Options
Poll: centerpiece coin for a modest collection
ShaunBC5
Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭✭✭
For a modest (but improving) collection of classic coins, which of these approximately $1000 coins would you select to be the new centerpiece of your collection? Why? If something else, type it in your response!
(Just realized it’s a lot of options...you’ve got choices!)
Poll: centerpiece coin for a modest collection
This is a public poll: others will see what you voted for.
0
Comments
First year of issue of a very beautiful series.
Spending a specific amount on one coin is not my approach to collecting.
I look at it more like an annual budget, and what are the coins I want the most at some minimum acceptable grade.
I never spent $1000 on a coin, but I was lucky and did buy a $20 Saint and a $10 Indian when the price of gold was low.
I suppose they are a centerpiece, at least when I show my coins to people who don't know much about coins.
1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter.
I'm surprised this wasn't included in your list.
INYNWHWeTrust-TexasNationals,ajaan,blu62vette
coinJP, Outhaul ,illini420,MICHAELDIXON, Fade to Black,epcjimi1,19Lyds,SNMAN,JerseyJoe, bigjpst, DMWJR , lordmarcovan, Weiss,Mfriday4962,UtahCoin,Downtown1974,pitboss,RichieURich,Bullsitter,JDsCoins,toyz4geo,jshaulis, mustanggt, SNMAN, MWallace, ms71, lordmarcovan
The peace dollar is a great coin!
I agree with this.
I would add that I don't feel the need to buy key dates.
If I were looking for a "centerpiece" for my collection, I would buy the nicest example of my favorite coin series that I could find.
On the other hand, if I were looking to spend $1000, I would buy as many coins that "spoke to me" as I could before the money ran out... even if it took years to do it.
I have a lot of nice coins in my collection. Some I like more than others. My $5 1909D gold Indian is a favorite. Not sure I would call it a 'centerpiece', but very special. Cheers, RickO
I myself would probably choose something gold - but it would necessarily be a widget at the $1k price point, so wouldn't be a numismatic centerpiece.
So I voted for the 1909S VDB, since it is perhaps the best known, iconic "rare" coin by the general public. It has a neat story, and would be appreciated by more people than the other coins in your list.
Although this was a $500 coin not long ago.
Collector, occasional seller
For a $1000?? Definitely go with GOLD. It is a natural standout in a collection that is otherwise silver/copper. It fits the definition of what a centerpiece is/should be. If you are lucky, you might be able to get a circulated slabbed $10 Liberty; otherwise opt for a $5 slabbed Indian.
I’m a Merc guy all the way but selected the MS63 1921 Peace. Mint State is nice to have and I have always wanted a 21 Peace. The AU Mercs that you mentioned are cool, especially the 42/1 but with disciplined saving maybe you can get that in MS one day.
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
I’d always take an uber eye appealing DMPL with great cameo contrast over any of the comparably priced ‘keys’ of any type ...
That's why I went with the Peace dollar.
A DMPL Morgan would be my second choice from the list, but the suggestion from @stownsin is good too.
I agree with finding a specimen that appeals to you.... be it an 1880 s Morgan.... or ang other series that an affordable specimen can be obtained. Over the years I have started and stopped collecting quite a few series... as I either lost interest, or realized that obtaining the key dates were out of my budget....
I like the idea as a friend of mine has here... his electric box of 20 coins...he buys the best his wallet can afford , then rotates the coins in and out of the limited 20 coins.
His appreciates each coin. Images it and has those images to appreciate for life.
As we sure can take the coins with us when we pass...I sort of like his idea of having a coin and enjoying the ownership,then passing it on. Rob and I have horse traded many times, and he has noted the coins from whom he had recieved them from....giving them a bit more history as to their past owners.
My answer to your question is simple.... no matter the series , key or not...when you find a coin that speaks to you.... and to others whom give you comps on that coin you found the coin that is the center piece or corner stone of your collection. Here is the 1 coin that I will not let go until im gone.... in Au 58 and a FH if all my coins were like this specimen in grade and eye appeal I would be ecstatic!
"That's why I wander and follow La Vie Dansante"
I like all your suggestions (makes sense, I made the list
)
I went with a dollar threshold because everyone has a budget of some kind and $1,000 is a real stretch for a lot of us.
