Who defines your type set?

ccex

I've been a coin collector off and on since age 11, but definitely on for the last 7 years. I've always thought that completion of a set was an important goal. I have comppleted several of the easier, well-defined sets (Franklin Halves, Jefferson Nickels, Ike Dollars), some more challenging ones (Mercury Dimes, Barber Dimes, Barber Halves), and am a two or three coins away from some others (Liberty Nickels, Indian Head Cents, Lincoln Cents). Still, my best collection is my U.S. Type Set, which has been a personal fascination most of the time since I was a teenager 30 years ago

My first U.S. Type Set album (Harco Coinmaster) had pockets for many type coins I will probably never be able to afford (Chain Cent, 1796 Quarter, Draped Bust small eagle halves, but no gold). My current album, a Littleton/Dansco 7070 includes the most common gold type (no $3 or $1 Ty. 2), holes for 5 commemoratives and 3 Bicentennial coins, but does not require a few types I had in my Harco album before (such as No Stars Seated Liberty Dimes and Half Dimes, 1873-74 with arrows Seated Coins, and Flowing Hair half dollar). Although my Dansco has no empty holes, I consider my type set grossly incomplete. On the other hand, I can not sell my soul to generate enough income to amass a complete type set as defined by the PCGS Regitry.

There are a couple "non-collectible" coins in any set, like the 1894-S dime in my favorite series, or the Sheldon NC-2 1794 Large Cent for those who specialize in Liberty Cap cent varieties. Some of these coins are just too darn rare to count as necessary for a collection. When I was a kid, I learned about these when the Whitman folder had a cardboard plug for that date. Unfortunately, Whitman never made type set folders, so we type set collectors have to define for ourselves which types and sub-types are necessary.

Does anyone here care to define what makes a U.S. Type set complete for them?

ER

<<Who defines your type set?>>
Me. No, really, it's just that simple.

relayer

ER does

rec78

You define your own completeness. Complete is whatever you decide it to be. For instance take seated half dollars-for some one is enough- but for others they may want a no drapery, no motto, an arrow and rays, a motto and an arrows coin from 1873-4. That is five different types of basically the same coin. You do not need an album hole to collect extra type coins. While a 1894-S dime is needed for a complete set by a few elite-most collectors consider it a complete set without it. The days of Eliasberg completeness are gone forever. Old whitman bookshelf large cent albums have a hole for each date only - so if you fill them all do you have a complete set? no-because you need three different 1793's alone and there is a hole for only one 1793. You could say the set is complete because you have all the holes filled. The dansco albums have holes for a lot of extra varieties-is this now a complete set-no because it leaves out a lot of varieties. But you could say it is a complete set because you have filled all the holes. Completeness is difficult to define these days in coins even if you collect all the varieties of a series you may not have a complete set because more may be discovered tomorrow.To me a complete set is a date and mint mark set of a series without any varities or date variations or double dies or overdates etc. that a average collector can obtain-(that is no major rarities that only a few can get-like the 1894-s dime or 1913 V-nickel)THIS is MY definition. Of course others will have different opinions. Bob

LanLord

I second the nomination for ER

Tyrock

I have a Whitman type set album and my firend has a Dansco album. Each album calls for different coins. The Whitman has holes for a Bust dollar, the Dansco doesn't. Plus the PCGS Registry defines what they consider necessary for a type set. Guess it's up to the collector. As a long time type set collector, I feel that your type set should have at least one example of each major coin design. My type set has everything from a 1/2 cent to a Sacagawea dollar, but I don't collect varities. Hence I only have one 1/2 cent, one seated half, etc. (as per the Whitman album). And the PCGS Registry lists several different kinds of type sets. It's interesting to see what they list.

LanLord

Okay, my serious answer.

My bank account does.

I have several type sets going at one time.

I have 2 - 7070 sets.
One real old, from the late 1960s/ early 70s, it has far fewer ports than current 7070s (this is in lower grades, I still need 4 or 5 coins)

One later 7070 with a gold page, this one is still not of the current one as it has no port for modern commems and SAEs and I had to add the page for the Bi-centennial page myself (sort of like adding the gold page). (This is in mid-grade, I need 2 or 3 coins for this one)

I have a Library of Coins that is a 2 album set - no gold (this has my highest grade coins in it, and still need 5 coins in vol 1, and 3 coins in vol2) those coins will cost about 80 to 90 thou (or more) in the grades I want (the 1796/7 half and Gobrecht $ will be most of that).

Finally, I have a bust half Overton type set, still need a lot of coins here.

