Thinking about collecting capped bust halves

Rob9874

I'm getting back into the hobby, and have started down the path of a US type set. However, I keep thinking CBH's are for me. Was hoping to get some collecting advice for a beginner. Should I start with the Overton (or Peterson) guide, or get my feet wet buying a few to start off, and worry about attributing them later?

It sounds like a niche of the hobby where you can cherry pick some nice values, if you know more about the different varieties than the next guy. Are identifying the different varieties worth it if my budget is for XF coins? How do you identify the different varieties when browsing coins? Surely you don't memorize every one, or take the guide with you to LCS's.

I'm excited about starting this venture, but am full of questions. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

SoCalBigMark

Condition unless very rare is everything, beware net graded coins.

Elcontador

<< <i>Condition unless very rare is everything, beware net graded coins. >>



As a corollary to the above, learn to spot doctored coins.

TennesseeDave

I did a date set that included several overdates in grades from VF-XF (All PCGS) and it was enjoyable. I bought a lot of them raw and had them graded.

crypto79

<< <i>I did a date set that included several overdates in grades from VF-XF (All PCGS) and it was enjoyable. I bought a lot of them raw and had them graded. >>



Careful with this method, tenndave has tought himself how to judge what will grade and what won't through a good eye and trial and error. If one doesn't posses the much better than avg eye and talent it will become a very exspencive way to collect that might burn you out on the hobby by exsposing you to the shady side and monetary loss.

TwoSides2aCoin

You know when you're done thinking, because the wallet will get thinner, so have fun. The first order of business is a CBH book... then PHOTOGRADE book by QDB or the APP for a smartphone.
After that... I can't think.... it's too taxing to think there is more competition.

OKbustchaser

Like Dave above, I recommend starting with a date set. With the exception of the '15 (and to a lesser extent the '07) this will allow you the time to gather the knowledge of what looks right--and, yes, all apologies to our hosts but even many TPG graded bust coins aren't "right"--without getting stung too badly. As time goes if your interest remains try turning your collection into a Redbook set.

As for the rare die marriage cherries that you see strewn about on the board yes, they can be occasionally found and can be financially rewarding, but I wouldn't make them my sole goal. You will never see enough to hold your interest in the set. By all means, get the Overton book, but also get a copy of Edgar Souders' The Top 100 R4 and R5 Capped Bust Half Dollar Varieties rapid attribution guide. It is available both in a full-size paperback and in a small pocket size which can easily be carried into shows.

For general interest in capped bust halves I also heartily recomend Bust Half Fever also by Edgar Souders.

Rob9874

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I will attempt a date set, definitely starting with TPG coins.

lordmarcovan

<< <i>Thinking about collecting capped bust halves >>

I think you won't lack for co-enthusiasts and mentors, then. Not around here. And I can think of lots worse things to collect.

Me personally, were I in your shoes, I'd get my feet wet by doing a simple "one a year" set to get a feeling for 'em. Then once that is done or nearly done, you could branch out into Overton varieties or whatever.



<< <i>Like Dave above, I recommend starting with a date set. With the exception of the '15 (and to a lesser extent the '07) this will allow you the time to gather the knowledge of what looks right--and, yes, all apologies to our hosts but even many TPG graded bust coins aren't "right"--without getting stung too badly. As time goes if your interest remains try turning your collection into a Redbook set. >>

Aha. I see that bit of advice was already given, and in a bit better detail than I provided. I agree. Start with a simple date set, then if you're still having fun, go for Redbook varieties, then Overton. Of course you could pick up a copy of Overton while still in your date set or Redbook set phases, so by the time you go in that direction, you'll already have a head start.

ElmerFusterpuck

Oh no, you should not do this series! The halves are big, ugly and overrated! There are too many dates and varieties!






Besides, I don't need any more competition!

astrorat

A date set is a good place to start to learn more about the series. It's a fun series to collect and not TOO expensive if you like the F-EF range ... AU and above are becoming fairly pricey.

