Ten grand a year is a sweet amount to have to work with! Finding neat, cool coins in the 500-1000-2500-5000 range is a blast! Would be lots of variety there too. Not sure why that seems underwhelming to some, I wouldn't want all by eggs in one basket.
I could see a killer Lincoln cent set or an Indian head cent set and still have money left
Lots of US coin series are maxed out! Think foreign!!
I would add that the collector shouldn't defer to anyone but their own desire to choose what to collect and own. No knowledge, no desire, no collection, IMO.
Each year for 10 years try to buy one coin at auction for exactly $10,000 with the juice. Doesn’t matter what you buy, as long as the winning bid plus the juice is exactly $10,000.*
At the end of 10 years *****emble your winnings and see what you’ve got.
*Tax, shipping and handling not included. Void where prohibited by law. Employees of the auction houses and their families prohibited.
I am bullish on Barber Half's and don't see how they can be a bad investment. They have largely been ignored until recently and are reasonably scarce in better grades. Over a ten year period I think a very nice set could be attainable in Au or better. Obviously just avoid the Dreck as there is quite a bit out there.
The more common ones for a few hundred dollars each. Much rarer ones are $3k-$5k and extremely hard to come by. Should afford a a very fun, interesting and tough challenge that will roughly match the budget.
I like the Morgan idea. I am doing that myself and although I've been at it for 13 years already, I have about 60 of them with a value somewhere around 50K. I have the keys in VF to AU and every mint state coin I am trying to get PL/DMPL or beautifully toned.
Other ideas:
Fully struck buffalo nickels would be quite a challenge and a set in 64+ (no varieties) is $103K in the price guide.
Fully struck Walkers or SLQs would be a similar challenge.
Indians or Lincolns in gem red would be great too.
Betts medals. There are several themes and sub sets that could be accomplished. For a 100k it would be impressive, all different designs yet cohesive, beautiful and it would reek with historical significance. Different metals add spice. The collector would have the time of his life building this. Oh did I mention that these are under valued?
mark
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Originally posted by: GoldenEyeNumismatics United States Colored Troops Sutler Tokens.
The more common ones for a few hundred dollars each. Much rarer ones are $3k-$5k and extremely hard to come by. Should afford a a very fun, interesting and tough challenge that will roughly match the budget.
Sounds like a great choice!
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Originally posted by: msch1man I've enjoyed this thread a lot. It's been interesting to see the different answers, but I'm curious...how would MrEureka answer his own question?
Limiting myself to US coins, the first thing that comes to mind is 1896 patterns. It's a field where there's much to be learned, the coins are attractive, and 100K in 10 years would be just about right. The problem with that choice is that not many coins come to market over the course of a year, and most of those go straight to auction, so it would not keep me very busy. So instead, I might go for California Private Gold Dollars, and limit myself to the Period 1 Octagonal issues. With those coins, anything could turn up anywhere, anytime.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
$100K for California period one fractional 1$ gold coins? It is remotely enough. Too many unique and R8 coins and none of them is cheap even the ones with a hole.
I wouldn't start with the *****umption that I have to spend $100,000 over the next 10 years. Especially if I wasn't already a seasoned collector.
I would spend some time up front finding out what constitutes a "nice coin" in a given series and in a nominal grade where he might end up with his collection.
Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally
I would be very careful - focus on those coins that have big demand over a long period of time, and those with high metal content (as a backstop).
Unless you are in it for the love of the hobby, I wouldn't focus on one series - I would diversify across several series. Cl*****ic series key dates, some moderns, stay in the sub 5,000 dollar level to ensure m***** appeal.
Originally posted by: jcping $100K for California period one fractional 1$ gold coins? It is remotely enough. Too many unique and R8 coins and none of them is cheap even the ones with a hole.
If you limit it to the Octagonals, there are 34 pieces listed in BG. Add in a couple of new discoveries, and some cool die states, and a fantastic collection will still be less than 50 coins, most of which can be bought pretty reasonably.
And yes, there are some R-8 and better pieces, but they're the type of things that could actually be cherry-picked. So even if the budget doesn't allow you to buy everything you want, whenever you want it, you can keep hunting and never get shut out of the game.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Two recommendations - A complete Redbook set of Cl*****ic Head gold, both $2.50 and $5.00. There are not that many coins, but it will take about ten years to get quality/originality/grade of AU/MS. It would be a great looking collection that few people own.
