Why don't more people register their collections?

DesertLizard

After barely a few months one of my PCGS reg. set is among the top 10. This from a zero coin start in the type set with no gold.

I am not complaining but am wondering where is everyone.

I know there are PCGS detractors but the framework PCGS provides is good discipline for those who just buy "what looks nice" and end up with a bunch of coins and no theme and lots of duplication. That was me in the past.

The registry has forced me to focus on collecting, quality and organization.

Am interested in others approach.

Placid

I am in the top five for five different things with just one coin in each catagory. One of them is only au.

its4real

I was a wanderer...searching far and wide but with no focus - no goal in mind...just being a coinhound and sniffing out what I thought were great coins at great prices.....

Then I saw the REGISTRY....

Now my life has a purpose - I'm focused - everything works together towrds a common goal!

of ocurse - in a year so so - I'll be finished and back where I started

goyankeez

The registry has forced me to focus on collecting, quality and organization.

Well put. I absolutely agree. Without the Registry, I wouldn't be collecting today. As a new collector it definitely set me straight.

I think a lot of the newer collectors use the Registry; but it may not appeal to the older pre-slab crowd. They may not have access to the internet, or want to participate. IMO.

gmarguli

Why? Because my 100% undeniable monster toned coin in MS64 is "worth less" than some generic Bluesheet bid MS66 dog that someone bought off TeleTrash. I may have spent $1500 on my coin and them $200 and my coin is the "lesser" coin according to the registry.

It's a system for those that chase grade on a slab rather than the coins in them.

braddick

Greg- I agree with your overall impressions other than what it to say EVERY MS64 is a stellar coin and ALL MS66's are dogs?
What of the collector that seeks both? The Monster, Eye Appealing coin that is ALSO in the higher (in your example, MS66) holder?

Now- THAT'S a challenging set!

oreville

Why?

You ask why?

Simple. I am too lazy. After working all day, volunteering for habitat for humanity and other worthwhile organizations on weekends, lecturing teenagers at night, getting the rolling eyeball treatment from the wife on new coins, hunting for coins I like, quibbling with the moles digging up my lawn, and posting comments here, you expect me to have the energy to post a registry set here?

Seriously, I like the freelance approach. I have been a freespirit, and just am not ready for such registry listings.

Dog97

They don't have my catagories. I put most of my effort & $$$$ into about 4 different year Proof & Mint Sets. I could do a Morgan set but my set is partial PCGS, NGC and some raw plus some collectors have single coins that cost as much as my whole collection so why bother. I did several type sets but I started buying slabs for the numbers and then when it came to buying the 500 different JFKs & IKEs which some cost a lot and I care nothing about better sense prevailed and I got out of the Registry Set Rat Race. I have a large error set but I can't register them. I can't register my Sample Slab set.

solid

I do have my nickel set up there. I have a proof Merc set that used to be all PCGS,
but now two of the coins have been replaced with NGC holdered examples. These
are probably the nicest 2 out of the 7 coin set, but why list a partial PCGS set when
the two nicest coins won't be included?

I've thought of sending them in for crossover (and they should any day of the week),
but from the general tone of those people trying lately, I may just wait a while, or
longer!

Ken

prooflike

The registry has forced me to focus on collecting, quality and organization

I like this statement. The registry allows me to focus on quality with the organization it provides. I can see what I need and where my weak spots are that may require upgrades in the future. I think it has improved my collecting ability by requiring me to look better for coins rather than just buying to haphazardly fill holes; this may be a result of the weighting system as I look for higher weight coins more than the commons.

Cam40

Oh how I would love to do my coin collecting in that fashion,but my pockets aren`t down to my ankles...
Ahhh Daudy,Pull the Porshe around.We,re going to the weekly grand estate sale......`.

prooflike

I forgot to add, I know I don't have the bucks to compete in the Morgan registry but that doesn't deter me from collecting. I still enjoy collecting for ME and my enjoyment of the hobby.

dorkkarl

<< <i>The registry has forced me to focus on collecting, quality & organization. >>

the registry forces you to collect according to pcgs's standards. how is that a good thing? wouldn't it be enjoyable to set YOUR own standards FOR YOURSELF & collect for YOUR enjoyment? i think the registry has forced you to focus on collecting according to SOMEONE ELSE'S definition of what is a "quality" collection.

registry = more money for pcgs, plain & simple

K S

TheNumish

I've wondered about this. There is one person I sell coins to who refuses to register his set. He doesn't want anyone to know what he has and what he's looking for. I kind of think he's missing out because letting people know what you need might help you find them faster. If they try to overcharge you on the price just say no until another one comes. How many of you have bought coins just from having an email address listed with your set?

