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What is your second set? What is your first set?

semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited November 23, 2024 10:51AM in U.S. Coin Forum

Most of us have many sets, but work primarily on 1 or 2.
My first set is gold coins, but has no definite goals yet. Just better date coins.
My second set is a group of 20th century type coins. This goal is the coin does not have to be high grade, but be nice for the grade and I prefer better dates.

I've collected lots of 19th century coins and wanted something different, about 3 years back.

I only buy 1 or 2 gold coins a year, but they tend to run pricey, So it feels like a second set is in order so i can enjoy bringing home more coins. These coins will be less pricey. I just started the set a few months back.

What are your first and second sets? Do you want to show any prized coins. Do you work on many sets at once?

This is one of my first 20th Century Type coins. I like the toning and the strike of the date. This is toward the top of the range that I wish to pay for each of these coins. That's probably wishful thinking knowing coins and knowing me.



This is my rarest gold coin

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Comments

  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 28,435 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Love the 1921 slq and the rest 👍

  • oldabeintxoldabeintx Posts: 1,985 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1. US Federal type including proof.
    2. US territories type
    3. Pioneer type
    4. Colonial type
    5. US Type by Coinage Act
    6. Foreign type that circulated in US prior to 1857
    7. Medals of Jean Dassier
    8. Odds & ends.

    All are ongoing other than Colonials and US territories.

  • oih82w8oih82w8 Posts: 12,259 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 23, 2024 2:20PM

    7070
    &
    My birth year set in Cameo

    oih82w8 = Oh I Hate To Wait _defectus patientia_aka...Dr. Defecto - Curator of RMO's

    BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
  • lcutlerlcutler Posts: 561 ✭✭✭✭

    Primary is Connecticut coppers by die variety, and since that is impossible to complete, I have Barber Halves going as well.

  • The_Dinosaur_ManThe_Dinosaur_Man Posts: 969 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Half Dimes are my primary
    Bust/Seated Dimes are my 1.5
    and Proof Lincoln Cents are my #3

    A couple of inexpensive foreign sets are in my list as well, none of which I'm spending any serious money on.

    Custom album maker and numismatic photographer.
    Need a personalized album made? Design it on the website below and I'll build it for you.
    https://www.donahuenumismatics.com/.

  • yspsalesyspsales Posts: 2,426 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 23, 2024 3:19PM

    7070 style type set

    Circulated IHC

    1878 8TF Morgans... selective VAM's between the 14 and 15

    BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out

  • M4MadnessM4Madness Posts: 364 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November 23, 2024 3:30PM

    My first set was the thirteen Carson City Morgan dollars in XF45. I've just began my second set, which will be an XF45 Carson City type set. I'll start with the silver denominations and perhaps one day I'll pick up the three gold ones as well.

  • alaura22alaura22 Posts: 3,225 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I collect all US coins so everything is on my list :)

  • BustDMsBustDMs Posts: 1,618 ✭✭✭✭✭

    By die marriage
    Capped bust halves
    Draped bust halves
    Capped bust half dimes
    Capped bust dimes
    Bust quarters, all types
    An occasional something or another that catches my fancy

    Q: When does a collector become a numismatist?



    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.
  • mirabelamirabela Posts: 5,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 23, 2024 5:38PM

    Primary is US type. Being realistic about my budget and priorities I'll probably never pursue pre- Classic Head gold, pre-1798 copper, or any small eagle silver, and if I ever do reach for any of those things I certainly will not be striving for anything like completion.

    Secondary is classic commemoratives. I'm not a completionist there either -- very far from it, in fact -- I just have a nice little group with designs I like and/or subjects of personal significance.

    I've also got a collection of unc and proof Jeffersons 1938 - 2007 that I consider pretty much done -- I have all the coins I was ever trying to get for it, and I'm not pursuing upgrades. Maybe someday I'll get a 43/2-P or something like that if I blunder onto a great one at a price I can stomach, but it's not a project I'm working on anymore.

    mirabela
  • OAKSTAROAKSTAR Posts: 7,459 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Key dates in ANACS small soap bar slabs.
    &
    Upgrading my 7070 from time to time.

    Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )

  • willywilly Posts: 333 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Primary is the Complete US Type Set 1792-1964 in PCGS CAC down to 6 coins but all are extremely expensive so I probably will never finish the set.

    Secondary set is $20 Saints and am about to the point we’re I can no longer afford to continue with this set.

    So I guess I need to find new primary and secondary sets to start over.

    Island City Collection

  • alaura22alaura22 Posts: 3,225 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @willy said:
    Primary is the Complete US Type Set 1792-1964 in PCGS CAC down to 6 coins but all are extremely expensive so I probably will never finish the set.

    Secondary set is $20 Saints and am about to the point we’re I can no longer afford to continue with this set.

    So I guess I need to find new primary and secondary sets to start over.

    Island City Collection

    Just looked at your Complete US Type Set 1792-1964 <3<3<3
    Great set willy,
    I'm at #17 I'm the same as you, all CAC, long way to go for me

  • ShurkeShurke Posts: 403 ✭✭✭✭

    My primary focus is Mercury dimes. At the moment the circulation strikes are taking a back seat to the proofs, but that flip flops on me occasionally.

    My second set is a short set of Indian quarter eagles. Not sure yet whether I’ll eventually pursue the entire run.

  • BarberianBarberian Posts: 3,634 ✭✭✭✭✭

    '1. Seated Liberty halves - by date and mm, plus scarce die marriages, and cherry picking 1855/54s for "fun and profit."

    PCGS VF35

    A "CoinFacts trifecta" in the first two months cherry picking 1855/54s.

    '2. Circulated classic commemoratives for their lower cost and the design enhancement that comes with circulation.

    Both are raw. I grade the Bay Bridge as AU and the Texas as XF - frankly, grades are irrelevant so long as they've circulated.


    ANACS AU50

    '3. Newfoundland halves for their scarcity, and low-cost Canadian halves and dollars for cool bullion and color. I've always liked Canadian coins.

    PCGS XF40, Mintage - 48,000

    Raw VG8 - Mintage 37,675

    PCGS XF40, Mintage - 28,000

    Raw VF35

    3 rim nicks away from Good
  • EastonCollectionEastonCollection Posts: 1,415 ✭✭✭✭✭

    1st set - Capped Bust dimes by die marriages
    2nd Set - Got a few sets going but nothing it very far along as finding ones for any sets are very slow going.

    Easton Collection
  • calgolddivercalgolddiver Posts: 1,475 ✭✭✭✭✭

    1st - cal fractionals - will never be complete
    2nd - US type set - need early $10

    Top 25 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)

  • seatedlib3991seatedlib3991 Posts: 765 ✭✭✭✭✭

    My overall goal is to build a date set from 1837 to 1891 using whatever denomination I prefer.
    Inside that set I have specific goals featuring Seated Dimes, Seated Quarters and Seated Halves. My intention is to include a coin from each decade and from each mint. I intend to finish the group off using proof Indian Cents. looks like 2025 will be the year I start adding the Indians. James Thanks for the question.

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @lermish said:
    My primary set is chopmarked trade dollars. This coin recently CACed:

    My secondary set is Japanese Koban. I just added this coin yesterday:

    My tertiary collection is World (including US) gold. This is my most recent addition:


    The trade dollar is beautiful. I took your pictures of the gold coins and put them into Chatgpt and learned something. Thanks you! The Japanese coin is particularly exotic. Both coins are beautiful! Did Chatgpt get it right with the Japanese coin? This is what it described:
    This is a Japanese Keicho Koban, a type of oval gold coin from the Edo period (1603-1868), as indicated on the label of the grading holder from PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). Here's a breakdown of its significance:
    Details of the Coin

    Time Period:
        The Keicho Koban dates to the early Edo period, specifically during the reign of Tokugawa Ieyasu (late 16th to early 17th century). The coin is labeled "Keicho - Early Period," placing it within the early years of Tokugawa rule.
        The coin's period name, "Keicho," references the era in Japanese history (1596-1615).
    
    Material and Weight:
        It is made of gold and weighs approximately 17.88 grams, as marked on the PCGS holder.
    
