Many who are just getting started in coin collecting ask themselves this very question. Here are some tried and true suggestions for beginners who would like to build a coin collection:
Rare Pennies and Cents
Many collectors start off with the Wheat Penny. This is the longest-running coin series in United States history. Lincoln Cents were first minted back in 1909 for the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. Although the design has changed several times, the coins have been continuously minted since 1909. A complete collection of Lincoln Cents from 1909 to date numbers about 300 different coins. This is a great starting point as many coins are relatively inexpensive in circulated grades.
Morgan Silver Dollars
Another great series to collect is the Morgan Silver Dollar. These coins have great appeal and are some of the most collected coins worldwide. While many are very accessible even for beginners, there are a few expensive coins in this collection – 1889-CC, 1893-S, 1895 – that would set you back thousands of dollars for even low-grade examples. Morgan Dollars were minted in Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City and Denver.
U.S. Classic Commemorative Coin Collections
There are 50 basic types of coins, which include quarter, half dollar and dollar coins, and every design is different. All coins were minted between 1892 and 1954 and all are silver. Commemorative coins were minted to celebrate grand and trivial events alike.
Buffalo Nickels
One of the more popular coins to collect are Buffalo Nickels. These unique coins are a historic callback to the Old West, and many collectors aim to have a complete set of the nickels. Some of these coins have exceptionally rare variants with errors, such as the three-legged buffalo or the raised ground reverse. Nickels produced by the San Francisco mint are highly sought after for their rarity. Alternatively, common buffalo nickels are relatively easy to come by, but the rare ones are much more interesting to pursue.
Roosevelt Dimes
After President Roosevelt’s death in 1946, the U.S. Mint designed a tribute coin in his honor. Today, you can collect dimes from date, mint, and strike. Avid collectors of the Roosevelt Dimes strive to find a set of fully struck coins as well as full torch sets. Unlike other collectable historical coins, these dimes only have one rarity: the 1982 No Mint Mark variety.
Kennedy Half-Dollars
Another tribute coin to a beloved leader, the Kennedy Half-Dollars have many different varieties that make them highly coveted collectables. When first issued after Kennedy’s death in 1964, these coins were made with 90% silver. Because of the high precious metal content, this initial version is the most desirable. In 1965, the silver content was reduced to 40%, and then eliminated entirely in 1971. Notable rarities in this series are those with unique mint marks and special editions, such as 200th anniversary of America’s independence which featured a special reverse design.
