For my new U.S. type set: High grade commons or medium grade keys?

TheLiberator

What do you guys think I should focus on????

louiskeller

Focus on what gives you the most enjoyment. I tend to focus on commemoratives for my personal enjoyment, but I collect Key and Better dates for the long term. IMHO, If you don't pull them out of your safety deposit box just to look at them, at least once or twice a week then you are an investor

Sometimes, if you have a good eye and timing, you can pick up raw coins and have them slabbed.

My first 4 submissions to PCGS were as follows:

1 1853 $2 1/2 USA XF40 -- Cost = 120
2 1881 $5 USA MS62 -- Cost = 165
3 1909-D $5 USA MS62 -- Cost = 200
4 2003-W $10 First Flight USA MS69 -- Cost=Mint Pre-Issue price + S/H

Costs rounded up, including Shipping and handling. I was pretty happy with the results except for the 1853 $2.5! I feel that the e-bay seller overrepresented then coin, and had no refund guarantee.

There are a lot of unscrupulous individuals out there, but most of my experience has been with good people. Just research the coins you want and then wait for the coin you want at a price you are willing to pay. DON'T let the description hype you up too much.

Except for the First Flight, I was able to buy the raw coins substantially lower

mgoodm3

For type-set purposes, I like to get higher grade common, just so I have a nice example of the type. Get a nice common date first and then work on the keys. But, that's my opinion and others will have something different to say.

RegistryCoin

Placid

Either way it will cost a small fortune

louiskeller

Usually. Sometimes you can get a real nice gem though.

I paid mint price for the uncirculated Kennedy commemorative with the Matte JFK. It just returned at a grade of MS70. My first and only!

Crackout

I think that I would go high grade commom - you'll end up spending enough trying to complete the set!