Obtaining those final coins in the Library of Coin set and the Overton set just requires money and the right coins to come around.

ziggy29

I do. Which is why the type set I "define" won't have a 1796-97 half dollar. Won't ever afford that one.

OffMetal

Fred Weinberg.

291fifth

Only you should define your type set.

seanq

I also made my own checklist for my clipped type set, based on both the Dansco 7070 and the PCGS Registry, I'd be happy to send it along to you. Because of the unique nature of my set, I also included things like Mint Set and Proof errors by denomination. For many of the early types where error coins are either non-existent or prohibitively expensive, I've added a few Gallery Mint pieces.

I've also allowed the set to evolve to match my means and opportunities. For example, I didn't at first consider the 1851-O three cent as a unique type... until I found a clipped example in an error coin auction. If I end up winning the coin, then I'll probably add it as a subtype in my set, otherwise I'll be content to exclude it per my original plan.

Bottom line is this - don't worry so much about Dansco albums or PCGS Registries, just complete the set to your own satisfaction.


Sean Reynolds

TheRaven

The type set red book is really really complete so.....

I think the more complete the better, but a type set is not in my 2006 collecting plans so have not thought about it.....

I do conside the $3 gold and $1 type 2 a requirement however for my 12 piece gold type set I am working on, slowly.....

MajorDuty

<< <i>Does anyone here care to define what makes a U.S. Type set complete for them? >>



For me it's to have every hole filled in my 7070. No gold.

When I finally fill that last hole maybe I'll add the gold page, but most likely I'll just move on to something else while upgrading a few coins in the 7070. I'm trying to buy examples that are MS enough so they don't need to be upgraded, yet there are a few I'm not totally happy with.

Colorfulcoins

PCGS Complete 1792-1964 Registry set............virtually impossible for the normal collector to complete but a lofty goal nonetheless......

flaminio

<< <i>The type set red book is really really complete so..... >>

I agree. I like the way QDB set it out. I have one or two issues with it, but if one wanted a guide, one could do little worse than that book.

I will add that in the wake of the SQ program and WJ nickels, I have removed "circulating commemoratives" from my type set. This also has the effect of removing the Bicentennials, which is a Good Thing. I still collect them, but they're not in my "type set".

Baley

I think I know what a "complete" US type set would be defined as..

An example of each significant type that circulated from 1792 to present.

my criteria for "significant" is "you can tell the difference at a glance"

"that circulated" means that the mintage was intended to be released into commerce.

I'm working on it, but many of the early types are extremely tough to find and expensive when you do.

PCGS's complete type set is a great definition, one might add or delete a few but mostly their list is right on.

shirohniichan

I have a Dansco 7070 I use for my transition year type set. There are lots of empty spaces because there weren't two designs minted in the same year for many coins (e.g. two cent pieces or trimes).

I define the completeness of the collection. Others may use the same basic idea and include varieties.

The frustrating thing is that my 1807 capped bust half is too big for the hole in the Dansco album, so I can't put it in with the other coins.

ccex

Thanks for all the opinions. When I posted this question I thought about how I define a
complete U.S. type set versus how my bank account defines it. Yes, each type set
collector must define completeness within his/her budget to allow for upgrades of the
worst once it is completed.

I also agree with those who say that a type set should be
made of non-commemorative coins which were intended for circulation, and with those who
say that the different types should be significant, i.e. discernible from each other at a
glance (hence a Seated Dime with stars but no drapery is not necessary for me) OK, I
might take a longer glance at a coin than the average guy off the street would.

Here's my budget's definition of a complete type set. An asterisk means there is not a
hole for it in MY Dansco 7070, although I have owned one in the past. A W notes a type
coin I feel should be included and can afford some day. I still have at least one of each
of the others. I'd love to find an album with holes for all of these.

