When is a complete set worth more than the individual coins???

Colorfulcoins

I've been thinking about this very question for awhile as I've come to realize that the sets I'm working on (3 of them) are probably worth more as complete sets than the coins are worth individually (never planned for this or aspired to doing so). I suspect this is a relatively uncommon situation. I think its really a question of set composition - and the uniqueness of the coins in the set. Let me explain. The 3 sets I'm collecting/working on are:

1. Pocket Piece 1792-1964 Silver, Nickel, and Gold Registry set. My set is focused on getting all PO01 grades (ok, so bash me for being a contrarian). Individually, many of the coins worth squat but having a almost complete set in low garde (average grade is 1.9 ), for the collector that wants a UNIQUE and memorable (in more ways than 1) set, someone would probably pay a premium (if you could use that word) for the set intact.

2. Pocket PEACE, Peace $1 set in PO01...see above, same situation.

3. Blues Brothers 1946-1964 set of MS silver Roosevelt dimes that are all BLUE toned. Rosys in MS aren't hard to find and they are relatively inexpensive in even MS67 grades (a few FB coins are an exception) BUT building a set where all the coins are the same color (like BLUE) is a very difficult task and whether you like blue toned coins or not, one might still be impressed with a matched set (excluding a matched set of blast white coins). A collector who appreciates the uniquness and commonality of such a set would probably pay a premium over the indidivual coins for such a matched set.

Am I dreaming or is it really feasible that a set can be worth more complete than the individual values of the coins? Your thoughts......

IndianHeadMan

I would say when it is a matched set in a grade that is tough to find.

AU58WALKERS

My question is who buys complete sets for "market value"?

ABC123

I don't know of any sets that are worth more than the individual pieces(coins) that comprise the set ! Doesn't make sense.

mgoodm3

gotta be a set of top-notch eye-appealing pre-1915 proofs and mintstate coins, Oh my my my.

Sorry, was channeling michael for a moment.

well, the top-notch eye appealing part remains. A set that would be very hard to put together otherwise may command a significant premium.

Coxe

Now, with all of the registry freaks who want a quick completion, I would think any set that would give someone a shot at the top two seats in a registry category would command a premium.

tjkillian

I can only imagine a set that could not be duplicated to be worth more than the individual coins. Many collectors are in it for the thrill of the hunt. Your three sets could be duplicated, given enough time.

Cool sets none-the-less.

Tom

ziggy29

Attractive, original and fairly uniform-looking coins in a set might be worth a premium to someone who is somewhat discriminating but wants instant gratification and doesn't enjoy "the thrill of the hunt."

ttxp

How about a Pan Pac set?

coinguy1

There was some good discussion on the subject in this registry set thread: link

BillJones

One area where a total set SHOULD BE worth more than the individual coins is original, matched 19th century and early 20th century Proof sets. These historic coins, which almost always have similar appearances because they have been stored intact together sometimes provide clues as to when certain varieties were issued.

Sadly a lot of these sets get broken up because their dealer owners get impatient and want to turn their money over faster, rather than wait for the buyer who truly appreciates the coins.

CarlWohlforth

All the sets I've broken up brought more than if the sets were sold whole. *EXCEPT* for an original 1907 proof set. I was thinking of that when I read BillJones reply which I agree with %100.

PerryHall

The King of Siam proof set must be worth more as a set otherwise it would have been broken up a long time ago.

Windycity

The 1891 proof set sold in the ANR auction this week for $95K + the juice in what is called a provisional auction. Each coin was auctioned individually but with the knowledge the the winning bid were provisional based upon someone willing to pay at least 5% more for the complete set than the combined total on the individual coins. The individual coin totals came to slightly more than $52,000... then the set bidding began and moved from $55,000 to $95,000 in a couple of minutes. Yes, a matching set can be more valuable than individual coins!

coinguy1

<<The individual coin totals came to slightly more than $52,000... then the set bidding began and moved from $55,000 to $95,000 in a couple of minutes. Yes, a matching set can be more valuable than individual coins!>>

I understand and appreciate that certain sets are worth more than the sum of their individual parts. However, in my opinion, the above example is not the best one by which to make the point. I say that because the bidding on the individual coins was, no doubt, considerably lower than it would have been, had the lots not been sold provisionally. In other words, bidders who wanted to buy the entire set, had no reason to bid at all on the individual coins. In fact, it was against their best interests to do so, as it would serve to drive up the price/amount of the minimum bid for the set to be offered as one lot.

tradedollarnut

<< <i>The King of Siam proof set must be worth more as a set otherwise it would have been broken up a long time ago. >>



Nope - worth more individually. There are very very few sets that are the right combination of rarity and price so as to be worth more as a set. I agree that many attractive original proof sets from the 19th century are one such example. However, the King of Siam set is not one of them simply because of its huge value. The individual coins would command more ... IMO.

pontiacinf

<< <i>gotta be a set of top-notch eye-appealing pre-1915 proofs and mintstate coins, Oh my my my.

Sorry, was channeling michael for a moment. >>



LOL

michael has extremely good taste