Isabella

As for value dropping, IMO that's happening all across the Early Commemorative market (although you couldn't tell that by looking at ebay).

And as with any better coins authentication and certification of original surfaces is recommended.
You can do your own grading.
Buy a slabbed coin.

The US commemorative coin market is in the "down" part of its cycle at the moment (and has been for a few years). The PCGS price guide reflects this. It's important to note, however, that when truly choice and original examples of most of the issues come available on the market (especially at auctions) they still command strong prices.

What is the target grade for the coin you are after? Circulated or mint state? Are you looking for a brilliant piece or one that is toned?

With a few more details regarding your intentions, we can provide you with more informed guidance.

The Isabella Quarter dollar can be found nice without much effort. There is a nice price increase at the MS65 level. I would be patient and find a nice example with good eye appeal.

Here is a MS64 I used to own:

Well you can really find some nice MS62-63 Isabella's with nice looking appeal at reasonable prices. At those grades you will eventually see gradual price increases more so than the lower grades. Also I would strongly advise that you use this web site to find out the FMV (fair market value) of any coins you may consider buying http://www.numismedia.com/fmv/fmv.shtml I've been actively been collecting commemoratives trying to complete the Classic and Modern Commemorative series. I think I bit off more than I can chew cause that is a real daunting task not to mention expensive. I'll be taking a dirt bath before I complete that but me having fun trying. Something else to consider the 50 State Quarters are actually circulating commemorative as well as the National Park Quarters. So are the Presidential dollars until the mint a few years ago also cut off sending them to banks for circulation. Now they are only available from the mint. Good luck to you in whatever avenue you decide to pursue in your collecting. Oh yes one thing I learned early in my collecting...Buy The Best You Can Afford!

With all due respect ... this is a question that is difficult to answer.

Experienced collectors of the classic commemorative coin series (in fact most coin series) ... do not consider the collection as an investment and do not target acquisitions as a way to gain financial appreciation.

There is of course a hope that some coins will appreciate in value ... and over the long term the best appreciation has generally been seen in the true high end examples.

If you want an Isabella for your collection ... the best price appreciation potential lies in a certified MS66/MS67 CAC coin ... which you have stated is currently beyond your means to acquire.

Soooooo ... what will you be happy with as a novice commemorative collector?

I humbly suggest an honestly circulated XF example ... such a coin would likely have pleasing surfaces and sufficient detail to elucidate the entire original intent of the issue.

Such an example is relatively affordable and available ... key points to consider.

David

Well, he actually said (emphasis mine)...


I love my coins, but not in the same way that I love my family. Love is still love though.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1893-Isabel...em4636a11022
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1893-Isabel...em2ede5e346e These may be better offers and definitely better rated grading services. I didn't finish searching but I sure there are more!

@BadToTheBone: I wasn't trying to start a "fight" or disparage the way you or anyone else collects - I'm sorry if my comments came across that way. I certainly have always supported the concept of - "Collect what you like and make no excuses about it!" I'm sure some folks here shake their heads when they see some of the items I collect.

We all need to be happy with our collecting pursuits - I was just trying to make the distinction between the various circulating topical series struck by the Mint and the two annual sponsored commemorative programs.


@Wizzy1: Please don't worry about asking "investment" questions here - many of us are happy to help fellow collectors in this area.

The coin you linked to is a reasonable AU coin at a reasonable price. As BTTB pointed out, there are a good number of AU Isabella quarters out there from which you can select for your collection.

If your current budget has you focusing on AU coins, I would suggest finding one that has a "look" that you find particularly attractive - whether it be toned or brilliant. An AU Isabella is generally not considered an "investment grade" coin - its price fluctuations are almost always small in comparison to higher-grade pieces and its upside potential is relatively limited. Because of this, I would suggest finding one you like at a price below $400 and not worrying too much about its investment potential. Just my thoughts...