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New TONER Registry Set - 9 Months of Progress along with my inspiration.

keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,521 ✭✭✭✭✭
When I was looking for a new niche to fill the collecting void, I knew a couple of things.

I needed a more economical niche, although it has not necessarily turned out that way. image

I wanted to protect myself from the normal ups & downs of the coin market like I had

previously done with my Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties...I was able to Cherrypick

many of them and Top Pops are always in demand by a select few. In this new venture

I wanted the ability to Cherrypick some coins and just plain buy them right when I could

so that I would not be too worried about it when I "NEEDED" to bury myself in others.

This creates a nice balance and I am never worried about what I might end up selling these

things for one day. For the most part, I have been successful thankfully.



I wanted a new niche and I think I have found it. Around May/June of 2015, I started to

test the waters of the toner market. I do not have the funds to go after MONSTER TONERS

of say the Morgan Dollar series, Mercury Dime series, etc. But, I can appreciate them. I

even own a nice reverse toned Morgan. I have owned a couple of nicely toned Mercury

Dimes but never a monster as they are cost prohibitive in most cases.



I found myself inspired by AuroraBorealis and thought it would be cool if I could do something

like that but for another more economical series. I learned about what WingedLiberty1957,

Robec and lasvegasteddy had accomplished with more modern coins like toned proof

Lincolns, Jeffersons, SMS etc. Some of their accomplishments are nothing short of amazing

when it comes to the collections of toners they have assembled. This was a cool direction

to explore. The Lincoln series had already been done, seemed too long, a little too popular

and expensive with earlier dates. Just doing Jefferson nickels was not going to bring the

level of satisfaction that I desired. I wanted something a little different. Something that

had a beginning and an end...so Roosevelt dimes were certainly out. Lol, the never ending

series. I could have just focused on silver Roosevelts but that too had been done.



I decided to build a 100% TONED 1950-1964 Proof Set with all denominations. I looked

through the registry and saw that no one else was doing this. Through my conversations

with dealers at shows, I kept hearing that they had not heard of anyone doing this either

and some of them even thought it was a neat idea. A few of those that inspired this set

also had positive things to say. There you have it, a new direction for my collection had

been selected. Another thing about this set was that it was NOT going to be all about

the grade on the label. It was just going to be about the color/eye appeal. This has the

bonus of me not having to go after expensive Top Pops, CAMs or DCAMs. Granted, high

grades are nice but they are not the primary focus.



At Summer FUN 2015, I picked up what would be my first real addition to

this set, a toned 1955 PR 5c. It was in an NGC holder but I later crossed it. I also decided

that I wanted to get True Views taken of everything so that the set had consistent photos,

even though I am capable of taking photos. I did not want some True Views, some shot

through a slab, some shot raw etc...Consistency in the presentation was important to me.



Well, now that approximately 9 months have passed, I have learned A LOT, made new

friends and I have lot of people to thank for my progress so far. I have been able to

acquire extras from some of the folks named above and then I have my friend Darren to

thank as well. Then there are the other forum members that have been a great help,

especially when they have reached out to me to either point me towards something or

when they had something that might fit my set. Without wanting to name everyone, I still

wish to thank you very much!



What have the last 9 months taught me? It's taught me that I have a looooong way to

go. The set is currently 46+% complete but with things I have raw or ready to cross, the

set is really just over 50%. I think that's a pretty good milestone for a 75 coin registry set.

I have some coins that do need to be upgraded in the realms of grade and or color. That

is just part of the adventure I guess. I have also learned that this set might be nearly

impossible to complete...or might take many many years to find the right examples. Why?

The darn half dollars are NOT easy and I need to find 15 different dates!!! I have seen a

few magnificent examples that are in strong hands but that seems to be about it. Not

having the bank account to wrestle some of these away from their proud owners doesn't

exactly help either. image



This week, my friend WingedLiberty1957 decided he liked my humble beginnings with the

Toned 1950-1964 proof set and wanted to see how much of the set he could complete.

