What Classic Series Can Be Completed Without Spending Over $500 On A Single Coin

Yeah, the quarter is damaged and worn, but it's still an 1806. The IHC has some scratches here and there but not terrible.

Also, you can do Mercury dimes, as others noted, but finding a real 1916-D for under $500 is going to be a labor of love. There are so many fakes out there that I consider it way too risky to buy one raw in the sort of condition $500 is going to get you, which is why I did not include it in my list.

I love the Canadian large cents idea. I've got a full set in my Coinmaster, minus the 1858 and the big money varieties for 1859 and 1891, with most of the late issues AU-Unc. put together for much less than $500 per coin (probably much less than $75 per coin.)