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Complete U.S. Circulating Coins Type Set

JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭
I'm interested in a truly complete type set. What should be included? I'll start with this list I got off CoinResource.com in an article by John H. MacMillan Ph.D.

What would you add or delete from this list?


Half Cents

Flowing Hair 1793

Liberty Cap Large Head 1794

Liberty Cap Small Head 1795-1797

Draped Bust 1800-1808

Classic Head 1809-1835

Coronet Head 1840-1857



Large Cents

Chain 1793

Wreath 1793

Liberty Cap High Relief Large Head 1794

Liberty Cap Low Relief Small Head 1795-6

Draped Bust 1796-1807

Classic head 1808-1814

Coronet Head 1816-1839

Braided Hair 1840-1857



Small Cents

Flying Eagle 1857-1858

Indian CN 1859

Indian CN 1860-1863

Indian 1864-1885

Indian 1886-1909

Lincoln 1909 V.D.B.

Lincoln 1909-1958

Lincoln 1943 steel

Lincoln (Shell casing composition) 1944-S

Lincoln Memorial 1959-1981

Lincoln zinc 1982-2008

Lincoln Bicentennial 2009



Two-Cent Pieces 1864-1873



Silver Three Cent Pieces

Type 1 1851-1853

Type 2 1854-1858

Type 3 1859-1873



Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889



5 Cent Nickels

Shield-Rays 1866-1867

Shield-No Rays 1867-1883

Liberty Head NC 1883

Liberty Head WC 1883-1912

Buffalo Type 1 1913

Buffalo Type 2 1913-1920, 1922-1938

Buffalo (serifed 1's) 1921

Jefferson Wartime 1942-1945

Jefferson (no initials) 1938-65

Jefferson (with initials) 1966-2003

Jefferson (Westward Journey) 2004-2005

Jefferson 2006-



Half Dimes

Half Disme 1792

Flowing Hair 1794-1795

Draped Bust SE 1796-1797

Draped Bust HE 1800-1805

Capped Bust 1829-1837

Liberty Seated-NS 1837-1838

Liberty Seated No Drapery 1838-1840

Liberty Seated-Stars 1838-1859

Liberty Seated-Arrows 1853-1855

Liberty Seated-Legend 1860-1873



Dimes

Draped bust SE 1796-1797

Draped Bust HE 1798-1807

Capped Bust Large 1809-1828

Capped Bust Small 1828-1837

Liberty seated No Stars 1837-1838)

