The Top Five.... Collectible US coin investments

Whilst the current US currency may be experiencing issues, it's interesting to note that the market for collectible currency in America could not be stronger.

The rare coin market is in fact thriving in the United States, with an estimated 50 million collectors in the country alone.

And this huge collector base is helping to ensure that the value of coins continues to increase, as inflation pushes values higher and higher.

But the key to identifying the best US coin investments comes in identifying those coins that are in short supply before demand and prices increase.

Equally important is the metal used in making the coin. If the price of a specific type of metal rises, then the coins value will increase accordingly.

And if it's part of a larger, more important collection then it could be worth even more.

With these factors in mind, here are the top five entry level American coin investments.

The 1908 Indian Head cent

Originally designed by James B. Longacre, the Indian head series has proven increasingly popular with coin collectors.

The 1908 edition has a relatively low mintage of 1,115,000 meaning it avoids common-date status. It also makes it rarer than the more widely collected 1914-D Lincoln coins.


The coin is also the first US cent to be created at a specific branch mint and carries a mint state-65 valuation of £1,965 ($2,650) and unbelievably remains below £640 ($1,000) in all other collectible grades.

With these coins scarce, popular and offering an investment entry price, there's never been a better time to consider an investment.

 

The 1913 Barber quarter

Designed by Charles E Barber, these coins have proven popular with collectors for a number of years.

However, the 1913 quarter offers the best entry level investment opportunity.

The coin has a very low mintage of just 484,613. In comparison the more common 1901-O has a mintage of 1,612,000 and currently sells for a greater price at every grading.

With a mint state-65 valuation of £3,200 ($5,000) this is one coin investment that will be rising in value soon.

The 1915-S Buffalo Nickel

Regarded as one of the all time best US coin designs, this nickel is held in high regard by US coin collectors.

This is thanks to the imagery created by maker James Earle Fraser in 1911. The coin depicts the traditional Indian alongside the buffalo as a symbol of American national pride.

Only 1,505,000 were ever produced giving the 1915-S one of the lowest mintages of the Buffalo series.

Yet in comparison to similar dated coins from the series, it remains relatively undervalued with some newer editions and coins with twice the mintage fetching higher prices.

Arguably one of the scarcest and rarest buffalo nickels, the 1915-S carries a mint state-65 grading of just £2,010 ($3,150), making it an ideal starting point for new coin collectors.

 

The 1924-S Peace dollar

Peace dollars are widely collected and offer one of the lowest investment prices for top condition pieces.

There are only 24 date-mint combinations of the coin on the market making it a popular set for coin enthusiasts looking to own a complete collection.

While the coin may have a mintage of 1,728,000, in recent years experts have noted the high volume of poorly struck coins produced in the 1924 mint.

That means that finding examples of gem quality upwards has become increasingly difficult.

Mint state 64 grade peace dollars are currently available for £880 ($1,375).

However, it will be worth investing in these coins soon.

A combination of popularity and scarcity will see the value of fine examples rise quickly.

And at such a relatively low entry level investment price, it's a risk worth taking.

 

The Common-date silver Washington quarter

Silver Washington quarters in uncommon grades continue to be undervalued in relative terms to what they have recently fetched at auction.

This is partly because collectors look to build a registry set of the series, thus placing increasing demand on the higher graded editions of the coin.

Furthermore with few coins submitted for certification, super high grade pieces officially remain in short supply. The dates to look out for in particular are the 1953-D, 1961-D and 1964-D.

For example the scarce mint state - 67 graded 1961-D silver Washington quarter is currently valued at £1,690 ($2,650).

The lessons to be learnt from these rare coins are simple: the market is full of fine pieces that are both surprisingly rare and increasingly valuable.

And there's never been a better time to consider investing in collectible coins.

 

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