It is getting more difficult to find upgrades to my set

sinin1

It was rather easy when I started

submitted and made some

frequently showed up on eBay and Teletrade/Heritage

now they are seen less frequently


I have even had to buy one on Superior (in a group of 4 coins - $25 shipping)

some are tied for top-pops or only have less than a handful higher


I have now been searching Bowers&Morena, David Lawrence



it may take forever to break into the top 10
and upgrades are now looking like $500+ coins



Any suggestions ?

I collect war nickels
with only 11 coins to the set

and apparently modern because most dealers stop at buffalo nickels

TAClough

<< <i>It is getting more difficult to find upgrades to my set >>



Unfortunately this is a problem we all have at some point! In Caleb’s Showcase Set, we have 114 coins to choice from, still upgrades are far and few

sinin1

ouch, I see what you mean - and your list gets longer every year


did you have a bid on the 67 SMS 68 DCAM that Heritage just sold?

you could have gotten it for $6 K

RegistryNut

David,
I completely understand and I am experiencing the same thing. If I want to upgrade my Lincoln Memorial set, it costs me $600-$1000.

But, what a good problem to have. Good luck on those upgrades.

RegistryNut

FullStepJeffs

You'll be interested to know you'll have a rather significant chance later on this year when JHF sells his set. Hope you have a full checkbook.

Steve

halfnut

I know the feeling well, with 23 complete sets in my group staying on the front page is hard and with a bump of only .01 for most upgrades man I can pull my hair out and don't get me started on the dime a dozen 68's and 69 SF coins.



Dan

TAClough

<< <i>I know the feeling well, with 23 complete sets in my group staying on the front page is hard and with a bump of only .01 for most upgrades man I can pull my hair out and don't get me started on the dime a dozen 68's and 69 SF coins. >>



Dan,

Right or wrong, I believe that when PCGS straightens out the variety issue with the Kennedy Half Dollars, then like the other series, The Kennedy Half Dollar Basic Set of Circulation Strikes will require both the “Business Strike” and “Satin Finish” issues from 2005 to date.

sinin1

JustHavingFum selling all US and just keeping Phillippines?

He has the only 68FS war nickels - would like to see them

but I also heard the war nickels are his favorite

badger

Sinin,

I feel the same regarding upgrades. While waiting for upgrades for my proofs, I started a toned Jeff collection just to have something to do. Then at FUN, Parke's halves will upgrade two of my coins. BUT, they are $20k+.

Which are your nickel sets?

Dave

bolivarshagnasty

Sinin 1, I commented to another Jeff enthusiast at the FUN show this weekend that the high grade/
full step market has dried up. They were plentiful during the Omaha Bank Hoard sell off by Heritage, even
non OBH Jeffs were everywhere. Since Heritage has sold down from 4500 or more nickels, there seem to
be more Buyers than Sellers. My only war nickel find at the FUN show was a very nice, (but common) white
6 step 44-D in 66/67 raw. I gave 55 dollars for it. My advice is to save your money, cause the JHF sale
will be a free for all with never before seen high end Jeffs! Shag

headsplitter2

I've tried on occasion emailing the holders of top pop sets if they have any coins they might have, that they don't need and that they may entertain offers for.
By the way where are you in the war nickels on the registry?
I'm currently 52 on the retired side. Just to many "whales" to reach the top 10.

Headsplitter2
JD

Griv

It's natural for the top pops to be difficult to aquire as you get down to last few. There are a lot more collectors then ever before and while the vast magority start out as modern collectors, over time they also get interested in some of the classics. In 20 years you will be paying silly money for some of these coins you are paying less than $100 for. I myself predict some real shortages of coins and some rather nasty price wars especially with the mean standard of living continuing to go up.

Sunnywood

Tell me about it !!!! Heritage has a nearly complete set of gem Barber quarters up for sale in February Long Beach ... a very rare occurrence indeed. I was so excited when I saw the quantity of (81) lots for MS Barber quarters in the auction previews dropdown list. But after browsing through all the lots, there was NOT ONE potential candidate for my set.

That's the only downside to completing a great set ... the thrill of finding new coins, upgrades, etc becomes harder and harder to repeat ... but it's a small price to pay for havin a nice set that you can enjoy !! So while I understand the gripe, you should also take pleasure in the fact that your set is getting harder to upgrade !!!

Best,
Sunnywood