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 Replies: 33 / Views: 5,568 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2815 Posts |
I would like some feedback concerning my next focus. Right now, I am one away from completing my Peace dollar set (1928). After that, I'm still working on Buffalo nickels and Morgan dollars. I was thinking of starting a new half dollar set, and I'm trying to decide on either the Kennedy or Barber. Which do you think would be the better choice in terms of challenge and overall enjoyment? I'm not at all concerned about investment potential. It is simply a collecting pursuit. I won't be starting this new set until I get that 1928 Peace. Thoughts? *** Moved by Staff to a more appropriate forum. *** |
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Barber is far more challenging to find quality pieces for. Of course its also a lot more expensive if thats a factor.
Between the two I like Barbers far more. I might start out with a date set though before diving head first into a full set with the expense involved.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2815 Posts |
The expense of the Barber half set is why I am starting to lean more toward the Kennedy half, plus the fact that the Kennedy is still an ongoing series. I would prefer to spend the bigger bucks on my Morgan set. Then again, I could always start a Barber half set after the Kennedy. I really wish there was another silver dollar type I could collect too. Those before the Morgan are just too expensive for my budget. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2543 Posts |
If it is the challenge and/or satisfaction you are looking for, how about classic commemorative halfs. Or for a cheaper alternative modern commemorative halfs. They are beautiful,historical, sufficiently low mintage and the BU and proofs look great in a nice Dansco.  Of the two, I would do the Kennedys. More to collect in different varieties and subsets. Edited by denco7
01/20/2014 08:56 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7193 Posts |
Some thoughts on your choice of the two: Barber halves have more history and would be challenging but you will have many a worn coin as these were heavily used in commerce during their time. Kennedy halves saw little circulation and you could acquire all in MS or PR condition. you could also do a sub set in Kennedy's with only collecting the silver issues (I don't care for clad coins). You also mentioned another dollar set and there is with the modern commemorative silver dollars. Edited by muddler
01/20/2014 09:21 am
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Valued Member
United States
337 Posts |
The thing that is a slight problem with the Kennedy half dollars is the insistence of the mint to sell only in rolls, or as part od uncirculated or proof sets. If you are filling an album you need to break the roll or set, which is not a great idea, As for rolls, I really do not like viewing one side only of the end coins. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Odd that no mention of the Walking Liberty halves. Looks better than any Kennedy, easier to find than a Liberty Head (Barber). Also, why not a Mercury dime Album? I really don't see much enjoyment with the Kennedy half. Quote:The thing that is a slight problem with the Kennedy half dollars is the insistence of the mint to sell only in rolls, or as part od uncirculated or proof sets. And that too is a good point. |
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Darth those early silver dollars are brutal. Ikes do have non proof silver versions if thats something that may interest you that shouldnt detract from your Morgan fund.
Have you considered Franklin halfs? Theyre not very expensive outside of top grades or trying to do an all fbl set.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2815 Posts |
Thanks for all the input, fellas. Quote:
Have you considered Franklin halfs? I finished my Franklin half dollar set in the fall of 2012. Even though the set is mostly circulated, most of them came from my dad, including the proofs. That one is special to me. It's the same situation with my Ike set (Dansco). Quote:Odd that no mention of the Walking Liberty halves. Yeah, that's funny because it wasn't long after I posted this topic that I remembered them. I like those too, and I haven't really even considered classic/modern commemorative halves. Hmmmm. You guys have given me more food for thought. I'm going to take some time to hash it out in my mind. Thanks again for the feedback thus far. |
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Valued Member
United States
292 Posts |
As someone who considers themselves well versed in Barber half dollars, I am going to recommend the Kennedy set. One reason, is you stated you don't want to spend big bucks. A Barber set problem free above AG is expensive. And if you are using a price guide to gauge total monies needed to complete the set, I recommend you at least double it if you are collecting above problem free fine. It sounds to me you are looking for a filler for lulls between finding your Morgans. The Kennedy set would be perfect for that IMO. But if you do decide to go for the Barbers, I'm always willing to help or give advice the best I can. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2815 Posts |
Quote:
It sounds to me you are looking for a filler for lulls between finding your Morgans. You pretty much hit the nail on the head. Again, I'm looking for a set that will be fun to do without it breaking the bank- a true supplemental set. I have just recently discovered the joys of filling albums. With the Kennedy set, there are more holes to fill. Depending on how long the series lasts, there may be many more years to keep adding to the albums. I'm just glad the Dansco album doesn't include the 1998-S Matte finish coin.  I think I've made up my mind. Let it be Kennedy. This doesn't mean that there won't be room for a Barber set later on. That's what I love about this hobby. Lots and lots to choose from. Now, I must first tackle that 1928 Peace dollar.  |
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Valued Member
United States
406 Posts |
Hurray for Kennedys! This is a series we specialize in and have done lots of research on. Walter Breen wrote in his 1988 Complete Encyclopedia: "The Mint Bureau has repeatedly discussed the possibility of abolishing the denomination, but to date no action has followed. Nevertheless ... the end of half-dollar coinage is probably only a few years away." The series is now, at 50 years, seven years longer than the Morgan dollars. It will be interesting to see what the Mint may have planned for the 50th anniversary of the series in this year; nothing seems to be settled yet. Good luck in your collecting! Best Regards, George VDB Coins |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2815 Posts |
Yeah, I think I this is the right decision for me at this time. I have noticed a lot of auctions for Kennedy half decade sets (P & D) still in mint cellos. I think this will be the first step for me. My plan is to try to get as many in original packaging as possible. I can shop around for raw proofs. But I think buying these decade sets at first will help speed things up. Then I can spend more effort in selecting quality proofs. I'd like to know how others have approached collecting this series. By the way, why is the special 1998-S Matte Kennedy missing from the Dansco album? Just curious. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7193 Posts |
I believe Dansco classified the 1998 s matte as a commemorative issue as it was in a commemorative set. Personally I feel it belongs in the set.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2815 Posts |
Quote:
I believe Dansco classified the 1998 s matte as a commemorative issue as it was in a commemorative set. That's as good an explanation as any, I suppose. It's still a curious thing that they didn't include it. I just ordered my Dansco album with slip case to get ready for this endeavor. I only ordered the 1964-2011 album. I would like to try and finish this one before I get the second. It's exciting to start a new series.  |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:Now, I must first tackle that 1928 Peace dollar. Be very patient with this one. Rare, yes, but not even remotely "unavailable" and they differ greatly in quality for the grade while being popular as a Type coin, meaning some will just be looking to punch a ticket with them. As a result, pricing doesn't differ greatly within grade unless you end up bidding (unluckily) against people who, like you, know what they're doing. |
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Replies: 33 / Views: 5,568 |
Posted 01/20/2014 01:05 am
