When you first start collecting coins, the question of what coins are right for you might be lingering in the back of your mind. There are a lot of pieces available within the market, from circulating to non-circulating, and knowing which is right for you comes down to what type of coin collector you are.
If you’re a collector looking to amass interesting pieces, along with a portfolio that is rich with diversity, there are some specific ones you should keep an eye out for. In particular, here are seven different coins we’d recommend you look out for throughout your collecting journeys.
1. Indian Head Cent
Designed by James B. Longacre, this coin was minted across the U.S. from 1859 through 1909 and is one of the most popular coins to be collected en masse from the 1800s. The exciting thing about the Indian Head Cent is that there are many different types of coins to be found from the run, whether for the location of minting, the year of minting, or the grade at which the piece is currently appraised.
2. Buffalo Nickel
Minted from 1913 to 1938, many collectors have long considered this to be one of the most American coins produced, whether for its representation of the peoples native to American soil or for the buffalo that has so long been the symbol of our prairie past. If you’re looking for something representative of the old west, this is the nickel for you.
3. Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Minted from 1916 through 1947, this Adolph A. Weinman-designed coin is more a piece of fine art and less a circulated one. Produced during a time considered to be the renaissance of U.S. coin minting, this coin is still thought to be one of the most beautiful produced throughout American history. Most circulated Walking Liberty coins can be found for a reasonable price nowadays; if you can find one in good condition, there is no reason why it shouldn’t be a part of your collection.
4. 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln Cent
One of the most widely circulated coins throughout American history, this is one of the most recognizable piece produced from American mints. The Lincoln penny, which was first struck in 1909, is still being produced today.
The V.D.B. is especially notable due to the designer Victor David Brenner’s initials being placed on the reverse side of the coin, beneath the ears of wheat. Although the initials were removed after some public outcry, these 1909 coins (produced by both the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints) can still be found throughout the US.
5. Liberty Seated Coins
Interested in owning a coin produced prior to the 20th century? Here is your chance! The Liberty Seated design was a fixture among national coins for the better part of the 19th century, remaining in production for well over half of the century. The best part of the Liberty Seated Dime is that there are numerous iterations for you to choose between, from Liberty Seated half dimes to dimes and quarters to half dollars.
6. Morgan Silver Dollar
Loved for its design, appearance, weight, and notoriety, the Morgan Silver Dollar is a coin that almost every collector should own. Designed by George T. Mason, this beautiful silver dollar was minted from the end of the 19th century through the very beginning of the 20th century. While there are many variations to be found, this is a coin with endless potential—one that is recognizable and worthy of attention—making for a notable standout among your collection.
7. 1932 Washington Quarter
Having replaced the Standing Liberty quarter, this coin featuring George Washington’s profile was commissioned in celebration of the birthday of the nation’s first president (1732). Originally considered to be a one-year minting, solely for the 200th birthday of Washington, the coin became so popular that it continued being minted, continuing as a staple within American coinage circulation even to today.
The likelihood of you finding an original Philadelphia-minted 1932 Washington quarter is extremely low, but coins can be found throughout various markets. To own one is both a pleasure and an honor.
Any questions concerning these pieces, or others you’re eyeing? Reach out to us at Provident Metals, we’re glad to talk about the history, significance, and worth of these coins and more. And if you’d like to see more of our vast inventory of coins, visit Provident Metals today!
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