The other is a collection that I have, Draped Bust Heraldic Eagle half dollars 1801-1807 by die variety through R-6 rarity. It is a very interesting set to collect, a great design, and will definitely take ten years to "finish" although its such a fun set, there is no finish line.
Robert Scot: Engraving Liberty - biography of US Mint's first chief engraver
First I would find out what coin experience they have (if you do not already know). Then find out if they would like to complete a series or type set *****ortment. How much time/effort they are willing to put into their quest. There are a few minor type coin series that could be completed for that in high grade, but some people do not like coins so small they have trouble telling what the date is.
Originally posted by: WildIdea I could see a killer Lincoln cent set or an Indian head cent set and still have money left .
If you stuck with BN and RB coins, you could indeed end up with some killer sets. Not a bad idea.
Well I'm saying it because I've done just that from 1909-1933 in 65BN-RB and took about 6-7 years. Although the registry shows the book value at around 30k last I checked, I have about 25% more cash invested in the set as I was looking for exceptional toned and unique examples. Frankly, I think more will have to be made in these grades as they have a following and get scarfed up pretty fast around here. Anyway, I could see a guy doing an early date set in 64RD if one wanted to spend an entire 100k.....but for me I'd do a 64-65BN-RB lincoln set and have enough left over to do an entire Indian head set in prob the same grades or a point less.
Once I saw an entire Indian head cent collection or sale in one whack in high grade PCGS. I think Rick was selling it for a collector at FUN once. If I remember right it was 100k or maybe 120 but it was killer. I'm sure it sold and made some money in the end for everyone hopefully.
Originally posted by: amwldcoin Me thinks Andy Doesn't like Barber Half's as no mention of my post and Tooky's 2nd the idea!
I happen to love Barber Halves. I have pictures of them on my walls. I sometimes carry Barber Half Dollars as pocket pieces. Sometimes, I even dream of them. But let's not go there.
The problem is that if you're limited to 100K, you're not going to be able to buy the best Barber Halves. Sure, you can put together a gem XF or gem AU set, and it will be really cool, but it will never be "world cl*****".
I felt differently about the cents because toning doesn't bother me as much as wear.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
how about a variety set of 1857-S double eagles, I think there are about 20 different varieties. Would be a stretch for 100,000 unless you settled for a lot of AU to low Unc coins. But that would be really cool looking. I suppose you could do a subset and collect only varieties that were found on the Central America wreck. These come to sale often enough that whenever you needed a fix you could probably find a coin to add
Me thinks Andy Doesn't like Barber Half's as no mention of my post and Tooky's 2nd the idea!
I happen to love Barber Halves. I have pictures of them on my walls. I sometimes carry Barber Half Dollars as pocket pieces. Sometimes, I even dream of them. But let's not go there.
The problem is that if you're limited to 100K, you're not going to be able to buy the best Barber Halves. Sure, you can put together a gem XF or gem AU set, and it will be really cool, but it will never be "world cl*****".
I felt differently about the cents because toning doesn't bother me as much as wear.
Glad you like Barber Half's!
I though my suggestion fit the bill for your original post. Perhaps you should reword it with the word unique collection! ;D
Comments
I could see a killer Lincoln cent set or an Indian head cent set and still have money left
Lots of US coin series are maxed out! Think foreign!!
I would add that the collector shouldn't defer to anyone but their own desire to choose what to collect and own. No knowledge, no desire, no collection, IMO.
At the end of 10 years *****emble your winnings and see what you’ve got.
*Tax, shipping and handling not included. Void where prohibited by law. Employees of the auction houses and their families prohibited.
CG
I am bullish on Barber Half's and don't see how they can be a bad investment. They have largely been ignored until recently and are reasonably scarce in better grades. Over a ten year period I think a very nice set could be attainable in Au or better. Obviously just avoid the Dreck as there is quite a bit out there.
The more common ones for a few hundred dollars each. Much rarer ones are $3k-$5k and extremely hard to come by. Should afford a a very fun, interesting and tough challenge that will roughly match the budget.
Other ideas:
Fully struck buffalo nickels would be quite a challenge and a set in 64+ (no varieties) is $103K in the price guide.
Fully struck Walkers or SLQs would be a similar challenge.
Indians or Lincolns in gem red would be great too.
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
United States Colored Troops Sutler Tokens.
The more common ones for a few hundred dollars each. Much rarer ones are $3k-$5k and extremely hard to come by. Should afford a a very fun, interesting and tough challenge that will roughly match the budget.