    Condition:
        This coin is graded MS62 (Mint State 62), which indicates it is uncirculated with minor imperfections.
    
    Design:
        The oval shape, engraved patterns, and inscriptions are characteristic of the Koban.
        The markings on the coin signify its official minting and weight verification by the Tokugawa shogunate.
    

    Historical Significance

    Economic Symbol:
        The Keicho Koban was part of the Tokugawa currency reform. These coins helped standardize the Japanese monetary system during a time of economic stabilization.
        It was primarily used by samurai and merchants, indicating wealth and power.
    
    Cultural Significance:
        Gold Koban coins have a legendary status in Japanese history, often featured in folklore and stories as symbols of prosperity.
        The coin's design reflects the craftsmanship and centralization of the Tokugawa regime.
    
    Trade and Influence:
        During the early Edo period, Koban coins also played a role in international trade, especially with the Dutch and Chinese merchants.
    

    Modern Collecting

    The Keicho Koban is highly prized among collectors due to its historical importance, rarity, and craftsmanship.

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @johnny9434 said:
    Love the 1921 slq and the rest 👍

    Thank you John!

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Mr_Spud said:
    I have probably dozens of sets, but I’m not actively working on all of them.

    At the moment I consider my Toned Tokens as my Second Set, I prefer these raw but I sometimes buy slabbed ones with the right look

    And I consider my Circulated Slabbed Type Set as my Main Set, ignore the copper tokens at the beginning and end, those are just so I can make things look symmetrical. This, and the Toned Tokens picture above, are actually just made from thumbnail screenshots in my ipad camera roll subfolders.

    Mr Spud,

    I took a look at your type set in PCGS and all of the coin that I saw were extremely nice for the grade! I need to return and look some more at. The tokens are gorgeous!

  • Mr_SpudMr_Spud Posts: 5,520 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @semikeycollector said:

    Mr Spud,

    I took a look at your type set in PCGS and all of the coin that I saw were extremely nice for the grade! I need to return and look some more at. The tokens are gorgeous!

    Thanks ☺️

    Mr_Spud

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 24, 2024 10:52AM

    @fastfreddie said:
    First set: Seated quarter by date, mm
    Second set:. A nice short (rare) set like Dahlonega quarter eagles with great eye appeal.


    Photo courtesy of DWN

    Nice John!
    All lovely for the grade. An 42-D choice like that is extremely hard to find. The date is rare in any grade, let alone attractive and with luster.

  • lermishlermish Posts: 3,050 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @semikeycollector said:

    @lermish said:
    My primary set is chopmarked trade dollars. This coin recently CACed:

    My secondary set is Japanese Koban. I just added this coin yesterday:

    My tertiary collection is World (including US) gold. This is my most recent addition:


    The trade dollar is beautiful. I took your pictures of the gold coins and put them into Chatgpt and learned something. Thanks you! The Japanese coin is particularly exotic. Both coins are beautiful! Did Chatgpt get it right with the Japanese coin? This is what it described:
    This is a Japanese Keicho Koban, a type of oval gold coin from the Edo period (1603-1868), as indicated on the label of the grading holder from PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). Here's a breakdown of its significance:
    Details of the Coin

    Time Period:
        The Keicho Koban dates to the early Edo period, specifically during the reign of Tokugawa Ieyasu (late 16th to early 17th century). The coin is labeled "Keicho - Early Period," placing it within the early years of Tokugawa rule.
        The coin's period name, "Keicho," references the era in Japanese history (1596-1615).
    
    Material and Weight:
        It is made of gold and weighs approximately 17.88 grams, as marked on the PCGS holder.
    
    Condition:
        This coin is graded MS62 (Mint State 62), which indicates it is uncirculated with minor imperfections.
    
    Design:
        The oval shape, engraved patterns, and inscriptions are characteristic of the Koban.
        The markings on the coin signify its official minting and weight verification by the Tokugawa shogunate.
    

    Historical Significance

    Economic Symbol:
        The Keicho Koban was part of the Tokugawa currency reform. These coins helped standardize the Japanese monetary system during a time of economic stabilization.
        It was primarily used by samurai and merchants, indicating wealth and power.
    