IrishMike

oreville, a kindred spirit, especially with the moles and the free spirit collecting approach. There are collectors that get almost immersed in one series and enjoy the chase for upgrades, different varieties etc. Some relate to a sense of achievement in obtaining the finest known or highly ranked sets. I feel neither of these compunctions. Collecting habits change over time. I have learned to appreciate many different series, so I choose not to spend my limited time and energy focusing on something that doesn't appeal to me as much as just collecting.

When I go to a show I try to sample every series in the cases. Hopefully I come away more educated. My daughters who helped me collect washingtons get a kick out of going to the web and looking at other collections. Only way they can, being so far away.

au58

Dorkkarl is 100% correct. The whole registry set scheme is a PCGS marketing ploy. The whole notion of this scheme providing focus to the collector market is, to me, very disheartening.

What ever happened to collectors developing their own interests, concentrating and gaining proficiency in their self claimed areas of expertise, and deriving satisfaction from their own experiences and accomplishments?

Steve27

1) There is very little benefit to the collector.
2) It leads to collecting slabs not coins.
3) The sets don't have much thought behind them (e.g. the 20th century type set doesn't cover the 20th century).

g097103

I don't see any value added to me as a collector to play the registry
game. The only benefit I see to it is that it serves as a marketing
tool for PCGS. I collect coins, not numbers on a slab.

Scott M

Coulport

Many collectors already know how to grade.
Most if not all of their collection consists of 'raw coins'.
Their sets have organization and objectives already established.
They know what they have and don't have to boast publicly.
There is no need for a Registry to accomplish their goals

Fairlaneman

Man I just do not get why some of you folks think that a Registry person set thier standards to PCGS or just collects numbers or some of the other items mentioned here.

The Registry also opens up a venue for Meeting collectors that have the same interests as you might have. With these acquaintances it also gives you a chance to acquire coins that are not always seen on the Market at reasonable prices from these Registry folks.

I suppose there are people that just buy the number but there are also folks that do know how to grade and make a purchase on thier skill and not PCGS's.

Come on, give the Registry folks a little Break. Its real hard for me to believe that some of the Top Sets are assembled by people that are Number seekers and know nothing about Grading, Eye Appeal and ........

Ken

shirohniichan

It's a system for those that chase grade on a slab rather than the coins in them.

Coulport had it right, too.

Another reason is that there aren't enough categories. Where's the registry for chopmarked trade dollars? Oh, that's right-- PCGS doesn't slab chopmarked coins. OK, how about my collection of unchopped trade dollars. Oh, that's right-- PCGS only includes their own slabbed coins (NGC, ANACS, raw coins, etc. don't count).

dorkkarl

<< <i>Man I just do not get why some of you folks think that a Registry person set thier standards to PCGS or just collects numbers or some of the other items mentioned here.

The Registry also opens up a venue for Meeting collectors that have the same interests as you might have. >>

...and we NEED the pcgs registry to accomplish that?

<< <i>With these acquaintances it also gives you a chance to acquire coins that are not always seen on the Market at reasonable prices from these Registry folks.... >>

again, we NEED a registry to buy & sell coins at reasonable prices?

<< <i>Come on, give the Registry folks a little Break. Its real hard for me to believe that some of the Top Sets are assembled by people that are Number seekers and know nothing about Grading, Eye Appeal and ........ >>



the bottom line is: pcgs's bottom line.

'nuff said

K S

Keyrock

I agree with Fairlaneman. The coins I collect are not dictated by PCGS. If I can find an overlap great, If I can't oh well. If The coin is in a NGC holder or raw, oh well. I'm not too worried about finishing the set in a collection of plastic slabs by one particular service. Its the coins that count. My quarter eagle set needs the 11D which I have in MS62 by NGC, so it won't be complete unless I play the cross over game.

