Which coin series or types do you find to be unexpectedly budget-friendly and why?
I found that the Barber series in dime, quarter and half dollars to be classic and reasonable in lower grades. When I first looked at Barbers, I found low grade worn flat pieces and high grade (expensive) AU and Unc pieces. Dealers told me that they didn’t exist in medium grades. I like a challenge so I went after a set of half dollars in VF. These look good but do take a bit of searching to find. But they are out there! It took 2-3 years, but I completed the set. There are rarities in all three of these series, but you can overlook them as we do in all other series. Even VG to F pieces look decent and are a challenge to find. Prices are often well below trends. Another series that can be had very reasonable is the classic commemorative half dollars in circulated condition. Many of these got spent over the years or released into circulation. These can be had for a small multiple over silver value. Most people want high grade Uncs and shun an AU or XF piece.
Richard Vatovec, Address withheld
Rather than a series, I think a wonderful collection is 20th century type, which can be assembled in AU to Choice BU condition for generally affordable amounts. The two most expensive coins will be the Barber 50-cent and the 1921 high relief Peace dollar.
Gary Burhop, Memphis, Tenn.
Nickels. They just don’t get any respect. Especially Jefferson nickels. There are a few Buffalo nickels that are pricey, but most of them are very reasonably priced.
Gary, North Carolina
Modern silver commemoratives purchased on the secondary market a few years after release are quite affordable and can usually be had for just a bit over melt value in raw Mint State and Proof condition. For example, a problem-free 1999 Yellowstone silver commemorative dollar with OGP can be had for $25-$30 now when it melts at $19.15. The variety of topics and designs offer a lot of customization for a collector to assemble a set. While a bit pricier, the America the Beautiful 5-ounce bullion coins offer up a larger canvas to view the excellent National Park quarter designs while also including the silver value. Their low mintages also boost their collectibility and long-term value.
Connor Falk, Orlando, Fla.