For someone new to initial coin investments, some anxiety about a first purchase is understandable. Searching for a rare or historic item to begin a collection may be tempting and could even prove a sound investment. Yet choosing a well-known, broadly recognized coin may make resale easier later. This article presents three coins described as safer initial investments for collectors getting started.
Morgan Silver Dollar
Morgan silver dollars circulated from 1878 into the early 1900s and are among the most popular U.S. coins for initial investments. Made of 90% silver, they are accessible and feature a distinctive left-facing Liberty on the obverse and an eagle with spread wings on the reverse. The largest Morgan-dollar mintage was in 1921, when Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco produced roughly 40 million coins combined. Because many 1921 Morgan dollars were made, they can generally be acquired for less than pre-1921 examples. Key dates, low mintages, superior condition, and certified pieces cost more. Buyers acquiring coins online can take several proactive steps to avoid buying fake Morgan silver dollars.
Pre-1933 American Gold Coins
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 1933, which limited private citizens to holding no more than 6102 in gold coins and bullion, in $100. The measure sought to address gold hoarding, a widespread practice during that period, while enabling the Treasury to expand the money supply amid the Great Depression. Under the order, Americans generally were required to sell most of their gold to the government. Those who followed the requirement received the then-current gold spot price, $20.67 for each troy ounce. The government melted many of the gold coins it collected into gold bars. Since many people complied, American gold coins minted before 1933 are often in stronger demand and commonly trade at premiums. Apart from key-date examples, collectors generally classify most of these as semi-numismatic, or collectible, coins. They were particularly popular with investors concerned about the possibility of future confiscation because collectible coins had been exempt under Executive Order 6102.
Gold Double Eagles
St. Gaudens Double Eagles are a strong example of American gold coins minted before 1933. Because of Executive Order 6102, their period of circulation was comparatively brief: they circulated only 26 years before Americans were required to sell gold to the government. Their dramatic design and limited supply made them highly sought-after gold coins that held value well. Because the Saint Gaudens is iconic, its obverse design was used on the modern American Gold Eagle, produced since 1986.
When this article was originally published, readers were encouraged to buy collection items confidently by working with a reliable expert. Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers was described as a family-owned rare-coin and bullion dealer in metro Atlanta that offered nationwide services through its mail-in appraisal program. At publication, readers were invited to request an appointment by filling out our contact form.
