when building a registry type set

BBN

Do you just fill in the blanks with all available funds and then later upgrade or do you systematically save money for the best you can get in each catagory?

garsmith

Get the keys first in the highest grade you can afford
Than go to the semi keys and finally non-keys

BBN

Good call. That's what I'm trying to do. I'm building a "no gold" type set and recently won an MS60 bust half. It's an upgrade from an AU55. If I would have waited another month I could have gotten the MS63. I'm having a feeling I'm going to kick myself for not being patient. I guess since I already have the 60 now I could easily upgrade. On the other hand it frees up some money to, in the coming weeks, get a bust quarter in AU55-58 and 58 is the absolute highest I'll go with it. Thanks for the response.


Oh, as far as this subject I've seen some people in the registry have amazing keys and then have grades like VF30 for coins that are easily obtainable in MS. That's where I assume some people quickly fill in the blanks and then upgrade later.

LoveMyLiberty

<< <i>
Oh, as far as this subject I've seen some people in the registry have amazing keys and then have grades like VF30 for coins that are easily obtainable in MS. That's where I assume some people quickly fill in the blanks and then upgrade later. >>



This quote isn't exactly correct IMHO. Often set owners appreciate the lower grade coin for other reasons. It doesn't have to be about the highest grade. While looking
through some of the registered sets some time back, I looked at a set very close to mine in the rankings, but wasn't moving very fast. I was amazed at the coins! Instead of going for the highest grade examples, this set chose many key dates, beautifully toned pieces, or rarity items like a 1916-D Merc, a 3 leg Buff, 1916 SLQ, some were coins in proof where only a few were made. It was an impressive set, but very difficult to build.

Your question is lacking some of the informational parameters necessary to make an informed reply, such as, what kind of a type set are you building? What are your
collecting goals? How long do you intend to keep your set? Is it simply an attempt to gather together all the coins required, or do you have a plan for something
special?

I've been working on some of my sets in excess of 10 years and still have a way to go. Some take all their life, while I've seen a number of sets on the Registry take
only a few months to gather 60-100 coins, climb somewhere near the top of the rankings, then sell them quickly like a low mileage used car.
If you try to build a special set, like only using the 1st year issue for each type, or only coins from one mint, or all coins with a particular type of toning, or all the set
comprised of mint state, or all proof, etc, this can be time consuming, expensive and frustrating, but if done right, very satisfying. This type of collecting is for those
with a long time horizon and strength of discipline.

A number of people begin sets with the main thought of completing it. Some want to complete it fast. I have come to realize that the joy of collecting, especially a type
set, is to first learn about the types of coins you wish to include; which are most common, which are hard to find. What coins come in terrible condition & which are
beautifully made; what coins are very expensive, or elusive and which are always available. Do you like varieties like overdates, clash marks, die cracks or no cracks,
extensive re-cutting, or in perfect condition. Are you satisfied with late die states, or do you want early die states? Knowing these factors beforehand will guide you
when it comes time to buy and you may not decide to buy fillers, which over the long run will cost you money, time, satisfaction and you may pass over that special one
when it comes along. I firmly believe coin collecting requires planning, patience, persistence in making your own opportunities, eagerness to search out each coin,
plenty of money because you NEVER have enough and most of all Luck!

Regardless what you decide and how you will collect your type set, enjoy each moment of it, have fun with the collection and make certain you want the coin
you select, or else it will annoy you just knowing it's there.

RBinTex

Best to plan the grades you want and then go after them. This way you won't waste money on the buy/sell spread, time, & transaction fees of the upgrades.