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Thinking of going for a year set

Hi All,
Haven't been around for a few years, but my old username/password still works!
As a sideline, I have been considering compiling a year set, i.e. a set consisting of all circulating coins struck worldwide a certain year (excluding commems and trade coins, and probably also most gold). I would probably be looking at sometime 1908-1916, or thereabouts. Most coins of that period are still quite affordable and plentiful, and there were many nice designs then (I expecially want to include some of the nice Italian coins).
I would want as many countries/issuing authorities as possible to be included in the set. It matters less if not all denominations of a certain country were struck (or dated, rather, since dating and striking are not necessarily the same) the specific year. I would mainly be getting nice circulated coins (F-EF), and I would not be spending a fortune.
What are the experiences of people who have undertaken similar tasks?
Has anyone tried these years? If so, which year is best for variety of countries? Could anyone imagine a more time efficient method than going through Krause page-by-page?
Automan
Haven't been around for a few years, but my old username/password still works!

As a sideline, I have been considering compiling a year set, i.e. a set consisting of all circulating coins struck worldwide a certain year (excluding commems and trade coins, and probably also most gold). I would probably be looking at sometime 1908-1916, or thereabouts. Most coins of that period are still quite affordable and plentiful, and there were many nice designs then (I expecially want to include some of the nice Italian coins).
I would want as many countries/issuing authorities as possible to be included in the set. It matters less if not all denominations of a certain country were struck (or dated, rather, since dating and striking are not necessarily the same) the specific year. I would mainly be getting nice circulated coins (F-EF), and I would not be spending a fortune.
What are the experiences of people who have undertaken similar tasks?
Has anyone tried these years? If so, which year is best for variety of countries? Could anyone imagine a more time efficient method than going through Krause page-by-page?
Automan
A grade is an inadequate report of an inaccurate judgement by a biased and variable judge of the extent to which a coin corresponds to an undefinable level of an unattainable state of preservation. - Never tell me that grading is science.
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In your chosen date range, 1914 strikes me as a watershed year, at least for Europe.
As to finding a more time-efficient method than searching through Krause page-by-page, I don't know it, unless the online Krause Numismaster lets you do a search using your year as a keyword. I rather doubt that- as I recall from having it for a month's trial, you have to pick a country, first, and you get the whole type listing as an end result, rather than a particular date. I think.
'cos that's what I'm doing
I started somewhat by coincidence, but then it also makes sense: the coins of this period featured some of the most classic ever and it was the end of an era. Plus, it was the first year of the Great War (which is a point of interest for me).
Doing only 1914 gives me focus. This way, rather than snapping up the first coin of the type to come along, I'll hold out for a nicer example. But there are necessarily some exceptions I've had to make. Bulgaria, Portugal and others have attractive designs, but were minted in either 1913 or 1915. So, some straying is required if the set is to be one of good designs of the period, rather than a neurotic impulse to buy anything with a certain date.
I have pics of most of my type set. Have to make a webpage now!
My wantlist & references
<< <i>the coins of this period featured some of the most classic ever and it was the end of an era. Plus, it was the first year of the Great War >>
That is exactly why I recommended it- it is a watershed year, and the Great War changed everything. The coins of 1914 represent the last of "old" Europe. Just think- the Germans hadn't even used any zinc, yet, as far as I can remember!
FOR SALE Items
Automan
Perhaps a photo essay from you showing your collection in progress would be nice
Cathy
Dr J
My omnicoin collection (or how my coin photography has progressed)