Top 100 coins for the "normal" collector. Results so far!

Billet7

I was reading the "100 Greatest U.S Coins" today (awesome book BTW,) and realized that a many of the coins in the book are "unattainable." Even given unlimited funds...the coins are simply unavailable. I was thinking it would be great to come up with a list of the "Greatest 100 Coins that were used in daily commerce." Post your top 10 coins, and I will make a list...in order of popularity, which are the top 100.

Here are the rules:

-Post your top 10 coins, the coins must have circulated in the U.S, and be commissioned by the US government (Fugio is OK.)
-No proofs or patterns
-Errors and varieties are OK.
-No gold, I realize gold did circulate, but on a limited basis. Gold is not the common persons coin. (perhaps we could do a post for a gold list too!)
-If you want to post pics...I guess that would be OK.
-I reserve the right to add to the rules if I forgot to mention something.
-Let's post specific coins...not just types or examples. (1857 half cent, instead of a classic head half cent.)
-Lets put an arbitrary limit of $100,000 for each coin...sure it's a larger figure...but I think the average person in the US could save up this amount in their lifetime if they were severely dedicated (I am not)...so that will be our figure.
-Just coins that were intended for circulation, not esoteric items that were made as presentation pieces and holed up in some Smithsonian collection that no one is even allowed to see anymore (rant over.)
-Generally speaking, these are the coins that are attainable. Truthfully if the average person was dedicated enough, he/she could attain a half-disme. It would require some serious dedication, and one might have to skip out on buying a house...and get the half disme instead...but it is possible.


Here is the results so far!

1909-S VDB , 7
1916-D dime , 7
1793 Chain Cent , 6
1796 Quarter , 5
1921 Dollar (peace) , 5
1938 (or D)3 legged buffalo Nickel , 5
1955 DDO Cent , 5
1792 Half Disme , 4
1893-S Morgan , 4
1787 Fugio Cent , 3
1877 Cent , 3
1889-CC Dollar , 3
1932-D Quarter , 3
1932-S Quarter , 3
1793 Half Cent , 2
1794 Cent (w/pole or without) , 2
1795 Dollar (flowing) , 2
1796 or 1797 half , 2
1823 quarter , 2
1878-CC dollar , 2
1916 quarter , 2
1918/7 Nickel , 2
1921-D Half , 2
1923-S quarter , 2
1793 Strawberry leaf , 1
1795 Dollar (draped) , 1
1795 Half , 1
1799 Dollar , 1
1801 Cent, Three Errors , 1
1801 Half , 1
1802 Half , 1
1802 Half Dime , 1
1805/4 Half , 1
1809 Dime , 1
1815 Quarter , 1
1815/2 Half , 1
1817/4 Half , 1
1830 Half , 1
1836 Gobrecht , 1
1837 Half Dime, no stars , 1
1837 No Stars Dime , 1
1837 No Stars Half Dime , 1
1844 Dime , 1
1851-O 3 Cent , 1
1857 CC, 20 Cent piece , 1
1861 3 Cent , 1
1861 Cent , 1
1861 Dime , 1
1861 Dollar , 1
1861 Half , 1
1861 Half Dime , 1
1861 quarter , 1
1864 2 Cent, Sm. Letters , 1
1865 Two Cent , 1
1874-CC Dime , 1
1875-CC Quarter , 1
1876 CC Dollar DDR , 1
1879-CC Dollar , 1
1883 N/C Nickel , 1
1884-CC Dollar , 1
1885 Nickle , 1
1885-CC Dollar , 1
1887 8TF Dollar , 1
1891-O Quarter , 1
1895-O Dime , 1
1896-S Quarter , 1
1912-S Nickel , 1
1913 T1 Nickel , 1
1913-S T1 Nickel , 1
1913-S T2 Nickel , 1
1916-S Half , 1
1917 Quarter, T1 , 1
1924-S Quarter , 1
1928 Dollar , 1
1929 Cent , 1
1938-D Half , 1
1942/1 Dime , 1
1982 Quarter , 1
1983 Quarter , 1
1997 Nickel, Matte , 1
1999 Delaware Quarter , 1
1838-O Half Dime , 1
1853-O Half Dime, No Arrows , 1
1815 Half , 1
1836 Half, Reeded , 1
1839-O Half , 1
1840 Rev of 38 Half , 1
1870-CC Half , 1
1870-CC Dollar , 1
1872-S Dollar , 1
1873-CC Dollar , 1
1876-CC DDR Trade Dollar , 1
1901 DDR Dollar , 1
1934-D DDO Dollar , 1
1972 DDO Cent , 1
1983 DDR Cent , 1
1984 DDO Cent , 1
1964 Kennedy , 1
1965 40% Silver Half , 1
1974-D DDO Half , 1
1971-D DDO Dollar , 1
1971-D RDV-006 Dollar , 1
1976 Bicentennial Dollar , 1

