New To Moderns With Some Questions

Get the books that apply to what you want to collect. Books are cheap compared to mistakes but you don't need a stack of Lincoln Cent books if you collect Ikes.

Cherry Pickers Guide and RPM book are basic.

Remember all the double dies and rotated reverses are available online.

http://varietyvista.com/CONECA%20Ma...Listings.htm

When modern begins varies from one person to another. In my case the switch to "modern" happened in 1836 when they switched from hand cut/punched dies and screw presses, to hubbed dies and steam presses.

The way I break down the modern, Late modern and contemporary line for each denomination is as follows: (This could become modified as I gain more knowledge about moderns.)
1) Lincoln Cents: 1909 to 1958=Early modern. 1959 to 1982=Modern. 1982 to 2008=Late Modern. 2009 to present=Contemporary
2) Jefferson nickels: 1938 to 1967=Early Modern. 1968 to 2003=Modern. 2004 to present=Contemporary
3) Roosevelt dimes: 1946 to 1964=Early modern. 1965 to 1979=Modern. 1980 to present= Late modern
4) Washington quarters; 1932 to 1964=Early modern. 1965 to 1979=Modern. 1980 to 1998=Late modern. State, territorial and national parks Quarters of 1999 to present = Contemporary
5) Half Dollars: Franklin half dollars of 1948 to 1963 and Kennedy half dollars of 1964=Early Modern. 1965 to 1970=Late early modern. 1971 to 1979=modern. 1980 to present Late modern
6) Dollars: Eisenhower dollars of 1971 to 1978 = Modern. Susan B. Anthony dollars of 1979 to 1981 & 1999=Late modern. Sacagawea, Native American and Presidential dollars of 2000 to present=Contemporary.

That's true. You could also over complicate tings by dissecting it all a little too much such as dividing post 1998 quarters into Early contemporary for 1999 to 2009 and contemporary for 2010 to present. The question is: When does it become too complicated and when does it become too simplified? What about the Bicentennial coins of 1975 and 1976? Where do they fall on the dividing line? How about the Westward Journey nickels of 2004 and 2005? Are they Early contemporary, contemporary or transitional? Does contemporary in Jefferson nickels begin in 2004 with the Westward journey series or in 2006 with the modified obverse portrait of Jefferson facing forward?

That's 165 different coins. Mostly quarters, yes. But 165 different coins nonetheless.

rbjr85,

I recently got back to collecting modern proof coins that so fascinated me during my childhood. I've chosen to concentrate, for now, on the Era from 1950-1970. My goal is enjoy this journey but to also develop a first class collection of these beautiful coins. I would suggest to have fun during your searches. Pick up one book at a time and don't start out with an entire library. Look around to multiple respected sources for you coin purchases and, at least for me, I stay away from raw coins and focus on certified coins. The reputable services are there for a reason, our peace of mind. You can still shop around for the best deal from among these graded coins. Best of luck and have a ball!

For sure