Your Next Coin Series to Collect???

[@georgecoker4933]

As a dealer that doesn't have a shop and only does coin shows I also get this question. I also respond with 'collect what you like' and am met with a similar 'you can't do better than that?' look. I've started recommending going sort of 'old school' and only doing a date set. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the plethora of mintmarks in many sets but getting one of every date and forget about the mintmarks is very doable. For example, a date set of Liberty Seated Halves could probably be done for $200 per coin with the exception of the last decade but even those are findable. Also, for some series a set of proofs is easier, and often cheaper, to assemble than a set of mint state business strikes. Another piece of advice I give is for the collector to have three things going at once. It's easy to get bored and demoralized when you go to shows/shops/auctions and can't find what you're looking for. But, if you keep a couple of other things out there that you can bring off of the back burner, then you can keep your interest up. I don't collect as much as I probably should but am on the lookout for Barber Halves and LS Halves with counterstamps. Any counterstamp will do whether it seems to mean much or not. Also, back to trade dollars - I'd like to find one of the very few trade dollars with Sage's Candy Coin counterstamped on it. I've got the quarter and half. A trade dollar was for sale at Heritage a few years ago and I didn't pull the trigger. You always regret the coins you should have bought but didn't.

[@cgcoins3639]

What I have difficulty with... I can find the coins I want in my collection but it's really hard to find ones that have the right eye appeal, so I pass a lot on coins I need because I'm picky!

[@shoeless1137]

very real, but also a good problem to have IMO

[@traceputtz]

Answering this question before watching the video so don’t flame me if this is mentioned lol. My Great-Grandfather passed away about a month ago and he’s the one responsible for getting me into coin collecting- I remember getting his old Whitman wheat cent albums for Christmas as a kid… how times change! His favorite series was the Peace Dollar, so in his memory a few days after his funeral I purchased a sealed Dansco album on ebay and started putting it together. Contrary to popular opinion I’ve actually been purchasing graded coins and cracking them, reason being I wanted to absolutely avoid cleaned or over graded raw coins which seem to be prevalent when buying online. The only cleaned example in there right now is the 1921, it’s a higher AU grade and has a scratch but I found it priced very fairly at my local coin show and didn’t want to crack an AU55 I already owned in a PCGS holder that was also stickered. Most slots have been filled with MS62-64 examples, excluding a few S mint dates I found priced well in AU58 holders. I understand the set wouldn’t bring as much a a premium than if I had kept them all holdered, but I don’t plan on selling it and enjoy how they look in the album. I only have two remaining slots to fill, the 1928 and 1934-S, which happen to be the most expensive examples of the series. With only 24 different coins to complete the set, it’s very attainable to complete in a semi-timely manner, which is why I recommend any lover of United States silver dollars to put together a Peace Dollar set.

[@sandiepaul9421]

@@traceputtz 🥰

[@Jinxster-lo1uy]

You are a crack addict. Lol- they always look better in the album

[@joepapp01]

Cool. Do you save the slabs you've cracked? I finished my Peace Dollar set earlier this fall but have it in a new Whitman album with the sliding plastic sleeves. It's a great set like you note. I accidentally sent the darkly-toned 1921 (with a single annoying scratch on the obverse) off for grading in a batch of other 1921 and 1928 peace dollars that weren't damaged. So the first spot in the album is open...maybe I'll take a picture of the coin in the slab and put that into the album lol. I think it's such an accessible and respectable series. And the coins themselves are very handsome, especially that 1921 in AU or MS. I even have one common date Peace w/ a bit of rare rainbow toning. Just a cool set that I'm very pleased to own without having had to buy but a couple. Keep up the good work Ben.

[@traceputtz]

@ Yes! I save all the grading labels in an envelope in case I ever were unfortunate enough to have to sell it.

[@mrtodddelaroderie]

Thanks for squeezing the market even harder for these beautiful coins.

[@TheQuickSilver101]

Trade Dollars are beautiful. Nice examples are expensive but worth it

[@DevoShire]

I collect Trade Dollars that are slabbed & straight-graded. They are quite uncommon ‘original’ I heard in the olden days there were plenty of them around in the orient to sell to visiting sailors, but the merchants would clean/polish them up to make them appear more attractive.

[@milessakauye8819]

Hi Ben, thanks for the vlog! I was fortunate enough to pick up an uncleaned trade dollar at a reasonable price. I think I just happened to be at the right place at the right time.

[@martin-fc4kk]

I collect 1984, it is so vast and interesting, all the countries , thousands of designs and variants. Amazing.

[@jaymartell2967]

Got a 84' prospector;my grad. Yr and looked cool

[@erikbrantner4295]

Thanks coin geek! I figured I would start collecting early paper money issues but not seriously. For example I started with the first one dollar bill from 1862. Now I want to get the 1896 educational $1 silver note.. These have been on my bucket list for a while as far as paper money goes and I will move on to the next one of these early notes which I've yet decided on. These are good to collect and are in demand which means they will hold their value!