    Cultural Significance:
        Gold Koban coins have a legendary status in Japanese history, often featured in folklore and stories as symbols of prosperity.
        The coin's design reflects the craftsmanship and centralization of the Tokugawa regime.
    
    Trade and Influence:
        During the early Edo period, Koban coins also played a role in international trade, especially with the Dutch and Chinese merchants.
    

    Modern Collecting

    The Keicho Koban is highly prized among collectors due to its historical importance, rarity, and craftsmanship.

    Thank you very much. ChatGPT seems to be pretty accurate. These are my comments from the world forum:

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/13828042#Comment_13828042

    Keicho (1601-1695)

    This is the first of the Kobans and was issued during the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu (the first Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate; moderately fictionalized as Toranaga in the book/TV Series Shogun ). There were two distinct styles of Keicho Koban, Early Period and Later Period. Although long known by collectors, these were recently distinguished as separate varieties by PCGS. This is the much more attractive Early Period, defined by the much finer gozame which lead to outstanding luster. This had the highest gold content by weight for the series as its 85-86% purity was among the finest to go along with the heaviest weight at nearly 18g.

  • jmski52jmski52 Posts: 22,913 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Platinum Eagles

    Large Cents

    some Ancients & some German

    Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally

    I knew it would happen.
  • WQuarterFreddieWQuarterFreddie Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭✭✭

    2019 and 2020 W quarters.

    Nothing else interests me except for possibly trying to add every version of the 1794 dated coin made by the US Mint.



  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @WQuarterFreddie said:
    2019 and 2020 W quarters.

    Nothing else interests me except for possibly trying to add every version of the 1794 dated coin made by the US Mint.



    At some point, I need to get something with a "W"! Interesting coins!

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @divecchia said:
    My initial primary set was the "Basic U.S. Coin Design Set (1792-present)" on the PCGS Registry set. I finished it last year.

    My current primary set is the "Complete Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set (1796-Date)" I hope to complete it in 2025.

    My second set is the "Complete U.S. Type Set (1792-1964)" on the PCGS Registry. I will never finish it. I'm just trying to go as far as funds and time will take me.

    Donato

    Hi,

    Do you have links to your sets on PCGS?

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @oih82w8 said:
    7070
    &
    My birth year set in Cameo

    i tried to get a DCAM Proof Franklin of my Birth year, 1959. IT was for a presentation on Ben Franklin. There are only 26 in all grades and the lowest priced one is 3K! I settled for a DCAM 1961.

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @OAKSTAR said:
    Key dates in ANACS small soap bar slabs.
    &
    Upgrading my 7070 from time to time.

    I love key dates too!

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @oih82w8 said:
    7070
    &
    My birth year set in Cameo

    That is a broad collection! Sounds like fun with the earlier foreign too!

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @oih82w8 said:
    7070
    &
    My birth year set in Cameo

    i tried to get a DCAM Proof Franklin of my Birth year, 1959. IT was for a presentation on Ben Franklin. There are only 26 in all grades and the lowest priced one is 3K! I settled for a DCAM 1961.

  • OAKSTAROAKSTAR Posts: 7,459 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @semikeycollector said:

    @OAKSTAR said:
    Key dates in ANACS small soap bar slabs.
    &
    Upgrading my 7070 from time to time.

    I love key dates too!

    Not always easy finding what you like, at the right price in those small soap bar slabs.

    Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 24, 2024 3:18PM

    @lcutler said:
    Primary is Connecticut coppers by die variety, and since that is impossible to complete, I have Barber Halves going as well.

    Yeah, the second set fills the need to buy, look forward to purchases and hunt! I collected Barber Halves back in the 90's. Mostly lower grade, but I had some early mint marks in there too. I had a lightly cleaned 1901-S in XF.
    I never had a Connecticut yet. Hmmm

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @OnlyGoldIsMoney said:
    My main set are Liberty $2.50's 1840-1907 by date and mintmark - as linked here.

    A secondary set is comprised of one gold or electrum coin per century from 7th Century BC through 20th Century AD.

    A third set does not involve coins - old poured silver bars.

