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REAL best set (Was #1 registry set for sale)

I was checking out that eBay #1 registry set and it is very nice.

However, in perusing the Population charts it looks like there certainly could be a MUCH better set.

That led me to the question:

How frequently is the TRUE best set even a PCGS registry set at all?

I mean based on the fact that many of the set types have less than 10 participants I imagine that the TRUE best one out these is frequently not in the registry.

Am I right? If so, my desire to get a top registry set isn't nearly as high, of course, although its still fun image

Comments

  • It is defined as the #1 set (BEST) registered in the PCGS Regestry.

    Everyone is well aware that better coins can and do at times exist and that better sets can and do exist outside of the registry.

    It is just a registry game and ranking.
    Bill

    The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>How frequently is the TRUE best set even a PCGS registry set at all? >>



    If your criteria is the pop reports for PCGS graded coins, the number #1 in proof Kennedy's is a true best set, since he has the only 1969 ever graded in PR70DCAM.

    EDIT: And the only 2000 silver in PR70DCAM.

    Russ, NCNE

  • FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,424 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It might br true that some of the Best Sets are here for Modern Coinage but when it comes too Classic Coinage maybe a couple of the sets would qualify as the Best but that is it. Registry participants are just a drop in the Bucket in the Collecting Community. Most participants will acknowledge this fact with no problem.
  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Couldn't agree with Ken more. With the possible exception of the Trade Dollar set and the 3CN sets. A perfect example is my Mercury #1 set. I'm not stupid enough to believe that a set with a 16-D in 62 could possibly be the best set. It is just the best set that is CURRENTLY registered at this time and it is a nice set that I am proud of.

    Jon
  • >>>>>>I mean based on the fact that many of the set types have less than 10 participants I imagine that the TRUE best one out these is frequently not in the registry.>>>>>>>>>

    you are correct.....there are monsters out there who will play eventually....but not until its a lock.........then the # 1 guy either gets chasing or says to all the unknowing " well .....my set is # 1 in the registry"......but he might not say that to one who knows...now would he

    later
    gregg
    my goal is to find the monsters and i go where they are but i sometimes miss some.... so if you have any and want to sell IM THE BUYER FOR THEM!!!

    out of rockets ...out of bullets...switching to harsh language
  • TypetoneTypetone Posts: 1,621 ✭✭
    If the registry says its number one, then it is number one, periodimage

    Greg
  • FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,424 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Dam Right Greg !!image
      Jon Your Set is #1 in the Merc Guys Hearts. And thats a Fact.... Jack !!image
    1. DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭

      Thanks Greg and Ken. I guess I am #1. But there are some guys nipping at my heels. Nice bunch of guys though.

      Jon
    2. Just a quick thought here - As a Lincoln wheat collector, I would be amazed if there were sets anywhere out there that could top Stewert Blay's or DPoole's. Of course, an ungraded/partially graded/unregistered set is a possibility and if it exists, I would live to see it!!

      Coppernicus
      Coppernicus

      Lincoln Wheats (1909 - 1958) Basic Set - Always Interested in Upgrading!
    3. TypetoneTypetone Posts: 1,621 ✭✭
      To add some comment to my previous sarcastic comment.

      The set registry measures the best sets not the best collections. The registry rewards completeness and the PCGS grade. Other perhaps more expensive collections might not be complete, and might include NGC or other coins.

      For example, I have the current #2 Lib 5c set. I know of two better collections in existence besides the current #1 set. Both of those collections are incomplete and contain NGC pieces. I would certainly trade my collection for either of those collections. Yet as a set mine is better. Why?, because it is complete. A set registry should not be confused with a collection registry. My guess, in most cases is that the set registry contains the best sets of PCGS coins.

      Now some will argue that there are better sets, but that they are mixed, PCGS and other services coins, and that those in fact are better. To that I say nonsense. NGC and other service's coins do not compare in market stature (the only measure that counts in my view). Let those who believe they have the coins get them crossed. They tried and they can't, they don't have the coins. Now listen to them hoot, holler, hiss, and spit and say that NGC pieces are just as good. Again, nonsense. Cross them if you can, if not quiet. I own some great, in my opinion, NGC coins. I have tried to cross them many times. I have offered serious dealers who love the coins serious money if they can get them crossed. In all cases, no success. Despite what I think, they don't meet the grade. Simple as that. My view is that NGC, IGC, et all are just tools dealers use to try and get one grade higher so they can ask more for the same coin. Many times dealers have tried to sell me NGC pieces which they claim are just as good as PCGS. Each time I have offered to pay 10% more and grading fees if they can cross them to PCGS holder before I buy them. So far I haven't had to make good on one yet.

