Toughest coin for a Type Set?

lkenefic

Hello everyone. I started back collecting last year by getting out the remnants of the Dansco 7070 I sold off around 6 years ago. As I'm going through the various websites and targeting certain coins, I'm reminded about how some of these issues are more difficult to find nice than others. To begin with, I don't have the pockets that some on this board have. However, even if I did, the coins that really attract me are those that have a little history and we're actually used in commerce. .. but, not used up! I still like to have the design elements in tact. So, to balance the two competing interests, I'm targeting coins in the XF range... give or take. Obviously,I've pulled a few more recent issues that are MS from looking at rolls. I also have a few coins left or from the first time I started this type set. But there are a few coins that will be more difficult to find nice. My main criterion is finding coins in that grade with nice eye appeal.

In my opinion , I think the most difficult coin will be a decent Classic Head Large Cent. The one I sold off some time ago had VG details, but it was also corroded somewhat and had a dig on the reverse. I'm also more patient this go around so waiting for the right coin will take a while, but I'm up for the search.

Thoughts?

coinhack

Bingo! You nailed it. The classic head large cent of 1808 to 1814 is brutally hard to find decent and the most expensive coin in the 7070 album. An XF will run around $2,000. And even a straight graded coin is going to have issues.

Compare that to a Flying Eagle cent for around $100 or a nice Seated Liberty dollar for $600.

As I have built my 7070 book, I have enjoyed hunting for nice coins but for the CH cent I eventually had to settle. The coins I liked were $4,000 and $5,000 and I wasn't going to pay that for a coin I don't care that much about just to fill that hole. Eventually I found one that I could live with and it is the lowest graded coin in the book.

Good luck with your book. Let us know how you are going.

BillJones

I am one of those guys "with pockets," and I complete a US type set some years ago from 1792 to the mid 1980s. If you like advice, send me a personal message. I have experience with all of the type coins.

As for the toughest coin in the entire U.S. Type set that would be the 1796 No Stars Quarter Eagle followed by the 1808 Quarter Eagle (2.50 gold). Among the silver pieces the 1796-7 half dollar leads the pack.

Don't give up on your dreams. I never thought I would have the collection I have now when I was in my 30s.

Walkerguy21D

I have built my own 7070 and helped others build theirs (folks w/o deep pockets building higher circ sets) and without hesitation the toughest coins to find nice at a reasonable price are the Classic head large cent, followed by both Seated dollars. For the Classic head on a budget, I'd recommend seeking perhaps a F15 or VF, but with nice surfaces and eye appeal. XF's with these attributes are quite pricey!

oih82w8

I agree that the Classic Head Large Cent is a toughie! I had a nice 1810/09 in PCGS VG08, but was pressed for cash and sold her in a weak moment. :'( That spot remains open to this day...although it's only been a year and a half.