Be sure to get Edgar Souders' "Bust Half Fever" along with the Overton book. "Bust Half Fever" is a fun read and adds information not found in Overton. The Peterson book is another great reference.

You may find that a date set is just not enough ... then there is the Red Book set ... then remember there are 450 die varieties ... let the insanity begin!

Rob9874

Sorry for the added competition. Don't worry, being a newb in the hobby and on my modest budget, I doubt we'll be vying for the same coins. I made a spreadsheet of the lowest price by date, in the VF-XF range, to help me when buying for a date set. This seems much more manageable than trying to figure out the Red Book varieties and the Overton varieties right off the bat. I'll definitely check out "Bust Half Fever" and eventually the Overton guide.

Now what I want to master is what to look for, in TPG coins. What's a nice surface, what's a nice strike, etc. I assume that will come in time, as well as learning from pics posted on here.

johnny9434

<< <i>

<< <i>Condition unless very rare is everything, beware net graded coins. >>



As a corollary to the above, learn to spot doctored coins. >>

a good mentor will help with that just be careful

LindeDad

I would stay with Professionally graded coins for the first few years. Not only are a lot of problem coins out there, they have been making fakes of them since they were originally minted and are still cranking out counterfeits to this day.
to the group as they are not really as scarce as many think because for years they sat by the ton in bank reserves.

mozin

A date set of CBHs will eventually end up a REDBOOK set, then an Overton set of 450 marriages, or maybe even the include all the Die States for a grand total of around 650.

Another way to start collecting CBHs is a single mint year set, or maybe a few mint years set. The largest mint year set would be the 49 marriages in 1827. This is a good year to cherry rarer marriages, because many collectors and dealers do not bother to attribute 1827s.

You might start with the 1823 mint year. There are a number of REDBOOK varieties in 1823, and the coins are still from earlier hubs, meaning they still have the most character.

Check out CoinZip if you want to see what I am suggesting.

Whoops, you might as well start with PCGS graded coins, until you get much better at grading. You may well continue forever only collecting PCGS coins.

CoinZip

There are several excellent books out there, Overton, Peterson and Bust Half Fever.

I would start out with the 1815 If I was you.....

Barndog

as for books, I find the Peterson guide easier to use.

DrBuster

I started with cbh this year, just going for a roll of sub $100 examples that have proper eye appeal. I realize 1 or 2 or 3 cleaned coins will be in the mix but I'm shooting for stuff that shows wear from use with nice details. Surprise 'roll' for the pirate chest. That's my play. Chasing varieties and gem examples...well I might combine those 2 traits in 1 nice example down the road, but my roll project is the current slow educational play for me.

Rob9874

Question about surfaces. This completed eBay auction looks like the coin was cleaned. I've heard to stay away from white XF45's. What are your thoughts? On the reverse, however, I kind of like that it's starting to tone blue.

crypto79

<< <i>Question about surfaces. This completed eBay auction looks like the coin was cleaned. I've heard to stay away from white XF45's. What are your thoughts? On the reverse, however, I kind of like that it's starting to tone blue. >>



A few rules to live by if I might

-What you like and the market likes may be two different things. This is fine when buying but can be humbling when selling.
-Most people's tastes (over time) shift to be in line with the market as visual preference is normaly trumped by the "like of not losing money and getting eye rolls when you pull out your coins"
-100 coins in any given grade or plastic (xf45 in this case) will have a 100 different looks. One will be the best and one will be the worst with 98 others in the middle even though they all say pcgs xf45. Learn to find the top 20% or so (this one is bottom 1/3) and this is done with judgement and by holding 100 different xf45 coins in hand and another 100 in pictures.
- coins can be tough to interpret by pictures alone, the hardest points to decipher often have the biggest impact on value.

Rob9874

<< <i>...this is done with judgement and by holding 100 different xf45 coins in hand and another 100 in pictures. >>



That's what I'd like to do. I live in Phoenix, and haven't found a LCS that has a decent selection of graded coins. If anyone knows of any good shops in the Phoenix area, let me know.

mozin

Check out Heritage auctions. You might just do better than shopping at local coin shops.