Expert: PAPAJACK - 6/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, what do you think is better to collect PCGS certified Lincoln cents or PCGS certified Peace dollars?
Thank you.

ANSWER: Hello Emil,          

The Lincoln design is actually more intricate than the Peace Dollar. Both are great coins and beautiful in high grades.
Both have key date coins in the series. These are usually the only ones I buy Certified and placed in a slab. The rest of the series can be had in all states of preservation un-slabbed for less money but you must be able to grade them yourself. .

You really need to collect what you like the most; this will be the most satisfying part of the hobby. The way you learn about the coins is what holds your interest. You may be able to discover some die variety that no one else has reported.  But you must like the design to be able to notice the subtle differences in each coin.

Great question I hope this information helps.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, I really appreciate your help but for a fifteen year old what would you collect Peace dollars or Lincolns? What will be better to sell in the future if I decide to sell the coins? Thank you very much.
Once again I really appreciate your help.

Answer
Hello again Emil,          

There are many Lincoln Cent collections already available to be purchased. There are 100 years of them to find plus any varieties and they are still being produced.
At present the Peace dollar may be easier since they are more available and silver is getting expensive. Also it is only a 24 coin set and not made any more.
Many coins will cost less than $100 for top of the line specimens already graded by PCGS if you want them.
There are not too many key-date coins that are hard to find but just as with the Lincoln series the key date coins will be very, very expensive in high grades.
The 1921, 1924-S, 1928, 1934-S and the 1935-S is expensive in grades higher than MS62. You may want to try getting to see if you can afford to get these coins in the grade you want prior to starting just so you understand what you are getting yourself into.

If you are going to sell the coins most people will not need to buy a complete set. And only high grade specimens auction for the most money.
In general you will be able to get what you paid for the coin after five years if you do not overpay to begin with.
Again please collect what you like best it will be more rewarding.

I hope this answer helps.

Thank You for the question and Good Luck

PapaJack