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A day for extreme celebration

WalkerfanWalkerfan Posts: 9,481 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited December 15, 2021 7:02PM in U.S. Coin Forum

The most important day for me as a Walker collector has arrived.

The 16 YEAR enterprise has been realized.

Well, I never thought that this day would ever come but I have, FINALLY, completed my Full (1916-1947) Walker set!!

This saga began in the summer of 2005, when we were all quite a bit younger and I was MUCH more driven and fearless!! LOL I had a couple of inactive years but decided to totally commit, in Fall 2009. So much did I learn along the way. The hours, days and years spent on this series. Searching and researching. Studying and comparing. All the while never giving up. It feels soooo GOOD to have reached my goal. I can FINALLY kick back and relax, now.

The last piece of the puzzle and the rarest coin in the ENTIRE series.....The fabled 1921-S, has been added. It is an NGC XF 45, so it is not a mint state example like the rest of my set. HOWEVER, I feel that this piece matches well, in quality, with the rest of my set and, more importantly, it is solid for its assigned grade. I may or may not try to upgrade it to AU or even MS, because at this point, I really like this coin.

I was underbidder on THREE 1921-S coins before this one: A PCGS MS 62 from the famous Western Reserve set, a PCGS AU 58 CAC and a PCGS AU 55 (this one wound up in the #1 NGC set). All went for money that shot WELL BEYOND THE MOON and, at least, two of these set new price records.....

When I saw this piece, it spoke to me, almost immediately. It has, IMHO, great detail and separation, no rim dings, with smooth, original, gray surfaces and also traces of mint luster with no spots or deep abrasions. So, after examining it, as quickly and thoroughly as possible, I jumped on it, as I really didn’t think I would find one that would please me more, anytime soon. Sooooo FEW of these ever trade hands, as they are FAR rarer in XF/AU than in MS and MANY are of very POOR quality. NGC Census is just 27/152. I did a search on both Heritage and Great Collections archives and there’s almost nothing like this. The one or two that did sell are not as nice as my coin, IMHO. I am pleased as punch with this example. To me, It looks like the old XFs, of yesteryear---before gradeflation was rampant, from when I was in my early 20s and collecting raw Walkers in XF/AU circa 1992.

I ended up in the #8 spot, at NGC, which I feel is rather respectable. Especially, given the growth and resurgence of the NGC Registry, in the last few years. There have been a TON of new sets created, lately. I should be #7, as Big Tex is a phantom set that was sold off years and years ago (September 2006), but that is inconsequential to me.

Thanks, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts!!

Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

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Comments

  • MgarmyMgarmy Posts: 2,296 ✭✭✭✭✭

    So happy for you. Awesome dedication to mission. Enjoy the endorphins man!

    100% positive transactions with SurfinxHI, bigole, 1madman, collectorcoins, proofmorgan, Luke Marshall, silver pop, golden egg, point five zero,coin22lover, alohagary, blaircountycoin,joebb21

  • crazyhounddogcrazyhounddog Posts: 13,998 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 14, 2021 8:34AM

    That 21 is extremely beautiful. You did great!
    Congratulations my brother🍾

    The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    That is a very respectable XF45 @Walkerfan . I like it. XF45, for some reason, is a grade I am frequently attracted to, especially on large silver coins. Congratulations on the completion of your set. Cheers, RickO

  • 59Horsehide59Horsehide Posts: 427 ✭✭✭

    Congratulations on this major accomplishment - job well done. Take the rest of the day off. B)

  • rip_frip_f Posts: 368 ✭✭✭✭

    Well done man! Quite an achievement. Great collecting attitude.

  • Type2Type2 Posts: 13,985 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Yes congratulations, please put me in on your 1921-s giveaway. haha 😉



    Hoard the keys.
  • Walkerguy21DWalkerguy21D Posts: 11,549 ✭✭✭✭✭

    You already know my thoughts, Jeff!

    Fantastic coin and even greater accomplishment. Wonderful set you’ve assembled!

    Successful BST transactions with 171 members. Ebeneezer, Tonedeaf, Shane6596, Piano1, Ikenefic, RG, PCGSPhoto, stman, Don'tTelltheWife, Boosibri, Ron1968, snowequities, VTchaser, jrt103, SurfinxHI, 78saen, bp777, FHC, RYK, JTHawaii, Opportunity, Kliao, bigtime36, skanderbeg, split37, thebigeng, acloco, Toninginthblood, OKCC, braddick, Coinflip, robcool, fastfreddie, tightbudget, DBSTrader2, nickelsciolist, relaxn, Eagle eye, soldi, silverman68, ElKevvo, sawyerjosh, Schmitz7, talkingwalnut2, konsole, sharkman987, sniocsu, comma, jesbroken, David1234, biosolar, Sullykerry, Moldnut, erwindoc, MichaelDixon, GotTheBug
  • erwindocerwindoc Posts: 5,193 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Great achievement!

    Now, the fun question...what is your next big project, LOL!!!