Liberty seated Stars 1838-1860

Liberty Seated No Drapery 1838-1840

Liberty seated Arrows 1853-1855

Liberty seated Legend 1860-1891

Liberty Seated Arrows 1873-1874

Barber 1892-1916

Mercury 1916-1945

Roosevelt 1946-1964 Silver

Roosevelt 1965- Clad



Twenty Cent Piece 1875-1878



Quarters

Draped bust SE 1796

Draped Bust HE 1804-1807

Large Bust 1815-1828

Small Bust 1831-1838

Liberty Seated No Motto No Drapery1838-1840

Liberty Seated No Motto with drapery 1838-1865

Liberty Seated A & R 1853

Liberty Seated Arrows 1854-1855

Liberty Seated with motto 1866-1891

Liberty Seated Arrows 1873-1874

Barber 1892-1916

Standing liberty type 1 1916-1917

Standing liberty type 2 1917-1924

Standing liberty type 3 1925-1930

Washington 1932-1964

Washington Clad 1965-98

Bicentennial 1976 clad

State quarters 1999 – clad



Half Dollars

Flowing Hair 1794-1795

Draped Bust Small Eagle 1796-1797

Draped Bust Heraldic Eagle 1801-1807

Capped Bust 1807-1836

Capped Bust Reeded Edge 1836-1839

Liberty seated No motto No Drapery 1839

Liberty seated No Motto with drapery 1839-1866

Liberty seated Arrows and Rays 1853

Liberty seated Arrows 1854-1855

Liberty seated With Motto 1866-1891

Liberty seated Arrows 1873-1874

Barber 1892-1915

Liberty Walking 1916-1947

Franklin 1948-1963

Kennedy 1964 Silver

Kennedy 1965-70 40% silver

Kennedy 1971- 1992(?) Clad

Kennedy (small head) 1993(?)-

Kennedy Bicentennial 1976 clad



Dollars

Flowing Hair 1794-1795

Draped Bust Small Eagle 1795-1798

Draped Bust Heraldic Eagle 1798-1804

Gobrecht 1836-1839

Liberty Seated No Motto 1840-1866

Liberty seated With Motto 1866-1873

Trade Dollar 1873-1883

Morgan (8 tail feathers) 1878

Morgan 1878-1904

Morgan 1921

Peace High Relief 1921

Peace 1922-1935

Eisenhower 1971-1978 clad

Eisenhower Bicentennial 1976 clad

Susan B. Anthony 1979-1999

Sacagawea 2000-

Presidential Dollars 2007-



Gold Dollars

Type 1 1849-1854

Type 2 1854-1856

Type 3 1856-1889



Quarter Eagles, $2.50 Gold Pieces

Capped Bust Right No stars 1796

Capped Bust Right 1796-1807

Capped Bust Left Large 1808

Capped Bust Left Small 1821-1827

Capped Bust Left Small 1829-1834

Classic Head 1834-1839

Liberty Coronet 1840-1907

Indian Head 1908-1929



Three Dollar Gold

Small letters 1854

Regular(?) letters 1855-1889



Half Eagles, $5.00 Gold Pieces

Capped Bust Small Eagle 1795-1798

Capped Bust Large Eagle 1795-1807

Capped Draped Bust 1807-1812

Capped Head 1813-1834

Classic Head 1834-1838

Liberty Coronet No Motto 1839-1866

Liberty Coronet with Motto 1866-1908

Indian Head 1908-1929



Eagles, $10.00 Gold Pieces

Capped Bust Small Eagle 1795-1797

Capped Bust Large Eagle 1797-1804

Liberty Coronet No Motto 1838-1866

Liberty Coronet 1866-1907

Indian Head No Motto 1907-1908

Indian Head 1908-1933



Double Eagles, $20.00 Gold Pieces

Liberty Coronet No Motto 1849-1866

Liberty Coronet (twenty D) 1866-1876

Liberty Coronet 1877-1907

Saint Gaudens Roman Numerals High relief 1907

Saint Gaudens No Motto 1907-1908

Saint Gaudens with motto 1907-1932

Comments

  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭
    I'll start with some modern additions:

    1. Nickel commemoratives 2004-2005

    2. New Nickel design 2006-

    3. "Small head" Kennedy Half (I'm not sure about the date but I think it started in the early 90's)
  • LeianaLeiana Posts: 4,349
    I would add a 1944 Shell casing composition Lincoln cent, as well as separating the Jefferson nickels into two subtypes for the initials on the bust that were added in 1960.

    Also, there was a design change to the Indian Head cent in 1868 I beleive, and the 1921 Buffalo nickel is almost sufficiently different to be it's own type.

    -Amanda
    image

    I'm a YN working on a type set!

    My Buffalo Nickel Website Home of the Quirky Buffaloes Collection!

    Proud member of the CUFYNA
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭
    Also, we might as well add the new presedential dollar coins
  • mrcommemmrcommem Posts: 1,189 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If you are going to have a circulating type set you must leave out the following:

    1976 40% Silver Bicentennial Coins-Dollar, half, quarter
    All State Quarters that are 90 silver

    These coins were in special mint or proof sets not meant for circulation
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>If you are going to have a circulating type set you must leave out the following:

    1976 40% Silver Bicentennial Coins-Dollar, half, quarter
    All State Quarters that are 90 silver

    These coins were in special mint or proof sets not meant for circulation >>



    Good Point!

    Maybe the bullion coins should be left out as well.
  • sumnomsumnom Posts: 5,963 ✭✭✭
    The bullion too should be removed from the list since they do not circulate.

    Also, the Sac has not been minted for circulation since 2001. The 1981 SBA was also only included in mint sets. There are a number of Kennedy half issues that were only included in mint sets as well. You have to go through the Red Book and find which were produced only for mint sets.
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The bullion too should be removed from the list since they do not circulate. >>



    Funny, I was just editing my earlier post to say this exact same thing at the same time you were posting your message.
  • sumnomsumnom Posts: 5,963 ✭✭✭
    And all the silver Ikes need to be removed.
  • itsnotjustmeitsnotjustme Posts: 8,779 ✭✭✭
    Concur on all the leave out suggestions.

