Lincoholic, What constitutes a full Lincoln collection?
Joe_360
Posts: 1,782 ✭✭✭✭✭
My first and most cherished collection is my Lincoln cents. As most Lincoln fans, it started with the Wheat cent.
I have every Lincoln cent from 1909 through 2009 including all Small/Large dates and S mints. I do not have any Matte types, do not have the 22 plain (No-D) nor the 1955ddo. I "officially" stopped my collection at 2009 as I am not a fan of the Shield design, but let's be honest, that can be completed at any time.
So I put forth the question, "Is my collection" complete?
Your opinion, If not, why not? Thanks for your thoughts, Joe
3
Comments
If you feel your collection is completed, then its done. However, the two coins you mentioned have a significant enough place in numismatics that one could easily argue that they should be included in the set for completion. There are tons of other coins to consider as well. Proofs, DDO/DDR, RPM, and so forth. One has to say its done at some point!
I think most Lincoln cent collectors consider major varieties such as the 1955DDO and the 1922 Plain to be an integral part of a Lincoln cent set. Minor varieties such as double punched mintmarks and the 1969-S DDO (extremely rare) aren't usually included in a set.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Based on your comment “I have every Lincoln Cent from 1909 through 2009....” it can’t be complete, as I have some of those too. They’ve made millions (if not billions) of Lincoln cents lol 😆
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
I wanted other opinions than mine, so thank you all for sharing. I do agree, the 22 Plain and 55ddo are major pieces to complete the set. Am happy, just not content, just wanted to hear others thoughts on this.. need to win the lottery... Thanks again
There are no rules in collecting, just expectations - yours and others. You have a complete set of Lincolns by your definition. The 55 and 22 are expectations others have. Thats why there is sometimes a spot for those in albums, registry sets, etc. Even a whole set without any proofs is a complete set. So you have accomplished a goal many others are still trying to do. The question is will you get bored and want more ?
WS
There are many ways to collect.
I would start by checking out the different Lincoln Cent Registry Set definitions:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/half-cents/10
Your set, your definition of complete. Don't forget the copper '43 cent...
Good luck, Cheers, RickO
Or the 1944 Steel Lincoln
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
While I still have my 'youth' collection of Lincolns, I've recently started a new (and higher quality) set as my 'adult' collection. For me, 'complete' means every date-mm that the mint intentionally released. While I may welcome the opportunity to acquire major varieties (like the 22 plain, or 55 DDO), I am satisfied without those. I'd rather forgo those expensive varieties and invest instead in higher grades throughout my new collection. To me, the 'story' behind my 'adult' Lincoln set is the elevated level of quality that I am able to find and purchase at my current stage in life (vis-à-vis my 'youth' collection).
Of course, to each his own (goals and sense of 'complete').
My strategy is about collecting what I intend to keep, not investing in what I plan to sell.
Like @rmorgan , my "Adult" Lincoln collection has even fewer coins required! It's the PCGS Registry Lincoln Cents Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1909-1958). Only 50 coins are required, and since it requires only one coin for each year, I can choose from the P, D, or S, based on pricing/availablility. With that cost saving, using the same rationale as @rmorgan for now being able to go for higher quality , for ME, I decided to have every one of those 50 coins as RD, AND with a CAC.
Fifteen more coins still needed to complete that set.
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
I think if you have all the regular issues, you can consider a set complete. "Complete" is just a word anyway.
Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.
Hey Ricko, thanks, always my pleasure to hear from you.
With that said, I do believe that the 22 No-D and 55ddo should be considered for a complete set.
Reasons:
So my collection is not complete, to answer my own question,
Thanks friend, Joe
I would agree with THIS.
It’s only complete when you get bored with it.
Only when you have a 58 DDO
Nah, I'd say whatever the Whitman blue albums have would constitute a complete set.
Collector, occasional seller
Or, you run out of money.
(you can cheat the 22 no-D with a weak D)
Collector, occasional seller
This!
If you collect coins in albums, like a lot of collectors do, when the album is full, it is complete.
A VDB medal makes a nice addition. Or a plaque. Same portrait as the coin and the plaque can be displayed. Of course Lincoln medals represent a lifetime of collecting pleasure. Collect them by King number. I went into Lincoln medals years ago after I completed the cents and had a ball.
My definition of "complete" is one of every date and intentional variety of circulation strikes from each mint. This includes VDB and non-VDB for 1909 but does not include the 22 plain or 55DD.
They all look alike. Who cares about the dates/MM? So complete for me would be far fewer coins. I'm not sure I even need to care about VDB and no-VDB
For my clipped Lincoln set, I decided to cap it at 2008 because the multiple varieties of 2009 made completion beyond that date impossible. I still add coins from 2010 and beyond but I do not consider them part of the primary set.
I included the 1922 No-D mainly because I had one, and because it was included in most albums (and registries) as required. I do not consider the 1955 DDO a requirement, but if I were able to acquire an affordable clipped example (they do exist, though rarely offered) I would gladly make room for it in the set.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
That's what I did.