      Finally, there are probably some magnificent PCGS complete sets that are not submitted. But the allure of the registry is so great, that I bet there are very few in this catagory.

      So, if the registry says #1, pretty good chance it is #1.

      Greg
    4. leothelyonleothelyon Posts: 8,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
      So, if the registry says #1, pretty good chance it is #1.

      Greg,
      Why are there only 5-8 sets registered in this series? The pop numbers show that many high grade,
      near complete sets can exist. And take in the fact that hundreds of collections exist in NGC and ANACS
      slabs. And how many raw sets exist. Practically every date has been minted in the millions and PCGS has graded only 20-100+ in any given grade for the exception of a few pop 1 coins. The percentage of high-grade liberty nickels that have passed through the PCGS grading system is very low, say 1% of 1% of 1% and so on. Before the PCGS registry set began, there were many great collections already in existence. Not every collection or collector has jumped on this bandwagon. The PCGS registry caters to only 5-8 collections that are 60 to 100 percent complete. Here's my point. I collect the FS Jefferson nickels and if Frank Corso (the owner of the #1 PCGS FS Jefferson collection) and I got together or better yet if it were arrange where several FS collectors got together to spread out their wares, what do you think would happen? First every one would acknowledge that there were not one but several great collections there and that every collection would have coins that the other collectors would desire. And at the conclusion of such an event everyone may conclude who has the best set. But if that were to be the case that would certainly not be the highlight of the day. The PCGS registry would be the last thing on anyone’s mind.
      Well, I've decided not to go on any more about this. Enjoy your collection and the hobby. You have your reasons for your way of thinking and that's OK. The majority of collectors don't have the financial ability to certify a coin at $30 a crack. So maybe your title should read along those lines.

      I, Greg Typetone, who is financially well off enough to be able to afford $30 per coin certification fees, is the proud owner of the #2 PCGS registry Liberty nickel collection WITHIN the PCGS registry contest.

      That's the way it should read because everyone doesn't participate. Why are there so many collectors who have their names listed in the registry standings but yet, they have very few coins listed in their sets? The reason is, as soon as they have had a coin or two bodybagged at $30 each, they have realized that they can not afford to continue to do so and so they have quit the game, adding to their sets.

      Now listen to them hoot, holler, hiss, and spit

      I'm not in this category and those who are, are taking it out of perspective. And those who are in the PCGS registry should keep it in it's perspective.

      No hard feelings here as my opinions only express my views from my perspective.

      I don't have a PCGS registry set but I do buy a PCGS slab every once and awhile. Personally, I
      like discussing the topics and seeing pics of very nice coins.

      Leo

      The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

      My Jefferson Nickel Collection

    5. DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭

      Leo,

      I kind of take exception to your implying we think we are above other collectors since we can afford to pay $30 a coin for grading. First of all I buy almost all of my coins already slabbed. I have made 2 Mercs that I can think of. And secondly most coins in the registry are worth enough that the $30 isn't that much for the coin. And if there are people out there with coins better than ours they certainly could afford to have them graded based on what they would have had to pay for these better coins.

      In closing I don't under stand your logic at all.

      Jon
    6. leothelyonleothelyon Posts: 8,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
      they certainly could afford to have them graded based on what they would have had to pay for these better coins.

      Hi Jon

      Are you saying coins fetched the same money 10-15 years ago as they're fetching today?

      Leo

      The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

      My Jefferson Nickel Collection

    7. DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭

      Leo

      Actually 10-15 years ago was about the time that prices reached a high that hasn't been reached since. Actually high grade coins are about half of what they were then. Some less than that.

      And if you paid 125,000 for a nickel from the 50's, why are we having this conversation.

      Jon
    8. leothelyonleothelyon Posts: 8,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
      So the PCGS registry hasn't raised the prices for mercs as it has done for other the series?

      Leo

      The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

      My Jefferson Nickel Collection

    9. DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭

      Of course Merc prices have gone up in the last few years, but as I stated they are not to were they were back in the boom years when the investers got in and forced prices up to where a common date Morgan in 65 was 200-300 or more.

      That is all I was saying.

