Home U.S. Coin Forum

Fantasy Collecting...describe your "NEW" set of coins that I'm funding!

Assuming that you've learned about collecting over the years from multiple sources, apply your strategy here:

*You have $500,000 (INCREASED FROM 250K)
*You are starting a NEW set of coins.
*The availability is "reality"...that's to say that you can't just pick them like in the trading contest. You have to wade through the selection.
*It's your perogative as to whatever criteria you wish to use in putting this together.

What would you collect?
What would be your parameters?
What would be your restrictions?
How would you proceed?

Let's see how you would do it if you had a fresh start.


image

Comments

  • MadMonkMadMonk Posts: 3,743
    I'll get back to you after I've had my coffee...but my first avenue to consider would be proof gold.
    Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
  • Well, not thinking investment, purely collecting, I'd work up a nice MS65-67 set of buffalo's (the overdates would likely have to be more like MS63's to stay in budget), focussed on nice eye appeal, original gold patina wherever possible...
    Could burn through 250k nicely that way. Might even work in a proof set along with the MS if I get good deals on lower MS overdates.
  • oxy8890oxy8890 Posts: 1,416
    image
    Best Regards,

    Rob


    "Those guys weren't Fathers they were...Mothers."

    image
  • saintgurusaintguru Posts: 7,727 ✭✭✭


    << <i>image >>



    May I offer you a cup of STFU? Dickhead. image



    Now....glad I cleared that up. image I'll continue now...

    It's intereting that you picked Buffalo's because I think I would do that or SLQ's.

    I'd start by buying the key dates in MS65 or better. I dont care if I spend 3/4 of the money on 6-8 key dates...I can likely buy 2/3 of the remaining dates in MS66 OB any way, but I always want the hard to get stuff first, unless a screamer common date comes along.

    My peramaters would be nothing lower than MS65; MS66/67 or better for commons....and not paying monster money for some condition rarities.

    I'd be all over the auctions scouring coins. I would also have one or two really quality minded dealers on the watch for me.

    That's my strategy.

    image
  • I'd try to make a complete collection of all medals and coinage from the 1901 pan american expo and the 1915 pan pacific expo
    Alot of nice coin artistry appears on those items.
  • richardshipprichardshipp Posts: 5,647 ✭✭✭
    Edit... now that you upped the fund I need to find smoething else

    How about just two coins.... pm me for my addy where you can send them image

    imageimage

    imageimage

    These would make me purdy happy... image
  • gold in proof 65. gold in ms 66 and up. also morgans in ms65 dmpl and up. and proof morgans.
  • oxy8890oxy8890 Posts: 1,416


    << <i>

    << <i>image >>



    May I offer you a cup of STFU? Dickhead. image



    Now....glad I cleared that up. image I'll continue now...

    >>



    Ouch, name calling from the Saintguru with the deep fantasy coin pockets. I think this may ruin my entire week what should I do?image
    Best Regards,

    Rob


    "Those guys weren't Fathers they were...Mothers."

    image
  • saintgurusaintguru Posts: 7,727 ✭✭✭
    You should be learned in couth now.

    Richard...that 31-D is ***shhhh***a POS. I know...it's a 66 and it's ex-Price...but that coin has been tampered with since Price sold it in '98. It looked much different. And that cut to the right of Liberty's head is pretty nasty.

    Look at the MS65 31-D in my syrup. It's nicer than that 66. image
    image
  • PistareenPistareen Posts: 1,505 ✭✭✭
    A half million bucks? It's not quite enough to do a Mint State date set of large cents or half cents, but either could be assembled in nicely matched EF-AU for that sum I think. A matched set in those grades would likely be tougher to do than an Unc set with circ. keys.

    Perhaps a large cent date set consisting only of "famous" coins -- pedigreed pieces or plate coins in standard references. It would be a doable set that would be a joy to assemble.

    I may be a copper weenie, but that's my vote.
  • I'd put together (matching) proof sets of the late 1800s. Maybe only getting a couple of sets, including gold. But what a joy it would be to wait for them to come up on the market, and buy them.
  • saintgurusaintguru Posts: 7,727 ✭✭✭
    That's your option.

