You are able to travel back in time.You have $50 to spend on coins...

mr1931S · May 14, 2015 7:43AM

What coins for your collection/holdings are you going to buy with your $50 (in yesterday's or old money? You can only go to one specific year in the past.You are limited to one single transaction for purchase of coin or coins from that year only.

Example:You go to year 1909 and buy a bag of 5000 1909 S.V.D.B. cents from the San Francisco mint for $50.Exception:Going to 1933 and buying one or more 1933 Double Eagles from the Philadelphia Mint is not allowed at this time for unresolved technical reasons.You would be allowed to buy five 1933 Eagle coins for your $50,however. Any questions about possible exceptions that might apply to the year you have selected just ask and i'll try to help resolve the difficulties.

So pick a specific year,make your coin purchases,and then hope we can get you back to 2015.Warning:There have been some difficulties,mostly delays, in getting folks back to the present day.

$50 to spend on old coins is waiting for you at the other end of the worm hole. Oh,I almost forgot.You get to bring the coins purchased back to the present with you.

MrHalfDime · May 14, 2015 7:46AM

I would most certainly go back to July 1792, and go to John Harper's saw factory in Philadelphia and buy half (or more) of the entire mintage of 1792 half dismes.

DennisH · May 14, 2015 7:46AM

I'd go back to whenever the silly things were made and have a BUNCH more 1804 dollars made for me.

Unknown · May 14, 2015 7:52AM

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cutmywaythrough · May 14, 2015 7:53AM

1793 and coming back with some nice red copper, including at least one with a strawberry leaf

roadrunner · May 14, 2015 7:56AM

So many good choices. You could stop at the mint window and get 50 gem 1893-s Morgan dollars. Yeah, they'll be worth less today with more examples floating around. How about gem 1870-cc quarters? or 50 gem 1873-cc dollars? Or 50 gem 1794 Bust dollars from the US mint? 100+ gem 1797/1796 halves along with some dimes, quarters and dollars? 10 choice/gem 1822 $5? Be at the SF mint in 1894 when they are striking the dimes. Tell them you'd pay them 25c each for all 10-15 of them. If William Wooden was able to get his hands on the 1907 $20 Indian pattern that would be a good one to trade for. You might have to pay $30-$50 for it when it was first made (if even possible) but you'd have a $20 MILL coin today. Lots of choices.

Maybe the best years are 1870 or 1873 at the Carson City mint and load up on gem dimes, quarters, halves and dollars! Smaller denominations preferred. You might even inquire about the Assay "no arrows" coins and see if you could snag a few of those. I understand the value of the coppers as you could get 5,000 chain cents if you wanted. And they would be common as dirt today in high grade. No chance you could get 1804 dollars or other fantasy coins unless you knew the exact time they were making them and you were a Sultan of "Something." How many large cents were in the Nichols hoard? (1000?) You could buy the entire hoard and NOT impact today's survival rate since they did survive (One group of survivors came from a bag of one thousand pieces bought by Senator Benjamin Goodhue for his daughters around 1798 ). What's an average 1797 Nichols hoard cent worth today? Your time machine might run out of fuel though.....waiting for the mint to strike 5,000 chain cents during your visit.

Shamika · May 14, 2015 8:03AM

<< 1793 and coming back with some nice red copper, including at least one with a strawberry leaf

>>

1794 wouldn't be a bad year either.

Shamika · May 14, 2015 8:04AM

As for a year in the 20th century, I'd pick 1926 in San Francisco. Couple rolls of uncirculated Buffalo Nickels and Lincoln Cents wouldn't hurt the cause.

AngryTurtle · May 14, 2015 8:11AM

You could stop into the Mint in Philly in 1933 and end up with two 1933 double eagles, and one $10 Indian. Just be sure to get a receipt! My first thought however was 1792 or 1793

SaorAlba · May 14, 2015 8:23AM

I'd like to go back to 1915 and buy the Pan Pac $50 that my great great grandmother didn't buy, but should have. All I ended up with was a similar bronze token that she probably paid 50c for.

gummibear · May 14, 2015 8:34AM

I think 1796 and I would pick up 10000 half cents every variety and make sure they stay red.