Since I see “save up and buy something better” on here so much I felt like many might make the at a cut off before the money burned a hole in their pocket (I’ve never made it that far).
Thanks!
If I was looking for a centerpiece that’s stunning for a type collection of sorts it would have to be a stunning high luster common date liberty quarter eagle. But beware, it will cause gold lust!
As an example, this is one of mine but current retail price is around $600-650 so very affordable (respectively)
Even though I have a 1921 Au peace I am looking to upgrade. Right now I am saving up for a Carson Morgan but after that it would be nice to upgrade my 1921 to an ms grade such as Ms 62 or 63
For $1000, I don't consider any of the coins in the list to have sufficient distinction to be a "centerpiece". The key dates quality for a set collector of the series but not otherwise. Of those on the list, I'd rate the 09-S VDB as first.
From US coinage, I'd buy something noticeably different, like a nice VF Draped Bust half.
a nice liberty $20 double eagle would do it for me
With gold @ $1700, it's not possible to buy one for $1000. Maybe a lower AU $10 Liberty or Indian.
It really depends on what the collection is. If it's type, I don't think the lower grade key grades are worth it--I don't have any of them because I'd rather a higher grade example of a cheap date to show off the design. With that said, your list has two coins that (when nice) can be visually stunning compared to a standard type coin: a 1921 Peace and a higher grade DMPL Morgan. That said, a 1921 MS63 Peace is not a $1000 coin... even a 64 is well below that.
If the goal is to spend more on one coin than the others, I'd find the design you like most and get a really nice one. Maybe a proof Walker instead of a business strike. Maybe spend for a point or two higher on a design you find better than the others. Maybe a nice example of gold among a collection of silver and copper. Something that will stand out for its beauty, not because the date is desirable.
what ever works right now
A pop of gold amidst a silver/copper collection does sound nice.
There are too many coins I find intriguing to have included them all, so thanks for all the other ideas.
Lower grade keys may prove to be an odd cornerstone in a collection of high grade common stuff.
I don't know about that... have you seen prices lately?
https://www.pcgs.com/auctionprices/details/1921-peace-ms/7356
MS63
MS64
Collector, occasional seller
There are two types of centerpieces, The one that draws you to it every time you look at your coins and one that other people always grab first. I rec you figure out which is more important to you. My centerpiece isn't close to my most expensive coin nor is it one onlookers gravitate towards. Remember who you are collecting for
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
I went with the 65 DMPL Morgan because it's an iconic coin with good eye appeal in that grade.
I would have chosen the 1921 Peace Dollar but the prices for those have been exploding this year and I think you might get stuck with overpaying (I see them going back down after the 100 year anniversary hype cools down). I also like some of the other comments-like a 1917 type 1SLQ. A high grade 1913 Type 1 Buffalo would be another nice choice.
As a kid I was wowed by unc Buffalos, Mercs, SLQ's, and Walkers. I would say all four would fit a modest budget.
For your $1,000, I am with ricko, an MS-63 $5 Indian would be very nice.
I voted for the iconic SVDB, but a great looking gold coin would be a solid pick too.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Apparently I had not. Makes me feel reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally good about paying up for my toned one in MS64 not too many years ago
This is a good point, but since I like them all, there’s part of me that enjoys others being able to appreciate what I’ve got.
Examples: lots of people are familiar with the S VDB and most can appreciate a super shiny coin like a DMPL.
Obviously, if someone is in the middle of a particular set, like I was with proof Franklins not long ago, doing something within that series makes a lot of sense. I was thrilled to be able to make the ‘50 slabbed PF65 the centerpiece of my entire collection.
gold ... $2.5 or $5
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
successful BST with Ankurj, BigAl, Bullsitter, CommemKing, DCW(7), Downtown1974, Elmerfusterpuck, Joelewis, Mach1ne, Minuteman810430, Modcrewman, Nankraut, Nederveit2, Philographer(5), Realgator, Silverpop, SurfinxHI, TomB and Yorkshireman(3)
That's what I was going to ask:
Centerpiece in a collection of what?
Usually a centerpiece is the key date or highest condition and/or most beautiful of a set.
What are your current top 10 coins?
My answer would be different depending in if it's a type set or a series or a box of 20 type group.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
It's really a personal question, I would go with the S-VDB as it is the iconic key date of the collection that made me interested in collecting coins, and it is an attractive piece in AU-50.
