Looking to Start Canadian, But What?

Cwtguy

I have a new found love and appreciation for Canada for a multitude of reasons... I did some investigating as I remember being far more attracted to the pocket change than in the States, although it seems like we may be getting a hint... Anyways, I looked on the Bay just this afternoon and across the board found the prices to be quite affordable in comparison which is always appreciated.

My first instinct was to just buy a handful of affordable beauties but everything I have has told me to hold off on that and rather focus my efforts towards an accomplished goal or a theme. As already stated money is an option and things must remain affordable. I am not limiting myself but staying away from the silver and gold because of the precious metal prices. Rather I am looking at tackling a set of mint state or proof denominations, designs, kings, or queens... I am also considering acquiring only slabbed or getting all of my acquisitions slabbed.

I already collect Civil War tokens, but those are not for any type of investment, rather pure research and with little regard for grade. Which gave me an idea for provincial coins or even tokens from the banks of Quebec and Ontario (Lower and Upper Canada) However with these I am looking at AU pre 1950 and post 1950 mint state and proof examples. The designs are just gorgeous in proof or mint state. Perhaps these would be my 'cheap' investment for a really nice collection in the future. Thoughts? Are there any Canadian collectors here? Where do you acquire your pieces (if that's not too personal)? I was thinking of putting forth a budget of about $5 a week or so towards this endeavor and either acquiring weekly pieces or just saving for each month... I am in no rush...

ajaan

The Canadian coin market is really depressed right now. Many bargains to be found.

DoubleEagle59

<< <i>The Canadian coin market is really depressed right now. Many bargains to be found. >>



Yes, I agree with you.

Use this to your advantage with whatever you decide to collect.

MrEureka

I'd suggest 1858 and 1859 Cents by die variety.

WWW

Some good advice has already been rendered. I'll further it along by suggesting that you try putting together a silver or copper type set.
Here is a list of various type sets that PCGS recognizes. Canadian Type Sets It's a good way to see what is available.

laurentyvan

Sorry, a bit confused...

For me the Charlton Standard Catalogue (with Krause 2nd I suppose), has always been my point of Canadian Numismatic reference.

Here is a list of various type sets that PCGS recognizes has me wondering-is the grading market creating
the "recognized" sets or should we still defer to the normal authorities?

zeebob

Look into collecting large Canadian cents. They are WONDERFUL if you like copper.

Cwtguy

Well after carefully looking it over the past couple of days I am going to stay with my gut reaction to collect (if extra money allows) all of the modern issues that I see in change, from 1 cent pieces to the toonies. I will have to decide what my parameters will be for starting the collection, whether a specific style of die will be the deciding factor, a year, or a person of royalty. I am really turned on by the beautiful designs of these pieces and their affordability. I will work on a collection of exclusively mint state and high end proof raw coins. It will be a fun process. Now I have to decide on which denomination to start with.... Perhaps I'll start with the smaller sets first to have something to build on... Problem is the five and ten cent pieces are the most tempting.

Thanks again for all the help guys! I know you were all suggesting material prior to 1900 but I am just a university student and would honestly rather have a fun hobby I can be proud of that I really care about then going by investment potential alone. But with that in mind there are not that many collectors of this material and a great many dates have relatively low mintages, especially compared to U.S. coins.

Cwtguy

The other thing too that I could collect would be all of the varieties of commemorative quarters that are out in circulation! These are fun and have a great many different designs, some include the anniversary of a particular province or territory, Remembrance Day, the Olympics, cultural heritage, and so on...

My girlfriend did say we are taking a trip to the mint in Ottawa sometime in May... I will have to keep my eyes open!