Richard

PerryHall · May 14, 2015 8:35AM

<< I would most certainly go back to July 1792, and go to John Harper's saw factory in Philadelphia and buy half (or more) of the entire mintage of 1792 half dismes. >>

You would get 1000 coins making them only scarce rather than rare.

AnkurJ · May 14, 2015 8:38AM

Mid to late 1793 and buy up as many chain, wreath and half cents as I could.

LanceNewmanOCC · May 14, 2015 8:38AM

.
1795 provided this is a us coin forum and find a problem-free red unc 1c s-79, if i had funds left over, meet as many of the signers of the doi as possible and look them squarely in their eyes.

otherwise, find the date, place and time the first coin was struck by human hands; on this planet and from our distinct heritage.

1933, 1849 and 1822 would be promising too.
.

PerryHall · May 14, 2015 8:39AM

<< 

<< 1793 and coming back with some nice red copper, including at least one with a strawberry leaf

>>

1794 wouldn't be a bad year either.

>>

1799 would also be a good year to get 5000 MSRD cents but that would then make them fairly common in the future.

mustangmanbob · May 14, 2015 8:52AM

I would coordinate the effort, for $10 each, and generate a shopping list from everyone so each person would go to one year and pick up everything on everyone's list, up to $40.

I would take $5 for each of the year's and "tip" the mint person to bring out the best of the best of the best, first strikes, polished new dies, etc.

I would take the last $5, and buy a proof set for each year I had a commissioned traveler where there was none produced, having the mint guy polish up some blanks, make a set for me, and note in the mint records 1 proof set was made.

If proof sets were common for that year, make MY shopping list PRIMO.

Oh, and I would also send back as much in the way of horse race results, patents, etc., find my G/G/G/G/G/G grandfather, and be born a multi billionaire.

mr1931S · May 14, 2015 9:01AM

I would go to San Francisco,year 1894 and try to buy one, maybe two,of Hallie Daggett's 1894-S dimes from her. She would have $50 for ice cream and still have one '94-S to save until she got as old as her dad at which time,reminding her what her dad told her,she would be able to sell "for a good price."(Breen)

Sorry Mr. Parker.

"A few of the '94-s dimes were obtained by Mint employees "just to have a new dime," Zerbe said; when they realized the coins were now (end of 1894) rare,they sold them to collectors for $25 or more apiece."

The Magnificent 1894-S Dime-History and Registry of Known Coins by David Lawrence Feigenbaum & John Feigenbaum

yosclimber · May 14, 2015 9:10AM

1795 also.
$49.995 = 3 type sets @16.665 each ($10+5 Turbans +1+.50+.10+.05+.01+.005).
$0.005 = extra half cent

(assuming they actually have all these denominations available on the day I show up).

Better than flooding the market with 1000 1802 half dimes, or 5000 1793 Chain cents, etc.?

1870-s would be great in theory - if they had 10 each of $3, $1, and half dime.
But I kinda doubt they'd have those ready to sell to me?

mr1931S · May 14, 2015 9:19AM

You could stop into the Mint in Philly in 1933 and end up with two 1933 double eagles, and one $10 Indian. Just be sure to get a receipt! My first thought however was 1792 or 1793

No '33 Double purchases in 1933 allowed in this thread.Sorry.You might be thinking that you could buy a '33 Double in a later year,say 1941, but I remind you that your $50 then wouldn't be nearly enough money for you to obtain one.You would need at least $500,maybe $1000 then for a '33 Double.

If you were to go to 1941,playing by the rules,you are limited to buying coins made in 1941.$50 worth of 1941 proof sets might not be too bad a choice at $1.89 issue price.You could buy 26 of these with your $50 and still have $.86 left over for a few more 1941 coins.

