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 Replies: 12 / Views: 601 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1108 Posts |
Hello all, I am somewhat newer to graded/slabbed coins. In my journey of searching through the several key date coins for the Liberty nickel series, I've come across a few notable coins that were rated as "Fair." Now, I would assume, that anything kind of below AG isn't as desirable? However, some of these coins, being keys, are still quite expensive. Looking at this 1886 V nickel rated "Fair," but still pretty high up there in price. I, personally, don't think it really looks too bad, at least the obverse anyway. I don't know if I would pay the 125.00 dollars that it's listed at, though. Is this kind of thing subjective? I am not necessarily looking to buy this coin in particular, but just trying to find out how other collectors feel so I can learn. And, also, this kind of applies to all coins IMO. I'm just using this as an example    Edited by Humanist1287
02/27/2026 12:46 pm
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Valued Member
United States
453 Posts |
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Moderator
 United States
187544 Posts |
I believe that they will always fill a hole in someone's budget.
I have considered my fair share of Fair 1916-D dimes to complete my set.
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Moderator
United States
94666 Posts |
a Few weeks ago (when I had a job, I would not have looked at this coin twice, aiming for a much higher grade, but now, it looks pretty good to me.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10472 Posts |
There are collectors out there that actually put together "Low End" sets.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
73595 Posts |
If you didn't care about the grade, it would be a good hole filler. Especially if you're on a budget, like me.
Errers and Varietys.
Edited by Errers and Varietys
02/27/2026 9:31 pm
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Moderator
United States
15384 Posts |
Your approach to selecting low grade (and lower priced) coins is entirely a personal decision. What do you value and how does it work for you is all that matters. What I value, and what works for me has nothing to do with the discussion. That said - Personally, I don't think this V nickel looks so bad. It certainly could be a hole filler for an expensive coin. BTW - did you ever receive the Shield and Liberty nickel book I sent you? It went out over 2 weeks ago. Be nice to know if it showed up, or is it lost in the mail? Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1108 Posts |
Yes! It did show up. I posted something about it in my V nickel thread. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6451 Posts |
A few weeks ago, we had an extended discussion about lowball sets. It was quite enlightening, especially what nickelsearcher had to say about assembling a complete set.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3342 Posts |
My AG3 1872-CC dollar was not cheap. But I'd rather have a straight grade than a details coin for 3x as much.
"Two minutes ago I would have sold my chances for a tired dime." Fred Astaire
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2605 Posts |
Quote:
Now, I would assume, that anything kind of below AG isn't as desirable? Apart from lowball sets, the only coins that are really collectible below AG are expensive key dates. Obviously "expensive" is subjective, but to me it comes down to pricing of the next highest grade. At what grade is there a big jump in price? Using your 1886 Liberty nickel as an example, PCGS Price Guide breaks it down like this: FR-2: $115 AG-3: $125 G-4: $175 VG-8: $250 F-12: $375 VF-20: $450 As a collector on a budget, I would look at that and say VG-8 is the sweet spot, combining price and grade relative to one's goals for the rest of the series. If you're going to spend over $100 on a key date, why not save up some to get a nicer coin? Even if VG is out of your price range, a G-4 with solid rims is well worth the extra $60 over the FR-2 example you shared. Key dates will always be desirable no matter the grade, but buying the nicest, problem-free example you can wisely afford is always going to be the best option in the long haul. Quote:
I have considered my fair share of Fair 1916-D dimes to complete my set. If I collected Mercury dimes, then I'd look at FR-2 as well. They're all so pricey.  Quote:
My AG3 1872-CC dollar was not cheap. But I'd rather have a straight grade than a details coin for 3x as much.  I'd take a straight-grade, low grade coin over a higher grade details coin any day. Edited by CollegeBarbers
02/28/2026 7:32 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
877 Posts |
I agree with CB. Patience is key in this hobby when looking for the right coin in the desired price range, especially for key dates.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2280 Posts |
People put together lowball sets and purposely seek out the lowest possible straight grade.
You realize when you know how to think, it empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.
-Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Replies: 12 / Views: 601 |
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Posted 02/27/2026 12:44 pm
