To block or not to block a registry set?? That is the question....

saintguru

It seems obvious to me that a serious registry set that is 90% completed should be blocked out well in advance of any major auction, to avoid nomadic dealers from trying to pimp the coins that you may want to buy. Does anyone here have differing thoughts on this, or is it just good old common sense??

badger

Does blocking mean not revealing the makeup of the set?

KentuckyJ

Legend has made the same point. I think you're probably right. I hate to see nice sets blocked but, in the circumstances you describe, it may be in the best interest of the builder.

KJ

NumisMe

I think a set should be closed when only a few coins are needed, and those coins are hard to find, or low pop coins.
I hate to see a bunch of sets blocked, especailly when they are 100%, and even worse, when they are top spots.

tradedollarnut

Depends... is there a certain registry set missing only one coin? Too late - I already remember which one!

Wondo

I was gonna block my Type III $20 set, but with only 4% complete I didn't think anyone would care.

jacktheknife

I wouldn't just block it around the time of an auction. From about 85% complete onward, I would block it permanently until complete. I have done this with my Lincolns as I was getting towards the finish line and have about 20 coins to go. As I get down to around 10 left, I shouldn't have to worry about these issues.

I do agree with others that when a set is complete the owner should open it up.

Jack

badger

How does the status change when complete? Wouldn't the same be true for upgrades (if the set was open to see)?

Bochiman

Maybe I should block my registry set tied for #2. The SAE uncirculated series.
I could go up to #1 with just a coin or two!

Heh.

I am against the blocking of the set...I mean, if you don't want others to view it, don't register it, right? (well, unless you want the notoriety in order to sell it for more $$$ or you just like rubbing it in others' noses). However, in the situation mentioned, I think it is valid if you plan to go after that last missing coin or two and there is a serious chance of someone nudging/ripping you on it.

oreville

I wouldn't know how to block a registry set anyway! LOL.

saintguru

I do believe that if one choses to be on the registry, then it should be opened...with a few exceptions. Being at 90% complete, and auctions coming up allows one to keep their potential purchases secret...although it's only half-effective since it's open the rest of the year. Frankly, I don't believe that I can be held hostage because if I did not buy another coin I would be satisfied with what I have.

Thanks for the input...keep them coming if you have anything else.

fcloud

Your point makes good sense. On a set like mine it wouldn't matter, but for high end sets I can see the potential of prices being jacked because a certain coin is needed to complete a set. I know I have happily paid too much for a few of my coins, but I think there is a few people willing to do the same a my level... After all paying $20 too much on a coin in the couple of hundred range doesn't mean too much. But on the high end it would surely could be in the thousands. I think it is nice that some tops sets are open from time to time for other to take a look. So, go ahead block those sets and watch your assets!

marcmoish

Frankly, I don't believe that I can be held hostage because if I did not buy another coin I would be satisfied with what I have.

I was hoping someone would say something around those lines - frankly I truly agree!


Just say NO, if you feel like it - compulsive folks will have a hard time with it altogether - perhaps those should keep it locked for sure.


Marc

LindeDad

I think the idea of blocking a set is very valid. And even though my sets are mostly moderns and not that many top pops. Yes dealers price to what they see as the market will take or they can force out of it.

RegistryCoin

It comes down to how much you care about money vis a vis other peoples greed, and, how anal we are about our sets. Personally, I have been very anal about my sets, and fearful of overcharging for my obvious "needs" but (deep breath) it has passed, I think...

Coppernicus

Can we all spell "EGO?" How about this: When you're getting close to the top in your category, delete a rare one, replace another rare one with one in a lower grade (keeping the higher graded one, of course), delete one of your common date/mm (keeping it, of course), and I guarantee you that people will be trying to figure out, " what the heck is goin' on?" Then, when you score the "one", slap it in your set, undo all the "devious" changes, and BINGO!!! You're on top and everyone else is goin', "HUH?"