Five 1933 Eagles from the Mint in early 1933 would be an excellent choice for you.Ask the cashier if you can take your pick.Pass on the most nicked up ones.Look for a stunner.

Wabbit2313 · May 14, 2015 9:23AM

You folks would need money from or earlier than the dates you were trying to buy. So what are you going to buy those 1793 coins with? I actually thought about this once for when I finish my time machine.

I would go back with a bunch of 1879-S or so Morgans landing around the year 1896. I would then go bank to bank, or where ever I had to, looking through bags of the rare dates, only buying those that look 67 and up, with a watchful eye for DMPL. I would have more than $50 with me to bribe the bank managers so that I could sit there all day searching. When I found my perfect 50, back I come. Don't forget your loupe.

okiedude · May 14, 2015 9:24AM

January 1795, and get as much of the 1794 silver that was purportedly struck in 1795?

yosclimber · May 14, 2015 9:29AM

<< You folks would need money from or earlier than the dates you were trying to buy. >>

For 1793, arrive with $50 in weight of spanish 8R coins.

Similar problem if travelling to some cool place like Athens in the Golden Age, but not sure what exchange rate would be used!

mr1931S · May 14, 2015 10:13AM

The world is your oyster in this thread.Go as far back in time and to whatever place in the world as your imagination permits.

1343 England-Edward III Florin (3 known).$50 in gold for gold might garner all three for you if you are in the right place at the right time.This one would need to be researched more for the possibilities.This piece sure is pretty.It's valued at about $7M in today's money:

Fitz Museum

golden · May 14, 2015 10:31AM

<< I would most certainly go back to July 1792, and go to John Harper's saw factory in Philadelphia and buy half (or more) of the entire mintage of 1792 half dismes. >>

braddick · May 14, 2015 10:52AM

Well, first off I'd sell the $50. in change I'm taking back as I am sure there is a market back then for time travelled coins and currency.
Then I'd take the proceeds of that exchange and purchase all five 1913 V nickels and all the mint state 1797s and 1796 halves I could get my hands on.

I'd then come back and have a bunch of really cool giveaways right here on this forum.

roadrunner · May 14, 2015 11:04AM

Could you have really gotten all five 1913 Lib nickels for $50? Could you have bought an approx pop 5 US rarity in gem condition in 1913 for $10 or less? That might be tough. 1885 trade dollar? 1873-cc NA quarters? 1838-0 half?(closer to pop 20).

Someone already mentioned that the 1894-s dimes were being sold off in 1894 for $25 each when mint workers found out how few were made. And by around 1920 Colonel Brown had already advertised to pay $500 each for them. So whatever his plan was from the start, I think those traded hands for significant money even on day 1. Likewise, I don't know if $50 could have even bought J-1776 on day 1....never mind the unique $50 gold half unions. It cost a lot more than $20 to produce J-1776. What did top grade 1796/1797 halves go for in 1913? I'd bet they weren't cheap.

dogwood · May 14, 2015 11:10AM

Being a simple man with fond memories I'd just travel back to 1983 and pick up 5 rolls of BU P mint quarters then go to the Keystone Palo Alto and catch REM again before anyone knew who they were.
Good times, that year. That'll do.

sadysta1 · May 14, 2015 11:10AM

1927 Denver mint. I'd exchange it for two $20 coins and a roll of dollars.....

DeliaBug · May 14, 2015 11:26AM

I'd go to the U. S. Mint in 1877 and get one of the $50 Gold patterns. If that transaction is verboten because it would alter the course of history, I'd get a complete set of 1877 pattern halves and whatever else I could get my hands on with the rest.

yosclimber · May 14, 2015 11:30AM

If I could go to any point in time with coins as the sole object,
it would be great to go to Sicily 400 BC, and get one of these dekadrachms by Euainetos:

In my view, one of the best looking coins of all time.
Could I get one in trade for 50 oz of silver? (I guess so, the dekadrachm is 43.4 g, a bit under 2 oz).

