Collector Goals… Got Any? Post ‘em here!
renomedphys
Posts: 3,686 ✭✭✭✭✭
This topic seems extremely on pointe and relevant, but is it discussed? Without delving too “inner psyche” are there any larger goals that you are trying to achieve, or if you’ve already reached them, where did you go from there?
I’ll start.
I collect cents. I’m not sure exactly why but I think it has something to do with a fascination with copper and how it ages and weathers. I rarely venture outside the denomination for my own collection. Half and two cent coins hold very little interest for me. I began primarily as a Lincoln Cent collector, and a Type collector.
Now I collect primarily One Cent Type, with a few small complete sets that I’m building along the way. I think it’s a lot easier to focus on a small series, which has something to do with why I chose Classic Cents, Flying Eagles, and Matte Proof Lincolns. Plus the fact that I adore each series, and they’re really hard to do right.
As for type, ultimately I would like to own at least one example of what I consider to be a standalone type within each series of cents issued by the US Government from 1793 to date. As it turns out this too is an extremely tall order. Even avoiding “one-off’s” like Strawberry Leaf and Reeded Edge Cents, I still need three Chain Cents, three Wreath Cents, and a ‘93 Lib Cap!
Right now I’m still missing a lot of sub-types, but am very happy that I at least have one of each major type. The closest I am to completing any of my small sets is my Fliers. I still need a large letter proof and I’m just waiting for the right opportunity. I also only need a 1910 proof Lincoln for my MPL set. Again, waiting. The Classic Cents I may never get the way I want, but at least the chase will endure.
There. Anyone else want to share?
Comments
My most recent focus is an old holder Anacs Morgan "grading" set for which I have a thread going. I need an AU 53 and VF 35 to finish a continuous run from 30 to 66 (also need the lower grades).
Another goal is a PCGS or NGC silver coin from Uzbekistan. There are a few on eBay but the price is 2x-3x where I would like to be. The search continues!
Goals? To have fun, and not spend money I can't afford to lose doing it.
Present activity in furtherance of the foregoing: I periodically look though my albums, to see if there are any coins that stick out as substandard, compared to the rest in the album. If (i) the answer is "yes," and (ii) it can be significantly upgraded for a price I would be willing to pay, I put it on a list, and start looking.
The only two slots in my many albums that are empty are the 1916 standing Liberty quarter and the 1893-S Morgan dollar; I periodically try to convince myself to buy a low grade copy, just to "complete" the set. But then I haul out my 1916-D Mercury dine, in G4 condition, and remind myself that I find coins that worn not to be attractive, so I don't buy the quarter or the dollar.
The thing about "upgrading" is that it's a never-ending cycle, if you're doing this on a budget. After I finish one round of upgrades, I again look at the album to see if any coins stick out as substandard. Sometimes, the answer is "yes," and off I go again.
I will continue the hunt for scarce chopped trade dollar varieties. As that is a slow pursuit and is probably literally impossible to complete, I also will add to my gold box of 20 and misc box of 20 as well as leisurely adding chopped world coins from time to time
Edit; and have fun doing it!
I make detailed goals every and I “mostly” stick to them, They’ve been the same last few years.
1) Add the missing coins to my slabbed 7070. I added a few gold coins and upgraded 2 coins to proofs.
2) Add the missing coins to my slabbed IHC collection. I added a proof IHC
3) Add/upgrade my US currency type set. Picked up a few have signed fractionals, upgraded about 7 large sized notes and added my first error note.
4) Add to my coins/currency collection from Portugal, I added 1 very very rare coin and 3 extremely rare notes.
5) Get a few mint items (like the Morgan/Peace and the innovation dollars)
6) Add to my stash, focusing more on gold.
It generally doesn’t change. These goals can last me a lifetime.
My current registry sets:
20th Century Type Set
Virtual DANSCO 7070
Slabbed IHC set - Missing the Anacs Slabbed coins
With coins, my current goal is finding more amazing CBH's, in ChAU grades with pleasing skin, color, surfaces and luster.
I would like to finish a modified Redbook Set (skipping a couple in the regularly accepted list) / Full Year Set - I'm 51 of 66, by my definition, and will want to upgrade a few as time goes on. Also am trying top get one of the top three DM's for rarity of each year, and to satisfy my desire for 1827's, I am trying to get the dozen full R.4 DM's (halfway there).
“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
First and foremost, to enjoy my collecting journey, when I'm doing that the rest of the hobby falls into place. I did achieve a long-time goal when I finished my 09-58 date and mintmark Lincoln set in unc many years back. Now my biggest goal is to enjoy those coins, be a good steward of them, and to continue to learn more about the coining process as I continue to add a few type coins each year.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
1.) Finish my 7070.
2.) 1861-O CSA issue
3.) Three dollar gold piece
4.) Seated liberty half collection.
I’m quite ambitious, aren’t I?
Type collector, mainly into Seated. -formerly Ownerofawheatiehorde. Good BST transactions with: mirabela, OKCC, MICHAELDIXON, Gerard
I enjoy grading, cherrypicking, and growing my knowledge and skills.
Always been a flipper and never a collector.
One goal is to keep my wins.
Another goal is also enjoy the journey... Summer seminar, ANA Numismatics course, research...
BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out
I want to keep focusing on contrasted 1936-1942 Proofs.
The problem with these for me is I can't afford designated CAM examples, so I need to cherrypick the coins I want. Ultimately, it makes the thrill of the hunt wonderful, and it's a great opportunity to really reach into the die study element of collecting. It's a fun journey.
We need some pics in this thread.
Coin Photographer.
My primary goal is a list of 15 Seated coins. My secondary goal is to collect a select number of Proof Indian Cents. My project goal is still in the research stage but centers on Standing Liberty Quarters.
Upgrade the 17 coins in my seated quarter set that are less than VF.
I have a goal to collect all proof Washington Quarters from 1950 to 1964 in a DCAM grade. I am still missing a 1955 and am holding out for a PR68DCAM example.
Another goal is complete my 1950 to 1964 Washington Quarter variety set and to have all coins in either DCAM or CAM. There are a couple that don't exist, but I do have the only 1953 ETF variety in CAM so you never know when something will pop up.
Here is my Washington Quarter Variety Registry Set
This is my Washington Quarter Proof Variety Registry Set
445 die marriages in the Capped Bust Half Dollar Overton set. Done
Average XF grade over the entire set without buying any AU's past the half dozen I already own. At about 39.5.
Everyone can't be like Todd........
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
I just love Morgan's. A few toners, many PL and DMPL's and 1921 PL as a side set. As far as goals I mainly buy them as I go but those are what I look for.
Here is a sample of what I like to collect and build on.
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7
I can happily say I reached one of my goals. My 46 - 64 Roosevelt fb set. # 3 in the Registry. No I never had a goal of # 2 or # 1. I cannot compete with the likes of Mr Hansen or Halycon. I done it on a working mans budget with a helluva lot of overtime. Goals now ?? Save for a ms63 or 64 1932 D Washington which will complete that set in that grade or higher. Fixing to retire soon so I gotta get it done quick.
My goal is to complete a basic circulated gold dollar set. But that’s economically impossible for me so I’ll get as far as I can get. My secondary goal is to complete several raw coin sets. I almost have a complete set of mercuries, 1932-1975 washingtons, 1909-1995 cents, and 19th century types. Have completed a 1938-1975 set of Jeffs and a 20th century type.
My goal is not to take a bath in and get buried in coins I like.