If you're looking for a coin that stands out, I would probably go with the Peace Dollar, or one of the MS Walkers.
I see alot of silver choices... so that is my leaning.
Got to be BIG for a centerpiece... Peace Dollar or Walker are just astounding designs.
Might include an AU or better 1878 8TF VAM from the scarce 14. side of things.
BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out
If you feel the need to spend these funds on a coin and to label it as a "centerpiece" then I can't stress strongly enough to buy something that sings to you. This isn't a committee collection and it might not be best to be a committee decision. If all these coins sing to you then you are very lucky and have a veritable choir of possibilities. If not, then forget the contrived labels and do what is best for you.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I’m not sure I want to label it a centerpiece, but if I was going to spend this much on a single coin I would want it force its way into that position, if that makes sense.
My most expensive coin is probably my 14-D Lincoln, but the ‘50 Proof Franklin is probably the centerpiece at the moment.
I like so many coins. I could have kept going with the list but had to stop somewhere.
I don’t have anything going that I feel I need to “complete” right now, I am just buying coins I like and it may turn into something I feel like completing...or not.
I’ve done focused collecting and enjoyed it. It’s just not where I am today.
Let's take a step back, Tom. We might have a special opportunity to have someone acquire our dream coin, and then we can collect vicariously through him. Might be a good way to save some funds. Now, which coin do I most want you to buy...?
@airplanenut...so what’s your vicarious dream coin for someone else to add to their collection?
Maybe a good way to ask the question would be: which coin that a lower budget collector could add to the eke collection would make you stand up and cheer to loudest?
I would go with a 63 $5 Indian or a nice PR67 Walker.
Either one would be nice.
Tough to say because I’m not sure what $1K coin I really want. There are coins above that that I’d like (a mid circulated 1795 half dollar, a bit higher and a nice lower grade chain cent) and many other pieces I’m looking for are mid-hundreds, but just tough to find really nice. So with that said, I think my previous comments remain, though I have the 1921 peace dollar and while my DMPL Morgan is lower grade, its frost is superb.
If I wanted to stay with a 20th Century Classic, and that level was something I wanted to represent a step up to a different level, which I think is what you are considering, like @TomB , I would look for something that sings to you, and compliments the rest of your collection.
As for me, under those parameters, I would want something of at least AU55+ quality, that made me go, "Yeah baby!" when I looked at it.
Better mint-marked Walkers and Standing Lib's would be my first look. Not necessarily the "key" dates, but not the easiest ones either. And whatever it was, it would need to have "the look" that elicited the response. Something that said, "I looked for a coin like this because I know what quality and rarity look like in this series, at this level, and this is one of them."
My own '21 Standing Lib in P58 comes to mind as that type of example, but I doubt you're finding that date in that grade at $1,000. anymore.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
$20 gold would have been the best choice
The OP set a $1000 limit which eliminates a $20 gold as an option. A nice AU $10 may be an option though.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
How about a nice 1937 D 3 leg Buffalo in mid AU condition. Most anyone who knows anything about coins knows of this variety and at the grade it’s a real looker.
Silverman68, jfoot13, GAB, ricman, Smittys, scrapman1077, RyGuy, Connecticoin, Meltdown, VikingDude, Peaceman, Patches and more.
I do not buy key coins, unless to finish an album. I lack a 1909 S VDB now to complete another Wayte Raymond album which will probably end up being a trade rather than cash. I would rather spend my available funds on hard to find well struck Buffaloes, Walkers and perhaps a 1917 T1 SLQ. It took me many years to develop a taste for well struck coins and I have enjoyed the hobby more for it.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
@Vetter a nice 3 legger is a great idea, too!
@jesbroken upgrading my ‘17 T1 SLQ would be excellent, as well. Maybe take cash and my existing one and go even bigger on the upgrade.
From that list I voted for the 1921 Peace Dollar because historically, it was a milestone coin. It was issued to commemorate "the war to end all wars," which, of course, it wasn't. In fact, the Treaty of Versailles sowed the seeds for the next world war.
The other coins are mostly key dates, which really don’t add that much to the collection unless they are part of set. I know that some people only collect key dates, but that’s not the way I would approach building a collection.