Billet7

-Chain Cent
-Fugio Cent
-1796 Quarter
-1823 Quarter
-1797, 96 Half Dollar
-1817/4 Half
-Half Disme
-1796 Half Cent
-1909-S VDB
-1893-S Morgan

(Man! I could do all 100...I can think of a ton more I could add to this list!)

speety

<< <i>-Chain Cent
-Fugio Cent
-1796 Quarter
-1823 Quarter
-1797, 96 Half Dollar
-1817/4 Half
-Half Disme
-1796 Half Cent
-1909-S VDB
-1893-S Morgan

(Man! I could do all 100...I can think of a ton more I could add to this list!) >>



What normal collector could obtain all those? lol

Batman23

I would have to go with the odd ball but cool type for my top ten... Half cent, Large cent, 2 cent, 3CS, 3CN, Shield Nickel, half dime, Twenty cent, Silver half dollar and Silver Dollar (earlier the better). These are really cool and should be on the list. They are in the price range that the Normal collector can afford/find and they are cool for viewing and show and tell.

BaseballAbs

I vote for the 1793 half cent. Its not on the 100 greatest coins, but if i was to make a list of top 100 circulated coins ever it would be on that list.
1796 quarter
Chain cent
1916-D dime
1909-s vdb
Fugio cent
Half Disme
1916 quarter
1793 strawberry leaf
1893-s Morgan dollar

Batman23

<< <i>

<< <i>-Chain Cent
-Fugio Cent
-1796 Quarter
-1823 Quarter
-1797, 96 Half Dollar
-1817/4 Half
-Half Disme
-1796 Half Cent
-1909-S VDB
-1893-S Morgan

(Man! I could do all 100...I can think of a ton more I could add to this list!) >>



What normal collector could obtain all those? lol >>




No kidding! I have only one of these. I must not be in the Normal Collector Class. I must be in the peasant collecting class.

DennisH

1877 Indian cent
1909-SVDB Lincoln
1885 Liberty nickel
1913-S Type 2 Buffalo nickel
1916-D Mercury dime
1896-S Barber quarter
1932-D or S Washington quarter
1921-D Walking Liberty half
1879-CC Morgan dollar
1921 or 1928 Peace dollar

aficoinado

1878-CC Trade $
1801, 1802, 1805/4 Draped Bust Half
1795 Flowing Hair half
1837 No Stars dime and half dime
1921 High Relief Peace $
1889-CC Morgan $
3 Legged Buff 5c

RNCHSN

"NORMAL" is over-rated!

MidLifeCrisis

Ya gotta define the parameters a little more. Are we listing the top coins that are "attainable" - meaning readily available if you've saved up enough money?

MidLifeCrisis

I know I'm not following the rules, but here's a partial list I put together a few years ago, based on some recommendations and information I found:

Fugio Cent - The first coin issued by authority of the United States. (One of the 100 Greatest US Coins)
1793 Half Cent - Obtainable in lower grades
1796 Half Cent (One of the 100 Greatest US Coins) - With Pole variety may be obtainable
1793 Chain Flowing Hair Large Cent (One of the 100 Greatest US Coins) - AMERICA
1793 Wreath Reverse Flowing Hair Large Cent - Vine/Bars Edge
1801 Large Cent Three errors: fraction 1/000, one stem to the wreath, and Iinited in legend.
1856 Flying Eagle Cent (One of the 100 Greatest US Coins)
1877 Indian Head Cent - Key date (Business strike only, not Proof)
1909 VDB Lincoln Cent - Matte Proof variety
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent (One of the 100 Greatest US Coins)
1914-D Lincoln Cent
1955 Doubled Die Error Lincoln Cent
1864 Small Motto Two Cent Piece
1872 Three Cent Silver - Key date
1877 Three Cent Nickel (Proof Only)
1912-S Liberty Head V Nickel - Key Date
1937-D Buffalo Nickel—three legged variety
1792 Half Disme (One of the 100 Greatest US Coins)
1916-D Mercury Dime (One of the 100 Greatest US Coins)
1875-CC Twenty Cent Piece
1796 Draped Bust Quarter, Small Eagle Reverse (One of the 100 Greatest US Coins)
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (One of the 100 Greatest US Coins)
1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar - Key Date
1807 Capped Bust, Lettered Edge Half Dollar - “Bearded” Liberty Variety
This design by John Reich, assistant engraver at the mint, was said by his enemies to be a portrait of Reich’s “fat mistress”.
1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
1795 Draped Bust Dollar - The first issue of this type and with the interesting Small Eagle reverse.
Gobrecht Dollar 1836-1839 (One of the 100 Greatest US Coins) - Quite an expensive type coin to include in this collection.
1876-CC Trade Dollar (Doubled Die Reverse)
1878-CC Morgan Dollar - A personal favorite because it was a coin I owned when I was young.
1893-S Morgan Dollar (One of the 100 Greatest US Coins) - Key Date but extremely expensive
1921 High Relief Peace Dollar
1926-S Peace Dollar - A personal favorite because it was a coin I owned when I was young.
1934-S Peace Dollar - The popular key issue in the series and always a nice coin to have.

