Is It Worth Collecting Statehood Quarters?

I liked the State Quarters when they were released, but their designs pale in comparison to the ATB Quarters. Regardless, it's still fun to flip through an album of State Quarters and look at the designs, much like the 50-state stamp releases back in the 80's (flags, birds, flowers, etc.). Not worth much unless in pristine condition (or in the case of quarters, proof or silver proof) but somewhat educational and a nice bookshelf / conversation piece.

Also, they're relatively easy to collect and good for beginners or someone like me who just likes to collect all coins. Especially good for kids as justcarl mentioned. I'm still working on my P-D Circulated collection and will likely start on a Proof/Ag Proof/UNC set soon. No investment expectations here.

Well what do you guys think about the silver proofs in PR69? I understand why the 50 SQ coins from circulation aren't worth seeking out; I expected that much anyway given how many people I know that like to collect them (but aren't really serious collectors).

The ATB Quarters do look nice, I may look into those.

For the sake of JUST collecting - the designs and variety make them interesting.

But I fear if I got done with the set, I would look at them and wonder what else my efforts could have gone into that actually had some worth (not talking of the silver proofs obviously). And these quarters will most assuredly lose value (purchasing power) as the years go by since there is nothing backing them anyway. A quarter used to buy a lot more than it does today.

I also look at them the same way as I do when the bicentennial coins came out. Everyone was originally hoarding them b/c they just knew they would be worth something some day.

But this is just me. If you have a passion for shiny metal disks with a plethora of designs - go for it! Its a hobby, its purpose is enjoyment, and a set of these shining in an album could be a great looking sight.

I have another, very obscure hobby - date nails. They will never be worth anything and hardly anyone even knows what they are - but I just like them. I cannot figure out why. I guess its like me trying to come up with a logical explanation as to why purple is my favorite color!

What set are you going to build (reasonably easily) from circulation?

o Roosevelts? Nope, silver is dried up in circulation. Tough even if you buy boxes and roll hunt.
o Ikes? SBAs? Not generally found in circulation.
o Nickels? Unless you buy boxes, you're going to be hard pressed to complete a set.
o Cents? Even harder.

I think most collectors will look through all their change anyway, so how much time is "wasted" by pulling out State Quarters to assemble a set when you're already searching through change?

Personal choice, I know. And that's one of the great parts of collecting - a collector can fine tune his collection to his desires. Just wondering how my time could be better spent searching through circulated change. So let me in on it! :)

Very true. But the word "investment" wasn't in the title of the topic. "worth" is obviously very subjective. And I know you mean "investment" in a monetary sense but it too can be used for other things besides money.

Hucksters on the shopping channels will always try to get you to overpay for State and ATB Quarters sets by mixing in some fancy packaging or whatnot. I keep getting flyers in the mail for ATB Quarters sets that come with a nice wooden display case, a sealed tube of 10 ATB Quarters from each park, and some other stuff. It ends up costing like $800 by the time the set is done. Probably worth it to some to have a nice display piece and to have that "subscription" feeling.

Relative to the State Quarters, yes, ATB Quarters have very low mintage numbers.

If you enjoy them, then collect em all. If you're looking to invest, silver proofs are the only route. Personally, I like ATB Quarters much more.

Agree. Disagree (I do not invest in coins, silver or not). Agree.