If you had $1000 to spend on a set of circulated 19th century coins...

[lclugza]

what coins would you collect?

[msmhappy]

well now, hummmmmm, ok. since i need to start and add to my large cent collection. i would have to say LARGE CENTS, CORONET TYPE 1816-1858.

 

very neet coins!!

 

but you only gave me a thousand to spend?

 

oh well, i would have fun and enjoy those coins very much!!

 

besides, anything i add to my collection i would end up looking at it for many, many many years to come. I only buy something to keep it.

 

mike

 

dont forget! collect proof sets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TomB]

Problem-free coins, perfect for the grade with superb eye appeal.

[clw54]

I'd collect Indian Cents. You could come close to completing the set (minus the 1877) in lower grades for that amount of money. Plus, Indian Cents are cool.

[nwcs]

With a cap of $1000, I would collect as many F-AU half cents as I could. For several reasons. One is that they are a limited series. Two is that they have that unusual factor to today's audience. Three is that everyone else would probably focus on cents and up so this would leave more for me.

 

The other option would be circulated and 3cn coins.

[DonHeath]

With $1000 to spend, I'd consider a type set (notgeld) if I limited myself to US coinage. Hey, you could just buy one nice Isabella, or a nice Hawaiian half.

[jtryka]

Well, I agree with neil on and 3cn, as I just completed a set of circ and didn't come close to $1000! 3cn series has a few tougher ones, but is still achievable (the caveat here is to exclude the prood only issues). I would also go for Bust halves (a series I am currently exploring), there are many inexpensive ones, and so may varieties should you choose to explore the different die states and marriages. Either way, choose something the you find interesting and have FUN doing it!

[Dermott]

1853 Arrows and Rays Quarters and Half Dollars, best grade combination I could find within the $1000 price range for all four coins (not worrying about the varieties, just the 1853 and 1853o)

[lclugza]

I think I would opt for later date large cents from 1835-1857, I always thought they were interesting coins. They would be in the highest grade I could afford without going over the $1000.