What to start collecting?

BillF · August 22, 2003 4:46AM

Here's a question sure to generate a few "opinions".

What kind of coin series would be good to start for a novice? I would like something that I could probably complete in about 7 years and $8,000, and preferably have most of the coins at least MS-64.

I'm starting my 11 yr-old son with Jefferson nickels and I figure I'll start my 14 yr-old daughter with Lincoln's (that way they won't get their coins "mixed up").

I really like size, weight, and appearance of Dollars, so I think I might just get a few of 'em whenever the money fairy decides to bless me and attempt to build a good collection of something more reasonable.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
BillF

tjkillian · August 22, 2003 4:52AM

I would think a cool set to start on would be proof bust dollars by die state. There are not too many in the series (only 52 in the entire series), have tremendous history and are extremely beautiful. Even the most hardcore collector would be impressed with it.

Tom

ddink · August 22, 2003 4:55AM

One option, if you're like me and can't really afford to buy an entire series, is to build a short set.

MadMonk · August 22, 2003 4:57AM

Any of the classics in a short series as applicable.
If modern, exceptionally toned MS-64 fbl and better Franklins.

Of course that's just my opinion about the Franklins. I just love em!

BASEagle · August 22, 2003 4:58AM

<< <i>proof bust dollars >>

tj,

I think he meant $8000 for the entire collection, not $8000 per coin.

Mike

kamehameha00 · August 22, 2003 4:58AM

I say get ATLEAST One 10 or 20$ gold piece.They can impress you with their weight and its cool holding a piece of gold form the 19th or 20th century

MrEureka · August 22, 2003 5:06AM

You can build a complete set of business strike Morgan dollars for 8K. They won't all be gems, of course.

Edited to say that a novice can learn much more about grading when he or she collects coins in many different grades.

baccaruda · August 22, 2003 5:11AM

$8,000 would be about perfect for a nice MS64 set of Peace Dollars.

CoinHusker · August 22, 2003 5:13AM

Don't forget Ike's. It's a relatively short series, 21 pieces (23 w/ varities) but a nice ms65 set could be assembled in your target price range without too much trouble in the time frame you specified.

KlectorKid · August 22, 2003 5:14AM

Gold type 1900-1932.
1 $20 Saint
1 $20 Saint NM
1 $20 Liberty
1 $10 Indian
1 $10 Indian NM
1 $10 Liberty
1 $5 Indian
1 $5 Liberty
1 $2.5 Indian
1 $2.5 Liberty

Or else you could always do a set of 5 dollar indians.

Geoman · August 22, 2003 5:18AM

Personally, I would go for either Franklin Half Dollars in MS64FBL or higher; or for MS64 Walking Liberty Half Dollars. And start with the short set of WLH's.

Placid · August 22, 2003 5:21AM

State quarters,sba $,Ike $,sac $

jcping · August 22, 2003 5:28AM

> probably complete in about 7 years and $8,000, and preferably have most of the coins at least MS-64.

Based on this statement, I would suggest to go for 20th century type set. $8,000 would let you in top 10 of a registery set.
This would take you for less than a year to complete. Each type of the coin has its story to tell.

> I really like size, weight, and appearance of Dollars

If you want a series with date set, and some key coins are in MS63, then Peace dollar is a good choice. The only coin for Peace dollar in MS63 is 34-S. For the remaining money, you could build a nice Ike dollar set with MS65 or better.

Just my two cents.

SDCollector · August 22, 2003 5:32AM

My suggestion: Morgan date set in a variety of grades and a copy of the Photograde book. I wouldn't do a complete Morgan set. Since there's so many in a complete set, you run the risk of losing interest and/or discouraged with how long it might take to complete.

My two cents...

SarasotaFrank · August 22, 2003 5:36AM

with the exception of the key dates - you could build a very nice set of mercs.

or, from the bang for the buck department, you could build a number of sets in that price range. If were mentoring a novice in this regard, and considering money is an issue, some other sets, more than one of which could be done for that money would be

Walker short set - about $1200.00

Indian Head Cents - with teh exception of one or two, you could build a very nice set if you compromise on the 77;

Roosevelt dimes 46-64 - could do this for very little money

Washington Quarters - 32-64 could also do this for very little money, even the key dates would keep you nicely in the price range

Franklin Halves, Ike's, SBAs are all gimmie's not much investment, relatively easy to get

If you want to delve into something older, a nice set of Liberty Nickels

Peace Dollars - easily doable in nice grades for that money

I would concentrate on silver coins issued pre-1964, in the quarters and dimes, these make the sets less overwhelming and give teh coins some significance, in my opinion.

Bochiman · August 22, 2003 5:38AM

Since you mentioned their ages, I think that youthful thinking may be needed on this....

Show them some examples (pics or in person) or a really nice morgan and a really nice franklin, etc.

See what catches their eyes.

I think if I were that age again (which is about the age I stopped as I couldn't afford much), I would want something that had a WOW appeal to me....I probably would have also wanted something that I could see daily (to look for a current error, etc).l

So, I think the jeffersons may be a cool idea, and probably not too expensive (I could be wrong). I would probably veer away from lincolns because doing the memorials (lincolns are wheaties and memorials) would probably lead to the wheaties.....can THOSE all be done for $8000? (again, I don't know). And, while I like looking at them, I know it isn't for everyone.....my wife prefers to NEVER look at pennies again after sitting down with me for a couple of hours and a few hundred wheaties to go through

If you shortset, maybe the state quarters....yes, everyone is doing it, but, some people really like it and it does help with history (to a small degree) and knowing the states.