I feel that you will know when your collection is complete. This is another reason why I am a Type collector versus Series collector. IMO, A Lincoln Cent Type collection would consist of six Types (V.D.B., Wheat Back, Steel Cent, Memorial, 2009 Bicentennial of Lincoln's Birth, and Shield Design) and I would be done.
BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
You make your own rules.
I personally would be more worried about the fact that I don't have 2009-2020 than the fact that I don't have major varieties.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
Don't you "need" all four 2009 reverses?
I tend to follow the guard rails of an album, Dansco to be precise. However, I think Dansco has been lax in what they are including for updates in their albums in recent years. I have included on blank pages what I feel the "old Dansco" would have included based on all P/D/S/W and different finish and metal composition combinations that the Mint put out.
My collection is housed in 3 separate Dansco's:
Dansco #1: 1909-1958 -complete as is, including the 22 Plain (No D, Weak reverse, Die 3) but I argue that it shouldn't be included in the album as it's technically an error coin as is the 1955 DDO which it does not have a slot for. But I hate seeing a slot not filled so I reluctantly included a 22 Plain.
Dansco #2: 1959-2009 -complete as is but I feel that the 66-68 SMS's should be included as well as the 68-S to 74-S Proofs. Currently there are only slots for a business strike S for 68-74. Also not included but should be in my eyes is 81-S Proof Type 2, the 2005-2009 satin finishes which includes the 2009's struck on copper.
Dansco #3: 2010-Date -Complete as is, but should also include the 2010 Satin finishes, 17-S Enhanced Unc, 18-S Reverse Pr, as well as the 3 2019-W's.
Based on these personal determinations, my set is complete.
Strands of Lincoln’s hair come up for sale on occasion.
I Think there is no right or wrong way to partake of a hobby. Hobby's are to be enjoyed, a getaway from the rat race where mans need for correct answers is one of his most dangerous vices. Whichever way you adopt, will be the right way for you. Whatever is most satisfying TO YOU is best. Complete a series, dont complete a series. I just want to know, "are you having FUN yet!!? Too much? LMAO.....be well, Travis MartinMy Lincoln set will never be complete, but I am more than satisfied with where it is. I would like to complete the memorials and shield coins that I dont have (as well as upgrade a wheat or two) but to be honest those two designs do not really excite me all that much so if I get to it great if not I'm good with the 09-58 set. And while I do have the 55/55 and 22 plain I see those more as verities than truly part of the series. So while I have them and a few varieties I really see no need to include those to call it complete.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Thanks to all, great input! I'm glad that I asked. Good replies.
Under that logic why would you ever own a coin, they are all round disks of metal thus they all look alike.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
if it were mine id say its complete up to that point.
I fill the variety slots with a coin showing the reverse.
No album, see photo's above
Coinbuf is probably not a Lincoholic...
I guess you have never clicked the link in my sig line
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
You can have a set to include major die varieties, or you can have a set which doesn't. Either constitutes a "set" in my opinion.
I'm not going to go out of my way to get a 3-legged 37-D buffalo nickel. A set is still a "set" without it.
(if you had to include the 1916 DDO and 1918/7-D in a buff set few would be able to complete one.)
All serious LIncoln collectors need one of these.
I am not sure that I understand, was that aimed at me? I have up the 2009. In addition, I have the 2017P and the 2019W. Just not interested in the shield... Thanks
My collection consists of toned Lincoln's 1934 and up minus the 55 DDO. Right now I'm looking for neon green toned coins and coins with low BN pops. I'll never be complete.
Yes, it was a response to your approach. I would personally go for all of the dates and types before including varieties, when drawing lines for what constitutes a full collection.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
Okay, I asked for opinions and yours counts. Thanks For me 100 years was enough plus the odd 2017P & 2019W
For me the memorial cent is the worst of the bunch. I don't need to have the obverse and the reverse dedicated to a single person. It's enough to have people on coins, but to have both sides for oner person? The obverse being dedicated to Lincoln is enough for me. (the same goes the Jefferson Nickel)
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
My Lincoln cent won't be complete until I find a suitable example (well struck VF or better) of the one early 's' date that is missing from my set, 1909-1915 inclusive, that has the lowest and farthest right mintmark position for that date. I have seven of the eight but one such 's' date has been eluding me despite diligent searching for it. Not every Lincoln collector cares about mintmark positions and styles but I find this "sub-pursuit" of mine of locating low, far right early 's' mintmarks interesting.
On a side note, has anyone ever seen a 1931-S that has an 'S' that isn't nestled under the date like an egg is under an old hen that just laid it?
Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.
So because of this post and the responses, at the bank today I picked a box on cents to go through over Christmas break between New Years.
I know boring life, but hey, who knows what I may find! Thanks for all of the feedback! Lincoln's Rock!! Joe
Nah, I just picked one of them.
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