These go for about $75k in auctions at present time.
It would be a coin to have if the rules of this game did not allow me to sell it.
Otherwise I do 1795, sell a couple of those and buy one of these dekadrachms.

mvs7 · May 14, 2015 11:33AM

Hello, 1854! Mr. San Francisco Mint coiner, can I please have 7 of those new half eagles and 6 of those new quarter eagles? Thanks.

ms70 · May 14, 2015 11:35AM

<< I would most certainly go back to July 1792, and go to John Harper's saw factory in Philadelphia and buy half (or more) of the entire mintage of 1792 half dismes. >>

This!

streeter · May 14, 2015 11:47AM

Boy, I'd feel like king of the world if I was in Philadelphia in 1822 and could pick up ten UNC half eagles at the mint.

MonsterCoinz · May 14, 2015 12:06PM

as much as I would like to buy some early date Lincolns fresh from the mint, I would grab 50 Flowing Hair Dollars, 1794.

BryceM · May 14, 2015 12:16PM

$50 buys 10,000 half cents or 5,000 cents. I'd be in NYC, Philly, or Boston in 1797 or so buying any and all of these I could find. It's hard to imagine how much fun this would be. I'd probably pick up any other small eagle denominations I could find, 1796 quarters especially.

jughead1893 · May 14, 2015 12:19PM

1795.25 flowing hair dollars,25 draped bust dollars

mr1931S · May 14, 2015 12:22PM

as much as I would like to buy some early date Lincolns fresh from the mint, I would grab 50 Flowing Hair Dollars, 1794.

You know,this same exact thought crossed my mind a few hours ago.What fun it would be to have 50 of these puppies in front of you.I would be a gentleman and leave the silver plugged one for tdn though.

Cougar1978 · May 14, 2015 12:33PM

travel back to 1915. Would give them my vg cull silver dollars I bought at 2015 coin shop for BU gold, or say BU rolls of 1915 halves. I would try tip teller to cherrypick BU coins. Just think a BU 1915 nickel roll would be only $2 Basically try cherrypick whould would add up to $15.

RichieURich · May 14, 2015 12:53PM

Well, I first thought about 1873, to obtain some of the 1873-S Seated dollars, 1873-S No Arrows half dollars, 1873-S No Arrows quarter if it exists, 1873-CC No Arrows dime and quarter.

But 1870 is tempting as well, 1870-S half dime, 1870-S dollar, 1870-S $3 gold, and 1870-S quarter.

Thankfully this is a hypothetical, it is so difficult to choose!

Walkerfan · May 14, 2015 1:13PM

I'd go back to about 1933 and I'd buy up as many key date early Walkers in fully struck gem condition that I could find.

mrcommem · May 14, 2015 4:59PM

I would like to go back to Dahlonega in 1861 and buy some 1861-D gold dollars.

cecropiamoth · May 14, 2015 11:52PM

Don't think anybody offered this one up yet...

Travel back to 1945 and locate the facility where the 14 bags of Lafayette Dollars were being held, soon to be melted. If possible cherry pick the finest 50 coins hoping to find some bag toned monsters in the mix. Go for 65-66-67 quality coins.

Jeff

AngryTurtle · May 15, 2015 12:59AM

<< You could stop into the Mint in Philly in 1933 and end up with two 1933 double eagles, and one $10 Indian. Just be sure to get a receipt! My first thought however was 1792 or 1793

No '33 Double purchases in 1933 allowed in this thread.Sorry.You might be thinking that you could buy a '33 Double in a later year,say 1941, but I remind you that your $50 then wouldn't be nearly enough money for you to obtain one.You would need at least $500,maybe $1000 then for a '33 Double.

