Welcome to an exciting edition of “9 Questions!” Today, we’re chatting with Brent from AllAboutInterest.com, where he’ll share his passion for coin collecting. Let’s dive in!
My top pick among coins is the 1853 Liberty Gold Dollar, which is mounted in a 14kt gold ring that I bought from my Baptist preacher when I was about 15. I only paid $80 for it, and it turned out to be my first coin of significant value.
I’ve always been enthusiastic about collecting, whether it’s baseball cards or Hot Wheels. I enjoy the thrill of searching for that rare piece or the one missing item in a collection. My interest in coin collecting began after I inherited some walking liberty half dollars from my mom and a collection of wheat pennies from my grandma. Plus, my love for money makes coin collecting a natural fit.
Initially, I focused on collecting U.S. silver coins, especially those minted in 1964 or earlier, as they contain 90% silver. I didn’t just buy junk silver; I sought coins that were in good condition for their numismatic value. The Kennedy Half Dollars minted from 1964-1970 and the 1776-1976 commemoratives are exceptions. The 1964 Kennedy contains 90% silver, while the others have 40%, which considerably increased their value.
One day, I asked my bank to sell me all the half dollars from their vault, resulting in a bag of over 100 coins. Among them were at least 30+ Kennedy Half Dollars within that date range, which were worth 7-8 times what I paid, due to high silver prices at the time. I sold a few in worse condition to get back my investment and held onto the rest.
I once paid $750 for a rare 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar graded PCGS MS-64.
I often buy coins on eBay. I once purchased a collection of walking liberty half dollars for about $350. Although the photos were poor, I knew the set included a 1921 P walking liberty half dollar, a particularly valuable coin due to its rarity. I hadn’t paid more than the silver value, so it was a good gamble.
When the coins arrived, the 1921 half dollar was in much better shape than I anticipated and probably would have graded up to EX-40. Though I regret selling it for $500, I kept the rest of the collection. If I had sent it for grading, it might have been worth over $1,000.
I’m pleased to report I’ve never been scammed. I buy from reliable dealers and sellers online with solid feedback.
The Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916-1947) are my favorites.
Begin small and learn how to grade coins yourself. I bought some cheaper graded coins as study tools, which helped me become better at assessing the value and grades of coins. Be cautious about “cleaned” coins, as some sellers polish or clean them, diminishing their value.
A mint state 1921 S walking liberty coin stands out for me. Valued around $30,000, it would be the highlight of my collection despite many other valuable coins out there.
Brent is not only a passionate blogger but also invests in dividend growth stocks and real estate. His blog offers insights into his investments with a real-time portfolio update. Check it out at www.allaboutinterest.com.
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