Which Modern Set Of Coins Will Improve The Most

Ike dollars in my view, but including them would depend on your definition of modern.

The definition of modern is perhaps set by this forum:




I would not have included Franklins or Bullion pesonally, but I collect both so why not include them now.

I just finished my Ike collection with the purchase of a 1973 S silver proof. I need to upgrade a coin or two that has some wear with BUs.

I like the clad Roosevelt answer as this is something that you can collect on your own - without purchasing and with diligence to find the best.

Eisenhower Dollars, of course, followed by the Franklin half dollar!


What? Franklin half dollars are more modern than four other "modern" series!

Franklin half dollars 1948-1963
Roosevelt dimes 1946-
Jefferson nickels 1938-
Washington quarters 1932-
Lincoln Cents 1909-

and 1 cent being worth 5 cents is a 500% gain

I think JFK halves. BU coins from roll searching are few and far between. It is a real challenge to put together even a circulation set of 1971-2000, because several dates (especially 78, 78D) are tough even in low grade. Heavy casino use in the 70s and 80s doomed many halves to low grade. If you include the recent JFK halves at lower mintage, I think this series is shaping up to be a good long-term investment.

I also think Franklin half dollars might take off. For years, you could buy a complete set at or just above buillion, but I've noticed in the last year or so that this is no longer the case. There are a lot of low mintage coins in the early years of the series that help its case.

You do realize that the Franklin half would be our
current half if Kennedy hadn't been knocked off...

Also, the Eagles are modern legal tender, even if they
are considered bullion coins. So we can't ignore them.

I have to say Ikes and Kennedys. I feel that they are the most popular of the modern series, and demand definitely plays into value. Ikes have a couple significant varieties which may prove quite rare over time, and Kennedys have some date with very low mintages, all of this could translate into increasing value

In twenty years... A big part of that will depend on which series are still circulating. If any of them get axed, that should raise their value (in general).

The key here is demand - forget about mintages or which ones "survive". I've got an ultra-rare CB radio from the 1970's. Anyone wanna give me half of what I paid?

If all things were equal (and of course they aren't!), I would guess that the "short" series will be collected more. That would be the Franklins, the Ikes and the SBA's. Have you counted how many coins you need to complete the Kennedy, Jefferson, Lincoln or Washington series? Kind of daunting, if you're just starting out.

As others have pointed out, the Ikes have a couple of "stars" as do the SBA's. I think the Frankies will be collected because they're silver and you can complete the set w/o too much difficulty.