      Jon
    10. FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,424 ✭✭✭✭✭
      If my memory is correct all Classic Coins were much higher 15 years ago than now. MS65FB 44D Mercs for over or close to $100 then and now You can't give them away. Come on Leo you remember this dont you. I just feel sorry for the folks that are still holding this stuff.
    11. merz2merz2 Posts: 2,474
      As most have said,there are sets that aren't registered that would indeed be #1.I have no doubt that Stewart Blay's Registry Sets aren't really #1.There are coins out there in PCGS and NGC as well as Raw that would knock him out of the top spot.While he is to be comended for extremely fine sets.He nor any of us believe we are truely #1.IMHO
      Don
      Registry 1909-1958 Proof Lincolns
    12. STEWARTBLAYNUMISSTEWARTBLAYNUMIS Posts: 2,697 ✭✭✭✭

      Coppernicus - Is D. Poole a friend of yours ? Can you tell me Where is the BEEF in his collection ? Have you looked at the beef in Tom Mershon"s collection ? The # 2 set registry

      If you know D. Poole, tell him to step up to the plate ! UPGRADE

      There is also a SPECTACULAR unregistered Lincoln cent
      collection


      Stewart
    13. leothelyon,



      << <i>Greg, Why are there only 5-8 sets registered in this series? The pop numbers show that many high grade, near complete sets can exist. >>



      AHHH their could but don't forget about us type collectors. I own two PCGS MS66 Liberty Nickels and I am only one type collector. How many more out there are keeping these high grade coins out of the hands of the series collectors?
      Bill

      The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
    14. STEWARTBLAYNUMISSTEWARTBLAYNUMIS Posts: 2,697 ✭✭✭✭

      I have no doubt that Stewart Blay's Registry sets are NOT #1

      I don't believe I've ever heard anyone else tell me that about my early Lincolns.Is there any foundation to this statement ? I believe you once had a coin that I tried to get.........but could not afford.I'm very interested to know where you're coming from

      Stewart Blay
    15. leothelyonleothelyon Posts: 8,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
      Well, I did a little research on the merc registry sets (and congrats to you guys on your nice sets) and the three top active sets don't have the 1939 MS66FB that's being offered on ebay for a BIN of $220.
      Is that a high price for a coin with a pop of 209? There are 60 MS67FB and 3 68's but yet there are only 7 maybe 10 serious collections going on in that series.

      Come on Leo you remember this dont you.

      Up until this thread, I didn't know who had the top merc registry sets. Where they certifying FB Mercury dimes back then? PCGS was just getting started about then. But I'm sure there were FB Mercs then as there were FS Jeffersons but who was recognizing them? FB Merc Clubs?

      Leo

      The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

      My Jefferson Nickel Collection

    16. leothelyonleothelyon Posts: 8,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
      Well, guys..... i'm not replying for awhile until after the rerun of stargate SG1 is over.
      See ya,

      Leo

      The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

      My Jefferson Nickel Collection

    17. FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,424 ✭✭✭✭✭
      Leo:

      Wow I hope the Merc folks do not read your statement. In My year here there has been activity in all of the Merc Sets except one. In the last year the Registry has more than doubled with entries. We cannot say there are only that many serious sets as many of the folks have just started. Some very impressive starts have been made in a Series that you just do not click on Ebay and find all of your coins.

      As for the 39P. It is a very overrated and overpriced issue within the Series. For Me it is on the back burner or will be purchased if a Killer Deal comes along only. Something like the 29P I purchased this morning for $70 under Gray Sheet Ask. No sense throwing Good Money after Bad Money as the Saying goes. Get the Keys and then do the Up-Grades if a person wants.

      Ken
    18. DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭

      Leo

      Ken nailed that one. Why should I spend money on a 39-P in 66FB when I have one in 65FB? I have other holes to fill.

      When my set is complete I will probably go back and do some upgrading, but for now I have other coins I want and need more.

      Jon
    19. leothelyonleothelyon Posts: 8,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
      Get the Keys and then do the Up-Grades if a person wants.

      Ken
      I couldn't agree with you more. But waiting to buy those keys are few and far between the common dates that can be added to the set. But not at those prices with the high pops they have. Also noted a 1944-D in MS67FB with a BIN of $70-$80 but wow, there are almost 600 graded at that level. On further note, I've noticed for the 1920 there is only one non FB
      MS66 coin. Compare that to the 129 MS 66 graded with full bands. You would think it would fetch a higher price then a full band example but for a non FB collection.

      And if you paid 125,000 for a nickel from the 50's,

      Jon

      The lofty tag is simply another way to say, it's not for sale.

      Leo

      The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

      My Jefferson Nickel Collection

    20. FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,424 ✭✭✭✭✭
      Back to the original thread title for a quick second.

