Possible History Lesson

Raptor48 · May 9, 2026 2:10PM

I have a question for the forum. I’m not sure what I am asking for is possible but I’ll ask anyway.

My brother and I have just restored conversation after about fifty years. It wasn’t that we were estranged, it was just that we live 2,000 miles apart and each were busy with their own lives.

Anyway, my brother has six grandchildren he is very attached to. I thought it nice to send him some coins that have an historical edge that he could give to his grandkids. I’m thinking colonials might be nice, but other dates like around the civil war or opening of Panama Canal or Wright Brother’s first flight or ??? would be okay. I could include a little note with each about why the date is important.

I’m thinking ungraded G to VF quality as long as the date is readable. I would really like them not to be counterfeit so would only consider buying from a respectable dealer. Target price would be around $100 to $150 each.

Is this possible and any thoughts about what dates/coins to consider?

MsMorrisine · May 9, 2026 2:14PM

are you sure the grandkids would appreciate them instead of selling them?

Raptor48 · May 9, 2026 2:18PM

Well, that's not really the point for me, MsMorrisine. I think my brother would appreciate the gesture because he is so attached to his kids. Anyway for those who would like to be less cynical, could you suggest a list of six different coins that might fit the idea. Thank you.

JBK · May 9, 2026 2:32PM

I'd suggest big old 19th century silver dollars, unslabbed so they can be handled. Let the kids wonder about the hands they might have passed through and the people who might have used them.

BTW, MsMorrisine has a valid point no matter how cynical you think it sounds. Pushing our hobby on other people often doesn't end well. I'd give breadcrumbs to give them a path to follow if they are so inclined, rather than a treasure that might not be appreciated.

IkesT · May 9, 2026 2:33PM

@MsMorrisine said:
are you sure the grandkids would appreciate them

Good question; they might not even be interested.

A nicer gesture might be to fly out and meet his family.

raycyca · May 9, 2026 2:35PM

What ae the ages of your grandchildren if you don't mind?

PerryHall · May 9, 2026 2:36PM

Proof sets from their year of birth.

TomB · May 9, 2026 2:36PM

@Raptor48 said:
Well, that's not really the point for me, MsMorrisine. I think my brother would appreciate the gesture because he is so attached to his kids. Anyway for those who would like to be less cynical, could you suggest a list of six different coins that might fit the idea. Thank you.

I don't think @MsMorrisine was being cynical. It was a very practical, down to earth question.

BillJones · May 9, 2026 3:10PM

Most kids get started with folders or abums, at least I did. They usually want attractive coins, and it's hard to find "colonial coins" which are attractive. I know. I've collected them for many years. You are not going to get much for $100 to $150 apiece. I have not bought an attractive "colonial coin" for around $100 in over 40 years. Here's one I bought over 40 years ago for around $100.

I might try Proof sets for their birth years. That is a lot cheaper, and the coins look better to beginning or non collectors.

Bicentennial Proof sets are on the Grey Sheet for $9 to $12. They are 50 years old, and still look nice.

Raptor48 · May 9, 2026 3:14PM

My brother enjoys history so I am sure he would enjoy the gesture even more than his grandkids. And the coins are gifts so they may chose to do whatever they want with the coins. Its about the giving for me. Ages range from 12 to 23

Raptor48 · May 9, 2026 3:25PM

Bill

You're right about colonials being not particularly attractive. I collect them also. But the Bicentenial set is a good idea. Thank you.

IkesT · May 9, 2026 3:27PM

Seems self-centered. It's basically saying, "Here, take this thing that I'm interested in. You're welcome".

A thoughtful gift would be something that appeals to the recipients' own interests. It would require getting to know the recipients.

Smudge · May 9, 2026 3:32PM

Maybe a silver proof set from their birth year.

Acarroll · May 9, 2026 3:41PM

@IkesT said:
Seems self-centered. It's basically saying, "Here, take this thing that I'm interested in. You're welcome".

A thoughtful gift would be something that appeals to the recipients' own interests. It would require getting to know the recipients.

.

oldabeintx · May 9, 2026 3:59PM

Birth year sets. My kids and grandkids have no interest in numismatics but they lit up a bit when I gave them shiny proofs from their birth year one Xmas. See the capitol plastic thread.

Creg · May 9, 2026 4:01PM

Whitman folders with the state quarters and the America The Beautiful quarters.

Raptor48 · May 9, 2026 4:58PM

oldabeintx

I gave shinny proof year sets to all of my partner's kids and they were a big hit. I also did the same for her grandson but he is only four so there is an understanding gap. But his parents were happy to hold on to it until he is older.

Recently I put together "penny in a bottle" souveniers for each kid's birth year and plan to use them as stocking stuffers. They'll likely get lost after a few months but I bet they find them cool on Christmas morning.

Old Phil

MsMorrisine · May 9, 2026 5:04PM

or a 100 years before their birth year coins

MsMorrisine · May 9, 2026 5:09PM

modern commemorative silver dollars

Raptor48 · May 9, 2026 5:23PM

MsMorrisine

The 100 years before their birth year is a great idea. Thank you.

Phil

jmlanzaf · May 10, 2026 6:50AM

@IkesT said:
Seems self-centered. It's basically saying, "Here, take this thing that I'm interested in. You're welcome".

A thoughtful gift would be something that appeals to the recipients' own interests. It would require getting to know the recipients.

Harsche

Sure, it is a gift rooted in the OP's interests. But, I think the purpose is to share your interest with them. Would a guitar or skateboard be, perhaps, better received? Maybe. But it is a free gift, given in the hopes of sparking a shared interest. I wouldn't crap all over the OP for being willing to spend some money on his grand-nieces and nephews.

BLUEJAYWAY · May 10, 2026 9:52AM

@PerryHall said:
Proof sets from their year of birth.

I gave a 1970 proof set to a couple who were married in 1970. Have no idea what happened to it. But as far as I know did not result in coin collecting interest.
Nice commerative though for the event

BLUEJAYWAY · May 10, 2026 9:55AM

I would lean toward any issue with silver in it, as a hedge for a future silver rise.

smuglr · May 10, 2026 11:15AM

I would seek some knowledge of each of their interests, and then play off that. An interest in space? - one of the Apollo 11 coins, history? - many options, Civil War era coins, semiquin coins, sports? comics? art? The USM also has a lot of medals that are affordable and interesting. I would use the opportunity to connect to him and his grandkids as well, and leave them with a connection to you.

Possible History Lesson

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