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 Replies: 17 / Views: 2,554 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3345 Posts |
I'm already collecting Mercs and Barber dimes seriously, but I love the look of the Standing Liberty quarter!  I have one decent SLQ to my name-a 1930. I bought a 26-D awhile back that I am selling on ebay because its cleaned. but I am thinking of making some purchases on the common dates to start with-any ideas from experienced SLQ collectors? I know they are a very popular coin, I think 2nd or 3rd on here.  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
4849 Posts |
What grades are you looking for? Depending on your budget, I would start with a short set of 1925-1930, as they are a lot easier to find with readable dates and are generally more affordable.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3345 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
450 Posts |
Start saving for your 1916 !
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3345 Posts |
Quote:
Start saving for your 1916 ! 1916 here I come! But before that I plan to get the 1916-D merc, so itll be awhile  |
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Valued Member
United States
450 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
1028 Posts |
My advise is to hurry up. I see the set in all grades increasing in value faster than any other series out there. I put mine together about 5 years ago. All at least F-12, nothing higher than AU, most VF. Still missing the 16, 19DS, 20D, 23S, and 24D. I have seen prices surge upwards even from just 5 years ago. Right now I can't afford the aforementioned pieces in F-12 and up so my set has been put on hold and may stay there for a while.
From a financial and/or investment standpoint I would move away from the barbers and mercs and start an SLQ right now if you want one. I don't really see circulated barbers going up in value much beyond the general increases. Mercs are mostly common dates that are gonna get ever more swallowed up by their value in silver. The 16-D is obviously not common, but I think that coin is over-rated and over-priced.
With SLQs, the entire non-recessed date contingent of the set is awesome, each date with some slight differences and character. They are also all valuable and will just sky rocket in the future
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1659 Posts |
I think I'd probably want to start with the 1916. That's the one that usually hangs everyone up.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
Start with the expensive key dates, then semi key dates finally the common dates. The Keys and semi keys will only get more expensive as time goes on!
"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Rest in Peace
United States
4849 Posts |
I'm halfsies on the whole "buy the keys first" philosophy, although I do seem to go in that direction. The problem is that in a series that you are unfamiliar with, buying a powerhouse key first can lose you the most money if you don't understand the subtle nuiances in the grading of the series....or if you inadvertantly purchase a problem coin....where as, if you've already collected the series extensively with the common dates, you will have the knowlege to purchase a key the is nice for the grade.
At the same time, I think it's a lot of fun to get the big ones out of the way, and enjoy building the rest of the collection around them. And as others have said, the keys expand in value faster.
Just wanted to bring in 2 opposing viewpoints.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1510 Posts |
My budget is more "Buy the keys last--if possible.."
Retired USAF 1983-2003
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2596 Posts |
If you go into the coin stores look in the bargain bins of low grade slq's usually you can find these grades for cheap with the later years in G-VF in these bins. good luck and keep looking.
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Valued Member
United States
450 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
1028 Posts |
I've always preferred to actually start with the commons, move on to the better dates, then the semi keys, then the keys. The way I see it, you're building a set. I would love to have my set have more than 1 coin in it by month 1, and 4 coins by month 3. Going common ----->>>> keys, you have a sense of completion and accomplishment you don't get otherwise.
Besides, as far as SLQs go, the 1916 might be out one's price range forever. Even if the money is technically there, some people never want to spend that much on one coin. Next up the 23-S and 21...both pretty high priced semi-keys. Luckily I was able to pick up a F-12 21'.
I don't think education should be factored into the decision. You should always know enough about the coin you're buying even if its the first one of that particular series.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10635 Posts |
Best advice? Patience.  |
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Valued Member
United States
297 Posts |
My advice (as no expert): If you want a cheap complete set buy in bulk lots and sell the duplicates. If you want a NICE set take your time, get to know the strike characteristics for each year and mint (what is a weak strike and what is wear) and shop ebay if previously cleaned coins are not a problem. I was in the quick to complete a set and get out of the boat quickly and move on philosophy and have amassed 8 75% complete sets constantly replacing with better grades. One week you might only find 2 1924S and then 2 months later there are 15 listed on ebay. Patience and grade is your friend but beware the online prices seem to be going up in the last 6 months (good for us with existing collections) for somewhat key dates. Check out my sets here: https://goccf.com/t/102894https://goccf.com/t/101524https://goccf.com/t/99173Click to see my baby close up   |
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Replies: 17 / Views: 2,554 |
Posted 11/08/2011 8:49 pm
