10 Budget-Friendly Collectibles
A new year can mean a fresh start, and that also applies to numismatics. Why not branch out and pick up some coins and notes that go beyond the “same old, same old”? This year’s countdown includes many affordable options, along with some higher-priced pieces.
10) Big paper.
Modern hobbyists often are unaware of pre-1928 U.S. paper currency. Compared to what circulates today, these notes seem gigantic. The appeal goes far beyond size, as these old “horse blankets” contain eye-catching and finely detailed artistry. Prices range from less than $100 in Fine or better for more common issues to whatever you want to spend for major rarities.
9) Go for the gold.
Many numismatists would like to add at least one gold piece to their holdings, but they believe they can’t afford the metal. Modern tenth-ounce bullion coinage, such as the American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic and British Britannia, is a relatively affordable way to obtain gold. Some collectors even attempt to build date sets of these series.
8) Outside the borders.
Although this column focuses on U.S. issues, that doesn’t mean world coinage isn’t worthy of respect and collector attention. Where can a person begin in a field that offers countless options? The Swiss half- and 1-franc pieces have been struck with the same design since 1874 and were minted in silver until 1967. A 146-year track record says much about the stability of Switzerland.
7) A “depressing” purchase.
Annual coin production in America fell dramatically in 1931-33, as the nation was in the depths of the Great Depression. No quarters or half dollars were struck in 1931, and mintages of other denominations were puny. The brand-new Washington quarter and Lincoln cents are the only 1932-dated circulation strikes, and modest quantities of half dollars and cents were produced in 1933. These coins are keepsakes from one of the more difficult eras in U.S. history. This was a worldwide economic crash, so mintages from other nations often show a similar pattern.
6) Happy birthday.
Need a side collection or diversion? Try acquiring as many coins as possible from your birth year. Even those who are advanced in age will be able to find many affordable items, so this won’t be a costly pursuit.
5) Blue and inexpensive.
Uncirculated 1971-74 Eisenhower dollars struck for the collector market were coined in .400-fine silver. Widely known as “Blue Ikes” for the envelopes in which they were housed, these big pieces make for a very affordable date set. Why not purchase a blue Ike as both a gift and introduction to coin collecting?
4) Old copper.
Classic Head half cents of 1809-35 provide budget-minded collectors a way to obtain old U.S. coinage, minus financial stress. Those who can come up with $75 to $125 at a time will be able to pursue this series in grades Very Fine and Extremely Fine.
3) Learn.
Take some of the money alloted for coin and paper currency purchases and divert it to numismatic books. Though this sounds like a way to end up with a smaller collection, it really is the path to better and smarter shopping. Many older and scarcer texts can be borrowed from the ANA Library for the cost of round-trip postage—one of the best deals in the coin-collecting field.
2) “Busting” the rut.
Mention Bust coinage, and the very popular half-dollar series often comes to mind. Half dimes, dimes and quarters bearing the same design get little notice, and that provides an opportunity for collectors who want something that goes beyond the mundane.
1) Check those digits.
Serial numbers can mean a great deal to those who specialize in small-size U.S. paper money. A person can obtain notes with low serial numbers, “solids” (with all eight digits the same), “ladders” (12345678 or 87654321) and “repeaters” (47264726). And don’t forget “radar” notes on which the serial number reads the same forward and backward, like the palindrome “radar.”
A version of this article appeared in the January 2020 issue of The Numismatist (money.org).