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Coin collecting on a budget is a logical step when you don’t want to give up your hobby, but still must find a way to cut back.
Thankfully, enjoying the hobby of coin collecting doesn’t have to be expensive!
Here are 7 ideas for coin sets you can complete for under $10.
7 Fun Coin Sets You Can Build Under $10
Completing coin sets is a challenge that most coin collectors like to achieve.
Without a large budget though, completing those coin sets can be tough.
For $10 or less you can complete these 7 coin sets! (None of these sets assume the inclusion of proof coins or 90% silver coins.)
Coin Set #1:
1941 to 1974 Lincoln Cent Collection
One of the most popular and cheapest Lincoln cent coin collections is the 1941 to 1974 Lincoln cent collection. Based around the classic Whitman coin folder designed for that year range of Lincoln pennies, the 1941 to 1974 penny set can be easily purchased for under $10.
Even more enticing, it’s reasonably possible to complete this collection from circulation — though it will take lots of pocket change and bank roll searching.
Coin Set #2:
1962 to Present Jefferson Nickel Collection
Another popular coin set based around Whitman coin folders, the 1962 to present Jefferson nickel coin collection can be completely built from circulation for face value.
With Jefferson nickels among the easiest and cheapest coin sets to build (thanks to relatively old nickels still circulating and also a lack of expensive rarities!), a set such as the 1962 to present Jefferson nickel set makes sense for anyone on a budget who’s wanting a fun challenge.
Oh, and you can build this set from circulation for… yes, under $10!
Coin Set #3:
1965 to Present Roosevelt Dime Collection
When copper-nickel clad coinage began in the United States in 1965, it disappointed legions of coin collectors who had long loved the silver coinage of earlier years.
However, copper-nickel clad coinage does have its own set of benefits — including a relatively cheap cost during times of silver bullion price spikes (like those of late).
Because copper-nickel clad coinage going all the way back to 1965 can still be easily found in circulation, you’d have no problem completing a set of copper-nickel Roosevelt dimes from pocket change.
And you could do it for face value… less than $10.
Coin Set #4:
1976 Bicentennial Coins Collection
The Bicentennial coinage of 1975 and 1976 meant new reverse designs for the quarter, half dollar, and dollar coin — as well as “1776-1976” dual dating on those coins.
The result is a popular design diversion for coin collectors looking for something different from the usual designs of the era.
A coin collection consisting of…
- 1 copper-nickel Bicentennial Washington quarter
- 1 copper-nickel Bicentennial Kennedy half dollar
- And 1 Bicentennial Eisenhower dollar
…Would cost less than $10 for copper-nickel specimens. This is true even if you purchased each of these coins in mint-state grades from a coin dealer!
Coin Set #5:
20th Century Pennies Collection
Here’s a neat idea for someone wanting a coin collection with a little history to it — a collection of each of the 20th century penny designs.
That means buying (or finding) the following coins:
- Indian Head penny (1859 to 1909)
- Lincoln Wheat penny (1909 to 1958)
- 1943 Lincoln steel penny
- Lincoln Memorial penny (1959 to 2008)
You have a decent shot of finding all but the Indian Head penny in circulation these days. Though, admittedly, finding a 1943 steel cent can prove tough.
So, if you decided to buy these coins from a coin dealer, you’d be looking at spending around $2 to $5 for the Indian Head penny and about a dollar for the 3 Lincoln cents. That’s a set costing anywhere between $5 and $8.
Coin Set #6:
20th Century Nickels Collection
How about spending a few bucks for a set of 20th century nickels?
This great little set would span a diverse variety of designs, such as the:
- Liberty nickel (1883 to 1912)
- Buffalo nickel (1913 to 1938)
- Jefferson nickel (1938 to present)
- Jefferson Wartime nickel 35% silver (1942 to 1945)
If you buy well-worn but decent common date specimens, you can complete this set for under $10.
Coin Set #7:
20th Century Dimes Collection
Silver prices are going up, but at current prices there’s still an opportunity to buy an example of all the different 20th century dimes:
- Barber dime (1892 to 1916)
- Mercury dime (1916 to 1945)
- Roosevelt dime (1946 to Present)
Your best bet for keeping this coin set under $10 is to choose well-worn, common date specimens.
TIP: Be sure to ask if your coin dealer has a ‘junk box’ (they probably do). Often, you can buy silver coins from such boxes for melt value (or pretty close to it).
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