What To Collect...?

I've been doing Franklin half dollars after I picked up a few at a local bank a few months back. You should be able to pick up the whole set for about melt value as there are no rare mintage (dates or mint mark). Plus they weren't minted very long (15 years ) so you should be able to get a high grade collection sooner than most other 20th century coins. I've been finding uncirculated for about $15-$25 a piece. If that is too pricey, Mercury or Roosevelt dimes would be a good choice too. Just my 2 cents (or my 50 cents )

Some one had mentioned Franklin halves but one step further and a smaller collection as you noted would be Proof Franklin's. I have been working on cameo proofs of the set and they are tough to find in pr 66 or better in the early years but fairly common in the later. fourteen total coins in the collection, here's one example.