eBay. And to win a graded FE on an auction site it like - "Forget about it!"
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"
Early Dollars
Seated Dollars
Naval Medals
A So-called dollar
Various Tokens & Medals
Going strictly by sheer beauty... Peace Dollars. Add the sentiment behind it after a grueling war.
Going by personal sentiment... JFKs. I was 6 when he was killed and it was traumatic for tens of millions. The sculptors and designers did an unbelievable job in a tiny amount of time.
"Brother, can you spare a dime?" (Especially a 1975 no S proof?)
I have answered this before but my all time favorite is the Seated Half Dollar.
The Seated half is the only Seated coin that retains the earlier Sully design. It has an aquiline beauty and a more delicate design the other Seated coins tend to lack.
It was a long lasting series that can be collected in a dozen different ways yet all are satisfying.
I call the Seated Half the Morgan dollar of Seated coins. It is a large silver coin. For some reason there just seems to be more Seated Halves around than any of the other denominations.
This series comes with a massive , free, online set of reference books. Better yet. There is a good supply of coins that can be cherry picked and many of them can be had for little or no premium at this time.
Last of all. Since you have so many options you can customize your set to match your budget.
Everything from rare uncirculated to worn raw coins are available. You just need to set a goal. James
Contemporary cents, nickels, dimes, quarters. They’re affordable
FE’s barely edging out IHC’s. To me, both have great designs with numerous varieties. Some of the IHC’s can come beautiful full blown RD. Both series are loaded with spectacular toners.
Runner ups: Walkers for the awesome design & H10C’s for the look, especially the toners.
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
If you need a change, or lots of them, classic commemoratives might be the series for you.
Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
Life is roadblocks. Don't let nothing stop you, 'cause we ain't stopping. - DJ Khaled
Not sure why the OP asked for input. He appears to be thinking Ike’s, which nobody else has named as a favorite, or seconded.
The early half dimes have had my attention for many years (over 60), but my collection has hit a roadblock. I can't afford an 1802 half dime, and I can't up grade anything I have. I'd love to find a better 1796 over 5, but I have seen one offered for years.
Beyond that, I like the quarter eagles. I'd never do a date set, but the early ones are all scarce and the 1848 CAL. is one of my favorite coins.
Among the original stated criteria, "value, popularity, profit potential" don't scream "Ikes" to me.
Don't hurt me, it's a joke.
"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
Because I like the design, especially when they look like this.
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
I started with Lincoln cents in the early 1960s, because even an almost-penniless kid could put aside one cent from time to time. So Lincoln cents still are my favorite series.
Ever since my parents came back from a visit to Las Vegas in 1960, and brought back a few silver dollars, I've been charmed with Morgan dollars. So they get an honorable mention.
Otherwise, as I got a bit older, I started collecting all the types of coins that then were in general circulation--buffalo and Jefferson nickels; Mercury and Roosevelt dimes; standing Liberty and Washington quarters, and walking liberty half dollars. I still collect them, though mostly I am no longer upgrading, just enjoying having them.
Choose what you like for your reasons.
I'm gravitating more and more over the last 20 years to old copper.
Why? Just go to a show and ask to see one, and the dealer hands you the coin, not the slab, the actual coin and you can feel the history. These are coins that you can touch and experience in a way that just appeals to me.
I'll echo what @TomB said about type collecting. There is such a great variety in US coinage. By going into type collecting, you may find a series that appeals to you, and dive into it that too.
I’m going to say seated dollars. They’re large sized and so hard to find original and attractive. When you do see one that is it’s a WOW moment.
But it’s still my #2 series to CBH 😝 …. And I don’t even own any.
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
I collected from circulation when I was a teenager back in the ‘60s. There is a certain nostalgia for anything I could find in circulation, especially finding Buffalo nickels or Standing Liberty quarters, even without dates. Mercury dimes were pretty common, having ended only 20 years earlier. Even so, the beauty of their designs, combined with a sense of wistful nostalgia, make these my favorites.
Lincolns had the advantage that a kid with no money could still swap $50 bags of cents at the bank and go through them (once I saved the initial $50, of course - mowed 17 lawns for that).
I guess they are still my favorites. I put together a nice type set recently. I love a lot of the 19th century designs, but none of them have left me craving more than one. (Well, I do love a nice Indian cent.)
Lincolns are still relatively cheap so I don’t have to strain my finances, and good examples can occasionally be snagged under the radar at auction. I like the way copper ages, giving a surface that is nominally brown or red-brown, but is actually a patchwork of dozens of colors. The example below shows blues, purples, and the radiant red of copper showing through. To me, this is gorgeous.
The OP would probably not be interested if resale is their motivation, but numismatically I find this long series very satisfying. I’ll probably just give my set of Jeffs to someone because they just don’t hold my interest any more.
Looking for a series that has room to grow. I like Trade dollars and have several nice ones. A reference for these coins is in the works that will cause the popularity to grow even more $$$$ but I've already missed the boat on these. I can buy a suitcase full of Ikes for the price of a BU Trade dollar.
In terms of what I have the most, its Lincoln cents.
But I like the Indian Head Cent more.
I'm missing 6 coins to have a full slabbed set of IHC
My current registry sets:
20th Century Type Set
Virtual DANSCO 7070
Slabbed IHC set - Missing the Anacs Slabbed coins
I like the classic silver commemorative type set with 50 coins all having a different design. It's affordable for many collectors. Once completed, the 11 coin small classic gold commemorative coin set is also a neat addition to the silver set.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I have collected Mercury dimes of over 60 years.
You can't believe how bad the first dimes I started with. They were cleaned with an eraser, boy did they clean up nice!! Now after 60 years the set has improved by leaps and bounds!
Franklin Half Dollars
You can put together a nice MS set with some beautiful color on a blue color budget.
I like bust quarters because all of the things in the OP are not there. Collecting nice bust quarters is very hard on all fronts……. Makes it a fun challenge but not necessarily an investment nor popular, nor easy.
There are from my personal collection:
Always favored Mercury dimes. Then Walkers. Their classic design that will always be appealing.
Dimes. The mighty mites of the coin world. Worth more yet take up less space than others.
USAF veteran 1984-2005
Seated Liberty halves. They're a large set where one can still pick up a lot of nice, original common date coins raw. The last is a bit more uncommon.