Coin collecting is a captivating pursuit that enables enthusiasts to tangibly connect with history. Each coin bears its own narrative and with it, an artistic expression that captures the spirit of its era. Among the many coins minted over the years, there are a select few that command particular attention for their aesthetic appeal, popularity with collectors, and promising capacity for appreciation. It is with these considerations in mind that we delve into an exploration of the top coins every collector should aspire to include in their portfolio.
Coin collecting is a captivating pursuit that enables enthusiasts to tangibly connect with history. Each coin bears its own narrative and with it, an artistic expression that captures the spirit of its era. Among the many coins minted over the years, there are a select few that command particular attention for their aesthetic appeal, popularity with collectors, and promising capacity for appreciation. It is with these considerations in mind that we delve into an exploration of the top coins every collector should aspire to include in their portfolio.
Insight into Rare and Valuable Coins
1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent - The centennial birth year of President Abraham Lincoln prompted a redesign of the one-cent piece, introducing Victor David Brenner's initials on the reverse. Production was halted after 484,000 coins were minted, leading to a scarce supply and high collector demand. When assessing this coin for collection, prioritize those in excellent condition and with significant eye appeal.
1921 Peace Dollar - Celebrating the peace after World War I, this Anthony DeFrancisci-designed coin faced production challenges due to its high relief. Still accessible for beginners, collectors are advised to secure circulated examples that maintain a notable grade.
1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar - Pursuant to the Bland-Allison Act, this George T. Morgan-designed dollar originally intended for a half dollar carries the unique distinction of originating from the Carson City mint. While not a key date, its historical significance adds allure, and it remains budget-friendly for collectors.
1909-S Indian Head Cent - This coin marks the culmination of the Indian Head Cent before the transition to the Lincoln Cent. It stands out for its rarity and its connection to Native American history, making well-preserved pieces particularly valuable.
1916-D Mercury Dime - With its tribute to the Roman deity Mercury, the Mercury Dime is a must-have, especially the limited-mintage 1916-D variety. Look for coins in excellent condition to ensure a good investment and genuine quality.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter - Iconic for its full-length depiction of Lady Liberty, the 1916 quarter is lauded for its artistry. Collector strategy should focus on acquiring coins where the intricate details are well delineated.
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar - As the inaugural silver dollar produced by the United States, this coin holds a foundational place in American numismatics. Its rarity and historic importance yield high auction values and make it an esteemed collector's item.
1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel - Known for its accidental variety, this coin became a coveted piece following a minting error that erased one of the buffalo's legs. Collectors should aim for specimens where the missing leg detail is evident to fully appreciate this unique attribute.
1787 Brasher Doubloon - A trailblazer in early American gold coinage, minted by Ephraim Brasher, this item stands as a touchstone in the history of U.S. currency. Its rare nature places it at the pinnacle of many collectors' lists.
1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle - Embodying the pinnacle of numismatic artistry, this coin's grace and significance make it a central piece in collections discerning for beauty and historical value. A keen eye on the coin's condition is crucial for its acquisition.
Additional Noteworthy Coins for Discerning Collectors
1914-D Lincoln Cent - Not as scarce as the illustrious 1909-S VDB but valued for its own rarity, the 1914-D cent challenges collectors to find well-preserved uncirculated examples that are less readily available than their predecessors. Careful consideration should be taken to select examples that maintain an even tone and lack blemishes.
1955/55 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent - This numismatic oddity became notable when a die error led to a clear doubling of the year's imprint. The temptation to own such an unique piece is strong, but diligence must be exercised to avoid counterfeit pieces, particularly those emanating from locations known for producing convincing forgeries.
1937-D 3 Legged Buffalo Nickel - The removal of one of the buffalo's legs during die maintenance rendered this coin a fascinating anomaly. Buyers ought to vet these coins carefully, as altered pieces may be presented deceitfully by unsavory sellers. Authentic examples without the leg will show genuine mint markings rather than signs of post-mint revision.
1916-D Mercury Dime - The very scarcity of the 1916-D Mercury Dime demands a high price and is typically pursued by more established collectors with the means to secure such treasures.
1917 Standing Liberty Quarter - This coin offers a more accessible entry point for collectors, as opposed to the rarer 1916 production. It's noteworthy for its two distinct types: the bare-breasted Lady Liberty of Type 1 and the later armored Lady Liberty of Type 2, believed to symbolize America's wartime readiness.
1932-D Washington Quarter - While its counterpart, the 1932-S, has a lower mintage, the 1932-D is prized for its higher value at upper grades, attesting to the nuance in collector demand and the importance of grade when valuing collectible coins.
1908 Saint-Gaudens $20 gold coin - This coin not only embodies aesthetic excellence but was also the catalyst for a critical design change. The omission of "IN GOD WE TRUST" in early versions and its subsequent inclusion end of year add nuanced variety for collectors. Grades ranging from Almost Uncirculated (AU-53) to Mint State (MS-64) are ideal for those looking to balance collectibility with investment potential.
The pursuit of coin collecting extends beyond mere hobbyism to encompass a deeper appreciation for the artistry, history, and potential of these metallic relics. This curated selection of coins affords a cross-section of the numismatic landscape, offering pathways for both novice and experienced collectors to traverse the rewarding terrain of coin acquisition. It is through informed purchases, prudent grading assessments, and vigilant authenticity verification, provided by reputable dealers and third-party grading services, that collectors can ensure the integrity and longevity of their prized collections.
Information for this article was gathered from the following source.