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 Replies: 19 / Views: 1,904 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1108 Posts |
Hey there, fellow coin fanatics. How do you guys deal with expensive key date purchases? For example, as you may know, I am working on a Dansco Lincoln Cent album. Obviously with the Lincoln cents, there are many expensive coins. From what I can tell, the most expensive coins are - 1. 1909 S VDB - a coin I will never afford 2. 1922 "plain" 3. 1914 D After that, the next ones, whether they are key dates or semi keys is debatable, but from what I seen are the 1931-S and 1909-S. They both seem to run around 100.00 dollars. I found a really nice 31-S for around 100 dollars in VF25. Good seller with 100% feedback and full returns within a certain time frame. I'd really like to get it.... And this seems like a pretty good deal, but I can't really afford it honestly. Paying 100 dollars for coins right now is not in my budget. There is the option to use Klarna... But I mean... Am I just being crazy? I feel kind of silly paying off a coin in installments. Lol. Even though I am planning to get both the 1909-S and 31-S at least eventually, how do I justify this? I'm not sure I can. There is also a scenario where I could potentially spend whatever I want after Christmas. Generally, my in laws, around Christmas/Birthdays gift each family member with a considerable amount of funds. I am thinking I could take that and use it towards purchasing the 1909-S, 31-S, and potentially the 14-D. Any thoughts? How would you guys deal with this kind of scenario? Edited by Humanist1287
07/09/2025 08:31 am
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Moderator
 United States
34393 Posts |
Quote:
I feel kind of silly paying off a coin in installments. While you should never solicit financial advice over the internet, this seems like an incredibly bad idea to me. Better to stop buying other stuff until you can make a full purchase of those semi-keys and keys. I'm not aware of them being excessively rare so it isn't like you are going to have to wait years for another one to come up for auction. "If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19112 Posts |
Don't want to over-simplify or trivialize the issue here. Having said that, pull the trigger only when you are financially ready. It's okay for an album hole or two to remain open for a while.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5392 Posts |
Coins are a want and not a need.
Until you are financially able to.STOP!
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
Quote:
Don't want to over-simplify or trivialize the issue here. Having said that, pull the trigger only when you are financially ready. It's okay for an album hole or two to remain open for a while.  I have been sitting on the 1909-S VDB and 1922 Plain holes for more than a while.  They will be bought in slabs and in one payment. Then cracked for the album. I have the money set aside, I just need the right deal to come along. Same goes for a 1916-D dime.  For what it is worth, my 1914-D and 1931-S were coin show purchases, both raw, both less than $200, both cash. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1613 Posts |
I'm with JBuck, adding that for key dates graded is the only option, at least on a personal level, foregoing the gamble where counterfeiting is concerned. That said, for my album coins I'm quite comfortable with a details coin being that it will be cracked out, so long as it's not something drastic, harshly cleaned or visually unappealing.
ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
I got lucky with the 1914-D and 1931-S, being able to see in them in hand. Since they were being sold by a reliable coin show dealer, I felt okay buying them raw. That being said, I have cracked out three coins for my albums so far. It is easy to do.  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
999 Posts |
Don't feel you need to rush to purchase the keys/semi-keys.
I purchased the 1909-S and 1931-S, both in problem-free Fine grade from a coin shop when I was visiting California. He gave me a deal since I bought both. I still have the holes for 1909-S VDB and plain 1922. I don't know if or when I will get these. It's similar to the Canadian 1948 silver dollar. There are plenty out there, but I'm not wanting to spend that kind of money on these coins at this time.
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Moderator
United States
94672 Posts |
Lots of great advice on getting the key and semi-key coins. I have had a hole in my album for the 1909-S-VDB since I started collecting Lincoln Cents back in 1977. Last year I finally bought one after I got a small windfall. and it was slabbed by PCGS but it was a 'details' coin (Can't remember why) but it was a nice looking one and had no problem cracking it out for the album.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10475 Posts |
Most of the keys and semi keys are pretty set in the prices when it comes to buying them from a dealer or on ebay. Sometimes you can get a slight deal from auctions - but keep in mind the Buyers Premium and the shipping costs. With that said, I agree with others not to go in debt over a coin collection. Just put some money aside every week/month untill you save up to buy what you want. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2200 Posts |
If you can't afford a certain coin, don't buy it. I inherited my dad's Lincoln collection, and I know that the S-VDB and 31-S holes will most likely stay empty. I view it as kind of a tribute to him. I know I don't have to have every hole filled to enjoy it. You do what you can. If you can't, you let your relatives know that certain coins would be most welcome as gifts. Beyond that, there are more important things in life to think about. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6988 Posts |
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Coins are a want and not a need. Quote:
I agree with others not to go in debt over a coin collection. Just put some money aside every week/month untill you save up to buy what you want. Recently picked-up a 14D slabbed NGC VF details (cleaned) all in @ $150. Now sits in my album and looks great...who ever inherits my collection will never know it was "cleaned". Last hole to fill is the VDB S my allowance for that coin is set and holding in my "entertainment" checking account. (like others just waiting on the "right" one) Not looking for the 22 no D. A wise older man taught me years ago to have several bank accounts 1) monthly expenses 2) retirement 3) medical emergencies 4) hobbies/entertainment and travel. Then assign a % of any $$$$ left over to accounts 2-4 of course after account # 1 is satisfied. (TY Mr. Prince...RIP) I'm currently working on the classic commemorative silver half dollar series in MS-65 or above...about 6 coins till completion, next coin up...Old Spanish Trail..  Tell you what...I won't have it for awhile Edited by Greasy Fingers
07/09/2025 11:22 pm
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Moderator
United States
15386 Posts |
I like all the good advice given so far.
Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1108 Posts |
Yeah, I think I've decided to axe this idea personally. I'll wait until I have the cash, and then just buy several key dates at once. I figured I would start small, and start looking for the 1970 S small date Lincoln Cent, which I figured would probably run around 40-50 bucks. However, I can't really for the life of me find a good priced one ANYWHERE. They are mostly slabbed on ebay, and still cost upwards of 75-100 dollars, which I'm not paying. |
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1108 Posts |
I have not! Is this a good place to find deals?
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Replies: 19 / Views: 1,904 |
Posted 07/09/2025 09:00 am