Mike

WashqrtrsRme

Personally, I really don't see why people do this (block out their sets), regardless of the set being incomplete, 90% complte, a major auction coming up, etc. I understand what you are saying about the nomadic dealers offering coins to people if they see from their Registry set they need a particular coin, but really, what difference does it make?? We all have the ability to say "no" to anyone trying to sell us coins if we don't want them, right? Call it common sense if you wish, regarding blocking sets. I just really don't see what the big deal is, but maybe I'm not a big enough "player" to play this game. I am no. 5 in the Washington quarter Registry, and I have never once blocked out my set for this specific (or any other) reason. Maybe I just don't take things as seriously as some of the other collectors who do this on a regular basis, but we all entitled to our opinions. Regardless, when approached by other dealers, or individual collectors offering me coins in grades I may need, I have always been able to say "no" if I wasn't interested or if the timing wasn't right for me. Personally, I think collectors who participate in the Registry should open their sets for others to see, but that is only my opinion. Seems to me that being a Registry participant should be about "sharing" our coins with others/for others to see, but again, my opinion only.

Tom Schiera

marcmoish

Tom,

you said it and much clearer than my junky try earlier above - I can't seem to write too eloquently - never did excell in school ya know - but that is exactly what I meant !


Marc

saintguru

The point I intended to stress is that when you need a few really rare coins abnd one come sup in auction, it's better to shut the set a month in a dvance so you don't leave a smoking gun...telegraphing that you may be going for THAT coin. I'ts a grey area, but why not err on the safe side? THEN, re-open the set. If I didn't want it open I wouldn't have it ON the Registry.

WashqrtrsRme

Marc,

Thanks for yor kind words. I'm certainly no scholar, but glad you think I managed to capture your intent, as well.

Saintguru,

I respect your position, however I still don't see the real validity in closing a set. Even if someone knew I needed a key coin and then offered it to me at a ridiculous price, I don't feel I'm "telegraphing" anyone by them knowing I need it...I'd simply say "no thanks" if I didn't feel the price was fair or within my means. We're all individuals with our own ideas, I just feel differently about it than you do.

Tom

mercurydimeguy

As it is written in the Ancient Art of [Coin] War:

"Anyone who believes he or she is sophisticated enough to have a PCGS Registry Set, should be sophisticated enough to negotiate for coins he or she needs"

I'm kidding -- I think the joy of building a set is to enjoy it, and let others enjoy it as well. I think when you cross the line of feeling that someone is blackmailing you for a coin that you need...step back and re-evaluate the things that are really most important in life -- OK, I did -- COINS!!!!!!

Really all kidding aside, now, I've kept my sanity by remembering that I always have the upper hand -- I have $$ (cash) / they have coin -- I know and they know that they want my $$ -- they don't know if I want their coin.

Call me Freud

WashqrtrsRme

Mercurydimeguy,

All I can say is "WELL SAID"!!!

Tom Schiera

LindeDad

zzzz

I say let anyone thay wants to ... block ... BUT

When it comes time for the yearly awards Those Blocked Sets are ineligable ...

RegistryCoin

agreed... It is all part and parcel of "the game"...

idocoins

I will open mine when they are complete. I do have a few that are complete and are still closed, the reason is I am still looking for the coin that will make it impossable to beat
BTW I just deleted 24 registry sets in the gold and eagle proof sets, many of you here don't consider modern eagles coins of interest and think they are just bullion, but I disagree. I liked them, I collected them and now I sold them. It was a great ride!

saintguru

I opened the DAMN thing...Hell, I had pictures taken by the best in the biz, and I worked hard to put my set together. It exists for sharing. I've gome to terms with my demons!!

Let 'em TRY to mess with me!

marcmoish

I opened the DAMN thing...Hell, I had pictures taken by the best in the biz, and I worked hard to put my set together. It exists for sharing. I've gome to terms with my demons

yay yay you've made the right decision - I always thought the pics were super (well, we know why ) and now you have all the AMMO to head off anyone that thinks you are a dumb shmuck!! You probably feel better now too





Marc

LindeDad

Whatever like I said earlier it is the choice of the owner what to do. BTW I blocked mine last week because I was looking for a cretain coin.
I got it now I will open it again. Any more upgrades will be at my choice and not some dealer's.