[@ah5836]

Are trade dollars not one of the most counterfeited coins of US coins? As a word of caution with raw coins.

[@fifteenbyfive]

Everything is counterfeited as a rule, and we should dig backwards from there to prove it's not. Trade dollars, and all the rest of it. Counterfeits are in holders too these days. It does make sense that Trade Dollars would be the most counterfeited US coin since they were sent overseas en masse.

[@rolandocastaneda4429]

I want to start collecting again the Washington Quarters or Mercury dimes but I need to finish completing the Lincoln cent series. I also am curious about doing a type set for all coins. A daunting challenge.

[@amauldin71]

Just have one for my type set, but I'm always on the lookout for an attractive one with chopmarks. One of my white elephants.

[@emonkey292]

Trades are a little pricey but the scarcity for nice problem free coins give you time to save. '73 thru '75 are your harder dates (regardless of mintmark) simply because this was when they circulated the most in Southeast Asia. For '76 thru '78, finding one with chopmarks is a real achievement, especially if it was minted in Philly.

[@chrishebert5672]

I have one in my completed type set, and another that I purchased as a counterfeit. Lots of counterfeits out there, particularly the CC mints.

[@shoeless1137]

Love trade dollars but they're pricey my current focus is Mexican 8 reales and Un Pesos

[@johnleeshute]

Love those.

[@VyperVenom]

Ben, in the past few years, I have started collecting currency as well as coinage, sadly because I am getting older (55 next month) and my eye sight is getting worse all the time. I find that I really enjoy currency because I can see it much better! Anyway, I have a decent starter collection of US large notes, small notes, and Confederate notes. Just this week, I purchased my very first "obsolete" note - a 3 dollar note issued by "Office of the South Carolina Rail Road" in PMG 63. I am now getting excited about this "series" because of all the diverse, beautiful artwork they contain, and there are so many different ones out there, that I went ahead and ordered "Obsolete Paper Money - a Guide With Prices" by Don Kelly!

[@theenglishprofessor8411]

Same age as you and I’ve got readers stashed in every room in the house! 🤓😂👍🏻

[@UKDark_Mark]

Great little video Ben, thank you. Any chance of a part 2 - more info and examples? 👍

[@nicolasrossi5978]

Thanks. They are an attractive design

[@Addicted_to_Freedom]

This made me consider the idea of categorizing coins into beginner, intermediate, and expert series to help guide collectors at different stages of their journey. For example, coins like trade dollars could be classified as "expert+" due to their historical significance, rarity, and the expertise required to identify potential counterfeits or value accurately. Personally, I plan to explore trade dollars once I gain more experience and confidence in coin collecting. This stratification could align with the natural progression many collectors follow: starting with more accessible and affordable coins before transitioning to rarer and higher-value pieces. The reasoning is that hands-on experience is invaluable before committing to spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a single coin. When I first started, I was tempted to dive straight into purchasing trade dollars but decided to pace myself and gain more foundational knowledge first. While I managed this independently, I realize it could be helpful to have a visual guide or "scale" graphic that charts a collector’s progression-starting with beginner-friendly coins and advancing to more specialized categories. Such a tool could not only prevent costly mistakes but also provide collectors with a sense of accomplishment as they move through the different levels of expertise.

[@darbysdownhomedetecting]

Afternoon Ben. Love the history of trade dollars. Still needing one for my type set though. Thanks for sharing.

[@MAGA_Extremist]

I need one too and I need a seated liberty dollar. I need a flowing hair dime a wreath cent and a chain cent and I will be done oh wait I forgot, now they consider the Fugio cent to be America's first official coin so I'm going to need that too 😆

[@donaldinnewmexico]

Hi Ben, I like Cameo Proof Trade Dollars. I wish I could afford one. *>>-->* 🦉

[@brucecolby5016]

I often suggest a good set to assemble is 1/10 oz gold eagles,buying 2 a yr,1 of the present year and 1 back date put in a nice album..today's melt value for the 39 coin set is over 10k

[@rossmoniz5032]

I’m at the point as a beginner I’m dabbling in a few things Washington quarters , Franklin Half, Roosevelt dimes, yes it’s a lot at once but it’s fun to have a lot of options to go in between if there is something I can’t find and as I finish these I’ll go on to harder series

[@alberthanson1971]

The one issue with the Trade Dollar series is that there's a lot of fakes coming out of China. I just started collecting SLQs and have found that the lower grade coins from 1917-1924 are not that much cheaper than higher grade coins because the dates wore off rather quickly. I have a 1923-S that has a lot of detail, but, since there are only part of the 2 and the full 3 visible, it won't get a higher grade than a VG, even though the rest of the coin is F-VF. There are two coins I probably will never be able to afford, those being the 1916 and the 1918/7-S. It's just like my Buffalo Nickels. I have a complete set with the exception of the 1918/7-D and the 1937-D Three leg (I don't count the 1916-P DDO as a coin to complete my collection.) I collect the series I like, not the ones which other people recommend.

