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 Replies: 25 / Views: 1,329 |
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Valued Member
United States
61 Posts |
I am thinking about starting a V nickel collection and I was wondering, should I go for the key dates first or complete the common dates and leave a few holes such as the 1885 and 1886? I know there isn't a black and white answer, but I'd like to hear some opinions. Thanks! |
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Moderator
 United States
187446 Posts |
I am on team Common Dates First.  I have always thought collecting the key dates first would make finishing the set anticlimactic and that disincentivizes completion.  The solution to that problem is building a type set (e.g. Dansco 7070) using the key dates. Now finishing that would be amazing!  |
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Valued Member
United States
416 Posts |
Are you a new collector in general, or just with the V nickels? It is better to start with the cheap stuff and learn the market, learning the grading and the intangibles, and save the biggies until you have gained that knowledge. Mistakes will be made as part of the process, better if they are aren't too costly! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1653 Posts |
Consider setting a target grade.
Mine are mostly EF/AU, with a G 85 and 86, and an F 12s.
Were I to start over, I'd go for all VGs for a uniform look.
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Moderator
United States
94636 Posts |
I go with Common first, and keep an eye out for a deal on a key and grab it if funds allow.
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Valued Member
 United States
61 Posts |
I have collected other sets- I just finished my Walking Liberty halves and Peace dollars. However, I am just starting V nickels. I have the ability to buy key dates, I am just curious to hear opinions on if I should buy now or wait until the end |
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Valued Member
United States
61 Posts |
I would agree with setting a target grade, even if it is VG. That way the key dates dont look out of place
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
If you have the ability and the confidence to get the keys first, then go for it. You have to do what makes you happy.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1107 Posts |
Whatever you want to do. It's different for each person. There's a post I made on here recently as I also started a V nickel collection. I've opted personally to try to obtain all non key or tough dates first. My goal was to have as many coins as I could in Fine condition, or around there. However, depending on your budget, that may or may not be doable for all coins. It is certainly expensive for the key date coins. VG is a good grade to start at, or aim for. I've had to sort of "alter" my original goal a bit, as a lot of the coins in the 1880's are sort of outside my budget in XF condition. 1883 w/cents, 1884, 1887, 1894, 1896, and of course, 1912-S, 1885 and 1886, are the coins in my experience that will cost you the most money. Other then that, you should easily be able to obtain the rest in "higher grades," for very reasonable prices. If you have the money, I say go for it, though, and buy the key dates first. The 1885 will probably run 200 dollars at least and I believe is the most expensive coin out of the bunch. Edited by Humanist1287
01/23/2026 5:21 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1180 Posts |
If you are familiar with the coin (strike, common things to look for,etc), it's probably ok to pick up key dates early if you get them at the right price. However if you're new to a series probably best to get a common first to look it over and do research. It would suck to drop a bunch of cash early on a key date and then find out you don't like the coin as you get further In the series. (Ex if you're collecting frwnklins maybe it's not a FBL but you later decided you wanted a FBL set. Or with Peace dollars, maybe your 1921 is a weak strike when you should have waited on a better example.). Good luck in your hunt, it's a ton of fun! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10470 Posts |
All I do is ask my wallet!  |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
3831 Posts |
Always key date when it appears at the right price. There's so many times I kicked myself for not getting some scarce key dates as some just don't appear again. But do some research and check out sold prices. Don't rush.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
73579 Posts |
Get the common date coins first, then the key date coins last.
Errers and Varietys.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1861 Posts |
whatever the best deal is at the time---
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Moderator
United States
94636 Posts |
Collect yhe commons to make progress with always keeping an eye on the keys - a bargain will pop without notice.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2330 Posts |
Just my humble opinion...
Key dates never get cheaper...never!
smat
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Replies: 25 / Views: 1,329 |
Posted 01/23/2026 12:35 pm