If it were me in your shoes......I would think about Franklins, Morgans (maybe......depends on the kid and how they feel), state quarters, jeffersons, and maybe roosevelt dimes.
Kennedy's would be ok (no offense Russ) but I don't like how the fed doesn't circulate them anymore for the newer years....have to buy from the mint or someone who did....or pull from mint sets (ok for some...maybe not for the type of collectors they want to be).
I have the Sacs (still need 1 mint state... 2002 I think...maybe 2001 to complete mine that are raw) but, same thing on them as the Kennedys. Plus, the Sacs, IMHO, look nice when new and unc, but can be some of the ugliest used coins.

Just some thoughts. Did you ask your kids for any of their gut feelings yet? You may find better success if you let them choose from a list rather than "help" them by telling them what they will collect.

Bochiman · August 22, 2003 5:42AM

SDCollector makes an excellent point here......some sets may be discouraging if trying to do indepth. And another excellent point of a photograde book.

I started with Morgans somewhat recently and I do get discouraged easily....so, what I did was break it down a few ways....the first way is that I plan to do a year set initially. I need 1893 and 1895 of course and then upgrade 1890, 1892, and 1894. Mintmarks don't matter to me yet. Cheaper this way

Most coins are very affordable and look cool. I have most in MS63 or above. A lot raw and about 1/3 slabbed.

<< <i>My suggestion: Morgan date set in a variety of grades and a copy of the Photograde book. I wouldn't do a complete Morgan set. Since there's so many in a complete set, you run the risk of losing interest and/or discouraged with how long it might take to complete.

My two cents... >>

fcloud · August 22, 2003 6:06AM

You could do a short set of Mercury Dimes (1934-1945), and have enough leftover to do the Roosevelt Dimes all the way through 1964 (and beyond if you like).

ccr · August 22, 2003 6:08AM

A short set of Walking Liberty Halfs which is from 1941 til 1947 ( including all mintmarks in the MS64 to MS66 range ).
A complete set of Proof 69DCAM Ikes ( alot of collectors don`t like Ike`s. But if you like them, then that`s all that matters. )
A S mint set of Morgan Dollars from 1878 thru 1882.
A set of Peace Dollars.
A set of MS69 Silver Eagles.
A set of Franklins is a good starter set.

This and everybodys suggestions are fairly easy to put together.

LAWMAN · August 22, 2003 6:42AM

FRANKLIN HALVES: See the current thread on why people like Frankies, look at the pictures, read all the comments.

Typetone · August 22, 2003 7:06AM

I agree with JC, and would recommend a 20th Century type set of mint state coins. The set would be beautiful, could get you a decent registry ranking, would be upgradable in the future, and would give you exposure to lots of different coin types. Here is a link to an article I wrote on the subject for the PCGS website.

Greg

20th Century Typeset Article

MrEureka · August 22, 2003 7:06AM

I would like something that I could probably complete in about 7 years

In that case, you should find a set that has over 100 coins. A collector should be able to buy at least one coin a month.

clackamas · August 22, 2003 7:32AM

Jeffersons are great and if you are not picky about getting "Full Step" coins you could do the entire series in MS66/67 for way less than $8K let alone MS64. Memorial Lincolns are also good. You can go to coin shops and pick through Mint sets for nice coins for under a few $ each and you can get some rel nice (not the highest grade but close) ones on ebay for $10 or less - basically the coins someone sent in but did not make the grade.

Cheers

Brian

BTW Welcome

Lincolnman1 · August 22, 2003 7:52AM

Bill,
The key is to not let a "collection" get out of hand. Let me explain.....

My "collection" started on Ft. Campbell with a handful of Lincoln cents, I was bored and started looking at the dates, anyone guess where this is going?
After leaving the Army (with no money) all that was gone. Several years later a new collection got started only this timeI discovered there were many different coins issued before the year of my birth (1974). Then I got married (all that was gone). After buying a house, a new "collection" was started......with absoutely no direction whatsoever. Included were High grade notes, high grade coins mint sets , proof coins, a little of everything.
I just recently settled on a set to acquire.....IKES..... short and to the point. (like the man). I have sold and am still selling most of my pieces to pay for the coins.
While searching for coins I ran across something I thought was strange. There are a ton of commems for IKE, which got me wondering why. Now I have dedicated an entire collection to the man, not only coin but memorabilia as well. Books, pins, art bars, newspaper clippings...etc

One of the best things you can do for your children (and anyone else out there), in my opinion, is to not only collect your coins, but in the cases of coins with real life figures on them, is to find out WHY that person has a coin.

Anyone have anything to add?

coinrookie · August 22, 2003 8:02AM

I would go with a type set or proof Ikes and a short set of Walking Liberties.

Shamika · August 22, 2003 12:34PM

Franklin Halves are a good idea.

Skipper53 · August 22, 2003 1:48PM

For kids, the diversity of statehood quarters might peak their interest.
They're plentiful and most are in good condition. Your kids will learn the
art of spotting gems from the damaged ones. The statehood program will
finish in about five years so they will look forward to the next issue while
filling in the earlier ones.

my3cents · August 22, 2003 3:08PM

for you...

collect a set of 1/4 eagle gold. Only 15 coins- the key will cost you about 2 to 3K -the rest you can get in 63 to 64 for a few hundred It'll take you 8 years to find all of them in 64

BillF · August 22, 2003 9:50PM

Wow! Lot's of good suggestions out there. Thanks everybody, it'll give me something to digest and research.

What to start collecting?

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