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 Replies: 48 / Views: 7,111 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
931 Posts |
Since the dollar is crapping out on us, I am considering the purchase of a classic higher end coin. I have been investing in bullion, but I want to pick up a rare coin for approximately $4000. My short list is this: 1889 cc Morgan, Very high grade 1885 cc Morgan, 1909 S VDB Lincoln, 1922 plain date Lincoln, 1937 D three legged Buffalo nickel, 1916 D Mercury dime, a very high grade Indian Head Half Eagle ( no decision on the date or mint yet ). Any other dream coin ideas would be appreciated. The only rule is one coin and a limit of $4000. Also, I have seen a few dealers listed in Coinage Magazine offering some deep discounts on higher end purchases, so I am assuming that I can get a fairly high grade coin specimen from most of the coins on my list. I'm hoping that I could get a fairly nice 1889 cc for that amount. Any other ideas? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7187 Posts |
for a modern rarity I would get a 1995 W Proof Silver eagle. For an older classic I would get a proof Trade dollar. both coins have a wonderful design and are highly sough after. |
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Valued Member
United States
312 Posts |
The 'classic' investment advice I've heard is buy the best - meaning you're better off buying the highest grade of a more common coin than an average grade of a more rare coin. Personally, I prefer diversifying and getting a larger number of average uncirculated coins, but that's just me.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1817 Posts |
For $4K, these are what I would consider:
Cents: 1877, MS63RB
1909S VDB, MS65RD
1914D, MS65RB
Dimes: 1921 MS65, 1921D MS65, 1942/1 or 1942/1D MS63+
Dollars: high grade MS 1892CC, 1893, 1894O, 1894S, 1895S.
Any cameo Morgan in PR64+ with 'white' centers.
Comm: 1928 Hawaiian MS64/65.
Good luck. With $4K, you have quite a few choices, a key date coin is a good bet.
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
An early gold piece might work, as in pre-1839 (or better yet, pre-1834 if you can find one)
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Rest in Peace
United States
4849 Posts |
For $4K, I would try for something tougher. I agree with shadow, a pre-1834 gold piece would be a solid purchase if problem free and certified. You could probably find a G-4 1901-s Barber quarter, or a VG 1916 slq. The 1916-d Mercury dime is a good purchase too at higher grades. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3345 Posts |
Old gold, dude!  with johnny and shadow Of course, there are a thousand other coins to consider. A 20 cent piece would be cool, like a 1877 or 1878. Edited by rachums107
05/01/2011 5:58 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3184 Posts |
please do a lot of thinking before you make the choice!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2936 Posts |
Personally, I really like where the Buffalo roam, so I would suggest an 1918/7-D Buffalo in VF. There are very few around on the market and it seems to have a really strong premium associated with it. Paleoguy
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
Quote:
I have seen a few dealers listed in Coinage Magazine offering some deep discounts on higher end purchases, so I am assuming that I can get a fairly high grade coin specimen from most of the coins on my list. "There is no Santa Claus in numismatics" and "No fire sale exists on key coin" are two adages to tattoo on the inside of your eyelids. If someone is offering a deep discount on a premium item, it's some sort of dog, and the one sure thing you can say about its investment potential is that it will be equally hard to sell when you want to turn it back into $. |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
I would always head for a very rare coin in nice condition, rather than a more common coin in MS64 or 65.
The reason for this is that the perception of condition is more subjective, and as a result, can make the value of the coin more difficult to judge.
Besides, the rarer coins are more well known.
Curiously, these criteria apply in reverse with ancient coins. I would rather have a common coin in top condition than a rare one in lesser condition, at the same value level. I guess the reason for this has to do with 'eye appeal', when comparing an 'as struck' coin with an EF coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
If you've been around here for a while you would have read a zillion (a slight exageration) posts saying coins are not for investing. One of the most important features of coins is they are expensive mostly due to popularity. AND that could fade, drop, vanish overnight. In the past many people tried investing in things they just shouldn't have and really lost out big. Remember the Beanie Babies? How Wheel Red Line Cars? And those fantastic Sports Cards? Yes there are a lot of really expensive coins that could, might, should, may, would make for a great, decent, possible investment, BUT don't count on that. Quote:
Personally, I prefer diversifying and getting a larger number of average uncirculated coins, but that's just me. That is my feelings about coins too. In case of a coin value fallout, easier to sell off lots of less valuable items than expensive ones. And too, if another recession or worse happens, coins may be the last thing people run out to buy. At coin shows I constantly hear people tryhing to sell off expensive coins and many dealers are really getting skeptical with that due to all the forgeries everywhere. You should really think about that $4,000.00 investment. However, if you still want my advise, invest in Buggy Whips. With the price of gasoline I predict the Horse and Buggy will return.  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
Quote:
"There is no Santa Claus in numismatics" and "No fire sale exists on key coin" are two adages to tattoo on the inside of your eyelids.
If someone is offering a deep discount on a premium item, it's some sort of dog, and the one sure thing you can say about its investment potential is that it will be equally hard to sell when you want to turn it back into $.
This isn't ALWAYS true in my opinion, but it's true enough of the time that unless you have a lot of experience picking out deals, you should be wary of 'too good to be true' offers and generally avoid them. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
931 Posts |
Good advice everyone. I am in no hurry. I have to say right now I'm considering the high grade 1909 S VDB. I always lusted for one in any condition as a kid. My brother has an 1889 cc in NGC AU 50 and a 1909 S VDB in NGC XF 45. He has owned both of them since the early 60's and just recently had them slabbed by NGC. I always wished that either one was mine when I was young. Definitely still wide open as to my decision. I have some older gold coins and it may be time to go high grade there also.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
I've spent a LOT of time looking at the way coins have appreciated over the last fifty years (not actively, passively through collected price guides and such)
For $4000 of my money with the idea of investing, I'd buy the nicest PCGS graded 1856 cent I could manage (in other words, a really good deal), or a PCGS graded 1793 liberty cap large cent. These are purely numismatic coins and if I would NOT put all of my numismatic investment in one coin. I hope you find this helpful!
Oh - and I'd plan to hold on to them for at least 10 years, probably more like 20.
Edited by delaner
05/02/2011 1:47 pm
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Valued Member
United States
293 Posts |
I've collected Mercury dimes since the beginning of my time collecting. I have to say, if I had that kind of money to invest in just one coin, it would be the nicest certified/graded 1916d example I could find (for the $$$). I don't anticipate being able to fill that hole in my album anytime soon, but I'd definitely love to! Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll enjoy it! |
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Replies: 48 / Views: 7,111 |
Posted 05/01/2011 1:24 pm
