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If a non-"billionaire" collector wants to collect truly rare numismatic material ...
291fifth
Posts: 25,186 ✭✭✭✭✭
... he or she is going to have to collect something other than US coins.
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All glory is fleeting.
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EAC 6024
1 of 6 known. My newP...and...its in Redbook, which makes it "legit"
...yes?
<< <i>Hard Times tokens are not US coins. They are tokens. >>
Being in the Redbook is enough for many, including PCGS:
<< <i>its in Redbook, which makes it "legit" >>
<< <i>False! Many dates in the Seated series can be had for a fair price. >>
And many of the lesser known varieties aren't valued any differently than a "regular" example.
However, it would also be possible to collect rare coins from Zanzibar...but what the H*** fun would THAT be????
<< <i>False! Many dates in the Seated series can be had for a fair price. >>
But are they really rare or are they just hoarded?
Less than 10? Less than 5?
Errors come to mind.
I also have the below which is a rare error with only about 12 known, I would consider that extremely rare.
Enjoy
<< <i>I also have the below which is a rare error with only about 12 known, I would consider that extremely rare. >>
Sweet.
I mentioned errors above
<< <i>
<< <i>I also have the below which is a rare error with only about 12 known, I would consider that extremely rare. >>
Sweet.
I mentioned errors above
Indeed you did
And this dated copper error which can't have a very large population
Given the "true" definition or rare numismatic material, either he/she will first need to start collecting/accumulating cash or he/she will need to start "successfully" dealing coins as truely "rare" coins are rarely ever found! They are either purchased or traded. The same is true for "truly rare" numismatic material beit buttons, medals, coins, or whatever.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>False! Many dates in the Seated series can be had for a fair price. >>
But would these be considered "truly rare"?
The name is LEE!
Start small...choose carefully...trade up...less is more....some truly rare US coins can be acquired by us mere mortals.
And I also mostly agree with the OP. Sure, you might cherry pick a really obscrue variety for less than the price of a new car, or buy a rarity in low grade or with some damage. But for the most part collectible rareties in US Coins go for big money. Keeping in mind that I consider tokens to be a different group of collectibles, and currency as well.
World Collection
British Collection
German States Collection
Errors are also a great opportunity.
And believe it or not, patterns are very collectable on a somewhat modest budget, assuming you set strict boundaries on the collection. For example, if I were to collect patterns, I might limit myself to 1896 patterns by composition and die variety. I'd probably end up with 20 coins over the course of 10 years, for a total cost of 150-200K. And that's assuming I'm buying the finest quality I can find.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
<< <i>patterns are very collectable on a somewhat modest budget >>
I thought of patterns and I do like them quite a bit, but I don't consider them coins and the OP seemed to be pretty strict on limiting the inquiry to coins.
Some American auction catalogues that have been issued have an original population of 10 or less. These would include some of the plated 19th century sales, large paper editions, or modern, full leatherbound catalogues that are truly a delight to own.
Did I mention the deluxe 1925 Browning quarter book, or the 1928 Raymond deluxe U S Gold Coins book? Both have less than 5 known!
D. Carr should make one of *those*
While this is not a cheap coin it is in the grasp of many collectors and far rarer than say a 1797 $1 in a PCGS VF20 holder.
Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.
Buying great coins - monster eye appeal only.
An gem AU-58 Morgan or merc set is doable by many people. These could make spectacular
sets and some of the coins will prove quite scarce. Easier dates you can use gemmier coins
and the harder dates higher grades and then with the easiest dates you can swap for true
gems.
PL moderns can be exceptionally tough and those a little less tough you can use proofier coins.
How about uncirculated chop marked trade dollars and counterstamped US coins used abroad.
Most varieties aren't extremely scarce but they can be in higher grades. This especially applies
to moderns but it applies to many low mintage older varieties as well.
There are still the coins minted for circulation since '05 in high grades which can be fouind for
face value. It requires a great deal of work to track down gems and look through lots of coins
but some of these will prove extremely scarce or rare in nce shape.
Most of the opportunities for collecting true rarities cheap are in exonumia and world coins but
since every coin is truly unique there is simply no reason you can't have a rare US coin collection.
U.S. Type Set
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor