Are 18th and 19th Century US coins less available today to average Joe collectors than they were....

SanctionII

............ say 50 years and 100 years ago?

Could Mr. Pittman today have the same success in assembling the collection he assembled if he started doing so today?

Nysoto

They are more available today because of the internet and dealer networks. But the average Joe can no longer afford them. Draped bust half dollars have tripled in value the last 10 years for VF-AU grades.

As an engineer, Pittman could only afford a fraction of his collection today.

ziggy29

50-100 years ago you could get some 19th century coinage out of pocket change, so yes, I'd imagine they are less available -- and certainly costlier. Still, much of it is still very common.

doh

Nah, the Internet puts many people on a level playing field...Joe just has to pay a lot to be in the game sometimes