evolution regarding completeness

Gazes

I have noticed a change over the years on my approach to collecting. For many years, it was important to me to always have as my end goal a complete 100% collection of whatever series or type of coin collecting I was pursuing. This was important to me for a variety of reasons but one certainly was that when I do something, I like to do it "right".

However, a problem with all this was that certain series that I liked to collect, it just was not feasible to complete the set. For instance, Liberty Quarter Eagles are a long long series. It contains dozens of genuinely difficult coins to find (especially in a decent condition and not messed with). Throw in stoppers like 1841 and 1854-S and it is unlikely at best to finish the series. So my dilemma was---do I not collect the series?

Eventually I realized that I could have an amazing collection of liberty quarter eagles with numerous key dates and beautiful coins and have "only" 70% of the series complete. A collection of 70% with extraordinary examples of an 1845-O, Dahlonega dates, and hard to find low mintage Philly dates in UNC could still be a world class collection even though not complete.

Maybe this seems obvious but I think this is what stops many collectors from collecting a series by date. Once I realized that a collection of this series that is 70% complete could be so much more satisfying than a 100% of some other series, I became a better collector. Collecting by date allows me to immerse myself in the series and to become expert in a way that I could not be if I collected more broadly.

My guess is I am not alone and this is why the "box of 20" idea has caught on. So my advice to anyone is that if you enjoy a series and are hesitant to collect by date because it is difficult or impossible to finish---do it anyway. At the end of the day, I am willing to bet your collection will be satisfying and impressive.

BuffaloIronTail

I collect by series, however, I do like to buy the Key and Semi Key coins from other series because of their cult status.

Instead of looking at pics...........holding and owning one is a blast.

Pete

TomB

I like how you explained your reasoning. One of the wonderful things about collecting coins is that you can define what your collection can mean to you and how to expand, edit or finish it.

ricko

@Gazes.... Good post and you have stated a clear line of reasoning.... Collectors vary in their objectives and some with extreme OCD will insist on having 'everything'. However, I agree, a fine collection can be assembled and appreciated even without 'everything'. I have, in the past, made compromises... and looking back, I do not regret them. Cheers, RickO

tommy44

I agree with Gazes' approach. I'm in the same boat with liberty half-eagles, minted over a period of 70 years at seven different mints. Dozens of teal rarities and I'll never own a 1854-S, or a 1875 for that matter, but I still take pleasure in every hole I fill or upgrade.