    As I said...YOU set your parameters.

    I'd do quality over quantity anyday! No one can tell me that my 17 Saints are a lesser collection. image
    image
  • oxy8890oxy8890 Posts: 1,416


    << <i>You should be learned in couth now. image >>



    Wait a second, the Saintguru using vulgar insults is giving me a lesson in couth?image

    image


    BTW, given your current registry, I guess we know what you're doing with $500K, Smoking Saint collection!
    Best Regards,

    Rob


    "Those guys weren't Fathers they were...Mothers."

    image
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,712 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Is that a major finger print on the right obverse of the 1931-D Saint?

    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

  • OK, I know you said "new" set of coins. With that restriction, I can't play, cause I'd still be working on my CC's.
    But if I take the liberty of defining "new" as coins I previously could not afford, here's how I'd play.

    $500,000 would only make a small dent toward the 15 coins I still need to complete all 111 Carson City minted coins.

    Here's a list:

    73CC No Arrows Dime
    74CC Dime
    76CC 20c
    70CC Quarter
    71CC Quarter
    73CC Quarter No Arrows
    73CC Quarter Arrows
    73CC Seated Dollar
    70CC $10
    71CC $10
    73CC $10
    79CC $10
    70CC $20
    71CC $20
    91CC $20

    Real availability: Extremely limited to none.
    Parameters: Eye appeal for the grade.
    Restrictions: Time
    Proceed: Slowly - There's nothing worse than trying to dump a coin with bad eye appeal you bought in a hurry just to fill a hole.

    I have no false hopes of ever completing this set. Obviously the 73CC No Arrows Dime and a few others are complete show stoppers.
    My attainable goal has been to reach 90% complete and I have fun working in that direction. I need 4 more coins to reach that goal.


    There is a 76CC 20 cent in the upcoming Stack's Auction and Christmas is coming. image

  • saintgurusaintguru Posts: 7,727 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>You should be learned in couth now. image >>



    Wait a second, the Saintguru using vulgar insults is giving me a lesson in couth?image

    image


    BTW, given your current registry, I guess we know what you're doing with $500K, Smoking Saint collection! >>



    Really? You think I did good for 500K?

    Your comments make me want to swarm your website to buy your fancy coins. image
    image
  • A complete Pan-Pac set (in original copper frame).
  • MacCrimmonMacCrimmon Posts: 7,058 ✭✭✭
    Yep, even a date run of the most common var. of early copper (1793-1857) would be titilating, but far more than $500k for true gems; forget whether all red, etc., just give me well struck smooth chocolate blocks.....no spots, no verdigris, no itty bitty staining. image


    In the meantime, load up on 20th c. gold type......like this one.....for starters.


    image
  • MidLifeCrisisMidLifeCrisis Posts: 10,550 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Saintguru, Pistareen and a couple of others have already brought up some key points that would be part of my strategy.

    I would not concern myself with condition rarities. IMHO there is something artificial about the demand - and therefore the price - of condition rarities that are common in lower grades.

    I would look for true rarities, pedigreed or plated whenever possible, with a traceable history.

    I would still want to focus on colonial-era coins. If I were to pick a "new" series, it would be early gold (late 18th - early 19th century).

    I would still identify the key dates and obtain those first in the highest grades possible - meaning the highest grades in existance.

    Would I be able to do this with "just" $500,000? Who knows, but I doubt it! image
  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,392 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1896 Patterns by die variety and composition.
    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • STONESTONE Posts: 15,275
    I would work on a VF-EF collection of 18th century (1793-1799) U.S coins. Denominations from 1/2c through S$1.

    Please sign me up for the sweet giveaway.
  • I would use that money to add to my US Type set. It would go a long way to help me pick up a Chain cent, a Flowing Hair dollar and half, and a 1796 quarter in grades higher than PO-1 (that a MINUS 1).