* Half Cent: Liberty Cap 1794-97
Half Cent: Draped Bust 1800-08
Half Cent: Classic Head 1809-1835
Half Cent: Braided Hair: 1840-57
* Large Cent: Liberty Cap 1793-96
Large Cent: Liberty Cap 1796-1807
Large Cent: Classic Head 1808-14
Large Cent: Coronet 1816-some 1839s
Large Cent: Braided Hair: some 1839s -57
Small Cent: Flying Eagle 1857-58
Small Cent: Indian Head 1859
Small Cent: Indian Head 1860-64 (copper/nickel)
Small Cent: Indian Head 1865-1909
Small Cent: Lincoln with VDB, 1909
Small Cent: Lincoln, wheat, 1909-58
Small Cent: Lincoln, steel, 1943
Small Cent: Lincoln, memorial, 1959 -
Two Cent: 1864-72
* Three Cent, silver: 1851-53
Three Cent, silver: 1854-1872 (with wreath above III)
Three Cent, nickel: 1865-89
* Half Dime: Draped Bust, large eagle, 1800-1805
Half Dime: Capped Bust: 1829-1837
* Half Dime: Seated Liberty, no stars, 1837-38
Half Dime: Seated Liberty, stars, 1838-53 or 1856-59
Half Dime: Seated Liberty, with arrows, 1853-55
Half Dime: Seated Liberty, legend, 1860-73
Nickel: Shield, with rays, 1866-67
Nickel: Shield, no rays, 1867-83
Nickel: Liberty, no cents, 1883
Nickel: Libery, with cents, 1883-1912
Nickel: Buffalo, type 1, 1913
Nickel: Buffalo, type 2, 1913-38
Nickel: Jefferson, 1938-2003
* Dime: Draped Bust, large eagle, 1798-1807
* Dime: Capped Bust, large, 1809-28
Dime: Capped Bust, large, 1828-37
* Dime: Seated Liberty, no stars, 1837-38
Dime: Seated Liberty, stars, 1838-53 or 1856-59
Dime: Seated Liberty, stars and arrows, 1853-55
Dime: Seated Liberty, legend, 1860-73 or 1875-91
Dime: Seated Liberty, legend and arrows, 1873-74
Dime: Barber, 1882-1916
Dime: Mercury, 1916-45
Dime: Roosevelt, silver, 1946-64
Dime: Roosevelt, clad, 1965-
Twenty Cents: 1875-76
* Quarter: Draped Bust, large eagle, 1804-07
* Quarter: Capped Bust, large, 1815-28
Quarter: Capped Bust, small, 1831-38
Quarter: Seated Liberty, no motto, 1838-53 or 1856-65
* Quarter: Seated Liberty, arrows and rays, 1853
Quarter: Seated Liberty, arrows but no rays, 1854-55
Quarter: Seated Liberty, motto, 1866-73 or 1875-91
* Quarter: Seated Liberty, arrows and motto: 1873-74
Quarter: Barber, 1892-1916
Quarter: Standing Liberty, type 1, 1916-17
Quarter: Standing Liberty, type 2, 1917-30
Quarter: Washington, silver, 1934-64
Quarter: Washington, clad, 1965-
* Half Dollar: Draped Bust, large eagle 1801-07
Half Dollar: Capped Bust, lettered edge, 1807-36
Half Dollar: Capped Bust, reeded edge, 1836-39
Half Dollar: Seated Liberty, no motto, 1839-53 or 1856-66
* Half Dollar: Seated Liberty, arrows and rays, 1853
Half Dollar: Seated Liberty, arrows but no rays, 1854-55
Half Dollar: Seated Liberty, motto, 1866-73 or 1875-91
* Half Dollar: Seated Liberty, arrows and motto: 1873-74
Half Dollar: Barber, 1892-1915
Half Dollar: Walking Liberty, 1916-47
Half Dollar: Franklin, 1948-63
Half Dollar: Kennedy, silver, 1964
Half Dollar: Kennedy, clad, 1965-
Dollar: Seated Liberty, no motto, 1840-65
Dollar: Seated Liberty, motto, 1866-73
Dollar: Trade, 1873-78
Dollar: Morgan, 1878-1904
* Dollar: Morgan, 1921
* Dollar: Peace, high relief, 1921
Dollar: Peace, low relief 1922-35
Dollar: Eisenhower, 1971-78
Dollar: Susan B. Anthony, 1979-80 or 1999
* Dollar: Sacagawea, 2000-2001
Gold Dollar: tyoe 1 1849-54
Gold Dollar: type 3 1856-89
W Quarter Eagle: Classic head, 1834-39
Quarter Eagle: Liberty, 1840-1907
Quarter Eagle: Indian, 1908-29
W Half Eagle: Classic head, 1834-39
W Half Eagle: Liberty, no motto 1839-66
Half Eagle: Liberty, motto 1866-1908
Half Eagle: Indian. 1908-16
W Eagle: Liberty,no motto. 1838-65
Eagle: Liberty, motto 1866-1907
Double Eagle: Liberty, motto, 1877-1907
Double Eagle: St. Gaudens, 1908-28

What else do I consider necessary for my ideal U.S. Type set to be complete, but which I
will probably never be able to afford? Pretty much everything in the PCGS definition of
a complete type set, including an elusive 1796-97 half dollar, 1793 half cent and Chain
cent. However, I would NOT feel the following pricey coins are necessary, even if I were
a billionare, although PCGS requres these:

Anything after 1964 not mentioned above
1794 Half Cent (large head)
1793 Large Cent, Liberty Cap, beaded border
Three Cent, silver, type 2 (I don't count outlines of a star on 1st glance)
1792 Half Disme (cool, but I consider it a pattern)
1838-40 Half Dime, Seated Liberty, no drapery
1838-40 Dime, Seated Liberty, no drapery
1838-40 Quarter Seated Liberty, no drapery
1838-39 Half Dollar, Capped Bust, reeded edge, with "Half Dol." instead of "50 Cents"
1839 Half Dollar, Seated Liberty, no drapery
1836-39 Dollar, any of the various Gobrecht patterns
$4 Gold Stella patterns
1838-39 Eagles with a different ear
1907 Eagles with wire edge or rolled edge

Artist

My collecting emphasis is collecting by type - 1900 to 1950 only - including gold and all varieties.

I chose these years because some of the designs of the earlier issues date back to the first half of the 19th century and earlier, while some of the later issues are still in circulation today, and in between are the most sophisticated designs in US coin history. To me, no other fifty year period tells the story of America so beautifully. Best of all, since my coin budget is very finite, there is not a coin in the set that can't be had for less than $1K in UNC condition, (with the exception of the high-relief saint - but it is good to have a life-goal coin!)

In addition, I have pursued this set by collecting year and partial year sets within it - 1900 Gold & Silver - 1914-D Gold - 1939 all MS66 or better - etc.

As such, here is how I define my set:

IHC
'09 VDB Lincoln
No VDB Lincoln
VDB in neck Lincoln
'43 Steel Lincoln
'44 Bronze Lincoln
V-Nickel
Type 1 Buffalo Nickel
Type 2 Buffalo Nickel
Jefferson Nickel
Barber Dime
Mercury Dime
Roosevelt Dime
Barber Quarter
Type I SLQ
Type II SLQ
Type III SLQ (Recessed Date)
Washington Quarter
Barber Half
WLH (If you wanted to, you could add a mintmark obverse coin, but I haven't.)
Franklin Half
Morgan Dollar
'21 High Releif Peace Dollar
Peace Dollar
$2.50 Liberty
$2.50 Indian
$5.00 Liberty
$5.00 Indian
$10.00 Liberty
$10.00 Indian No Motto
$10.00 Indian
$20.00 Liberty
MCMVII $20.00 High Releif (One can dream!)
$20.00 St. Gaudens No Motto
$20.00 St. Gaudens

35 Coins

flaminio

<< <i>Small Cent: Lincoln with VDB, 1909
Small Cent: Lincoln, wheat, 1909-58
Small Cent: Lincoln, steel, 1943
Small Cent: Lincoln, memorial, 1959 -
Nickel: Jefferson, 1938-2003
Dime: Roosevelt, silver, 1946-64
Dime: Roosevelt, clad, 1965-
Half Dollar: Kennedy, silver, 1964
Half Dollar: Kennedy, clad, 1965-
Dollar: Eisenhower, 1971-78 >>

Some interesting choices here, mostly with metal variations. You lump both copper and zinc cents together, you don't include the wartime silver nickels, you lump 40% Silver and CuNi clad halves, and you don't include the 40% silver Ikes. Given that one could purchase the lot of those coins for under $10 raw, they seem to be curious ommissions.

ccex

<< <i>

<< <i>Small Cent: Lincoln with VDB, 1909
Small Cent: Lincoln, wheat, 1909-58
Small Cent: Lincoln, steel, 1943
Small Cent: Lincoln, memorial, 1959 -
Nickel: Jefferson, 1938-2003
Dime: Roosevelt, silver, 1946-64
Dime: Roosevelt, clad, 1965-
Half Dollar: Kennedy, silver, 1964
Half Dollar: Kennedy, clad, 1965-
Dollar: Eisenhower, 1971-78 >>

Some interesting choices here, mostly with metal variations. You lump both copper and zinc cents together, you don't include the wartime silver nickels, you lump 40% Silver and CuNi clad halves, and you don't include the 40% silver Ikes. Given that one could purchase the lot of those coins for under $10 raw, they seem to be curious ommissions. >>



The point here was types I could see at a glance. I can't tell a copper Lincoln Memorial cent from a Zincoln unless I look at the date, or, in tyhe case of 1982 cents, weigh them. OK, I should have included wartime Jeffersons, because of the large mintmark above Monticello's dome, and a different color. It is debatable whether "at a glance" distinguishes between 40% silver and 0% silver clad Kennedys or Ikes. Pardon the omissions. I was thinking more of type coins which I've always wanted, which strain my coin budget, and which make my type set a lifelong challenge.