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 Replies: 11 / Views: 2,133 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
Well, I'm looking at colonials again, and I'm trying to decide - do I want a hole filler, or do I want a decent grade?
Here's the quandary. Oftentimes, I can find hole fillers, problem coins, ugly coins et cetera for a few bucks. The anthropologist in me has no problem with these, in fact I sometimes like them better because the history SPEAKS to me. I can tell they have a cool life and did some neat things! And, oftentimes, I can get 2 or even 6 for the price of one in a decent grade. Also, popping on one helps me get primed enough to do some research to learn the history, so whether it's expensive or not, the experience is always a good one.
Then, on the other side, the numismatist in me appreciates the details of the better grades. It's prettier to look at, and I'm not buying UNC or even AU coins, so I can still hold them in my hand without too much worry. (They all go back in their holders and safe storage when I'm done playing with them.)
These coins aren't "investment coins". Sure, the ones in the better grades might do a few points better over the long haul, but generally they're basically struggling to match inflation so it's not a big concern.
What to do... what to do...
I thought I'd mention this to see if anybody wants to share their thoughts and struggles.
How do you all go through the decision of buying a hole filler or getting a nice one to start?
=)
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
I always buy the best one I can afford when I am looking for a coin no matter what hole its supposed to fill but I can understand why you would like the circulated/mutilated coins as y6ou describe it
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Valued Member
United States
361 Posts |
I prefer to buy the best grade I can afford. I am not always in the position to buy as nice a coin as I would like to fill a particular hole but I get more satisfaction in the long run when I buy a better grade. Just my opinion, Bob
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Pillar of the Community
United States
609 Posts |
I like to hold my coins, too. Doing sets, I always just get every hole filled then I upgrade what I have and I can play with whatever coin gets knocted out of the set:D
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
With Colonials, the question itself can be a quandary. This area of Numismatics has many variables and grading can be tricky to the uninitiated. Then there are planchet flaws which some mistake for damage and even planchet porosity which can be mistaken for corrosion. Which Colonial are you looking at? A lot depends on that alone. Some of the common attributes associated with Federal issues, especially the later business strikes, don't apply to Colonials.
Colonials have always fascinated me, and there are only a select few that are interested in them. Some could be surprisingly affordable!
To answer your original question, It all depends on the type (BTW, that's my opinion based on what I have observed)
I look for eye appeal in Colonials before I look for grade. Some really nice mid-grade examples can be had that won't break the bank.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1510 Posts |
depends on you financial situation at the time. I mean Id love to get an 1877 IHP but it ain't happening
Retired USAF 1983-2003
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Moderator
United States
14463 Posts |
I have gotten "hole filler" coins for some spots in my albums, especially the high price items. I have an 1877 IHC and 1909-s IHC "hole fillers" just to complete the set.  Edited by Fuzzy317
06/03/2011 12:39 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1143 Posts |
Buy one you like or can afford with the idea of upgrading in the future. If your interest in the area persists then its an easy decision.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
One thing to remember with colonials is availability isn't like other US coins. With most US coins if you don't buy a coin when it comes by you just have to wait and another one will come around. But except for the more common varieties, with colonials if you pass on a low grade rarity it may be years before another one comes around. In some cases you may never have another chance. Also you have to know the series. Some varieties for all practical purposes NEVER come nice. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1143 Posts |
General colonial basil examples are available and I run across them. But I would agree some are so scarce you might as well buy them when you find acceptable examples. Just beware of counterfiets in this area.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I really don't like an empty spot so I put almost anything in one if I know my chances of getting the real thing is just out of the question. For example I have an old Whitman Album with a slot for the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Same with an Album with a spot for the 1894S Liberty Head Dime. I usually put something in there but in reverse just so not empty. I did get a 1856 Copy for the Flying Eagle cent. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
880 Posts |
Let it match the rest of your set. If the rest of your set looks like hole fillers then you're good. If not, I wouldn't buy it. I have a VG8 three legged Buffalo in my Dansco and I almost want to sell it and fill another hole with a matching grade coin.
Ultimately - if you get the hole filler, you can always upgrade later. When you do that, sell the hole filler and put it towards the purchase price of the new one.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 2,133 |
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Posted 06/02/2011 1:53 pm