I haven't given up on Colonial coins either, nor on half dimes. I still collect fractional currency and I have not abandoned that pursuit to go for the Registry. My large cents are Milk Chocolate brown not Red.

The real winning aspect of this for me was finding different collectors who collect in the same series. I've joined the EAC and other orgs because of the recomendation from people here and I have swapped coins or filled holes because of the people here.

I guess I also do it because I have the time to do it when the kids are asleep at night. Who knows maybe I'll drop off for six months near the holidays.

Rich

dorkkarl

keyrock, i don't understand. you are, or are NOT doing the registry thing-ee???

K S

Russ

<< <i>What ever happened to collectors developing their own interests, concentrating and gaining proficiency in their self claimed areas of expertise, and deriving satisfaction from their own experiences and accomplishments? >>



So, one who participates in the registry is not capable of doing the above? The statement is patently presumptous and smacks of the kind of arrogance that does far more damage to the hobby than the "alleged" offenses of the registry.

Russ, NCNE

Keyrock

Dorkkarl,

I'm "doin it" where applicable. The weird thing about it is I refuse to play the crossover game. I think when I am finished with the sets I will probably either black them out or pull them. I think I've become indifferent to the registry over the last several months since I am now focusing on some coins that PCGS doesn't recognize.

One aspect that still puzzles me in the copper series is the rush for red. I've seen horrible looking red cents which garner alot of attention due to the bonuses applied, but a attractive RB in the same grade gets ignored. That aspect of the registry (color/toning etc) drives me crazy. It is typically not a reflection on the quality (i.e strike) of the coin.

Eye appeal is another aspect that the registry will NEVER address.

Rich

keets

some of the comments regarding the registry setup are almost laughable. as if we have to enter into it because it's there!! that's absurd. and the notion that all who are there collect the grade and don't give a hoot about the coin is kind of a generalization too, don't you think? sure, the whole thing is to some degree a marketing tool for PCGS, but it's only a downer if that's the part of it that a collector focuses on.

if you go and look at my two sets, you'll find me languishing near the bottom of both. yet they are nice sets with nice coins. if being number one is a priority, i can see how the registry may be percieved as negative. if, however, assembling a set within a specific framework in the company of other like-minded collectors is appealing, i can't understand how the registry can fail to be a successful endeavor for anyone.

focusing on the negative makes it seem larger, focusing on the positive makes IT seem larger. and at the same time, why not collect what you like outside of the registry framework? i like the kennedy design but i prefer the way it strikes in silver. i'm in the process of assembling a set in MS66/MS68/MS66CAM/PR69DCAM for the varios dates. why let the registry dictate what you collect??

al h.

IrishMike

Random thoughts about what has been posted: is it a marketing strategy, sure and a good one by PCGS, is there anything inherently wrong with either participating or not, don't think so, when I see posting that they don't care what the coin looks like, it's graded 70 I will buy it, is that good, you be the judge. Should we feel the need to defend what we do in the hobby, I will answer for myself, no. Should you care if someone criticizes you for either having a registry set or not, I don't.

The question was asked, why don't more people register their collections, should we try to stick to the topic, hopefully, will we, probably not.

dorkkarl

<< <i><< What ever happened to collectors developing their own interests, concentrating and gaining proficiency in their self claimed areas of expertise, and deriving satisfaction from their own experiences and accomplishments? >>

So, one who participates in the registry is not capable of doing the above? The statement is patently presumptous and smacks of the kind of arrogance that does far more damage to the hobby than the "alleged" offenses of the registry. >>

really, both comments miss the point. the bottom line, again, is that the registry is very strictly a marketing tool & nothing more. it is fine if you are eager to conform your collecting strategy according to the rules laid out by an anonymous agent, as long as you REALIZE that you are doing so simply as the result of a marketing strategy. the "registry" has absolutely no numismatic value at all. none. nada.

the point is that by participating in the "registry", the premise of your collection is to give material support to pcgs , NOT to enhance your numismatic experience. THAT IS FINE, as long as you're aware of it.

