$500 Type Coin - F/XF/AU or MS-64/65?

NoDakCoin

First post.

I am just getting interested in Type Collecting. I want to start a collection of slabbed coins and am looking for input from the board. I am probably going to focus on the 1860 - 1960 time period or thereabouts. I will start with silver and copper coins and may decide to add a few gold coins later on. I am going to budget $300 - $500 per coin.

Here is my question. Am I better off getting a key or semi key date in F, XF or AU OR do I go for a MS 64/65 and then just take whatever date I can get?

Also, if anyone has some suggestions on specific coins (dates and grades) in this price range I am all ears.

LanLord

Welcome to the "zoo".

No one can tell what you are best off buying, but I don't think you can go wrong by getting key coins in what ever condition you can afford.

KlectorKid

If you want to do type you might be better off getting the best example and going with MS. But it is up to you. Some people like to make a key date type set, some dont.

ARCO

Mint state coins would definitely make up a beautiful type set. Key dates in original XF or AU, could cost the same, and perhaps be much more challenging to find.

I personally enjoy circulated coins more, as the original toning, dirt, and gunk they collect makes them unique. Secondly, I would be willing to bet that a very nice XF or AU key date coin would appreciate in value more than a generic MS64 type coin.

Collect whatever is most rewarding to you.

Tyler

ms71

If you have any local shows, make the acquaintance of a dealer who seems to have nice stuff, doesn't "hype" what's hot, and will take the time to pass on the rudiments of eye appeal (and, hopefully, what to look out for on the "questionable" side). It will be a really tough go if you can't get some one-on-one time with somebody who is knowledgeable and who you can trust. The less of that you can find, the higher will likely be your "tuition". Your price range means you will have some fairly substantial dollars in your collection. Be sure you know enough to protect yourself; and until you do, take the time to find somebody who will care enough about gaining a solid long-term customer to guide you. he may charge a reasonable premium. Pay it. Don't throw your money away, there are plenty who will take it.

And, oh yes: UNH rules. The Fighting Sioux are doomed. NCAA Div. I hockey forever.

coinlover

Welcome! Have fun with that type set

Karen

dan1ecu

Welcome!

Does NoDak refer to North Dakota?

I don’t know how knowledgeable you are with regards to what constitutes an attractive coin, but I’d recommend doing quite a bit of reading on this message board before investing too much money in coins. Eye appeal is very important. It’s important to be aware of how to spot a dipped coin, an artificially toned coin, a coin that is “high end” for the grade, as opposed to “low end”, a damaged coin, a corroded coin, etc. I feel that I’m making much wiser decisions now that I’ve learned from the others here. You also might want to stick with slabbed coins if your just starting out. It’s safer than buying raw coins.

Best wishes,

Dan

hookedoncoins

IF you are doing it for investment, I would buy semi/key dates in whatever grade you can find or common dates in pop tops. However, I personally like to buy coins in MS64ish so I have a nice example of the coin (I care little about rare coins unless i'm going for the whole set).

Edit to say: Welcome to the boards. I just noticed that you only have 1 post. I hope you enjoy yourself here and stay.

-Jarrett Roberts

goose3

You can rarely go wrong with a nice problem free key date of any series in ANY grade!

I say go for the Key date set! That would be Extremely impressive to see a Dansco "Type" album full of nothing but Key dates!

NoDakCoin

Yes NoDak is North Dakota - Go Sioux. Thanks for all the input so far. I really enjoy the board.