Our latest Coin Update poll asked readers which type of coin or set is most interesting to newer collectors, and we now have our results. The highlight of this poll was the neck-and-neck horse race that materialized between the Morgan dollar and Kennedy half dollar, as both coins held the lead several times before being repeatedly overtaken by the other. In fact, the poll was kept open longer than anticipated in the hope that a clear winner would emerge, but the numbers stayed close no matter how many votes piled up.
As you can see on the chart below, the Morgan dollar eked out a slim victory by a single vote. It’s not hard to understand why this coin would fare so well in a poll like this. A big classic silver dollar redolent of the Wild West, the Morgan is impressive without being unobtainable, and remains “one of the most popular coins in all of American numismatics,” as Dennis Hengeveld put it in a recent article on how to collect these issues without breaking the bank. With its impressive air of history and wide range of varieties, it provides a clear gateway for beginning collectors to take their coin collecting to the next level.
Lest fans of the Kennedy half dollar cry foul for ending the poll with only one vote separating first and second places, I’ll point out that I voted with you. As a kid, it was always a treat to find a 50-cent piece in circulation, and that fascination has never worn off for me. So I’m a little disappointed the half dollar couldn’t get over the hump in such a close contest, but there is no shame in coming in second to George T. Morgan’s immortal design.
A couple of the categories in this poll are fairly general, and I appreciate in particular the game attitude of those who voted “World coins” or “Other.” World coins can refer to so many types of issues: there is quite a difference, for instance, between 19th century francs and last year’s “20 for 20” face value coins from the Royal Canadian Mint. What about the coins of Ancient Rome? Or the world’s various bullion issues?
The “Other” category is basically a way of admitting that it’s impossible to include all of the numerous types of coins and medals that draw people to numismatics. It’s an incredibly diverse hobby and this poll is admittedly simplistic, but I hope a bit interesting as well. If the coin you wish you could have voted for was not presented as an option, I hope you’ll share your thoughts in the comments.
Thanks to everyone who voted.
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I voted for the Kennedy myself. I started collecting about 5 years ago and I loved that a few banks were still able to get rolls of them for me. It felt great to come home and put circulated examples in a Dansco book that I only had to pay face value for. I have since moved on to the Morgan dollar, but in the beginning these old silver dollars felt way out of my budget, and too many varieties to try and understand. Lucky for me whenever I have a question the answers are literally at my fingertips with this sites great articles on classic coins, or a google search.
I think this poll question was poorly worded. There is no comparison between the beauty of a Morgan with a Kennedy half. Hands down the Morgan wins. But your comparing “apples and oranges”. JFK is popular because of who he was, what he stood for and his tragic death. Coins should be compared to other coins in their artistic makeup not in the coins history which can never be displayed in a coin. But I guess you got a lot of attention. Other than that, you do a great job in providing lots of info. re coin collecting.
I wish I saw the survey, my vote would have once again tied the results. I grew up collecting Kennedy halves in change and have been very lucky collecting 40% & 90% silver at face value by roll searching.
I like the idea of having a poll but I don’t think many new collectors are looking at any of the coins listed in it (excluding other). All of these coins you pretty much have to purchase above face value to get them. I think you’re average new or young collector is going to be interested in a coin that is easy to get in circulation and has many different types. I think the most would be the Lincoln Cent(wheat, shield, steel wheat, 2009, etc.). Wheat pennies can be found by roll searching still. Another interesting group of coins would be the State and ATB Quarters.
If you are talking about new collectors who purchase coins not in circulation, not gold, under $250, then I would think the 5 OZ Silver Quarters would be one of the most interesting.