  • sumduncesumdunce Posts: 1,247 ✭✭✭✭

    Nice coin and congratulations on the set completion.

  • gumby1234gumby1234 Posts: 5,591 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Well done

    Successful BST with ad4400, Kccoin, lablover, pointfivezero, koynekwest, jwitten, coin22lover, HalfDimeDude, erwindoc, jyzskowsi, COINS MAKE CENTS, AlanSki, BryceM

  • Project NumismaticsProject Numismatics Posts: 1,604 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Love the 1921-S - absolutely stunning. Congrats on the set completion!

  • ShaunBC5ShaunBC5 Posts: 1,744 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Very nice! Congrats on completing your set. That’s a huge accomplishment.

  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 11,573 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Awesome! Congrats on completing the set, it is a great sense of accomplishment to finish a major set.

    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • divecchiadivecchia Posts: 6,688 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Congratulations on the completion of your Walker set. You should be proud!!! It is a great feeling of accomplishment I'm sure. One that I hope to feel one day when I complete one of my sets.

    Donato

    Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
    Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set

    Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 28,678 ✭✭✭✭✭

    wtg :)

  • ashelandasheland Posts: 23,404 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Congratulations! XF45 is a very respectable grade. :)

  • Eldorado9Eldorado9 Posts: 2,414 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Walkerfan A truly monumental effort! Congrats buddy! Enjoy that collection!

  • Congrats!

  • pursuitoflibertypursuitofliberty Posts: 7,109 ✭✭✭✭✭

    What a spectacular effort of dedication! Thanks for sharing your progress over the years!

    As a strong EF, that's one heck of a 21-S!! Not more than a handful that look that good for the grade (if even that many).

    Congratulations!!!


    “We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”

    Todd - BHNC #242
  • dbldie55dbldie55 Posts: 7,736 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Congrats. The longer the mission, the more satisfying when you complete it.

    Collector and Researcher of Liberty Head Nickels. ANA LM-6053
  • Eldorado9Eldorado9 Posts: 2,414 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Given the occasion, It would be appropriate to post some additional photos of your set!

  • CatbertCatbert Posts: 7,368 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 14, 2021 11:00AM

    Thrilled for you! Great accomplishment to assemble a set that meets your high standards. Hope the journey was enjoyable and not resulting in the need to relax. A hobby should be pressure free, right? :)

    Seated Half Society member #38
    "Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
  • jughead1893jughead1893 Posts: 1,685 ✭✭✭✭✭

    congrats!

  • WalkerfanWalkerfan Posts: 9,481 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Catbert said:
    Thrilled for you! Great accomplishment to assemble a set that meets your high standards. Hope the journey was enjoyable and not resulting in the need to relax. A hobby should be pressure free, right? :)

    Thanks. :) Ha Ha, it was very enjoyable. As long as I kept progressing; I was happy. BUT, I will not lie to you--It took a lot of hard work and dedication. It tested my PATIENCE, at times, as well. ;) Especially, towards the end.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • SmudgeSmudge Posts: 9,613 ✭✭✭✭✭

    What’s next?

  • WalkerfanWalkerfan Posts: 9,481 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Smudge said:
    What’s next?

    Pick up what I like, at a VERY casual pace. No more big projects for me.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • shortnockshortnock Posts: 426 ✭✭✭

    Overthetopcongratulations!

  • WaterSportWaterSport Posts: 6,856 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Absolutely glad for you - great set and a great final "bigge" to top it off.

    WS

    Proud recipient of the coveted PCGS Forum "You Suck" Award Thursday July 19, 2007 11:33 PM and December 30th, 2011 at 8:50 PM.
  • LukeMarshallLukeMarshall Posts: 1,992 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Congrats on completing the set, the 21-s looks great and I’m sure the rest of your collection looks great as well.

    It's all about what the people want...

  • joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 16,651 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 14, 2021 11:36AM

    Wow! What a goal you set out for yourself.
    The best part, you achieved it! Very awesome. It's great you didn't let anything hinder you. Like you mentioned, not only in your patience but your thinking about the financial aspects. So glad for you. This is what this, "Hobby of Kings", is all about. Satisfaction by the collector. You inspired us all, at least myself.
    Now, go and start hunting for all those varieties in the Walker Series! :D
    Congratulations :)

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • rmorganrmorgan Posts: 249 ✭✭✭✭

    Congrats! The Walker is my favorite design, and I know how expensive this set can be to complete with quality specimens.

    Your sixteen year journey is a testament to being persistent and long-term with one's goals.

    My strategy is about collecting what I intend to keep, not investing in what I plan to sell.

  • bolivarshagnastybolivarshagnasty Posts: 7,351 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Super solid example to finish your set. Big Congratulations!

  • calgolddivercalgolddiver Posts: 1,505 ✭✭✭✭✭

    congratulations on completing your Quest ...

