What's Stopping You From Collecting Classic US Coinage?

my 2 cents (I only own 1 and it was given to me), I collect what I can get my hands on. To date, nothing before 1864.....only because I don't know anything about them. The 1864 2 cent piece was given to me by a friend. Up until the past few months, I've never had that nagging urge to complete a series, or an album. But now I'm only one coin away from completing my first album...my Mercury dimes! Hopefuly I'll be able to afford the other coin I need for that by the end of the year!

Too expensive. Althought, I am collecting selectively.

I wish there was a logical reason for preferring classical coins, but there is not. There are certain classics that seem to have a siren draw. So I will say they have more "magic" in them.I agree a 3CN is one of those coins. However, the Barber series have no such draw. Probably just the opposite for others. If coins all had the same interest to everyone, it would really be boring

Jim

I tend to be working on two sets at any given time and generally one of the two is a classic set. That said, I might be working on the same classic set through the course of completing multiple modern sets.

Like others have said I tend to shy away from those sets which I have no likelihood of ever completing. I alot myself $100 a month to spend on coins and generally break that up with about half going to classics and half going to moderns. It might take me 6 months to save up for that $300 key in the classic series I'm working on, but at the same time I've kept myself busy with the modern set.

Of course there are classical sets which I'll never attempt such as the Morgans, But there are several classical sets out there which can be completed on even the most limited budget provided you're willing to give it a little time. Like I said I give myself $100 a month to spend... But the dollar amount doesn't really matter as the concept is still the same.

Just as a for instance with only three keys the Liberty nickel set isn't that hard to finish. It's the Classical set I'm currently working on. I'm figuring it'll take me close to a year to sock away enough for the 3 keys. But in the meantime I'll also have completed a MS63 Roosevelt set and possibly a MS63 Jefferson set.

After I finish the Liberty nickels I think I've decided to work on the Liberty Head (Braided Hair) Cent... With only 1 key it should be a pretty easy set to put together in VG. At $50 a month I'm thinking I can squeeze it together in less than a year.

Another set which can be put together fairly easily is the Two Cents. If you take out the 1 key an AU set isn't out of reach... If the completed set is of more importance you can do an AG set on the cheap as well that includes the 1873 (you can pick up AG's of those in the $250 range, but the others would be chump change comparatively).

The Peace dollar set might be considered classical... I don't know... it sort of fits the definition. I picked a good time to start my set so was able to pick up the keys before they went insane, but even now a VG-XF set could probably be put together in 18 months on a $50 a month allowance. If you figure the 28 at $300 and the 21 at $150 that's half the time, the others can be picked up for close to silver value.

The Barber dimes can be completed in AG-F as well. It'll take some time since there are so many semi-keys in the $100 range in addition to the 95-0, but it can be done (I did it).

But for me it helps to be working on a modern set as well. If I was only working on classics, I'm sure I would become frustrated.

I suppose I am like many others. I am working on a 19th century type set, and have most of the types. There are a few which are pricey. In addition, I am working on several sets.

As for being turned on, there is for me a fascination for the early large cents. I only have a couple. I am trying to find a liberty cap one in VG condition, but that for me has not been easy. Can find them in AG, but why get an AG. I had one many years ago and about the only thing you could do was identify the type and see the date.

My poor budgeting skills!

Thanks Prethen. Its already hard enough to find nice examples of my favorite coin now here you go encouraging others to go after them and make it doubly difficult for me :-)

I think it's a factor of all four choices, with more weight on them being more expensive.