Ask a Numismatist - Modern Coin Tips
We often receive questions from fellow numismatists. This week, Rare Collectibles TV received a question from our customer, Ronnie, who wrote:
“I wanted to know if you could list some modern coinage that is rare, has future potential, and that is affordable to the average coin collector. Could you send me that list? Thank you!”
We are glad to give you a response from one of our hosts, Rick Tomaska:
When we refer to "modern" coinage I need to be clear on a definition of the word.
For example, in my latest book, A Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars, the beginning of the modern era starts in 1977 - this is the year that one could order a proof set from the U.S. Mint and feel pretty certain that every coin would be a lovely Ultra Cameo. This was not the case a year earlier, in 1976. But for our purpose here, I will define modern coins as coins struck after World War II, so this would include the Franklin half dollar series.
I like to focus on the coins that attract the greatest collector interest. Generally speaking, the larger the coin’s denomination, the more popular the coin is among collectors.
Over the long term and in larger denomination, here are the coins I’d look out for:
- Exceptional mint state and proof Franklin half dollars - the last half dollar series struck in 90% silver, with tremendous condition rarity for most dates.
- Exceptional mint state and proof Kennedy half dollars. On the Kennedy half dollars, I would focus on the 1989 and earlier issues. By 1990, the mint had solved the packaging issues for proof coins, and most proof Kennedy half dollars from this date forward can still be found in exceptional ULTRA CAMEO condition. I also have a new Kennedy "Aspiration" holder reserved only for those rarest, most exceptional mint state and proof Kennedy half dollars. This holder will be released soon!
- PROOF ASEs! American Silver Eagles are currently not as difficult to locate as the early Kennedy half dollars and Franklin half dollars in proof, but long term they have great potential, given their limited mintages, and tremendous collector appeal.
- Exceptional proof and mint state Ike dollars! In fact, I have a new Ike holder in the design stage reserved only for the finest proof and mint state Ikes. Much like the Franklin "We The People" holder. Stay tuned for these stunning Ike dollars to appear on RCTV!
- If you can afford them, lower mintage proof American Gold Eagles!
- Lower mintage silver commemorative dollars!
At the same time there ARE great opportunities in the cents, nickels, dimes, and quarters. These denominations will be the subject of a future book.
I hope this is of some help!
Happy Collecting!
Rick
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Thanks Rick! Don’t forget to visit RareCollectiblesTV.com for the finest in rare numismatics from all of the series Rick mentioned above.
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