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  1. #1
    Founder: Lincoln Cent Resource Brad's Avatar
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    Investing In Lincolns

    Sometimes new collectors ask, "What should I collect?" The answer I would always give them is "Collect what you like". If you like complete sets, build one of those, if you like RPM's and Doubled Dies, collect those. If your interested in investing in Lincolns here is my advice on Key dates, varieties, complete sets and high grade coins:

    Key Dates. Key dates have always been and will continue to be the most solid investment you can make. Key Date prices continually rise, and will continue to rise.

    High grade cents. In my opinion high grade cents can be a risky proposition, especially if you are buying uncertified examples. If you collect High Grade cents I would stick to PCGS and NGC certified cents. Also, view population reports and make yourself well versed in the populations of each grade. Registry sets have made "top population" cents very lucrative.

    Varieties. Most Varieties are not good investments. Popular varieties like the 1955, 1972 and 1983 doubled dies have a high demand and popularity, and are solid investments. More obscure varieties like the 1960 D rpm 19 and 1972 ddo 6 do not have much potential for growth. Furthermore, most coin dealers and collectors are not well versed in these more obscure varieties and have no interest in them. If you like RPM and DDOs, collect them. If you are investing in these varieties, stick to the more popular ones like 1944 d/s omm1 and 1956 d/d rpm 8.

    Complete Sets. Here is a rule that new beginners are often not aware of: "A set is never worth more than the sum of its parts". Most dealers and collectors will only look at the key dates and semi-keys when purchasing a complete set. Do not think that having a complete set will make your coins more attractive to collectors and dealers. Most dealers and collectors already have the common coins and are only interested in the "keys".

    To summarize, key dates are the best investment. The key date Lincolns are the 1909 SVDB, 1909 S, 1914 D and the 1931 S. Popular varieties like the 1922 plain, 1955 ddo 1, and 1970 S small date are good investments, but obscure varieties like the 1957 D rpm 3 are not. Complete sets are not worth more than the individual coin prices. High Grade coins have questionable economic futures. If you are investing in high grade cents, stick to PCGS and NGC certified cents because of registry set value.

    This is just my advice. I would like to hear your thoughts as well.

  2. #2
    car10
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    That all sounds like good advice. All we need now is a crystal ball to know what coins might become popular varieties or the next key coins in the series in the future. If copper cents completely disappear from circulation and are eventually melted because of rising copper prices could more modern coins someday end up becoming "key coins" because of their scarcity? Will enough coins be saved to prevent all of them from being considered scarce? Who knows? Only time will tell. The best hedge you could have would be to own a complete set in the highest grade possible. I would suggest buying what are currently considered to be the key coins in the highest grade you can afford. I would only buy certified coins graded and authenticated by reputable third party grading services such as PCGS, NGC, ICG or ANACS. I would then recommend searching rolls of circulated coins to fill as many holes as you can with the best example you can find of each date, mint-mark and variety. It will take tons of time and effort but you will be rewarded in the end with knowledge that you are the owner of such a fine complete collection of an item that is recognized by and familiar to every single living person in the country and many others around the world.

  3. #3
    Registered User grizz's Avatar
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    i think another date to add is the 1924 d to the lincoln list.

  4. #4
    Founder: Lincoln Cent Resource Brad's Avatar
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    I agree. The 1924 D seems to be becoming a "key date".

    See this thread:
    http://www.lincolncentresource.net/f...read.php?t=433

  5. #5
    Member Wheat Cents's Avatar
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    Brad, I agree abot 24-D. Had a lot of inquires from dealers at CSNS needing 24-D's including the "penny lady" .... one dealer had some at his booth on Thursday and they were all gone the next day.
    Lincoln Cent Variety Enthusiast

  6. #6
    nightowl
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    working on 4 sets right now with my grandsons. i was busy enough with silver eagles, and mint and proof sets 1956 to date. they got me hooked on lincolns.havent been able to put em down since.

 

 

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