MidLifeCrisis

And my top 10 from that list would be:

Fugio Cent - The first coin issued by authority of the United States.
1793 Chain Flowing Hair Large Cent - AMERICA
1801 Large Cent Three errors: fraction 1/000, one stem to the wreath, and Iinited in legend.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
1955 Doubled Die Error Lincoln Cent
1937-D Buffalo Nickel—three legged variety
1792 Half Disme
1916-D Mercury Dime
1796 Draped Bust Quarter, Small Eagle Reverse
1795 Draped Bust Dollar - The first issue of this type and with the interesting Small Eagle reverse.

relicsncoins

I'm guessing by "normal" you mean coins that a middle class salary could afford.

Large Cent in AU.
Indian Head Cent in 64RD
09 S VDB in VG
Barber Series coin in MS63
Seated Series Coin in AU58
40's Merc in MS67
30's Buffalo in MS66
30's Washington in MS65
40's Walker in MS65.
Morgan Dollar in MS65.

I believe all of these coins can be had by a normal collector on a somewhat limited budget, and would make a collection to be proud of.

JJ

AgBlox

<< <i>

<< <i>-Chain Cent
-Fugio Cent
-1796 Quarter
-1823 Quarter
-1797, 96 Half Dollar
-1817/4 Half
-Half Disme
-1796 Half Cent
-1909-S VDB
-1893-S Morgan

(Man! I could do all 100...I can think of a ton more I could add to this list!) >>



What normal collector could obtain all those? lol >>



I was thinking the same thing. I couldn't touch any of those coins in decent condition.

HoledandCreative

I have always liked the coinversation pieces like:

3-Legged Buffalo
any Overdate
1955 DD
Any Bust coin
Any Gold coin
a magnetic 1943 "copper"

Imo, these are some of the normal collector's coins. Great coins to show to non-collector friends because they have been so commercialized in TV Guide and Reader's Digest among others. About everybody has heard of them but hardly anybody has seen them.

melvin289

1/2 ¢
2 ¢
3 ¢ silver
3 ¢ nickel
Shield Nickel
Liberty Nickel
Buffalo Nickel
Jefferson Nickel
Looks like I run out of my 10 choices before I run out of coins.

But,
1 each of the dimes, quarters, halves, and silver dollars from seated to present and the 3 Bi-Centennial coins.

Ron

Edited to add: 1¢ from Flying Eagle to present.

Elcontador

I'll focus on coins that a normal collector might actually be able to obtain which I think are attractive:
1) Classic Half Cent XF or better
2) Unc. Braided Hair Large Cent
3) Attractive MS 65 RB IHC
4) Attractive MS 65 RD Early Lincoln P Mint Cent
5) 1938 D Buff in MS 66
6) MS 66 FB 1940s vintage Mercury Dime
7) MS 63 or better 1917 P Type I SLQ
8) Unc. Capped Bust or Reeded Edge Half Dollar
9) MS 66 1940s vintage Walker
10) Unc. type Seated $ (59 O or 60 O if you want w/o motto, 1871, 72 or 73 P if you want w motto)

MWallace

Why not make it "The top 100 coins under $100"?

crypto79

I see where hes going. Not many people can get a 1969 s DDO but the 1893 s or 1916 d dime can be had by the middle class if they save up.

