What do you think is the most important attribute for a collection to be considered great?
MidLifeCrisis
Posts: 10,547 ✭✭✭✭✭
Completeness?
High overall grade?
Eye appeal?
Consistent look?
Value?
Number of rare pieces?
Other?
0
Comments
Consistency and attention paid to the set is key IMO.
A high grade set of coins with no special attributes or something that makes the coins unique doesn't do it for me. I think often high grade sets get confused for great sets because high grade coins are special in their own right (but not special enough IMO for a "great set"). But if each coin is specifically chosen for high eye appeal and each and every coin looks spectacular (truly special and very difficult to find), then you've got something. These sets take years to build because each coin is hunted down to the finest detail with the collector often settling for the very best, not just the best number on a label.
If those individually spectacular coins become truly special all together, then you have a "great set" IMO. @winesteven posted his Indian head set here a few months back - that is what I would call a great set. Each coin was chosen for it's original color, luster, and overall eye appeal. His individual grade requirements ended up playing a role in the final set, but I would wager that if every coin is cracked out I'd still call it a great set because of the consistency and attention paid to each coin.
Steve is probably horrified at the idea of his CAC/Eagle Eye Indians being cracked out
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Coin Photographer.
While I would appreciate a complete set in high grades I think the word "great" would have to be reserved for a complete set in the highest grades possible.
For me eye appeal trumps all others grades naturally follow.
I'm going to write something that may appear counterintuitive or even as blasphemy, but even though I believe individual coins can be "great" and someone can make a "great" buy or a certain set can be "great" to build, I don't really value or rate collections. Therefore, the idea of stating that a collection is "great" seems foreign to me. I don't know how to put it in words, but I feel a real disconnect in attempting to place a superlative on the body of someone's work in numismatics.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I certainly would not call it blasphemy, but it is a very interesting take on this topic. Thanks for sharing.
Rather simple for me. Awhile back I remembered to collect what I like and sure enough, I’m creating a great collection. As with all collectors there’s room to upgrade and expand into new aspects of the hobby.
Following this simple advice has surprised even family and friends as they can’t perhaps understand why but they appreciate my passion and dedication.
That’s pretty great 😁
🎶 shout shout, let it all out 🎶
@TomB I was gonna say, considered great by who! I am the only one I can afford to please so, I cannot speak other than to say, all of the above.
Great - of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above the normal or average
There are collections that are "great" because they far exceed what the average collector could accomplish; Eliasburg, Brand, Bass, Lilly, Smithsonian, etc. These are once in a lifetime sets to put together if you have the means and the coins become available.
This is a good question. To me, it's one that's worth remembering, researching and appreciating, for example:
Some times it's due to the greatness of the coins and sometimes it's due to the variety.
This is challenging due to the sheer number of great collectors there are and the ability to discuss the top ones.
To me, that judgment has to be relative to means and opportunity. Like if you can do what Pogue did or something, awesome -- that was a great collection, one of many. But there are also people with a tiny fraction of that to spend, but who are super choosy and purposeful in their acquisitions, who read and learn with great intensity and build collections of outstanding quality and focus relative to what's possible for them. Hallmarks of this are when every piece is in some way really special, and when taken all together there is some kind of meaningful coherence to the group -- like, why these particular coins and not any of the bajillion others that could have been selected instead? I'm happy to admire the fruits of such informed and dedicated curation as great also.
I like coins, I like collecting coins, I like seeing other collections. Certainly some collections have impressed me with quality, rarity or even quantity. However, I am very happy with my collection. To me, that is great.
Cheers, RickO
Hype by the "right" people.
Eye appeal and consistent look works for. One can really put a nice set together. It does not have to expensive, jmo
I like the above comment, particularly the idea of "dedicated curation". It conveys selectivity and persistence.
And, it doesn't have to be relatively expensive. When I see a carefully assembled Dansco 7070, I'm impressed.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Liberally quoted from a 2003 thread here: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/216317/some-characteristics-qualities-that-help-define-a-truly-great-collection
What Makes a Collection Great?
At Pinnacle Rarities, we deal with most advanced and sophisticated collectors of US coins. They purchase the highest quality coins available in the market, and they are all very specialized buyers. Most have narrowed their interests down to one or two series, or types of coins. Some are building more comprehensive Type Sets, but they also have an underlying goal or strategy that focuses their buying. But, have they done enough to ensure that they will build great collections?
Unfortunately, the answer may be, “no.” If you’re buying high-quality PCGS and NGC coins, and you’re working to complete a set, then you will be certain to build a very good collection. A great collection, however, is a special thing. In a great collection, each coin complements the others in some way, so that the whole is greater than its parts. Each coin is somehow more special and more interesting as a result of being paired with other coins. Of course, certain criteria for “judging” a collection will always be a subjective, but we believe that the traits of a great collection can be generally defined. We’ve compiled a list of the characteristics that all great collections seem to share so that you may better understand this elusive quality.
