What Would You Buy For About $280?

sel_69l, I appreciate the insight.

I believe there's a show coming up locally next month I'll be setting aside for with the intent of a more targeted purchase.

This was just some unexpected fun!

Are you willing to take a risk with the $280?

I would go to a local auction and see what's going to be sold.

Essentials:
Carefully look at interesting lots and work out what it's worth to you..
Subtract buyer's premium and sales tax.

Work out how much you're willing to pay and don't be tempted to go over it
Don't bid for anything you haven't looked at.
If there's nothing suitable now, hang fire - there will be other opportunities.

Lots of several coins, especially mixed coins, tend to go cheaper than lots containing a single coin, and you'll learn, too.

I bought a mixed lot, some world coins, 8 US coins including an 1877 cent, some medallions, some play money, 2 Conder tokens and some brooches.

Excluding the 1877 cent and the brooches, I estimate the retail value to be about 10 times what I paid, and I learned a lot in the process.