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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,795 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1388 Posts |
I posted a topic awhile back about the possibility of putting together a set of the five Civil War-related classic commemorative half dollars. Along with the obvious Gettysburg, Antietam, and Stone Mountain issues, I include the Grant and Lincoln (Illinois) coins as well. After much thought, I think that I am very close to beginning active pursuit of such a set. I'm going to go for slabbed examples, in the MS-64 to MS-66 range. I've got a few questions left, though. Will coins like this hold their value? These are going to be mainly for the collection, but I'd like to not lose money in the long run as well. Also, where is the best place to buy from? I'm leery of dropping lots of money on coins that I have not seen in-hand on ebay or Great Collections. Should I go to shops or shows? Thanks for any input, everyone. Edited by The Silver Searcher
06/02/2015 12:24 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
562 Posts |
I can't speak much to long-term value or where to buy them, but such a set, in my opinion would be very neat.
Especially if you decide to put them into an exhibit at a coin show with some literature about the coins, the war, and the people involved with both. Heck, given prizes some organizations give out for exhibits, it could pay off right away!
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12270 Posts |
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Will coins like this hold their value? These are going to be mainly for the collection, but I'd like to not lose money in the long run as well. IMO, you will maximize your chances for value appreciation if you take the time to learn about "the look" of truly choice examples of each coin you want to purchase. I would suggest not simply going by the assigned grade. Within each grade level, there is noticeable variation in the aesthetic appeal of the coins. In other words, not all MS-65 coins look alike and are worth the same amount. It is the choice examples that are among the best available for a grade that will be most in demand in the future and will be the coins that are most likely to appreciate. Run-of-the-mill coins are common and easy to acquire today and they will be in the future -- and their selling prices will reflect it. Quote:Also, where is the best place to buy from? I'm leery of dropping lots of money on coins that I have not seen in-hand on ebay or Great Collections. Should I go to shops or shows? With few exceptions, I have purchased all of my classic US commemoratives at coin shows, face-to-face with a dealer I trusted. I like to examine the coins I purchase with my own eyes. I check out their luster, look for distracting marks that may not show up from all viewing angles (but once you see them, you will always notice them!) and generally make sure I like the overall "look" before I put down my money. This ties into my first suggestion above - it's too easy to buy average coins based on online images. So why take the chance?! In summary, quality never goes out of fashion! Good luck on your quest! I look forward to seeing your progress. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Rest in Peace
United States
4078 Posts |
Quote:I'm leery of dropping lots of money on coins that I have not seen in-hand on ebay or Great Collections. Should I go to shops or shows? Include me on being leery about coins not in hand.This would be a neat historical collection. Lets see if Commens has an idea. Let me check if I spelled it correct. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
4078 Posts |
Commems, you dawg.I should have hit refresh when I started. Thank you for this information.  |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12270 Posts |
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Commems, you dawg.  Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Valued Member
United States
331 Posts |
gettysburg antietam and grant would hold their value best as well as advance. The Panama Pacific also has great potential but it was made in 1915 and wouldn't be in that set. Great design. I always say if you like it someone will also. Eye apeal is also very important, find a nice one.
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Moderator
United States
15420 Posts |
Difficult to add much to what has already been said ... commems thoughts mirror mine and are much more effectively stated. I will add this from my experiences pursuing the MS set ... It is always best to have the opportunity to examine the coins in hand ... on-line photos generally fail to show you what the eye can tell you. If you do not have access to coin shows large enough to pursue this set ... then by all means select only auction coins with a full return privilege. Relative to grade of the coins and holding value ... I humbly suggest you select eye-pleasing examples in the highest technical grade you can afford ... Classic silver commemorative at MS64 and lower are relatively common ... and likely to not have much value appreciation potential. The five coin 'mini-set' you are considering certainly encompasses a tremendous historical viewpoint of the USA. Using current Greysheet pricing ... the five coins can be acquired from a fair minded dealer at the following total cost ... MS64 - $1560 MS65 - $2280 MS66 - $3015 The price heavyweights in your set (MS64/MS65/MS66) are the Antietam (545/550/650) and the Gettysburg (500/750/770). My best advise to you ... select in-hand the best coins you can at the price point you can afford ... with the realization that these coins below gem state (MS65) likely have minimal long term value appreciation potential. David |
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Valued Member
United States
469 Posts |
If they are coins that I like I'm not to worried about if they will hold their value. Of course I collect the low ball side of the set you are talking about. Nickelsearcher would have both a MS and a Circ example of them. There are always interesting ways to collect coins that relate to each other like you have mentioned.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1388 Posts |
Thanks for the replies, everyone.
I'm pretty excited about trying to put this together, and your information really helps.
I've been reading through the various CCF threads that apply to these coins, most significantly the superb "Days of..." thread.
I feel that I have a decent eye for good strikes and appealing coins, but does anyone have any ointers on identifying points of wear on these issues? In other words, what specifically to look for?
I want to make sure to buy the best coins that I can afford.
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Valued Member
United States
469 Posts |
Got to thinking about your Civil War commem set and if you really wanted to do it right you would need the Gold Grant and Grant with Star
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1388 Posts |
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Got to thinking about your Civil War commem set and if you really wanted to do it right you would need the Gold Grant and Grant with Star
If I could, I would. Those two, in the condition I want, are financially impossible. Thanks for the suggestion, though. |
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,795 |
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Posted 06/02/2015 4:46 pm
