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What would YOU buy?
Coinscratch
Posts: 10,991 ✭✭✭✭✭
I am going to sell all my junk silver I have bought over the last several months, (about 2,500 melt value) and invest in one coin. This will be the first real collectible I will own. So, give me some good ideas. Obviously, looking for something that should hold its value and I know there is no guarantee and that is why I am asking YOU.
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If you could "short the market" on Franklins and Classic Commens you should make out like a bandit...
U.S. Type Set
I like Franklins but, what is CC?
What ever you buy make sure it has maga eye appeal
I like that! And I hear that a lot. What is it? 20% of the grade, seems more like 75%.
Which coin design do you like best?
@fsf .. That has crossed my mind and it takes up less space, a lot less. What about a gold coin PCGS nonetheless?
So far, in my very young collecting history< I like toned Franklins, Indians, and Buffalos.
I appreciate that and that is why I'm here dancing with wolves but I am going to do what I am going to do. Which question were you referring too? The original or the grading percentages? I plan on going to a reputable dealer in H-town. Is that still a bad idea?
I would suggest Not liquidating all of your junk silver. Buy some dansco books and fill some holes, have fun building some sets with what you already have. The liquidity of such a junk silver collection allows you a lot of wiggle room to cash in here and there to look at slabbed coins.
As for what I might buy... maybe a few nice Walking Liberty in ms65/66, xf-AU trade dollar, ms Buffalo nickels. I would get those types of coins because I like them, not as a sound investment vehicle.
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
@Aspie_Rocco ...Good points and the Walkers are nice too.
Coin dealer that a 180 from your previous pawn shop purchases of mint/proof sets and other items you posted here.
How about a complete set of washingon quarters those have huge potential make sure and check the key dates and be in poor condition as posiable!
Classic Commemoratives are commemorative coins made from 1892 - 1954. Generally when people talk about classic commems they mean just the silver coins (normally half dollars, but there is also an Isabella quarter and a Lafayette dollar). There are also gold commems made during the earlier half of the above time period, that are made in denominations from $1 to $50.
Many of the designs are quite attractive, although quite a few designs are quite ugly too, but given that the coins were generally not meant to be spent, there are plenty of them out there. Their value has been pretty much on a downward trend since the 1980's (same as Franklins).
U.S. Type Set
You could go with a MS-69 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle a nice common date MS-67 Morgan and a MS-66 1913 T1 Buffalo Nickel.
Buy gold bullion. Low premium.
Since you cannot buy direct from the mint the link below is who the mint sells to in bulk and some turn around and sell to the public.
I neither recommend or not-recommend any company listed. Just another resource.
(Scroll to the bottom)
https://catalog.usmint.gov/coin-programs/bullion-coins.html
I'd consider a flowing hair half or dollar
As an investor, I'd go for a 1939-PDS Oregon Set in PCGS 67.
As a collector, I'd go for whatever I happen to find next, assuming I love it.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Just have fun, because you're not gonna make much (if any) money.
I don't think anyone can tell what coins will hold their value over others. Buy what you like if you are into "collecting".
Southern gold.
The idea of starting a collection from an album is a good one. It's been said that if you don't feel the urge to fill the holes, you might not be cut out to be a collector. Before you spend money on something that someone else might think you should have, you should get an idea of what you will enjoy owning.
I started out with coin folders and albums, and filling the holes was certainly part of equation for me, but history and economics became of equal interest to me. I still have holes to fill, but now my "albums" are in my head, not on my bookcase.
I would wait to cash in your junk silver...Melt price will rise at some point.... if you do it now, you will have regrets later....no rush since you will just be re-investing it in coins. Use the time to learn more, then buy what interests you....holding value or increasing value is very tricky in the coin world. Cheers, RickO
Think of bullion as insurance, rare coins are toys. Do what you think best.
True, and I want both. Therefore, and based on all the advice, I will just go shop and maybe buy an ounce o gold and spend the other half on a really nice zinger.
Do you feel like silver will rise anytime soon? I don't see it but, I'm just basing that on the strong economy.
@CoinscratchFever.... I do not have any information indicating a price increase.... However, with the geopolitical conditions and financial state of most countries (debt etc) it could happen at any time... Since silver is at a low point (sure, it could go lower), it would not seem to be a good time to cash in a large quantity....People do lose money trying to capture either the bottom or the top of the market...But a lot of people make money during the ride...
Cheers, RickO
@BillJones .. I have been doing the opposite of filling books. I don't think I want to look at raw coins in books. But, I do want to collect even though I like the hunt. Thanks
@ricko ....This is such a small amount I'm not gonna sweat it. After, a long fruitless hunt I am ready to buy a 10 point buck.
One pawn owner told me about his bad hit w/silver where estimated a 300k lose.
It seems the oldest of coins would their value the best. American
Trade for a $20 Saint, and a $20 Liberty. Even a generic will sweeten the most bitter gamer's taste.