1877 1c
1909s 1c Indian
1909s VDB 1c
1955 DDO 1c
1864 sm letter 2c
1851o 3c
1912s 5c
1913s ty1 5c
1844 10c
1916d 10c
1942/1 10c
1875 cc 20c
18910 25c
1916 sLq
1923s 25c
1932 d
1932s

Billet7

revised rules...I hope I cleared up any confusion.

mgoodm3

Not really clear... 100k for all or for one??

Mar327

After writing some of the favorites I own, I realized you wanted things that added to 100k. Not in my lifetime.

RYK

I am boycotting this thread because it is confusing and, more importantly, gold is excluded.

GritsMan

For my list, I'm going to go mostly with Moderns because a) I know something about them and b) many haven't yet matured in price and may represent true bargains for normal collectors:

1. High-grade 1982 and 1983 quarters (thanks, CladKing)
2. $25 2008 proof platinum eagle (you didn't say no platinum, did you?)
3. 1997-P matte unc Jefferson nickel
4. 1998-S matte finish Kennedy
5. 1885-CC GSA Morgan
6. Any of the unc-w 2006-2008 plats
7. Daniel Carr Ameros--oops. I guess those don't qualify. Sorry.

I'm sure I'll think of more, but I think all of the above are real sleepers (except the GSA Morgan), and that's what us low-budget "normal" collectors should concentrate on first.

UtahCoin

My list reflects coins that were still circulating in the 1950's and early 1960's

1909 S VDB (every kids dream find in the 50's, early 60's)
1955/55 Lincoln Cent
1916 D Mercury Dime
1893 S Morgan
1889 CC Morgan
1937 3-Leg Buffalo Nickel
1918/7 Buffalo Nickel
1932 S Washington Quarter
1932 D Washington Quarter
1938 D Walking Liberty Half

RYK

Even though I am boycotting this thread , wouldn't it be cool if PCGS created a Top 100 registry, based on the discussions from this thread. If they did, would you have any interest in participating in it?

aficoinado

<< <i>For my list, I'm going to go mostly with Moderns because a) I know something about them and b) many haven't yet matured in price and may represent true bargains for normal collectors:

1. High-grade 1982 and 1983 quarters (thanks, CladKing)
2. $25 2008 proof platinum eagle (you didn't say no platinum, did you?)
3. 1997-P matte unc Jefferson nickel
4. 1998-S matte finish Kennedy
5. 1885-CC GSA Morgan
6. Any of the unc-w 2006-2008 plats
7. Daniel Carr Ameros--oops. I guess those don't qualify. Sorry.

I'm sure I'll think of more, but I think all of the above are real sleepers (except the GSA Morgan), and that's what us low-budget "normal" collectors should concentrate on first. >>



NO PROOFS!!!! Please follow the very specific and clear rulez!!!!

GritsMan

<< <i>

<< <i>For my list, I'm going to go mostly with Moderns because a) I know something about them and b) many haven't yet matured in price and may represent true bargains for normal collectors:

1. High-grade 1982 and 1983 quarters (thanks, CladKing)
2. $25 2008 proof platinum eagle (you didn't say no platinum, did you?)
3. 1997-P matte unc Jefferson nickel
4. 1998-S matte finish Kennedy
5. 1885-CC GSA Morgan
6. Any of the unc-w 2006-2008 plats
7. Daniel Carr Ameros--oops. I guess those don't qualify. Sorry.

I'm sure I'll think of more, but I think all of the above are real sleepers (except the GSA Morgan), and that's what us low-budget "normal" collectors should concentrate on first. >>



NO PROOFS!!!! Please follow the very specific and clear rulez!!!! >>



OOPS! I just can't follow directions! Sorry, well then how about a $25 2008 unc-w plat?

Billet7

<< <i>Even though I am boycotting this thread , wouldn't it be cool if PCGS created a Top 100 registry, based on the discussions from this thread. If they did, would you have any interest in participating in it? >>



Yes I would.

Sorry about the confusion. I wrote this late last night...note to self...don't do that!