    Top 20 Type Set 1792 to present

    Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set

    successful BST with Ankurj, BigAl, Bullsitter, CommemKing, DCW(7), Downtown1974, Elmerfusterpuck, Joelewis, Mach1ne, Minuteman810430, Modcrewman, Nankraut, Nederveit2, Philographer(5), Realgator, Silverpop, SurfinxHI, TomB and Yorkshireman(3)

  • WAYNEASWAYNEAS Posts: 6,886 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I can feel your adrenalin flow.
    Congrats.
    Wayne

    Kennedys are my quest...

  • SkyManSkyMan Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭✭✭

    CONGRATULATIONS on completing the set!!! It's a lovely piece!!!

  • WalkerfanWalkerfan Posts: 9,481 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @joeykoins Thanks!! :) The hinderance aspect was more searching for the top quality examples within my optimal grade range. I always looked for the best that I could find and turned down countless others. I was quite the Walker snob! LOL Maybe, now, I'll start a Walker Proof set? Only seven coins there. LOL ;) I dunno....That's just an idea. No plans at the current time...I'm just glad to be done. It is very satisfying.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • BuffaloIronTailBuffaloIronTail Posts: 7,494 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @J2035 said:
    Love the 1921-S - absolutely stunning. Congrats on the set completion!

    It even looks like it has a split finger instead of a clam. Yeppers. Real nice.

    Pete

    "I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
  • coinnutcoinnut Posts: 1,432 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Congratulations on a major accomplishment! I can appreciate the dedication it took to complete a set like that as I completed my large cent collection a few years ago. A lot of work but the hunt was fun.

  • WalkerfanWalkerfan Posts: 9,481 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @BuffaloIronTail said:

    @J2035 said:
    Love the 1921-S - absolutely stunning. Congrats on the set completion!

    It even looks like it has a split finger instead of a clam. Yeppers. Real nice.

    Pete

    Thanks!! That was very appealing to me, as well. I noticed it, right away.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • keetskeets Posts: 25,351 ✭✭✭✭✭

    It is an NGC XF 45, so it is not a mint state example like the rest of my set. HOWEVER, I feel that this piece matches well, in quality

    it always feels good to complete a goal set a long time ago, so congratulations. now, do what I did: look at your 21-S and squint just enough to cover up the obvious wear and it'll fit in even better!!! :p I doubt you'll stop chasing Walkers so I hope you find your MS 21-S to REALLY complete the set.

  • CoinJunkieCoinJunkie Posts: 8,772 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Congratulations on a major achievement!! I recall how excited and fulfilled I felt when I completed my toned Roosie set to my standards, after a twenty year period of vigilant searching.

    So whatcha gonna do now? B)

  • fcloudfcloud Posts: 12,133 ✭✭✭✭

    Congratulations. Now the quandary of what to do next. Have fun with your new adventure.

    President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay

  • ThreeCentSilverFLThreeCentSilverFL Posts: 1,694 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Fantastic completion!

  • Che_GrapesChe_Grapes Posts: 1,884 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Now onto the franklins ...

    BTW isn’t the 1921 P also very rare and hard to get? That’s one I have been after for a long time, I’ve been trying to get a P mint 1921set, cent, dime, quarter and walker to go along with the 1921 Peace but that year is hard to get for anything - the dollar is the easiest one (and that one hard / pricy in MS 65 or above) - so congrats to you.

    Now you can sell the whole thing for a loss ;)
    (Kidding)

  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,825 ✭✭✭✭✭

    A top 10 registry set in a heavily-collected series is a major accomplishment. Congrats!

  • david3142david3142 Posts: 3,566 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Congratulations on your accomplishment and calling the journey with a great example of a key date. I do hope that you will share your set with pictures and the insights you have gained along the way. I think it would make for excellent reading and a valuable resource on this forum. I love the Walker design and I look forward to learning from your experience.

    Are you planning to keep upgrading the set?

  • WalkerfanWalkerfan Posts: 9,481 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 27, 2023 8:07AM

    @keets said:
    It is an NGC XF 45, so it is not a mint state example like the rest of my set. HOWEVER, I feel that this piece matches well, in quality

    it always feels good to complete a goal set a long time ago, so congratulations. now, do what I did: look at your 21-S and squint just enough to cover up the obvious wear and it'll fit in even better!!! :p I doubt you'll stop chasing Walkers so I hope you find your MS 21-S to REALLY complete the set.

    You are a FOOL if you FAIL to see the absolute scarcity, condition rarity, quality and uncompromising originality of this 1921-S half. This is an exceptional piece. Like I said...I MAY upgrade it SOMEDAY but, for now, I am delighted and feel extremely fortunate to own this piece. Thanks.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 35,292 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Congratulations!

  • Dave99BDave99B Posts: 8,608 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Congratulations on this amazing set. What an accomplishment!

    Love the 21-s. Sooooooo original.

    Dave

    Always looking for original, better date VF20-VF35 Barber quarters and halves, and a quality beer.
  • stmanstman Posts: 11,352 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Congratulations!

    Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!

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