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Starting a new set - Liberty Nickels

I don't post much on this forum, but thought I would share a new set I am starting - Liberty Nickels.

You can view my new set here.

I have completed a Proof Eisenhower set in PCGS PR69DCAM and have almost completed the Proof Kennedy set as well in similar grade. With both of these sets, I was just concerned at getting the grade on the slab and not concerned too much if the coin in the slab was solid for the grade or not. I just wished to complete a set. After those two sets, I started the Short Set of Walkers (1941-1947) with a goal to complete that set in PCGS MS64, but paying more attention to the coin than the graded printed on the holder. I ended up working with a dealer on most of those coins and I am happy to say most of the coins are solid or PQ for the grade.

With this new set of Liberty Nickels, I am going to be more concerned about the strike, luster and toning of the coin than the grade. My budget will only allow me to collect coins in PCGS MS64, but all will be PQ for the grade. I will be picky and wait for the right coin for the set. I will also have to wait on the "big 3" coins until later when I can afford them. My first coin is in the set and was purchased off eBay. I didn't realize this, but when I entered it into the Registry Set, I "inherited" a Tru-View photo of the coin.

Enjoy, and any comments, suggestions, or tips on collecting Liberty Nickels are welcomed.

Comments

  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice start on a beautiful coin series.
  • curlycurly Posts: 2,880


    You're off to a great start, brother.
    Every man is a self made man.
  • etexmikeetexmike Posts: 6,818 ✭✭✭
    One down and only 32 more to go. image

    The best of luck to you and a very nice start.


    Mike
  • speetyspeety Posts: 5,424
    Good, luck! It's a fun set. We currently have a complete set in 64, about 75% of a second set in 64, and about 50% of a third set in 64 (with a 66 mixed in). image It's a fun but challenging set if you are picky on your coins. Finding a full strike on certain coins is next to impossible.

    BTW, nice 83 N/C. That probably ranks within the top 5% strike-wise of all I've seen. We have one in our set but it's strike isn't quite full. We are on the lookout for any that are 'fully' struck. I have yet to find one that I consider fully struck with good luster, and i've looked at every MS-64 to 66 that i've come across in dealers cases for the last 3 years!

    Welcome to the club of MS-64 liberty nickel collectors, another person to talk to is Dave (DRDDM). He's turning into a CBH guy but he'll come back eventually! image
    Mark
    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!!!

  • speetyspeety Posts: 5,424
    HAHAHAHAHAHA I just reviewed my registry set and noticed this comment at the bottom:

    "I have been wanting to purchase a 1883 Liberty Nickel (No Cents) in PCGS MS64/65 for a while now. Viewing this sets inspires me to start my own complete set. Awesome looking set - and I would have to agree that most of the coins seem better than a 64. All the stars are hammered with a strong strike on the obverse. Great set!
    Posted @ 1/17/2008 11:18 AM By Geoman2"

    Glad I could help imageimage
    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!!!

  • drddmdrddm Posts: 5,371 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hi Geoman,

    Nice way to start off your Lib Nickel set, really nice 1883 N/C. I think the PCGS MS64 grade is the way to go. I also decided to go with this grade but couldn't resist upgrading my 1883 N/C to MS65 as it quite affordable in MS65 as well.

    As for your goals, they are also wise. Nicely struck up Lib nickels (especially on the obverse stars, hair, and the reverse left ear of corn) are tough to find but very doable. I have also looked for coins with nice toning whenever possible, like my 12-S.

    In regards to the 3 keys, I decided to get them pretty early in my hunt for Lib nickels as the prices on these will continue to steadily rise. The 1885 will be tough to find nice in MS64 but it can be done. I actually had two NGC MS64's, one of which crossed and now resides in my set. It has all stars complete, with beautiful hair detail and a very nice left ear of corn. Furthermore, ther are NO obverse die cracks. This is tough to find at least from what I have seen but again, it is doable.

    Again, nice 1883 N/C and congrats on your choice to collect this series. It is a fun set to put together and your objectives will keep you busy, which only adds to the fun.

    I am very into CBH's right now and every so often I check out my Lib nickel set, which brings back many fond memories when I was putting it together.

    By the way, Mark's (speety) Lib nickel set is also one to admire and strive toward as far as strike, luster, and eye appeal. He's got great taste which is easily seen when you check out his coins.

    If I can be of any help, please don't hesitate to drop me a PM.

    Good luck,
    Dave
  • scherscher Posts: 924
    Good Luck..Would be fun to find interesting examples at that grade level..Some dates ez some not so ez..
    Bruce Scher
  • Good luck and as drddm points out, the left ear of corn on the reverse is in mho the single best indicator of the strike. The full ears of corn are about as difficult to find as full-step Jeffies, so check 'em out.

    This is one of my favorite series. They're beautiful and I can vouch that they're lots of fun to collect so enjoy yourself.

    I've also been having fun collecting some of the Liberty Head Nickel error coins. For me, there's nothing like a Liberty Head Nickel struck on a penny planchet. I've been trying to accumulate a complete date set of these interesting errors. I figure that in another two lifetimes, I may have it complete.imageimageimage

    Just Having Fun
    Jefferson nickels, Standing Libs, and US-Philippines rock
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