    Add the Zinc (1982 - ) Lincoln.

    In 2009 you can add the special Lincolns that circulate.
    Give Blood (Red Bags) & Platelets (Yellow Bags)!
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭
    I've edited the original list. We still need more info on the 1921 Nickel, and the 1868 Indian Head design change.

    Do we need to specify which coins within a date range were not released for circulation?

  • itsnotjustmeitsnotjustme Posts: 8,779 ✭✭✭
    Laso, you might choose to break SLQs into 3.

    T1 1916-1917
    T2 1917-1924
    T3 1925-1930
    Give Blood (Red Bags) & Platelets (Yellow Bags)!
  • LeianaLeiana Posts: 4,349
    The 1921(PDS) nickels are the only ones to have serifed ones. All the others have plain ones.

    In 1886 (not 68 image ) the Indian Head design was changed slightly. The first variety has the last feather of the headdress pointing between I and C of AMERICA while on the second variety it points between C and A.

    Also, the 1921 Morgan Dollar is different from all the other Morgan dollars. Additionally, there are the eight tail feather 1878 Morgans.

    -Amanda
    image

    I'm a YN working on a type set!

    My Buffalo Nickel Website Home of the Quirky Buffaloes Collection!

    Proud member of the CUFYNA
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭
    Original list updated
  • ArtistArtist Posts: 2,013 ✭✭✭
    Small Letters 1854 $3 Gold.
  • TomBTomB Posts: 22,090 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You should probably define what is a type and what is a variety and then follow your definitions instead of soliciting ideas from folks who likely do not share the same definitions of these most often abused and misunderstood terms. In my opinion, you are missing some type pieces and also have included useless varieties. Figure out the definitions and your task will be much easier.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • BaleyBaley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I like the list in the OP, I'm missing 26 types.

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I like the list in the OP, I'm missing 26 types. >>



    What is the OP?

    Nevermind. I think you meant original post, right?

    Actually, that is not the original post anymore. I've been editing it to reflect the recommendations of the posters so far.
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>You should probably define what is a type and what is a variety and then follow your definitions instead of soliciting ideas from folks who likely do not share the same definitions of these most often abused and misunderstood terms. In my opinion, you are missing some type pieces and also have included useless varieties. Figure out the definitions and your task will be much easier. >>



    Which pieces do you conisder useless varieties and which pieces do you feel are missing from the list?
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭
    Type - A variation in design, size, or metallic content of a coin.

    Variety - A slight variation in design of a coin.

    I don't really see that there can be a clear line between these two, but each of us has an instinct as to what should be included on a list like this.

    Let's go with the popular consensus.
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I like the list in the OP, I'm missing 26 types. >>



    I started counting how many I am missing, and once I got up to 70 I gave up!


  • << <i>Type - A variation in design, size, or metallic content of a coin.

    Variety - A slight variation in design of a coin.

    I don't really see that there can be a clear line between these two, but each of us has an instinct as to what should be included on a list like this.

    Let's go with the popular consensus. >>




    Applying this to Ikes and you have a remarkable number of different varieties which is in fact the case. Even ignoring the silver BS Ikes which were not for-circulation coins, you still have two different obverse and at least four different reverse non-Bicentennial designs, and of course the two Bicentennial designs.

    In other words, I agree with you - each collector needs to set his own guidelines. I am looking forward to beginning a modern type set of circulation coins in the years to follow: the most challenging aspect will be determining the rules of the game. Rob
    Modern dollars are like children - before you know it they'll be all grown up.....

    Questions about Ikes? Go to The IKE GROUP WEB SITE
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Type - A variation in design, size, or metallic content of a coin.

    Variety - A slight variation in design of a coin.

    I don't really see that there can be a clear line between these two, but each of us has an instinct as to what should be included on a list like this.

    Let's go with the popular consensus. >>




    Applying this to Ikes and you have a remarkable number of different varieties which is in fact the case. Even ignoring the silver BS Ikes which were not for-circulation coins, you still have two different obverse and at least four different reverse non-Bicentennial designs, and of course the two Bicentennial designs.

