Options
Help - I'm in a Typeset Conundrum
Typetone
Posts: 1,622 ✭
I'm starting to build quite a nice group of 19th Century type pieces. I had thought I would like one example of each major type and not every variety. For example, one seated quarter instead of all six subtypes. The reason is that I prefer to buy pieces graded at least MS63. For many of the early subtypes, these can be prohibitively expensive. The problem is that the complete C/N/S type set requires all the varieties as well as the major types. We also know that you are severely penalized for partial sets. So, here are my choices:
1. Register my major types version of the set, so that I can share images of my coins with the public. But realize my set will never make the top ten, and thereby be psychologically damaged!
2. Keep the collection private and only post images on occassion on the Boards.
3. Start to expand the collection to the varieties, but be satisfied with AU and EF pieces for some of the expensive types.
4. List the set in the NGC registry where the incompleteness penalty is much less.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Here is an example of one of my coins. This one is graded MS64 and was acquired courtesy of Mike at Larry Whitlow.
Greg
1. Register my major types version of the set, so that I can share images of my coins with the public. But realize my set will never make the top ten, and thereby be psychologically damaged!
2. Keep the collection private and only post images on occassion on the Boards.
3. Start to expand the collection to the varieties, but be satisfied with AU and EF pieces for some of the expensive types.
4. List the set in the NGC registry where the incompleteness penalty is much less.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Here is an example of one of my coins. This one is graded MS64 and was acquired courtesy of Mike at Larry Whitlow.
Greg
0
Comments
Greg,
I vote for #3. And to me it looks like NGC has bigger gaps in they way they award points in the thousands.
And BTW, very very nice Bust Dime!!!!
Jon
I hadn't really given any thought to how hard the C/N/S/ Set would be to complete until I registered mine, about a year ago. Most of what is listed I already had in my collection. That's because I've focused my collecting habits on type collecting almost exclusively. I've added a few coins since I first listed the set, partly as a result of completing other Registry Type Sets. Like you, I'm concerned about the cost of completing the set in mint state. Also, like you, I would like to have a nice set of major type coins, without the subtypes/varieties. Perhaps that's a set PCGS will consider in the future.
I guess the question you have to ask yourself is, do you want to collect coins to participate in the Registry, or collect coins because you enjoy the hobby.
Let me say nice Bust Dime too! I've been eyeing that for a week. Nice coin! I especially notice when an 1829 is for sale, in any grade. You never know when you might cherrypick a curl base 2.
Congrats on the 20th Century Type Set too!
You could also consider buying the major types, then moving into other types. These can be gold, Alaska gold pieces or other things.
I don't know exactly how psychologically damaged you would be with an incomplete set!!! Once you finish the major types you will want to buy something. Varieties? Gold? Work on a series?
Personally I am not adding coins frequently. But I want the major types before the varieties. That include gold and California fractional gold too. It also includes one Hard Times Token and one Hobo Nickel. I keep expanding my definition of what a type set is
Either registry is just "frosting" on the numismatic "cake." The registry sets are mearly templets representing what most collectors view as commonly put together sets. It has the side benifit of providing a little fun competition. Since the set you're working on doesnt fall into any of those templets... well... just dont worry about it. (Heck, I've been waiting for a year and a half for the lincoln cent shortset 1934-1958.) I would certainly place you're set in the major type set registry if you want the pictures displayed for the rest of us to see. Just dont go there and look at your rankings every day, and it'll supress the desire to go out and buy something just to improve your rank. I talked my wife into doing this with her toned coins. You can take a look at it if you like. You can tell from what's being put in it, that there's no way the set will ever be 100% complete. I dont expect we'll buy any of the earlier stuff for it. Try finding a rainbow Chain Cent... Ha! ...for that matter, even if one existed, try paying for it! Also, that "Complete Type Set" does not include any coins after 1964. What's the deal with that? How can you have a "complete" type set and totally ignore the clad coins? She's got a killer Kennedy and Roos. Dime I'd like to put in that registry, but they dont have a slot for it. Bottom line, collect what you want and if it happens to fit in a registry, great.
Best wishes,
David
(or you could sell your type set and buy Canadian - there are many sets where you would be first!)
My Type Set
Tom
09/07/2006
Greg, I just had a thought. Perhaps this is something you could sue PCGS for, psychological damage.
I'm sure there's a lawyer of two on one of these forums that could advise you. With the settlement proceeds you could possibly afford to complete your CNS set.
Just a thought!
(Just kidding, don't ban me)
We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
I see you asked if PCGS could create a basic type set on the Q&A and HRH replied:
"Greg...This is something we need to do pronto. BJ and I are working on gold coins right now. Next up is revamping the type sets and first on the list will be the basic sets. Should get to them in the next 30 to 60 days."