Since he had a lot of each of the denominations, he filled holes and then filled some more

holes in the set and you guessed it, passed me up in the completion percentage and

rankings! image That's okay, it will only add to the enjoyment and he now has a target

on his back. image Even if we are able to get the set to 100% completion, due to the nature

of the set that is focused on color/eye appeal, not top pops, just cracking into the Top 30

would be a major accomplishment at this point. Getting to the Top 20 will be nearly

impossible. This gets me thinking that it would be neat if PCGS had a TONED registry set

area where the grade was actually secondary to color/eye appeal. Hmmm, maybe I will

have to type up a different thread for that. image



If you saw my thread from yesterday, you saw some of my raw stuff. The 1953 quarter

might replace the quarter that is in my set. The first 1956 dime might get added to my set.

I will likely try my hand at getting the nickels graded as well. I also have a 1951 10c in

NGC PR68 CAC that is a fantastic obverse toner and it will get crossed soon. I can't wait!

Even more, I can't wait for the True View! One additional observation is that although I

have 35 slots of the registry filled so far, no one year is yet complete. A couple are

getting close but just not yet.



Clearly, there are too many words in this post and not enough of the pretty pictures. I

apologize for that and will try to fix that now...



1950-1964 PROOF SET: KEYMAN64'S TONED PROOFS W/TRUE VIEWS
"If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:

Comments

  • JustacommemanJustacommeman Posts: 22,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Super fun and it will be stunning upon completion!



    mark
    Walker Proof Digital Album
    Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
  • SonorandesertratSonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Good for you. Collecting coins should be a pleasant way to spend leisure time, not a hobby filled with grade-angst.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • ksuscottksuscott Posts: 283 ✭✭✭
    Very nice. I'm more about eye appeal than grade as well. Seems like a better value than some of the top pop coins in my opinion. How did you add a counter to your registry set?
  • robecrobec Posts: 6,808 ✭✭✭✭✭
    What a great idea and a great start.



    It definitely won't be an easy set to complete. It will be and is, a beautiful thing to look at.



    Finding a beautifully toned Franklin from those early years will be a real slowdown, which you already know. Budget and availability of eye appealing examples will make this a long term process.



    The friendly competition between you and WL will keep you both going. I can see coins going back and forth between you. We've done the same thing with Lincoln's. I'll keep an eye out for both of you.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Well that is certainly a unique concept.... and I like the idea of it not being grade focused - although I am not a tarnish fan, I know many people are. This certainly will have a wide appeal...best of luck...Cheers, RickO
  • AuroraBorealisAuroraBorealis Posts: 3,591 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great job I enjoyed the read... You are doing it right! What a cool set already!

    ABimage
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,521 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thank you very much everyone! image



    ksuscott: I just googled free html counters and found one that would work. When you edit the top of your

    registry set text, just put in the html img source code for the counter and that's it.



    ricko: Thanks, you always seem to find a way to be positive, even when the direction of the collection is not your favorite.



    robec: It sure is interesting how some coins make it around through so many hands. It can be a small world. It adds to the fun. image
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,408 ✭✭✭
    at 1st i was like...you expect me to read this without an image of a coin in here...meh !!!

    then i saw you posted a link to your set

    sweet set there and it's nice how the forum software strolls through like a like coin show



    one tasty goal to set out upon too good luck in the travels there as you find those

    tough to fill slots...start dropping off one by one



    toners are an interesting path as certain ones can appeal to me that don't to others

    then others that appeal to others...don't to me

    i think that really plays into the uniqueness of toning sets



    great read and sweet set thus far



    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


  • MonsterCoinzMonsterCoinz Posts: 1,518 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hey! Our 64's are twinsies!



    Yours

    image





    Mine

    image





    My image looks a bit washed out though. :/
    www.MonsterCoinz.com | My Toned Showcase

    Check out my iPhone app SlabReader!
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,521 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I noticed that when I was just on your website browsing. Pretty cool. image
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • SkyManSkyMan Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭✭✭
    EXCELLENT looking collection of coins!!! Some real Beauties in there!!!
  • bolivarshagnastybolivarshagnasty Posts: 7,352 ✭✭✭✭✭
    "This gets me thinking that it would be neat if PCGS had a TONED registry set

    area where the grade was actually secondary to color."





    keyman, WL and others use the Registry Showcase section to do just this. It's a wonderful venue only limited by your imagination. See links in my sig line. Shag

  • SeattleSlammerSeattleSlammer Posts: 10,047 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: Sonorandesertrat
    Good for you. Collecting coins should be a pleasant way to spend leisure time, not a hobby filled with grade-angst.





