These coins were selected based upon the artistic beauty of the coin’s design, popularity with collectors, and the potential to increase in value over time. You will find an assortment of coins that are affordable for the beginning collector, as well as challenging enough for the more advanced collector and everyone in between. Given the extreme popularity of these coins, they are also frequently a target of counterfeiters and “coin doctors.” Beware of buying coins from an Internet coin site such as eBay or Craigslist. Make sure you buy these coins from a reputable coin dealer and have them certified by a third-party grading service. Previous designers only used their last initial, and mint designer Charles Barber took exception to this new trend. After the United States Mint facility at San Francisco produced 484,000 new Lincoln pennies, the initials on the reverse were removed. This change in the design created an instant scarcity. Some may argue that the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is the most popular U.S. coin. Many coin collectors begin their coin-collecting journey by collecting Lincoln pennies. Given its scarcity, the 1909-S VDB is the “Holy Grail” of Lincoln pennies. This rare coin is usually the last coin Lincoln penny collectors will add to their collection. Over the years, this coin has maintained its value and prestige among collectors of United States coins. When purchasing one of these coins, make sure you buy a specimen free of defects and has a pleasing eye appeal. If you’re purchasing an investment-grade MS-65 RD, look for an example with a rich deep copper color typical of a coin over a hundred years old. If it is too bright, it may have been chemically dipped. Optimal Collecting Grade: EF-40 Optimal Investment Grade: MS-65RD The first Peace silver dollar coins minted in 1921 had a high relief but were too difficult to strike properly. The recesses of the dies were so deep that the metal could not flow into these deep recesses completely and caused a lack of detail on the coins. The mint did not begin striking these coins until December 26, 1921. This late start gave an extremely limited time for the United States Mint to produce these new dollars. Slightly more than one million coins were struck, and the public snapped them up rapidly. Although this coin can be considered scarce, a beginning collector can acquire a circulated example at a modest cost. Optimal Collecting Grade: MS-63 Optimal Investment Grade: MS-65 Although the 1878-CC Morgan silver dollar is not a key date nor scarce with approximately two million pieces minted in the Carson City, the Nevada branch mint facility, owning one of the early coins produced at the Carson City mint added character to any coin collection. Circulated pieces are moderately priced within the budget a beginning collector. Uncirculated pieces are also within the budget of an intermediate collector. Optimal Collecting Grade: MS-63 Optimal Investment Grade: MS-65 DMPL Given the popularity of Lincoln cents among coin collectors, this coin has also maintained its value over time, especially for intermediate and expert collectors seeking a quality uncirculated coin. However, circulated specimens are also within the coin collecting budget of beginning and intermediate coin collectors. Be careful when selecting a circulated specimen. Look for a coin that is evenly toned and does not have any problems such as scratches or dings. Optimal Collecting Grade: EF-40 Optimal Investment Grade: MS-63 The tale of this error coin began when the United States Mint used a coin die that received two impressions that were slightly offset from each other. Mint workers discovered the error after approximately 20,000 to 24,000 coins were already mixed with a batch of properly produced coins. The mint decided that it was not worth the expense to melt the entire quantity of coins to scrap the error coins that got mixed in. When news of this error coin began appearing in local papers in the northeastern United States, many people pulled the coins out of circulation. Local coin shops were buying them as fast as people could find them. There are many Uncirculated and About Uncirculated examples that can be obtained for your collection. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most counterfeited coins on the market. Many of these high-quality counterfeits originate from China. Be wary of any coins that you purchase on eBay or, for that fact, any seller that is unknown to you. The best way to invest in coins is to build a relationship with a trusted coin dealer. Optimal Collecting Grade: MS-62BN Optimal Investment Grade: MS-65RB This coin did not immediately receive the popularity and newsworthiness of the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln cent. Therefore a majority of these coins saw circulation. Most intermediate and advanced collectors of Buffalo Nickels will want to add one to their collection. Circulated examples are moderately priced, but uncirculated examples are scarce and only coin collectors with a deep enough pocket will be able to afford one. It is very easy for unscrupulous coin dealers to take a regular 1937-D Buffalo Nickel and remove the front leg. Look for scrapes or polishing marks where the leg used to be. If it is evident the leg has been removed, avoid purchasing this coin. Optimal Collecting Grade: EF-40 Optimal Investment Grade: MS-63 Optimal Collecting Grade: F-12 Optimal Investment Grade: AU-58 The Type 1 coin features Lady Liberty with her left breast exposed. Some people believe outrage sparked by the public caused the United States Mint to produce a second type of coin with Lady Liberty’s chest covered by a coat of chain mail. Another theory is that the United States was preparing for entrance into World War I in 1917 and the coat of chain mail was added to indicate that Lady Liberty was ready for battle. Circulated examples of this coin are affordable for even the beginning collector. An intermediate coin collector can easily obtain uncirculated examples. Optimal Collecting Grade: MS-65 Optimal Investment Grade: MS-67FH The 1932-S Washington quarter has a lower mintage than the 1932-D, but more of them were saved and are readily available and higher grades. The 1932-D quarter is scarce and will prove to be a better addition to your coin collection and most probably will appreciate better than the San Francisco issue. Optimal Collecting Grade: AU-53 Optimal Investment Grade: MS-64 Initially, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” was not included in the original design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The design was modified at the end of 1908 to include the motto on the reverse of the coin. This “No Motto” coin is available at a modest price considering it is a gold coin that will add value to any coin collection. Optimal Collecting Grade: MS-66 Optimal Investment Grade: MS-67