K S

relayer

SO where are all those low pop coins that aren't in the registry?

Dealers or collectors?

Russ

<< <i>the premise of your collection is to give material support to pcgs , NOT to enhance your numismatic experience. >>



It is dangerous to ASSume that you know what may, or may not, enhance another collector's experience in the hobby. Or, have you now developed the ability to divine the feelings, experiences and intent of others?

Clearly, your hatred of PCGS has clouded your judgement.

Russ, NCNE

dorkkarl

(edited to move text to next post - accidentally hit enter too soon!)

Russ

<< <i>so you assert that the registry has no bearing on pcgs's bottom line? >>



And now you compound your error by putting words in other's mouths. I made no such assertion. My point was simply that it is not for you to decide anything for another collector.

Russ, NCNE

Placid

Not from me. I bought most of my coins before I ever heard of the pcgs registry.
I just put the coins I already had in the registry.
And I have no intention of buying coins based on if they will go into the registry or not.

If someone else wants to buy coins to compete with others in the registry then thats their choice and there is nothing wrong with someone doing what they want.

dorkkarl

so you assert that the registry has no bearing on pcgs's bottom line? i'm sorry, but buying slabs based STRICTLY on the assigned number and STRICTLY for the registry set is NOT part of numismatics as i understand it, nor is an aspect of the coin-collecting hobby. it is, however, a definitive aspect of the SLAB-COLLECTING hobby. again, i have no problem w/ that whatsoever, as long as you realize which hobby you are participating in.

russ, i simply want to know whether or not you believe the registry program impacts pcgs's bottom line.

K S

Russ

<< <i>so you assert that the registry has no bearing on pcgs's bottom line? >>



In addition to your tendency to assume you know what is right for others, you also have a comprehension problem. Please re-read my previous post. If the words are too difficult for you to understand, I will be happy to carefully explain each of them one at a time.

Russ, NCNE

Mrpawn

Reguarding: "Why don't more people register their collections"

A. Too many people are worried that others will think less of them for having incomplete/lesser sets. (There is only room for 5-6 in the Morgans top 10)

B. Some collectors repell from the idea of PCGS only

C. Some other collectors dislike the idea of plastic altogether

D. Recent revelations of cheating to artificially raise set's status

E. Many other individual decisions.

I personally like and use the registry for many of the reasons already stated above and the fun I have had building another set of Morgans

JR's Morgans (slow but sure)

JR

LucyBop

I love the registry.... It is like having a virtual whitman album and I get thrilled as I fill in the holes and see how much a particular coin may move me up. Yes, I buy only PCGs because of their registry, but even if I didn't enter my sets in the registry I would still lean towards PCGs....In my Franklin half set I have MS64's, MS65's, MS66's. I have learned alot by examining these coins, buying the slab has really helped me know what to expect in certian grades... I have over the years boughten some very nice raw Franklins that I have recently submitted for grading to be entered into my registry set. I am excited about this and I am hoping to hit some MS65's, but I am prepared for lower grades, it seems most of us see our coins in a higher grade then what the grading services will or do... I look forward to completing this set, it is for my own enjoyment and one of many things that Lucy collects from the 1950s. And Lucy is competitive....The Franklin Registry is tuff, you need a really nice set just to crack the top 20, extremely diffucult to crack the top ten. Does Lucy want to crack the top ten? You bethca! Am I victim to a PCGs money making scheme? If I am I DON'T CARE. In the end I am going to wind up with a Franklin set that I can enjoy and cherish for years to come (the Hepkitty is not in this for the money, she loves coins, been collecting since 10 and is in it for life, just like I am for all my 50s collectibles). I am gaining knowledge from this series and I think my grading skills have improved. I did meet another person at a recent coin show in Albuquerque that has a top 25 set, this was a result of the registry. I also have a set in Franklin proofs and Roosie dimes that I havent had much activity in but I will also work on these as well..I bought a nice hoard of Roosies from a very cool forum member and I look forward to submitting them for grading and then entering into the registry... Lucy is having a blast with this! Everything I do I try to have as much fun as possible...If some take it way to serious and they are happy with that then Lucy sez cool daddy-o, many are in it for different reasons, just like many don't get in for many reasons, as for the HepKitty, shes having fun, shes learning, shes meeting others with the same interests and hopefully I can make it fun and these forums enjoyable for all.... The desire to build a 50s collection led me to PCGs, that led me to this great forum and all you wonderful people, that led me to the registry. Happy collecting Kids!!!!