This is the single most important characteristic of a great collection, but in some ways the hardest to understand. When we look at a great collection, we should be able to say, “this collector likes flashy coins,” or “this collector was strike conscious.” The best collectors know what they are looking for, and they seek out those coins. They pass on coins that may fill the hole, but aren’t quite up to their standards. If a collector has done his job properly, an experienced dealer will be able to determine what the collector’s goal was. We’ll know what he liked, just by looking at his coins.
This does not mean that all the coins need to be matched in appearance. For example, a collector of Walking Liberty Half Dollars who wants a fully struck hand on Liberty may buy white and toned coins, so long as the strike is full. If a collector wants wildly toned coins, they may have very different looking coins in his collection, so long as the meet his standards for wild color. But, if a collector’s preference is for blast white coins and he wants to build a great collection, he should not have any toned coins in his set.
Great collections consist of great coins through and through, from the first date to the last, from the most common coin to the rarest. A great collection does not drop down in quality on the key dates. We now see some Registry collections with ultra grade (MS/PR68+) examples for the common dates and more pedestrian grades on the keys. This does not necessarily create a situation where all the coins complement each other. It detracts from the keys as they become the lowest quality examples, while still the most expensive.
This is an important characteristic of great collections, but most collectors don’t take this into consideration. A “signature coin” is one that embodies all the qualities and attributes that the collector has deemed important. But it is also a scarce coin that is not usually found with these attributes. For example, if you are building a Long Short Set of Walking Liberty half dollars with an emphasis on strike, your signature coins might be fully struck 1935-D and 1941-S issues, dates that rarely come with sharp detail. In referring to a collection, numismatists will recall these special coins. They serve as a shorthand to remembering the collection, its contents, and its overall quality. It is these signature coins that keep their pedigrees and are always the centerpiece of the collection in which they reside.
This is as straightforward as it sounds. A great collection includes all the dates, rare and common, generally included in sets of their type. No exceptions. Over the past few years, with the growth of NGC and PCGS Set Registry programs, set composition has become fairly well crystallized. You can follow these generally accepted guidelines to determine what coins belong in your collection.
This takes the concept of completion one step further. A collection that is finished cannot be easily added to or upgraded. Not only is it complete by issue, as outlined above, but the coins are of sufficient quality or similarity that a better example (for that collection) cannot be easily found. This shows that the collector has done his work, filling in each hole with the best coin for the spot. There aren’t any coins that do not belong, as these have been culled long ago. Maybe some other higher grade or true wonder coins are out there, but they wouldn’t match the overall appearance and surface quality of the other dates in the set.
These five pillars of great collections shouldn’t confine you. Rather they should aid you in defining your collecting goals and help you make more intelligent acquisitions for your collection. It is often the hunt for that next perfect coin that collectors enjoy most about their hobby. By keeping these traits in mind, you can confidently search out your next signature piece.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
If I like you, your collection is great.
Have studied collectors of art for quite awhile. For many it is the study, the hunt, and enjoyment.
For me there has to be eye appeal. Consistency then develops.
The value will likely follow to extent, reaching a level of getting whole (if that is even a goal).
BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out
Seeing a group of recognizable coins one does not often see that have strong eye appeal. The key word here is a "collection," not a "set."
When I can recognize the passion someone puts in to building their set, I consider it a great set.
"A dog breaks your heart only one time and that is when they pass on". Unknown
I had an interesting chat with a whale about this. They did not think in terms of "greatest collection," but rather "greatest legacy." So it was a question of their total impact on numismatics, not just the most impressive auction sale presentation, which they thought was simply a matter of having a fat checkbook and working with the right dealer for an extended period of time.
When this thread gets to 100 posts, I'll say "all the about". That should cover it! 👍🏻 😉
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
Time, passion, attention to detail, consistency and perhaps above all else pure enjoyment of the collector. Most of us know all too well when the collecting bug bites, it leaves a lasting, blissful and memorialized mark that few of us recover from in our lifetime. The collecting and ultimate collection is simply the transmission mechanism for our passion and love of history/numismatics(speaking for myself).
I believe “great collections” are never really truly finished. The hope of the search, an uncovered treasure yet to be discovered and the love of sharing with fellow passionate collectors keeps us all connected and engaged.
A beautiful thing about Pogue’s collection is that he has several sub-collections, including a well-matched lowball set that many of us could put together.
Thanks for finding this and posting it.
Eye appeal
Uniqueness
Rarity
High Grade
Great collections will also push the boundaries of the hobby. Sometimes there are sets that show us what's possible when it comes to grade and eye appeal. Or even more simply, it can show that something is even possible. I am working on a set that previously does not have any documented "great sets" that I am aware of. I don't yet know how high of a grade is possible. I don't yet know how consistent of a look I will be able to achieve. I just don't know if the coins are even out there. I think success could just be pushing the boundary on what's been done before and using my set to write about what I've learned.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
Other than what's already been alluded to....There is something to be said for patience and constant vigilance.