BillJones

1793 Chain Cent
1796 Quarter
1836 Gobrecht Dollar, name on base, eagle flying “onward and upward” (original issue)
1792 Half Disme
1793 Wreath Cent
1795 Flowing Hair Dollar (The 1794 is hard to get for less than $100k)
1999 Delaware State Quarter (Stated the State Quarter series which added many collectors.)
1878 Eight Tail Feather Morgan Silver Dollar (Stated a prime collector series – center of major 19th century political issue.
1793 half cent
1913 Type I Buffalo nickel

Disqualifying gold is a bummer because these pieces should be on any great coins list:

1795 half eagle, small eagle reverse – first U.S. Gold coin
1907 High Relief double eagle (Landmark coin – started the U.S. coin design renaissance)
1795 eagle – First example of the flagship $10 gold denomination.
1848 CAL quarter eagle – First shipments of California gold to the east coast for the Federal Government.

rhedden

Without looking at what everyone else posted, here are my Top 10:

1. 1793 Chain cent
2. 1955 doubled-die Lincoln cent
3. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
4. 1802 half dime
5. 1874-CC Seated dime
6. 1796 Draped Bust quarter
7. 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter
8. 1796 Bust half
9. 1815/2 Capped bust half
10. 1921 Peace dollar


Some of these coins made the list based upon incredible rarity, but others made it due to the coolness of their design.

Musky1011

I might actually be able to purchase these in my lifetime

1921 peace dollar
1884 CC morgan
1876 CC double die reverse Trade dollar
and
for my precentennial set
1861 IHC
1861 3 cent silver
1861 Seated Half dime
1861 Seated dime
1861 seated quarter-purchased already
1861 seated half
1861 seated dollar

Moldnut

I think im going to drop a few 0's and say no higher then $1,000 and no lower then the grade of Good.
1) 1916-D 10c G4
2) 1923-S 25c VF
3) 1895-O 10c VG
4) 1809 10c G4
5) 1875-CC 25c VF
6) 1794 1c F12
7) 1937-D 5c 3leggs VF
8) 1877 1c G4
9) 1916-S 50c EF
10) 1815 25c VF

Billet7

Results posted in OP.

Moldnut, I haven't listed yours yet.

SanctionII

Today:

1794 Pole Cent (AG),
1798/7 Flowing Hair Cent (AG),
1834 Half Cent (MS with toning),
1929 Cent (MS with rainbow toning and blazing luster, from Charmy),
1865 Two Cent (MS with plum toning),
1936 Satin Proof Buffalo Nickel,
1940 Proof Dime (with frosted devices, deep watery mirrored fields and nice rim toning),
1924S Standing Liberty Quarter (MS),
1830 Bust Half (EF) and
1950 Cameo Proof Franklin.

Yesterday, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow the list was and will be different depending on my memory and my mood

Moldnut

<< <i>Results posted in OP.

Moldnut, I haven't listed yours yet. >>



Sorry I didnt see you posted the results. I had to think about mine last night

pcgs69

Alright, stuff that an "average Joe" could possibly swing...

1793 Chain cent (with some searching, a PO1 can be found)
1909-S VDB Lincoln
1883 No Cents Nickel
1837 No Stars Half Dime
1916-D Mercury Dime
1917 Type 1 SLQ
1795 FH Half Dollar
any 1880s half dollar
1795 Flowing Hair Dollar
1799 Draped Bust Large Eagle Dollar

Billet7

Updated list.

crypto79

<< <i>I see where hes going. Not many people can get a 1969 s DDO but the 1893 s or 1916 d dime can be had by the middle class if they save up.

1877 1c
1909s 1c Indian
1909s VDB 1c
1955 DDO 1c
1864 sm letter 2c
1851o 3c
1912s 5c
1913s ty1 5c
1844 10c
1916d 10c
1942/1 10c
1875 cc 20c
18910 25c
1916 sLq
1923s 25c
1932 d
1932s >>



1838o 1/2 dime
18530 no arrows 1/2 dime
1815/2 50c
1836 reeded 50c
1839 o 50c
1840 (o)rev of 1838 50c
1870 cc 50c
1921 d 50c
1961 Proof DDR 50c
1870 cc 1$
1872 s 1$
1873 cc T$
1876 cc DDR t$
1878 cc T$
1889 cc 1$
1893 s 1$
1895 1$
1901 DDR 1$
1921 peace
1934d DDO 1$

19Lyds

Realisitically,

1972 Lincoln DDO
1983 Lincoln DDR
1984 Lincoln DDO
1995 Lincoln DDO
1964 Kennedy
1965 40% Silver Clad Kennedy
1974-D DDO Kennedy
1971-D Eisenhower Dollar
1971-D RDV-006 Eisenhower Dollar
1976 BiCentennial Eisenhower Dollar

Billet7

I really need more input. PLEASE-O-PLEASE!

Fletcher

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