I'd like to add a 1700's US coin to my collection. I'd like to get some opinions on what type of coin I could get that can generally be found in fairly good condition, without breaking the bank.
in silver; a problem free, common die marriage 1795 flowing hair half dollar can be had in g-vg for 600-1000. 1795 halfs are readily available and probably the least expensive in problem free examples when compared to others issued in the same period. a plugged or damaged 1795 half for 200-400 depending on the significance of problems try www.dickosburn.com you may be able to find some eac pieces with minor corrosion/problems at significantly lower prices
pending the size of the bank you don't want break...there are five 1792 Half Dismes in the upcoming ha FUN auction...i am sure you could find one those to fit your taste [and hopefully your budget].
Something that you may consider looking into are the colonial coins. I believe that there are some of those from the 1700's that you can find in the $100-200 range.
Thanks for the info, it really helped. To answer your question Mark, I guess I'd like to keep it at around $300 or less, and was wondering what's the best I could hope for from that era.
For the same $300, you could get a half dozen half reale, 1 reale, 2 reales coins dated in the 1700's. And they circulated far more widely here in the US than the few US coins did. Just a thought
May I suggest the 1723 Hibernia (US Circulated) Half Penny. Used extensively in the Colonies but shunned in Ireland... The harp player looks like the Leprechaun in Walt Disney's "Darby O'Gill and the Little People..." Take Care Ben
I don't know about the other coins minted during that time frame, but I believe Mark is correct. If you show some patience you should be able to get a problem free G to VF 1797 or 1798 Bust Large Cent for less than 400. I kind of opened the range up because of all the varieties that are available - some have a premium.
If you want strictly U.S. mint I'd go with a large cent. Be patient and buy in person if possible. As a side note, since we've seen Colonials and Hibernias mentioned, you may consider a Conder token as well. NICE examples dated in the 1700s can be had for under $50. Not a coin per se but did circulate over here.
Being a large cent collector, I am quite biased, but I agree 100% with Mark's suggestion. In fact, this was my first 1700's coin: My second choice would be a half dollar, but it would likely have a lot less detail for your money...Mike