Russ

Lucy,

Aside from the lack of paragraph breaks, perfectly stated.

Russ, NCNE

coynclecter

The Registry is not GOOD or BAD, its how you use it. I have a few sets that could rank in the top 5 or 10 but I choose not to register as I would most certainly be tempted to compete and maybe buy a coin I shouldn't have. I also have a large turnover and often sell coins to make cash for others. Also I don't necessarily agree with the definitions of set contents as defined. aside from my reasons I wish all the registry users the most of fun. Keep in mind though that having the #1 or 3 or 5 in the registry does not qualify as the the same ranking in existance. There are many great sets out there that are not registered and never will be.

Question:
I saw a few MS67 1943 cents in the $60-70 range. I also saw 2 MS68 coins in the $1200 range. I could not tell the difference. Would a registry collector buy the MS68 coins for the extra "point" even if they cannot "See" the difference themselves?

LucyBop

<< <i>I saw a few MS67 1943 cents in the $60-70 range. I also saw 2 MS68 coins in the $1200 range. I could not tell the difference. Would a registry collector buy the MS68 coins for the extra "point" even if they cannot "See" the difference themselves? >>



If I had the money..... Yes! For those that would say no, you can buy more coins and be closer to completeing your set, that is also a good answer......

Russ

<< <i>Would a registry collector buy the MS68 coins for the extra "point" even if they cannot "See" the difference themselves? >>



Obviously, in many cases the answer is yes. For many others of us, though, the answer is no. Which is why my proof Kennedy set will never be in the top ten. To do so requires coins with "70DCAM' on the label; coins that, in my opinion, look no better than my 69DCAMs.

Russ, NCNE

oldcameoproofsguy

I have a really great collection of MS Franklin Halfs that I started working on long before the Registry came about. Some of my coins are in NGC holders. I don't really want or feel the need to cross the coins. I may register the set in the NGC Registry but I don't know if it's really that important to me or not.

One thing is a real negative part about working on a PCGS Registry collection of Barber Proofs is that there are some really exeptional coins in NGC holders that I have to pass on because I am leary about trying to cross these coins, especially for higher priced items. It is a hard thing to tell a dealer that if this coin crosses I'll buy it. It seems that the Registry has set a new standard that the coin must warrant the plastic and not the price.

oldcameoproofsguy

I have a really great collection of MS Franklin Halfs that I started working on long before the Registry came about. Some of my coins are in NGC holders. I don't really want or feel the need to cross the coins. I may register the set in the NGC Registry but I don't know if it's really that important to me or not.

One thing is a real negative part about working on a PCGS Registry collection of Barber Proofs is that there are some really exeptional coins in NGC holders that I have to pass on because I am leary about trying to cross these coins, especially for higher priced items. It is a hard thing to tell a dealer that if this coin crosses I'll buy it. It seems that the Registry has set a new standard that the coin must warrant the plastic and not the price.

LucyBop

Another thing is that PCGs clearly states that the Registry is a work in progress.... I don't agree with their weighting system used for Franklin proofs, but hopefully they will continue to make it better and also work on all the issues that are out there for the many different sets......

DrawTwo

My answer to the original question - To register my collection they all have to be in PCGS slabs. What could be the possible rationale for taking a perfectly good coin out of a, for example, NGC slab and put it back into a PCGS slab? Sorry, I just can't go there.

I have coins, mostly 19th century some are in PCGS slabs, some in NGC, some in ANACS and most raw. I ocassionally consider breaking out the ones in slabs because I don't like slabs. I don't get a real "look" at the coin. I just don't like they the coin looks in a slab. Any slab.

Slabs serve a purpose. I can buy sight unseen with some degree of confidence. When it comes to sell, I would put any raw coins in a slab. They sell better that way.