    EDIT: I just realized the OP said this had to be a "new" set. In that case, I'd start a NEW type set, and I'd start it with a Chain cent, a Flowing Hair dollar and half, and a 1796 quarter. image


    Bob
  • tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,187 ✭✭✭✭✭
    A complete twenty cent set in MS and Proof.
  • GeomanGeoman Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭
    Always fun "wishing" what could be done if you had the money. I personally would complete a set of Walking Liberty Half Dollars in MS65. I love the half dollars (those dang $2 1/2 golds are just too small for me) and have started a short set (1941-1947) of Walkers in PCGS MS64. Also working on a complete set of Franklins in PCGS MS64FBL.

    However, if I had the funds, I would enjoy putting together a complete set of Gem Walkers in PCGS MS65. It's my favorite coin design, and probably could be done for right around $500,000.
  • speetyspeety Posts: 5,424
    I'd start with the 70-s seated dollar that's up for auction on the 17th...
    Want to buy an auction catalog for the William Hesslein Sale (December 2, 1926). Thanks to all those who have helped us obtain the others!!!

  • mhammermanmhammerman Posts: 3,769 ✭✭✭
    A set of small eagle $5's, and $10's in 45-50 (I want circs. here) with a complete set of '08 $10 indians in PCGS 65 and maybe one nice stella. See, not such an unreasonable request.
  • laugh all you want, but I would purchase as many MS 65 and up IKE's and varities as I can - feel these are sleepers - too bad I wont be around to reap the benefitsimage
    currently putting together a EF/AU/BU 18th & 19th Century Type Set; and CC Morgan Set

    just completed 3d tour to Iraq and retired after 28+ years in the US Army
  • bidaskbidask Posts: 14,017 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Classic Chinese crowns in gem and and chinese classic gold ( 350k)...India high grade classic gold (150m) ...of all types.
    I manage money. I earn money. I save money .
    I give away money. I collect money.
    I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.




  • EagleEyeEagleEye Posts: 7,677 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'd like a complete set of doubled die twenty cent pieces. I know where one will be available soon.
    Rick Snow, Eagle Eye Rare Coins, Inc.Check out my new web site:
  • jpo1965jpo1965 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭
    Raw set of dimes(1796 thru1837)AU toMS.Raw set of quarters(1796 thru 1838) AG to AU. Top it off with a J-1609 Schoolgirl in PF60 TO PF63. I think that would be niceimage
    Old coins
  • lkeneficlkenefic Posts: 8,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
    ... I agree with the other poster for an 18 C US type set...
    Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;

    Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,507 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Three dollar princess and four dollar stellas. Since it's a fantasy , they'd be the best for the least , too.
  • A set of the finest 1805 halves by die marriage. Several will be available at FUN, some are locked away seemingly forever. One of the 2 known O.114s will almost certainly become available in the next 10 years.
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,220 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Tough call. Two series that come to mind are Draped Bust $2.50 and early (1792-1805) half dimes. Both are cool and rather removed from my current area of expertise and require me to be a Padawan to a master which I would seek out for advice in order to get started. I don't lust for pop top coins, but the keys would have to be VFish coins so the set could be well matched and every coin would have to be attractive regardless of grade. If I were to go for the half dimes, I'd probably get my feet wet with an unc. 1795, become confident enough to pull the trigger on a 1792 or 1802 when the right coin came along (not many chances with the 1802), meanwhile buying nice AU coins of the rest so that the set is reasonably well-matched and I could afford the two monsters in VF or better.
  • raysrays Posts: 2,424 ✭✭✭✭✭
    500K should buy at least the first two lots of Walter Husak's large cent collection to be auctioned by Heritage at the Feb 08 Long Beach show. That would get me an S1 and S2.
  • oxy8890oxy8890 Posts: 1,416


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>You should be learned in couth now. image >>



    Wait a second, the Saintguru using vulgar insults is giving me a lesson in couth?image

    image


    BTW, given your current registry, I guess we know what you're doing with $500K, Smoking Saint collection! >>



    Really? You think I did good for 500K?

    Your comments make me want to swarm your website to buy your fancy coins. image >>



    You don't know when to take a small compliment and walk away do you?

    You are about as unprofessional as they come!image

    This will be my last post since you are now truly wasting my time.

    Best Regards,

    Rob


    "Those guys weren't Fathers they were...Mothers."

    image

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file