    I think the Nero is this:

    That's pretty amazing, also in great condition!

    I'm very impressed with your $2 1/2 set! Almost no one has the fortitude to collect a date range like that. i have studied the $2 1/2's some. Many don't know how rare your 1866 and 1867 are! The 1881 and 1885 are awesome. The 1842-D and 1845-OIare amazing too. Really too many rare coins to mention! Some of the Southern mint ones that you need seem to be acquirable. However those missing Philly's are a so elusive to acquire. It's a pleasure to view your set!

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 24, 2024 3:40PM

    @Black.Diamond said:
    1st - Buffalo Nickels with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1913-1938) - (Just completed this week)
    2nd - Dansco 7070 - (XF or better with a few exceptions)
    3rd - Dansco Buffalo Nickels - (w/Full Horn but will need to compromise on key dates)
    4th - Other slabbed type that I think is interesting.

    Picked this one up a couple of months ago. PCGS AG03

    You do see enough! Very cool! i had a conversation about this date yesterday evening. Even if this were a nik-a-date (which it clearly isnt) it would easily be worth north of 1K.

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Barberian said:
    '1. Seated Liberty halves - by date and mm, plus scarce die marriages, and cherry picking 1855/54s for "fun and profit."

    PCGS VF35

    A "CoinFacts trifecta" in the first two months cherry picking 1855/54s.

    '2. Circulated classic commemoratives for their lower cost and the design enhancement that comes with circulation.

    Both are raw. I grade the Bay Bridge as AU and the Texas as XF - frankly, grades are irrelevant so long as they've circulated.


    ANACS AU50

    '3. Newfoundland halves for their scarcity, and low-cost Canadian halves and dollars for cool bullion and color. I've always liked Canadian coins.

    PCGS XF40, Mintage - 48,000

    Raw VG8 - Mintage 37,675

    PCGS XF40, Mintage - 28,000

    Raw VF35

    All of these coins are so original and attractive! I also once had an 1851 $50c PCGS F-12. Yours is very nice!

  • BarberianBarberian Posts: 3,634 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @semikeycollector, thanks for the kind words! These are some of my favorite coins. I have a lot of 'head scratchers' in my collection as well from chasing rare die marriages and 55/54 overdates.

    1840-O WB-6 (R6)

    An F12 1851 is a condition rarity, IMO. I've read where low grade 1851s and 1852s likely circulated outside of the country to escape melting and hoarding and to acquire such wear. QD Bowers mentions low-grade 1851s are particularly rare as well.

    3 rim nicks away from Good
  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Barberian said:
    @semikeycollector, thanks for the kind words! These are some of my favorite coins. I have a lot of 'head scratchers' in my collection as well from chasing rare die marriages and 55/54 overdates.

    1840-O WB-6 (R6)


    An F12 1851 is a condition rarity, IMO. I've read where low grade 1851s and 1852s likely circulated outside of the country to escape melting and hoarding and to acquire such wear. QD Bowers mentions low-grade 1851s are particularly rare as well.

    Is it correct that the 1840-O WB-6 is the Die Marriage with the 1838 reverse, so there is no "O"on reverse?

  • @OnlyGoldIsMoney said:
    A secondary set is comprised of one gold or electrum coin per century from 7th Century BC through 20th Century AD.

    Wow, have never heard of that before. Impressive.

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @pursuitofliberty said:
    Primary Set is CBH's by Die Marriage. I do not expect to complete, but I would like to try and finish all but one or two of the "Red Book" Set varieties.

    Secondary passions include quite a lot of US prior to 1946, and some after, so there is always something, but funds are far from unlimited.

    I also have a great love for Large-size US Currency, so let's call that second these days since it definitely get's second place money the last couple of years.

    Two of my latest big purchases for CBH's and US Currency;

    .


    Beautiful CBH and bill! Great motif on the $50 bill!
    Grant was born on our coin club president's birthday and died on my birthday.

  • semikeycollectorsemikeycollector Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @EastonCollection said:
    1st set - Capped Bust dimes by die marriages
    2nd Set - Got a few sets going but nothing it very far along as finding ones for any sets are very slow going.

    That can be a lot of scarce dimes!

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