Legend

Here is a response I wrote from the registry page where I was challanged to a showdown about a set we built:

"Sorry to be a puss Stewie, but the LAW Collection of Barber Dimes will NOT come out to play. My customer has better things to do than worry about if his set is #1 (which if he registered everything it would be). He doesn't even follow that stuff anymore. You must respect that HE IS A VERY PRIVATE PERSON.

I am also uncomfortable with these showdowns (even though many collectors appreantly love them) for many reasons. Not all collectors collect to show off or for the glory or being #1. If owning something quietly brings them personal happiness, so be it. I have respect for that."


I would say over HALF of my customers have chosen NOT to join the rat race of the registry program. Are they missing out? I don't think so. They seem very happy when they get the coins in their hands. IMHO, registering a set is all about the persons desires. It amazes me that outgoing people just can't grasp how or why private people exist.

Laura Sperber
lsperber1@hotmail.com

coppercoins

Why not register my collection? Well, that would involve having to have slabbed coins, which I am completely against. I think slabs are way over priced, over emphasized, and way too many people buy the slabs and not the coin contained in them. I disagree with more than half the grades I see on slabs, and frankly, a collector who can't grade their coins themselves (in my opinion) should move to something else.

WWBillman

dorkkarl is so anti slab & anti grading company none of his comments or opinions are worth any attention. He could and would find fault with anything associated with any grading service be it right or wrong he could justify it to himself. Same for all the other PCGS bashers accusing all registry participants of buying plastic and implying they are somehow less of a numismatist because of it. Must be nice to think of yourself as the enlightened ones and everyone who chooses a different path is misdirected and suckers buying into a marketing ploy.

I am sure those MS64 coins of yours are such high quality that all those MS66 coins in the registry are just numbers on plastic.

GIVE ME A BREAK..............

All this from a collector who has chosen not to put his sets in the registry yet.

LucyBop

<< <i>I think slabs are way over priced >>


One thing I noticed at Long Beach was quite a few of the dealers who had raw coins were asking slabbed prices, I have noticed this occuring in stores in New Mexico, Oregon and Arizona....In fact, in several cases I could get the slabbed Franklin cheaper....

dorkkarl

<< <i>In addition to your tendency to assume you know what is right for others, you also have a comprehension problem. Please re-read my previous post. If the words are too difficult for you to understand, I will be happy to carefully explain each of them one at a time. >>

russ, ignoring the point is not a suitable answer to my very simple question, which "I will be happy to carefully explain" to YOU if necessary. here it is again: i simply want to know whether or not you believe the registry program impacts pcgs's bottom line. surely you can answer a simple question w/out changing the subject, i mean you have a 50% chance of getting the right answer even if you guess, & YOU get to determine whether the answer was right or wrong! you can't lose!



<< <i>dorkkarl is so anti slab & anti grading company none of his comments or opinions are worth any attention. >>

this is precisely the type of attitude i would expect from a "plastic-only" collector, ie. that any opinion other than that of pcgs/ngc/icg/etc is not worthy of any attention

MY POINT HAS BEEN COMPLETELY MISSED.

i am 100% neither for nor against collecting registry coins PROVIDED you understand that you are collecting SLABS for the SLABBED GRADE, irrelevant of the coin itself. if you want do that, wonderful! have a field day! but just be aware of what you are doing, which is lining the pockets of pcgs. again , if that's what you want to do, WONDERFUL!

i buy coins in plastic too, but that is the extent to which i'm interested in contributing to pcgs's cause.



<< <i>He could and would find fault with anything associated with any grading service be it right or wrong >>

i'm sorry bill, but i am POSITIVE you can go through every post i have ever made, & you will not find a single instance where i have asserted whether slabbing is "right or wrong". not one. i challenge you to show otherwise. what i HAVE constantly pointed out is that a slabbed grade is an OPINION on a coin's grade and absolutely, completely, without question NOTHING MORE.



<< <i>... other PCGS bashers accusing all registry participants of buying plastic and implying they are somehow less of a numismatist because of it. >>

again, i have NEVER said that. what i HAVE said is that you are less of a numismatist if you only know how to buy a slabbed grade, and know nothing about grading yourself (& don't want to).



<< <i>All this from a collector who has chosen not to put his sets in the registry yet. >>

...which is significant because?

K S