      If the #1 Mercury Dime Set that is now on the PCGS Registry was to be put up For Sale IMO it would be for sure the Best Set in existance. I see no way how any other Set could out do this Pristine Set that has been built. Earlier I stated that I believed a couple of the Registry Sets were the Best and this Merc Set is one of them. I suppose somewhere down the road it will be displaced as a couple of the other collectors are also building pristine sets.

      Leo:

      You have pointed out exactly why I am in no rush to put MS67 late date coins into the set I am building. The 44D with the Pop like that, if it is that I have not checked, also still has the potential to go much higher as Original Rolls of that date still exist. Population potential is one of the factors I use when a Dime is purchased.

      Earlier you stated that only 7 to 10 Sets appeared to be Serious Sets. I responded to that but forgot one factor that some of the Folks use when buying thier coins and may contribute to your perception that they are not serious. Many of the Merc Collectors have set goals within thier Set. These Goals pertain to the Color of the Coin, the Strike of the Coin, the Grade of the Coin and of course the Cost. What I am saying is that just because a certain coin is available it does not mean it is correct for the Set a person is Assembling. Some of the Folks look long and hard before they find the Just Right Coin for thier Set. Many could go out and add just anything but the Restraint shown by them is a sight to admire IMO.

      Ken
    21. leothelyonleothelyon Posts: 8,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
      Ken
      You have a great Mercury set. I spent an hour or so checking your pics out. At first, I thought coins graded MS63 and 64 would look scuffy or nicked up for the grade but your coins don't have all that,
      at least I didn't see that from the pics. I don't pay too much attention to every series, maybe I should,
      time doesn't really allow for it in my case. So my questions may have sounded a bit uneducated. But for the dimes you collect, from your pics, there is a great deal of detail that caught my eye on your Mercury dimes. Do you consider any of the pics you have up to have an early die state strike?

      Leo

      The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

      My Jefferson Nickel Collection

    22. Don: I'm at a loss as to how you could make such a statement as an "expert collector" on the availability of a finer set than Mr. Blays without any shread of direct knowledge or at least give us an assumption to work with. Lets look at the facts. I assume that any knowledgeable dealer with an NGC coin that he/she thought could cross would do so as the premium on the exchange would be well worth it. So this knocks all that NGC speculation out. There could be some little old lady out there who doesn't yet know that they have a great set. So probably a couple of coins in her collection could be graded as high as the top grades given to date. But that will still fall far short of a finest set mark. Another likely scenario is some little old guy/lady who actively has been collecting these coins but has never inquired in the market as to how fine a set they are sitting on (which probably would have gone straight to Mr. Blay anyway) and they are content to collect just for the sake of collecting. Possible I grant you but as a percentage player I suggest highly unlikely. I assume your specialty is NOT in early date lincolns. Unfortunately for us lincoln guys we are going to have to wait for Mr. Blay to ........... well I don't want to jinx anybody, before we see any of his set material in the market place.
    23. First sorry about all the posts that had to be cancelled. The system seems to have posted multiple versions of my reply and I probably made it worse.

      Coppernicus - first I must agree that Mr Blay's set is untouchable. I have done the math and it is impossible for anyone to surpass this collection given the remaining material available. In fact both Tom and High desert both have awesome sets as well. I mean really awesome!!!!! Have you studied Tom's pop higher catagory? Awesome. As for Mr. Poole, I have enjoyed his photographs and want to commend him on his accomplishments as well (I wish the photography technology were simple for everyone so more sets could be displayed). However, there seems to be a dark cloud on his registry horizon. The only way to toppel Mr. Blay's set is to have all new early date coins graded for the first time. Upgrades will not surfice. It must be extremely frustrating for Tom too as I'm sure he realizes this. I do however, look forward to the day that these potentially "new" coins enter the market - god help us all on the prices they will command.
    24. There is no doubt whatsoever that Stewart Blay has the hands down best Lincoln set, period. Look at the POPS and look at the GPA. I seriously doubt that anyone has better raw coins. Certainly possible nearly as nice but better? No way. He has an MS69RD 1919 and lord knows how many POP1 67's and 68's. I think the inference to the coin that Stewart does not have but attepted to buy? is in reference to an MS67RD 54 Lincoln. Am I right?
    25. If you look at the SBA MS series , DRG , the current #1 set owner , has the highest possible set available in this series , so there are no possible higher sets out there. He owns the pop 1 coins. This is an awesome set !!
      Howie
      Howie--Always looking to upgrade SBA , MS Eagles & Ikes
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