If you were to go to 1941,playing by the rules,you are limited to buying coins made in 1941.$50 worth of 1941 proof sets might not be too bad a choice at $1.89 issue price.You could buy 26 of these with your $50 and still have $.86 left over for a few more 1941 coins.

Five 1933 Eagles from the Mint in early 1933 would be an excellent choice for you.Ask the cashier if you can take your pick.Pass on the most nicked up ones.Look for a stunner.

>>

I dont know why our time machine wont get you to 1933, but its your hypothetical!

Anyway I suggested 1933 because I am reading "Illegal Tender" by Tripp, and in it he mentioned that Izzys opening price to the market for 1933's was $50. He sold a few at this price then raised it to $55, not sure what year that was (book is not where I can take a look at it at the moment) but given perfect hindsight, you could get at least one 1933 double eagle for $50.

morgansforever · May 15, 2015 1:08AM

So many points of time to choose from. Seeing that my primary series is Morgans, I would travel back to March 12, 1878 and be at the ceremony at the Philly Mint for the release
of the 8TF Morgan dollar. I then would attempt to get President Rutherford B. Hayes to sell me his example, which was the first struck. I'm sure there where others struck days before but his will do.
Not sure how I would get to the President though, have to work on my approach

If that is not successful, I certainly would be at the Mint window to buy $50 dollars worth, preferably DMPL examples.

mr1931S · May 15, 2015 3:15AM

I dont know why our time machine wont get you to 1933, but its your hypothetical! Anyway I suggested 1933 because I am reading "Illegal Tender" by Tripp, and in it he mentioned that Izzys opening price to the market for 1933's was $50. He sold a few at this price then raised it to $55, not sure what year that was (book is not where I can take a look at it at the moment) but given perfect hindsight, you could get at least one 1933 double eagle for $50.

Izzy might have sold a few to dealers at the $50 price each before the great gold melt in February,1937.If you really want one of the '33 doubles to bring back with you keep in mind that,at this writing,on emergence from the time machine and thereafter,your coin would be subject to Government seizure and,in addition,you could find yourself face down and on the floor in handcuffs.

If you are willing to take the risk of having your '33 seized from you on emergence from the time machine.....go to Philadelphia in 1936.....there's a jewelry shop there a few blocks from the Mint.....good luck on getting one off Izzy for only $50 though....Izzy got all of 'em and so managed to corner the market....there would be no one else there for you to go to....

If you do decide to go to Philadelphia in 1933,would you pick me up five of these? I can arrange to have an extra $50 waiting for you to make the purchase.

photo of 1933 $10 Indian PCGS MS65+ from PCGS calendar,December,2013

Reminder to self: Set the time machine for AngryTurtle to Philadelphia,February 1933...You might consider picking up two '32 $20's and a '33 $10 for yourself Turtle...I scratch your back,you scratch mine is how it works in this thread...

johnny9434 · May 15, 2015 4:13AM

id go cherry pick early bust halfs

coppercoins · May 15, 2015 4:33AM

<< I would like to go back to Dahlonega in 1861 and buy some 1861-D gold dollars. >>

Could you take a camera with you and take some good photos of the mint building? Thank you.

grip · May 15, 2015 4:55AM

<< 

<< I would like to go back to Dahlonega in 1861 and buy some 1861-D gold dollars. >>

Could you take a camera with you and take some good photos of the mint building? Thank you. >>

Great answer, make sure there tru-view.

Wabbit2313 · May 15, 2015 5:36AM

I guess you could use the 50 bucks to hire some people to help you load up Lavere Redfield's 400000 dollars hidden behind that wall. You could get quite a few in the Delorean.

Overdate · May 15, 2015 10:09AM

1916.

5 rolls of them newfangled quarters.

TopographicOceans · May 15, 2015 10:32AM

I'd got back to 2014 and cancel my $6,000 worth of Gold Kennedy's from the Mint

You are able to travel back in time.You have $50 to spend on coins...

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