[@ez054098]

Morgans and Trades are the two series I started off collecting. With a few exceptions I only collect straight graded coins. That makes Trades so challenging. But after the challenge thrown down by Ben in this video, I am going to attempt to finish the set.

[@mrmainevent1872]

I watched this video this morning. Then I just happened to be near my LCS. Spot price was down a dollar so I was just going to grab a few ounces of bullion for my stack. They just happened to have a 1875 cc trade dollar. It's very nice looking and has an $800 price tag. Just wondering what your opinion on that price. I don't own any trade dollars. They said it's one of the nicest they've seen walk in the door.

[@michaelp772]

I recommend bust quarters and halves.

[@sinesaii]

I would probably get in trouble with the Mrs. if a camo Mercury dime came along and I emptied my bank account to buy it. Right now I would just be happy with a 1936 proof that did not break the bank. If anything, it is the modern Perth Mint lunar coins that are killing me. I keep upping sizes coin, adding ever more to the collection.

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

I've got an S over CC, but it's details because of the chop mark. Hope in the future those take on an angle besides details.

[@emonkey292]

PCGS will straight grade chopmarked Trades.

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

@emonkey292 Mine is PCGS, though an older slab and is details chop marks- it has the S over CC . Maybe I'll pull a Ben and bust it out one day.

[@emonkey292]

@@GardenerEarthGuy Might be worth a shot! Sucks NGC still details them.

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

@@emonkey292 I like the coin and that's what matters-but a straight grade would be nice for long term appreciation. Things change...

[@sonnygunz9207]

I need a nice trade dollar for the collection. Good video, señor.

[@stevemontanya7421]

The big challenge is a set of twenty cent pieces. $0.20

[@unknown-rx6qj]

Whats up, Ben the coin Geek... u have some cool vids bro...

[@ZXC_ZXC1]

The 1878-CC is an expensive trade dollar even in circulated grades.

[@jeffrummell2348]

The problem with them is counterfeit coins.

[@jasperbaxter640]

I haven't yet stumbled upon a trade dollar in the $300 price range. I also worry about fakes so I'll probably end up getting a graded one.

[@michaeldowden9196]

hello Ben, my name Michael Dickson Dowden 😊I am new but been learning for three years 😊

[@Indigone_Demon]

I like Ikes. They're ny next set. Partly so I don't try to collect the full, ridiculously expensive, Walking Liberty series. 😂

[@WonderMasterReo]

Trade are one of those coins I’ve always wanted but could never justify the expense over and above other coins I’ve wanted

[@johnpeek827]

You have to be kidding ? Trade dollars are extremely expensive !

[@chassisresearchkid]

I literally have never been to a restaurant and said to a waitress, Surprise me! I have literally never been disappointed.

[@rasbobbo]

Be nice to have one with chop marks. Tells a story.

[@hankgilman]

Yup, me too. VF will do.

[@sandiepaul9421]

Wait, I've been doing this all wrong! You're supposed to be collecting in series? I have a little bit of all the series..... 😢😂😢

[@johnleeshute]

Nah, it's your game, you make the rules. Collect how you like.

[@COUNTTRUMPULA]

🍿

[@WOCassity2]

Ben, did you know your eletter to Numismatic News was published in the November 26, 2024 issue on page six? RESEARCH!

[@rdoubled1384]

I thought he was describing the SBA dollar.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Maybe next time!

[@cgcoins3639]

​@@TheCoinGeek I'll be looking forward to that video!

[@cgcoins3639]

​​@@TheCoinGeek you can go over the type ones and twos again, I know you love that 😁

[@michaelgoodspeed846]

Hi Ben

[@donaldinnewmexico]

*NINTH* Top ten, baby!

[@kevinpoggensee]

Hey Ben

[@franciscocalderon4114]

Hey Ben want talk to you bout coin I found. Want to get it appraised and certified so that I can sell

[@franciscocalderon4114]

Oh and I don't want to mail it just don't want to lose it

[@rickbruceroche2038]

Busy today, I see. 😁

[@_CYB0RG_]

Must be trade dollars

[@_CYB0RG_]

I have fought for some amazing proof trade dollars but I’m always outbid on them. Cameos rule !!

[@sunshyn21]

I thought he was going to say Morgan's

[@rogerkinard7446]

The United States Trade Dollar is a beautiful coin, especially if you like women with large feet. 🙄 😲😳😬 🤣😂🤣 ⚾⚾⚾ ROGER, The LOS ANGELES DODGER

[@jerryspencer2598]

Did I say something you didn't like? My comments aren't showing up.