This comes through PASSION and a true love of the hobby.
When I was building my Walker set; I was ALWAYS on the lookout. There wasn't a day that went by that I wasn't searching and looking....AND it took me 16 YEARS!!
Edit to add: Don't be afraid to REACH for quality pieces. You'll regret more coins that you DIDN'T buy than those that you DID.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
“Edit to add: Don't be afraid to REACH for quality pieces. You'll regret more coins that you DIDN'T buy than those that you DID.“
@Walkerfan This is SO true and such an important point. Talk to any long time collector and they will generally tell you about the coin that got away, the one they passed on or the one they sold when they shouldn’t have a lot more than the one they found and purchased. At least that has been my experience in the past.
My feelings are that your (not you but others opinion) of my collection aren't important to me.
I like my collection and I think its great, I have everything from MS 70 coins.
To VF.
To Foreign
To currency
Whether you think its great, doesn't really matter.
My current registry sets:
20th Century Type Set
Virtual DANSCO 7070
Slabbed IHC set - Missing the Anacs Slabbed coins
Quality - which is not limited to high grade, nice for the grade is important too.
Rarity - Rarities are great, but an appreciation for some of the less dates is good too, which leads me to
Historical significance - Some rarities are just rare with no great historical significance behind them.
I am building a collection of large cents where the bulk of them were part of "Great" collections of the past. While my collection may never be great on its own it has coins that once resided in a "Great" collection. I like to think of it as a collection of Collections. This 1850 N-24 arrived today. Tough variety..R5. From Col. Ellsworth Collection. If it was good enough for Colonel Steve then it's good enough for me!
When I think of collection completeness I am reminded of a common anecdote about modern art. Someone could be walking through a contemporary or modern art museum and say "Wow. I could have done that." And the correct response is "but you didn't do that, and that's the difference."
Building a collection and completing it regardless of difficulty is important. The same logic could be applied to being the first to do something, regardless of difficulty.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
In my eyes, a great collection is one where it is clear that each purchase was thought about by the coin owner. Ie., nice coins for the grade, whatever that grade may be.
You could have a G-04 collection of Coronet Head Large Cents; if each coin is solid for the grade, to me that's a great collection.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
A great set is a reflection of great passion. If a collector has passion he can explain the set to you and point out the various things that make it special or unique but those without such passion can buy unique coins and not even know it.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and so are great collections assembled by collectors. Money and slabs might not make a great set
I’d say “greatness” is roughly equivalent to the difficulty required to build a comparable collection, assuming the collector has the required knowledge, skills and means.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
While all of the previous are excellent defining qualities, we collectors have the final say in what sets are great. I like to poke at Hansen (b/c I'm envious, etc.) because he has amazingly put together a near complete set in record time. Does that make his set great? Is he to be as revered as those meticulous numismatists of the past? Or is his set great because he's just another wealthy individual who has unlimited discretionary funds? I enjoy that the registry has brought attention to the everyman sets, many that have taken decades to assemble. To me those can be just as 'great' and sometimes as difficult as a top pop set.
I think in order to be a great collection it has to represent a great challenge.
To paraphrase Justice Stewart (writing in a very different context), I cannot define it, but I know it when I see it.
BLASPHEMY
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
My coin collection is "great" IMHO, and that's my superlative without a disconnect in my endeavor in my body of numismatics.
My view only, of course.
I can think of two ideas:
First is that a "great" collection has to say more than merely how much money one can put into the collection. Whatever the scope of the collection, it shouldn't ignore common coins (within the scope) for rare coins, nor lower grade examples for only higher grades, nor inexpensive coins for ultra-expensive ones. Think Partrick, for example. Brasher doubloons, yes, but also counterstamps, numerous HTTs, and an inordinate fondness for Vexetor tokens.
Second, it should say something worthy numismatically, more than, say, a simple listing of dates and mints of a series.
Ed. S.
(EJS)
HERESY!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
4 words
Quality for the grade
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
That's a relative indicator, so did you mean to imply that a great collection must be slabbed by a TPG?
Even if, take an average collection of "B" coins and downgrade them all so they all become "A" coins in the lower grade—is that collection now great?
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
>
nice.
The beauty of coin collecting is that there are no rules so that you can collect what you want and in your own mind, if that makes it great, so be it.
With that being said, I particularly admire a collection that was difficult to put together. The work and study involved is what makes it interesting for me. As an example, I have a very good friend who is known throughout the hobby. He is putting a set of coins together that are in poor condition but otherwise problem free. Very difficult to do.
I have been putting a set of the classic commemoratives together and with each coin have found literature (a book, pamphlet that was printed at the time) that is related to each coin. Is my set the best in terms of grade or eye appeal? Not by a long shot but the literature is an extra step plus it helps me understand the subject of the coin more fully. That's why my collection is great.