    In other words, I agree with you - each collector needs to set his own guidelines. I am looking forward to beginning a modern type set of circulation coins in the years to follow: the most challenging aspect will be determining the rules of the game. Rob >>



    Oh yeah, I forgot about the type 1 and type 2 Ike, Kennedy, and SBA coins.
  • coinnut86coinnut86 Posts: 1,592 ✭✭✭
    It'd be kick butt if someone had a complete set of every single coin minted for circulation! In atleast vf or better?
    Wonder how much it would cost to assemble and how much it'd sell for once complete. image
    image
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭
    There are a few coins that are close to impossible for the average collector to obtain. I'm still trying to figure out what that complete list would look like. It's so difficult to draw the line between "type" and "variety."
  • mrpaseomrpaseo Posts: 4,753 ✭✭✭
    Very interesting, I'm going to start with the list you have in the original post and add my thoughts to it for my type set, thanks for the thread and saving me a lot of work image

    Ray
  • What about changes in relief of coins, should they be in a design type? For instance the relief on a 1998 Washington is not the same as a 1968 Wasington. Same with Jefferson's and Lincoln's. Also there have been several small design changes within the Lincoln Wheats. A 1919 does not look like a 55-S.
  • For capped bust halves there were 8 design and sub-design types.

    Type 1: 1807-08,
    Type 2: 1809-11,
    Type 3: 1812-17,
    Type 4: 1817-25,
    Type 5: 1825-31,
    Type 6: 1832-34,
    Type 7: 1834,
    Type 8: 1834-36 (This list taken from Ed Souders "BH Fever"1st Edition)

    Also 2 types of reeded edge capped bust halves:

    "50 cents" 1836-37
    "Half Dol." 1838-39
    Curmudgeon in waiting!
  • rec78rec78 Posts: 5,871 ✭✭✭✭✭
    This discussion could go on a long time- You have to decide for yourself what is a different type. For instance:
    Should the 1817 fifteen stars large cent be considered a different type? To me a 1909 VDB is not a different type only a variation.
    Or how about the early 15 star, 16 star and 13 star half dimes and dimes? (there is also a 14 star variety for the1804 dime) Some bust dollars have 10 stars on the left with 6 on the right while other have 9 stars on the left and 7 on the right . Some Bust dollars dollars also have the 13 and 15 star reverses. Are they different types? If a 1909 VDB is to be considered a different type verses any other wheat cent, then by that definition all of the varieties of bust dimes, half dimes and dollars mentioned above ( and probably others) should be considered. JMHO. Bob
    Or maybe the gold coins with CAL.? (1848)

    You do not have the 1793 Liberty cap large cent on your list.

    O I AM GETTING SO
    image
    image
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭
    Okay, I've come to a conclusion. In order to have a true complete type set, one must either:

    1. Be extremely strict as to what constitutes a "type." That means detailed lists of what constitutes a "type" vs. a "variety." There can be no loop holes. The line between "type" and "variety" must be drawn so that only very major types are included (i.e. only one seated liberty quarter, etc.) This set can be reffered to as a "major design" set instead of a "type set."

    2. Let everything count as a "type." That means any minor variation now constitutes a "type." This cuts out any confusion as to what constitutes a "type." In other words, there is no difference between a "type" and a "variation." These two terms are now essentially the same.

    Or you can forget about the idea of a "complete" type set and just make your own decisions about what you want to collect.

    BTW, the 2nd "type" set that is discussed above would be a truly massive collection. I can't imagine anyone actually completing one (to date,) but it would be really cool if someone did!
  • BaleyBaley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
    you nailed it~!

    it's a spectrum, and each collector falls somewhere in how they define their set and whether it's "complete"

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • BaleyBaley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
    and with that, here's one nowhere near complete, but a healthy start

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    The Dansco 7070 is not completely comprehensive, but if one were inclined, they could add these tougher types:
    copper
    image
    image
    half dimes
    image
    image
    dimes
    image
    image
    quarters
    image
    image
    image
    half dollar
    image
    dollar
    image
    image
    classic gold
    image
    image
    three dollar
    image
    no motto ten
    image
    Twenty D.
    image

    Happy new year everyone!!
    image

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • Right!!--You can declare victory at any time! It's all in how you define your set--for me I've decided no gold--although that could change once I dispose of all my other collections.

    Bill
    Curmudgeon in waiting!
  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,736 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You can also add the clad quarters with type c and d reverses as well as the proof reverses.

    There were significant design changes in '74, '77, '84, and '94.

    There were even more reverse changes. image
    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.

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