    +1
    Some great looking toners in there.
    Good luck with The Hunt.
  • NVUNVU Posts: 284 ✭✭✭
    So far so good, nice read, nice looking set and good luck with your hunting to complete your set.
  • WingedLiberty1957WingedLiberty1957 Posts: 2,992 ✭✭✭✭✭
    That was a great read! It was fun getting all the background info of how you got to this point.

    I like the idea that was offered above that pcgs add some new registry categories for toned only. I know they have a Toned for Showcase ... and "Colorless" for a few Lincoln and Indian Cent Registries, but many collectors that don't collect toned coins "horn in" on those "Colorless" registries to get high rankings. Most of the "Colorless" Registry sets (which in theory were designed for collectors or BN or RB copper) are actually "Colorless" (non Toned) RD coins ... LOL. I would like to see a Registry Category for JUST TONED coins and not allow non-toner collectors to sneak in on that to get higher rankings.

    How about another change where pcgs adds points to your registry total for every coin you have listed that is TrueView photographed. Without photos a lot of of top sets are pointless to look at, with just some text on how high the grade was. Adding points for photos would encourage people to get their coins photographed. More money for pcgs and more eye candy available for those interested in numismatics. Displaying a Registry Set without photos just seems like a pointless endeavor to me. (JMHO)




  • braddickbraddick Posts: 24,632 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Terrific idea.
    I'm jealous!

    peacockcoins

  • crazyhounddogcrazyhounddog Posts: 14,042 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Your doing a great job. Keep up the good work.
    The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
  • etexmikeetexmike Posts: 6,852 ✭✭✭
    That is a great looking set.



    Best of luck with it.





    Mike
  • TopographicOceansTopographicOceans Posts: 6,535 ✭✭✭✭
    Sorry too long of a read for me and I just looked at the pictures.
    I love that 1959 25c.

    Whatever your plan is - keep it up. image
  • JBNJBN Posts: 1,890 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The 57 & 63 nickels and the 59, 61, & 62 quarters are my favorites. The 60 half also looks very high end.

    Excellent collection.
  • goldengolden Posts: 9,972 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I love your 1957 Nickel.
  • DollarAfterDollarDollarAfterDollar Posts: 3,215 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Looking good Greg. Keep up the hunt!!
    If you do what you always did, you get what you always got.
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,521 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thank you everyone! image



    I think my next submission wil be a couple of crossovers

    so hopefully I will have something worthy to share in a

    couple of months...assuming they get blessed by PCGS. image
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 12,528 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Just looked at your set.

    Fantastic group of coins with great eye appeal.

    Keep up the good work.

    I collect the cameo proofs, and have a few that have nice toning.

    Kevin
  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Your new set is coming along very nice and colorful.
  • cecropiamothcecropiamoth Posts: 969 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You have an outstanding set going there. The 1957 5c and 1962 25c really caught my eye and are favorites! Good luck with filling the holes as you move along. I really appreciate your write up as it clearly shows your excitement and passion.



    Jeff
  • WingedLiberty1957WingedLiberty1957 Posts: 2,992 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The 59, 61, and 62 Quarters are also my favorites. They just explode off the page!

  • MarkMark Posts: 3,565 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Neat idea. And I agree with WingedLiberty about the quarters--they are stunners.
    Mark


  • CoppercolorCoppercolor Posts: 1,475 ✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: WingedLiberty1957
    The 59, 61, and 62 Quarters are also my favorites. They just explode off the page!



    Great set Keyman64. I swear you've got to stay sharp when Wingedliberty gets in the game. After 20 years picking off colorful lincolns and amassing a collection of 136/140 pieces in the wheat cent series WL passed me and completed his set in about four days (or maybe a year image

    If you like pedigree, I picked your 59' quarter off raw about a year ago and was struck by how unusual it was, even was surprised it straight graded first time.

    Thanks for sharing
    I'd like my copper well done please!
  • RichieURichRichieURich Posts: 8,547 ✭✭✭✭✭
    A very nice set, keep up the good work.



    I like the 1952, 1957 and 1963 nickels, the 1959 and 1961 cents, and the 1959 and 1962 quarters. The 1962 quarter has very vibrant color and is wonderful!



    Thanks for posting your experiences and your set!

    An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.

  • CrackoutCrackout Posts: 1,375 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice set so far!



    I'm LOVING those Washies!!

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