Strategy change, any thoughts?

Monstavet

One of the sets I have slowly been working on is the early proof Jefferson series (1938-1964). I have acquired some of these coins in DCAM, some in CAM, and some in brilliant proof. As the set slowly approaches completion, I have become ever more dis-satisfied with it. I like all of the coins I have acquired - sure I would upgrade some given the opportunity, but they are all nice coins. I have started to think more seriously about putting together a better matching set. Now, if I could go 100% DCAM, that would be great, but not a real financial option for me. I am thinking about doing either a full brilliant set, or brilliant for 38-42, and CAM for 50-64, emphasis on as high a grade as I can get. It would mean sacrificing some points for not having DCAM coins, but I am not that interested in being the #1 set. Ultimately, I think a nicely matched set would be more to my liking.

A couple of rhetorical questions:
1) Should I only worry about a complete set, with as high of points as I can get?
2) Are DCAMs really the only thing worth collecting for modern proofs?
3) Does anybody really worry about how the whole set looks versus the individual coins?

How do other collectors of these early modern proof series deal with this issue? Lincolns, Washingtons, and Jeffersons all have this set of proofs from 38-42 that are nearly all brilliant proofs, then the same thing in the 50s - really tough to find in DCAM, and then by the early 60s, much easier to come by in DCAM. What strategy do others use?

supercoin

How about this:

1. Cop-out and collect mint-state instead.

2. Put together a set with increasing levels of cameo along with increasing date. That is, from 1938 fully brilliant up through 1964 deep full frosted cameo.

Might be a little challenging to get it just right, but most worthwhile things in life are, right? And think how cool it would look all laid out in a row.

Monstavet

That is an interesting idea...will give it some thought.
Another thought I had was three sets...one brilliant, one CAM, one DCAM (except 38-42). Will take a long time, and money, but would be cool.

CarlWohlforth

I too wish my set were more matched. Anybody have any '38-'42 Jeffs in Cam for sale cheap? Seriously even if they did I probably wouldn't want to pay the price. But to me getting the deepest cameo is more important than getting a matched set.

I like Supercoins idea, and in fact that is what is happening with my set without trying. The '38-'42 are brilliant pr 67s. I found two that had slight cameo contrast and am looking for more. From '50-'53 I have 67-68 Cam, from there to '59 I have 68 DCAM except for two dates. Then 69 DCAM. Of course I spent a lot to do it.

I also have an almost complete set of NGC Jeffs in 68 Cam. It looks great and is a matched set. So you could continue with getting DCAM coins when possible but put that set on a back burner and start a NGC set in 68 Cam. I can help you get that one going quickly They are matched and it does look good to see them all together.

But to me I like a little variety in these sets so if I was you I wouldn't do anyting differently. I enjoy looking at my PCGS set more than I enjoy my NGC set. I'm just a sucker for deep cameo contrast.

BNE

I compromised by doing a CAM/DCAM set for my main Jefferson '38-'64 proof registry set (because of the eye appeal -- and the points) in the top grades I could find/afford (for the years '50 through '64). But I am also working on a brilliant set just for the years '50-'64, which I've also posted. The latter are considerably cheaper, and can keep one busy while waiting for upgrades to come along.

In the end, if the aesthetics of a matched set are what you are after, brilliant might be a better way to go for the early set.

DeepCoin

I think one question is in order to help you with your decision. What will you do with the set (whatever direction you ultimately take) once you have completed it? Many collectors become bored with a set once it is completed and then view it as a vehicle to perhaps fund their next interest.

I am not saying this is what you will do, but it factors into my suggestion. If you will keep your set for the foreseeable future, then I would say assemble a set that fits your eye and not to worry about necessarily matching the coins throughout the set.

However, if it appears that you might ulitimately decide to sell the set after you complete it, I would strongly suggest that you stratify it as the others have suggested.

I hope you intend to keep the set for a long time, thus I recommend developing your set so that it pleases YOU first. That may mean some compromises or choices that would not necessarily maiximize the value, but it would provide years of enjoyment. Just MHO. Have fun with it!