Brilliant Uncirculated

[Dan1 0]

Hello all

My collection is slowly building but it is becoming increasingly difficult to find BU coins. I still havent managed to complete the 1960's. At what stage or year is it acceptable to go for an UNC or lower, would I be correct in saying that after a certain point in time getting even an UNC coin would be impossible.

On a different subject, I was talking to a friend of mine of whom has been collecting world war 1 memorabilia for 40 or so years. His collection is extensive, but he mentioned that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find good items as all the best pieces are now in collections, these are unlikely to be recirculated in the collectors market except by way of auction. Lower quality items are available, but at some point the market will slow down as the amount of items overall are finite.

I thought that this was quite interesting and wondered if this is in anyway similar to the coin market. Relating back to the first section, at some point will it be impossible to get any BU coins?

What do you all think?

Cheers

Dan

[Rob 3,152]

It has never been easy to get high grade pieces. If you did a proper survey I think you would find considerably less than 1% of coins would be unc. As for not completing the 1960s - you aren't patient enough.

If in genuinely short supply, then you have to put your money where your mouth is. If it's an auction, you have to be the highest bidder.

If you want to collect UNC coins, then that is what you wait for, unless it is thought there are none available. That boils down to knowing your subject.

[Nicholas 51]

Market forces wax and wane. When prices are high good quality stock is flushed out into the market. When prices are soft good quality stock is hoarded. I'm sure you'll find your BU pieces. Dredge the internet (not just eBay but focus on the big dealers) and be patient..

Edited May 26, 2014 by Nicholas

[Peckris 579]

You shouldn't have difficulty completing a 60s BU collection. The 50s will be much harder, especially for many Elizabeth II CuNi dates, but the 1940s - apart from rarities - will be easier. So will 1936 - 1939 inclusive though you have to pay for 1938 silver. Before 1935 it does get progressively harder, but some things are still reasonably priced :

- silver dated 1915, 1916, 1918

- 1902 (all denominations)

- 1901 (ditto)

- 1887 silver

- 1890s bronze

It would be fair to say that with few exceptions, anything post-1816 that has been plentiful in the past has not ceased to be available. It's high grade rarities where the trouble has always been, and it certainly isn't getting any easier.

[sound 25]

Dan1,

Try and stick with BU particularly as far as 20 century coins are concerned. Earlier 20 C be prepared to drop down ( if you can call it that ).

The point is at some point you or representatives of your estate will want to sell your coins. The further you go back the market is more forgiving. This is an opinion of course but stick with later 20 C in BU if you can. Rob is right be patient.

Of course if you are flush with cash you can jump back and purchase earlier coins while waiting for the more recent coins to appear.

Regards

Mark

[TomGoodheart 402]

As everyone says Dan, for most dates, the coins can be found. However all of us here (well, pretty much all!) have to make a decision at some point about balancing what we'd like with budget. Which in turn affects the speed at which your collection will grow.

Personally I seem to buy less than half a dozen coins a year. Four so far this year, though it was only two in 2007. That's a result of my only wanting certain coins, being particular about what condition I want and how much I have available to spend.

Some people might find that rate of building a collection too slow. I did myself a while back and diversified for a bit because money was burning a hole in my pocket! Now I'm back on track with my main collecting interest but funds are low. Fortunately (?) coins that appeal are also in short supply!

I guess what I'm saying is that you'll need to decide at what point you are prepared to accept a coin that, were it a more modern issue, wouldn't make the grade. Pun intended.

[VickySilver 830]

Yes, a slippery slope...I began with Wreath crowns, worked my down to 2/6, then florin, 6d, 3d and finally penny....Then started the works with Victoria at 2/6 and threw in a few farthings also. Now, almost nothing to collect again but that took 20 years!

[Peckris 579]

Dan1,

Try and stick with BU particularly as far as 20 century coins are concerned. Earlier 20 C be prepared to drop down ( if you can call it that ).

The point is at some point you or representatives of your estate will want to sell your coins. The further you go back the market is more forgiving. This is an opinion of course but stick with later 20 C in BU if you can. Rob is right be patient.

Of course if you are flush with cash you can jump back and purchase earlier coins while waiting for the more recent coins to appear.

Regards

Mark

I think this needs qualifying, with respect. It's good advice for post-1911 (excluding rarities of course), but Edward VII has always been a very difficult reign in the highest grades. In fact, much - the majority? - of Queen Vic is easier than Edward. Certainly, if you exclude the key dates in any given denomination.

[sound 25]

Dan1,

Try and stick with BU particularly as far as 20 century coins are concerned. Earlier 20 C be prepared to drop down ( if you can call it that ).

The point is at some point you or representatives of your estate will want to sell your coins. The further you go back the market is more forgiving. This is an opinion of course but stick with later 20 C in BU if you can. Rob is right be patient.

Of course if you are flush with cash you can jump back and purchase earlier coins while waiting for the more recent coins to appear.

Regards

Mark

I think this needs qualifying, with respect. It's good advice for post-1911 (excluding rarities of course), but Edward VII has always been a very difficult reign in the highest grades. In fact, much - the majority? - of Queen Vic is easier than Edward. Certainly, if you exclude the key dates in any given denomination.

Agreed, hence " Earlier 20 C be prepared to drop down ( if you can call it that)" but yes I should have been more specific.

Regards

Mark

[Dan1 0]

Thanks for all the responses. I am always amazed at the range of information you guys have.

I am trying to be systematic in the way that I am building my collection and I think that this is my problem. I think for the next year or so whilst looking to slowly work back chronologically I will see what older good quality items I can also pickup. This I hope could give me a core and theme to collect around.

Thanks again

[TomGoodheart 402]

It's always worth picking up better than average coins when you see them Dan. The trouble we all have is that in the early days of collection it's not always easy to know if something is better or not. Some years are easier to find in nice condition than others. For example you should have no difficulty finding a 1787 shilling looking almost new and an EF example with a bit of time. 1908? That will take both time and money!

But remember, if you spot something you like the look of you can always post pics here and ask for people's opinions. Plenty of advice to be had. In fact it's difficult to get some of us to stop talking about coins my wife says!