Sounds like a great choice!
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I've enjoyed this thread a lot. It's been interesting to see the different answers, but I'm curious...how would MrEureka answer his own question?
Limiting myself to US coins, the first thing that comes to mind is 1896 patterns. It's a field where there's much to be learned, the coins are attractive, and 100K in 10 years would be just about right. The problem with that choice is that not many coins come to market over the course of a year, and most of those go straight to auction, so it would not keep me very busy. So instead, I might go for California Private Gold Dollars, and limit myself to the Period 1 Octagonal issues. With those coins, anything could turn up anywhere, anytime.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I knew it would happen.
I would spend some time up front finding out what constitutes a "nice coin" in a given series and in a nominal grade where he might end up with his collection.
I knew it would happen.
Unless you are in it for the love of the hobby, I wouldn't focus on one series - I would diversify across several series. Cl*****ic series key dates, some moderns, stay in the sub 5,000 dollar level to ensure m***** appeal.
100K
could build a nice collection with great variety of off-metals and double denominations.
$100K for California period one fractional 1$ gold coins? It is remotely enough. Too many unique and R8 coins and none of them is cheap even the ones with a hole.
If you limit it to the Octagonals, there are 34 pieces listed in BG. Add in a couple of new discoveries, and some cool die states, and a fantastic collection will still be less than 50 coins, most of which can be bought pretty reasonably.
And yes, there are some R-8 and better pieces, but they're the type of things that could actually be cherry-picked. So even if the budget doesn't allow you to buy everything you want, whenever you want it, you can keep hunting and never get shut out of the game.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Latin American Collection
The other is a collection that I have, Draped Bust Heraldic Eagle half dollars 1801-1807 by die variety through R-6 rarity. It is a very interesting set to collect, a great design, and will definitely take ten years to "finish" although its such a fun set, there is no finish line.
I could see a killer Lincoln cent set or an Indian head cent set and still have money left
.
If you stuck with BN and RB coins, you could indeed end up with some killer sets. Not a bad idea.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I could see a killer Lincoln cent set or an Indian head cent set and still have money left
.
If you stuck with BN and RB coins, you could indeed end up with some killer sets. Not a bad idea.
Well I'm saying it because I've done just that from 1909-1933 in 65BN-RB and took about 6-7 years. Although the registry shows the book value at around 30k last I checked, I have about 25% more cash invested in the set as I was looking for exceptional toned and unique examples. Frankly, I think more will have to be made in these grades as they have a following and get scarfed up pretty fast around here. Anyway, I could see a guy doing an early date set in 64RD if one wanted to spend an entire 100k.....but for me I'd do a 64-65BN-RB lincoln set and have enough left over to do an entire Indian head set in prob the same grades or a point less.
Once I saw an entire Indian head cent collection or sale in one whack in high grade PCGS. I think Rick was selling it for a collector at FUN once. If I remember right it was 100k or maybe 120 but it was killer. I'm sure it sold and made some money in the end for everyone hopefully.
Me thinks Andy Doesn't like Barber Half's as no mention of my post and Tooky's 2nd the idea!
I happen to love Barber Halves. I have pictures of them on my walls. I sometimes carry Barber Half Dollars as pocket pieces. Sometimes, I even dream of them. But let's not go there.
The problem is that if you're limited to 100K, you're not going to be able to buy the best Barber Halves. Sure, you can put together a gem XF or gem AU set, and it will be really cool, but it will never be "world cl*****".
I felt differently about the cents because toning doesn't bother me as much as wear.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
BST Transactions (as the seller): Collectall, GRANDAM, epcjimi1, wondercoin, jmski52, wheathoarder, jay1187, jdsueu, grote15, airplanenut, bigole
Me thinks Andy Doesn't like Barber Half's as no mention of my post and Tooky's 2nd the idea!
I happen to love Barber Halves. I have pictures of them on my walls. I sometimes carry Barber Half Dollars as pocket pieces. Sometimes, I even dream of them. But let's not go there.
The problem is that if you're limited to 100K, you're not going to be able to buy the best Barber Halves. Sure, you can put together a gem XF or gem AU set, and it will be really cool, but it will never be "world cl*****".
I felt differently about the cents because toning doesn't bother me as much as wear.
Glad you like Barber Half's!
I though my suggestion fit the bill for your original post. Perhaps you should reword it with the word unique collection! ;D