SET REGISTRY PARTICIPANTS: WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU

Steve

I finally acquired the last coin I needed to complete my Lincoln cent wheatback proof set (1909-1958), the 1936 satin in PCGS PR64RD.

That got me to thinking about how I approach the Set Registry versus how I perceive others approach it. I think most of you strive to get the best coin (highest grade) that is available and affordable to you, even if it takes you longer to complete your set.

I have first strived to complete the set with a coin that I could afford. As a result, although I now have 100% completion in all three Lincoln early proof set registries, I rank dead last in the GPA weightings. In otherwords, if everyone who is currently registered in these three registries completes their sets at their current GPA, they will all finish higher than me.

Now to my question. What is more important to you regarding the set registry. Completing the set as soon as possible or getting the best coins available and affordable recognizing that may take longer. I'd appreciate your thoughts to either support or change my perception.

Thanks,
Steve

toothpuller

In my opinion putting together a Registry Set is something that should be done slowly and savored, like drinking a fine bottle of aged single malt Scotch or having good sex - these things are better when they are not done in a big hurry.

PTVETTER

Whitewashqtr

The reason my silver Washington set isnt finished yet is that I have several key coins to go and just dont want to spend the money for a lesser graded coin. I would rather have that MS66 in my collection than a deadbeat MS64. I dont like to fill holes.

I say, buy the best coin you can to put in your set. Even if you have to wait. The coins are out there.. just be patient.

I'm on 3 1/2 years and counting!!

WWQ

Fairlaneman

This is the first time I will admit that in the beginning (Registry beginning for Me that is) I bought dimes to complete the set with little reguard to what they looked like or whether I really liked the coin. This was basically done with the later dates as I had quite a few of the early dates before I even knew the Registries existed. Well about 6 to 8 months ago I took a look and found that some of the coins were not to the liking that I have. So to answer your question up untill 6 or 8 months ago it was completion at any cost. Now it is completion, but with the Quality I can afford and the Look that I like.

IMVHO all should take thier time and get what they can afford and with the look they want in the end. I will make one exception to this statement. Within the Series collected I believe some Great Values exist one grade lower. By all means I do not think a collector should pass these up if they become available.

Ken

Typetone

I usually set out a goal which I state as a grade for each date. Then I try to find an exceptional example at that grade level. Sometimes if I really find a nice example at a lower grade I will buy it. Then if I upgrade later I will either keep it as a nice dup or sell it knowing I can probably get my money out or more. For example in my late date Walker set I wanted to buy the 1935 in MS67. When I found a really nice MS66, I bought it and went to look for other dates. Sometimes it is possible to find a better example. I wanted to buy the 1940 in MS67. Well I got a nice deal on a very pretty MS68, and decided to buy it.

The grade goal I set is determined by my goal for the series. In the case of Walkers, I ultimately want one of the world's finest, if not the finest set. So, my grade goal are high are purchases are spread out. In the case of my 1950 - Current proof Lincoln set (not yet registered), I would like a nice set, but do not seek a top ten ranking. I that case, my goals are a little lower and purchases are much more rapid.

Greg

Lakesammman

My goal is the same as it was 9 years ago - completing a set of IHC's in 65/66 red and the FE's in MS 65/66. I only buy coins that make my heart race and that people will stand in line for to buy from me.

Paultjuno

I use the set registry as another tool in helping me collect my sets. I'll often have the registry set in question open in one browser while I'm searching eBay for coins to fill my holes in the albums. I always buy the best coin I can at a reasonable price. But I'm not going to fight for the #1 spot by buying an MS70 coin for a multiple of 10 over the MS69 version. Too many coins out there that I don't own to be worried about being #1 for any particular series. Just good investment grade coins that have great eye appeal, not great registry appeal.

Of course that's just my opinion, I could be wrong

DAM

Steve,

Congrats on finishing your set!

First and foremost, be honest with yourself. Do you want to be number 1? Number 2? Number 3? Or perhaps it doesn't matter, as long as you complete the set. Time isn't important to me. If I live long enough, I'll finish what I've started.

To me, the important thing is to collect at the level I can afford, and at a level that makes me happy. I set goals for my sets. To manage those goals I maintain a worksheet for every set I'm working on, showing the Weighted GPA, % Complete, and Coins Needed. I put the grade I want, by the coin I need. This helps me remember what I need to look for. I also know what the coin will cost at that grade.

(My) biggest problem with the Registry is I've spread myself so thin. I'm working on completing 5 listed sets, and 3 others I haven't listed, including a Liberty Nickel Set in proof and 2 more Type Sets. That goes along with my collecting habits though. I tend not to focus on one series for too long. This gives me a chance to move around, if the availability of a series drys up.

Otherwise, my coin buying habits (outside the Registry) are to buy what I like, whatever the grade. Because ultimately, I'm a type/variety collector at heart.

RegistryCoin

I think it comes down to your desire to get recognition sooner or later. A splash is good, right to the top, but you have to retain it.
On the other hand, a slow steady rise can worry all. That can be fun too.
Here's my example:
With all due respect to Mr. Scher, and Dr. Cali, "the new guy", et al,
the current #25 entry, the Monster Set, is the one to be worried about...
Check out the pop.1s and those others pop.10 or under.
a commem race.

Steve

I guess my collecting desire has always centered on completion. That's why I concentrated on Lincoln cents because I knew that if I branched out, I wouldn't be able to complete (afford) all the other denominations to get complete. I was sucessful over twenty years to get all the Lincolns in uncirculated condition except for the 1922 plain which is a VF30.

When the PCGS Collectors Club started and then the registry, I realized that it was important to get my more valuable coins certified and slabbed. And so I have done that in the last few years. The fun for me in the Set Registry is getting a manageable group of my coins into PCGS slabs. I've had a few bodybags along the way. But most of my Lincolns I've made myself. The completion of the early proof set in the registry now leads me to submitting my memorial proofs over the next year. To me, it's NOT achieving the "pop-top" in the registry. It's more about achieving completeness. The goal of having all my Lincoln proofs in the registry is the fun part for me. I know I'll never become rich on my coin collecting, but I'm pretty confident that I'm not losing any money either. It's just plain fun, including reading and discussion on these boards.

Thank you for your thoughts and good luck to everyone achieving THEIR individual goals with the Set Registry.

Steve

segoja

Put together coins you like in the best possible grade you can afford. With the mark up, completing the set, then upgrading will cost you $$$, unless you have a good outlet for selling.