Starter Sets, For A New Numismatist

I have Dansco for my Nickels and Pennies, too. I like the fact that you can see both sides of the coin. (There are plastic viewing windows on both sides so you can see the coin but not worry about fingerprints). The slip case claims to protect the coins further. Don't know if that's real or hype, but it makes sense to use a slip cover. Other folks can explain the advantages of what they use.

As far as a simpler type set, you can look at the Dansco pages and at least get an idea of what you want to collect. I don't know if there is a 20th Century Type set album or folder available, but if not you can simply collect them in 2x2s and Eagle Coin Holders makes an album that displays 2x2s. Then you could define the types yourself. Some of the Dansco type differences seem trivial to me while others seem missing. For example, why do I need a 1909 VDB? That is a much more subtle difference than some of the nickel variations that are omitted. Dansco has a slot for the pre '65 dime, quarter and half (90% silver) but ignores the change from copper to copper plated zinc in the pennies. If you are defining what should be included you can have exactly what you want, which is nice. A Red Book can help tremendously in helping you decide what you want to include in a Type Set.

the folder is good to start with, I filled it pretty quickly--the 7070 is pretty hard to fill--Ive been working on it around 2 years and there are some that are expensive--good luck bud

Well it's nice to know that exists. Thanks for sharing the link! That would be a GREAT way to get started on a Type Set!

I also would recommend the State Quarters and Territories set. I've completed a complete set in a Whitman album for just the Philadelphia and Denver mintmarks from circulation. However, I did find finding the 2009 territories the hardest out of the complete set. If you don't get frustrated it is very doable. I found the vast majority of these coins in just ten rolls of quarters.

I was so happy about completing that set that I am now working on the complete set including the silver proofs and uncirculated coins. The only drawback to this collections is that I need to purchase 3 Dansco albums.

Another recommendation for a circulating set would be a set of circulating quarters from 1965 to the start of the State sets. The real nice thing about this suggestion is that the quarters that are not needed for the state set will make a nice start for this album. Sort of like killing two birds with one stone. What you don't need for one album will most likely be needed for the other.

That's a good idea larsdog, I do plan on expanding beyond my initial 1900 - present goal. Maybe I'll get the 7070 and simply start with the present and work backwords and just see how far back I can get.

Gotta ask about your forum name, I know where I got mine from & have been using this since the middle 90's but never seen anyone else use it. I assume Magic the Gathering?

If I were to start a collection of coins, two alternative would appear to be attrextive to me
a): Quarters.
The largest commonly circulating coin
I would start by collecting coins from circulation, then as this became increasingly more difficult, I would start buying to expand my collection. The initial purchases would be relatively cheap but at the collection grows the sky could be the limit in terms of how much you can afford to pay, and to what extent you wish the collection to grow. This sort of effort can expand into a lifetme project.

b): Type set. Most Americans are patriotic. Numismatically a description of American coinage history in coins whould make a solid statement. How far back you wish to go is almost the same as with quarters: the sky is the limit.

I have a variety about 200 American coins of all denominations and metals, extending back in date about 200 years, grades ranging from F to MS63. They are part of a World coin collection.