And so much less weight to carry. Or , keep half of what ya got and trade for one of the most under appreciated keys (any series, denomination, or country) in highest grade. ( and by God , enjoy it ) After all... it's the keeper.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
These days you have to ask the question: "Do the words "coins" and "investment" belong in the same sentence.
Well Coinscratchfever, I'm going to add my 2 cents worth. I can't think of any of the rarities that have gone down in prices over the last 50 years. Gold fluctuates with the Dollar and silver fluctuates as to the whim of J.P. Morgan Chase. so you are always looking at someones outside influence. Rarities are always in demand.
The most sought after Not necessarily the best , is the 1909 S-VDB penny. That can be had in a very good MS condition for that price . Every one I've owned, when I put them up for sale has moved within 24 hours and all for a profit. Just a recommendation,
Bob Sr CEO Fieldtechs
I mean no offense, but you seem to be confused. You are asking for what WE think is a good “collectible” yet it seems to me this is a very personal choice that only you can answer as to what interests you.
And, you seem to have no idea. Until you do, it seems wiser to wait on spending you money.
As for the investment component, as many have said, keep that idea separate from collecting. You’ll be a lot happier by doing so IMHO and avoiding the losses experienced by so many who have come before you.
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
Thanks everybody for all the input! That is a lot of great advice I will have to cull through. It is helping me to understand the importance what it is "I" like, and what it is that I do actually like. And for me, it is really hard to argue with some of the toned and high graded Franks, Buffs, and Indians. I have seen some on here that are just mind blowing. I feel like those will always be in demand, along with the rarities. Some varieties do not seem to hold value once more are found unless its a very high grade or rare which, I cannot afford in the first place.
AGREE! But, this short thread has really shed some light, therefore I will slow down a bit, take a deep breathe, and wait for the answer to come. Thanks, a little wisdom goes a long way.
For $2500 you could get a Draped Bust Dollar and have a premium, salable coin in any market with the advantage of the almost universal preference for large coins.
Slabbed of course.
I like that
I'd turn the junk silver into a
1908 $20 Saint Gaudens WM.
The rest into old US $5/$10 gold pieces....that should keep your interest for a bit.
This is basically what I was going to suggest. A nice 1798 or 1799 PCGS graded dollar with a nice look to it. The best you can find for the money you have. Don't be in a hurry and jump on the first one you see, look at Heritage archives until you know what a good looking example should look like.
Buy one really nice 1909 S IHC PCGS MS64RB with lots of red.
I like the draped bust dollar idea or the $20 Saint and a couple of $5 gold Indians in PCGS holders. Recently, I picked up a nice 1914 S MS64 CAC $20 Saint for $1600. If you are new to collecting, buy a CAC stickered coin for your $2500.
check out the $10 pcgs au55 1851-O gold on doug winters site. old gold. branch mint. big coin. hand picked by doug. $1950.
also watch the video on Doug's site called collecting gold coins for the rest of us. plenty of advice from an expert
For $2500 you’re close to having two American Gold Eagles. You would still have a bullion investment (and one that takes up a lot less space.)
I personally never mix collectible coins purchases and precious metals investments. The first is for fun; The second is a hedge in my overall investments.
There's a lot of sound advice in this thread. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that if you're into this for investment purposes or as some hedge against inflation, pay off any outstanding revolving debt first. If you have any balances on credit cards, make them go away. Any potential upside to your investment will be chewed up in interest payments if you're carrying balances.
Now, to the OP's question... if I had $2500 in silver bullion and wanted to diversify in the current market. I'd gravitate towards either a $20 Saint or Liberty. Granted, they'll be along for the fold ride, but they will likely hold some numismatic value. Look at the trends for where gold and silver has been over the last 5 to 10 years... we're at a low point in PM's. They haven't been this low for nearly 10 years.
"Collectible Coin"... each of us defines this individually. As others have suggested, take time and purchase a few books to gain knowledge of the hobby in general. Maybe attend a couple of shows. The last couple of shows I've been to haven't been hugely trafficked. This provided me the opportunity to talk to some of the dealers. ..many of whom have been in numismatics for a very long time.
Lastly, a few things I might stay away from... conditional rarities. With fluidity in grading, your lone MS67 or 68 widget might get some company and tank the price. Without researching early silver pieces, I'd stay away from Flowing Hair or Draped Bust coinage. That said... if you take the time, talk to people, and know what you're doing before pulling the trigger on a $2k coin, it could end up the centerpiece in your collection.
Edited to add... I forgot to mention "Toners". I tend to stay away from coins that have wildly toned colors. At the very least, I don't pay huge premiums for them. Years ago, the fad was for Blast White coins... they were dipped accordingly.
Best of luck!! And, Happy Hunting!!
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
St. Guadens just has a nice ring to it, and will definitely check those out...
IHC ? Indian head cent?? I like the idea of one really nice coin, might even throw a lil more for the right one.
Dang, I bet the 65 jumps a little bit, huh.
Doug? Do I just google his name? Big coins are a big thing?
I like that Santini, having gold in there ensures part of the deal and certainly would be fun to share