How do you select a new series?

NeophyteNumismatist · May 17, 2023 6:59PM

I am starting to wrap-up my first few series. I completed business strike Braided Hair Half Cents, and the rest of my Half Cent "major variety" set will be completed in due time. I will also finish my set of Proof Mercury Dimes next month (which was a side collection). And, that has me thinking of what I may try next....

How do you decide to collect a series?

Do you have a strategy when it comes to vetting something new?
Do you fall backward into it after gathering a few type examples?
Do you stick within the same period, same metallic composition, or diversify?
Do you analyze populations and cost before buying your first coin?

This hobby has so many fascinating aspects, that "collect what you like" can be daunting unto itself. There is a LOT to like about numismatics!

What is your thought process?

hfjacinto · May 17, 2023 7:12PM

I’ve mostly stopped buying coins to complete sets (I have 3 sets that I may eventually finish, the 7070, slabbed IHC and innovation dollars) but when I was actively doing sets I would only start sets that I could afford to finish. There also had to be something that I looked the look of the coin. That allowed me to complete the small cents but I never did the Ben Franklin 50 cents as that coin is just ugly. And this is why I’m working on the innovation dollars. If I think it’s ugly I don’t do it (like Washington quarter or roosie dimes)

winesteven · May 18, 2023 12:33AM

Most of my collecting “career” was spent putting together and upgrading my Type Set of U.S. coins, which eventually turned into my Dansco 7070 Registry Set (see the hotlink in my Signature line below).

A few years ago, I “finished” that set, as I decided to stop looking for upgrades. So that’s when the question you pose in your OP came to me, “What Next?”

For me, I started two or so sets simultaneously, and as one would “finish”, I would add another. Here are the criteria that were important for me:

Based on the grades I want, can I complete the set in a financially comfortable manner? For me, psychologically I would have difficulty knowing I cannot complete a set. To me, that’s like working on a jig-saw puzzle knowing several pieces are missing.
Do I find the coins in the proposed set interesting?
Call me lazy, but I prefer smaller sets, which are less challenging than larger sets. As such, I absolutely love “DATE” sets! Since these DATE sets require fewer coins, and if I want I can choose the least expensive coin among the mints for that year, these two factors allow me to then afford coins in higher grades!

Here’s what I ended up putting together once I completed my Dansco 7070:

Classic Silver 50 Coin Commemorative Type Set. Phenomenally interesting!
Lincoln Wheat Cent DATE Set.
Two Cent Set, Business Strikes (only 10 coins needed).
Proof Franklin Set (only 14 coins needed).
Standing Liberty Quarter FULL HEAD DATE Set (only 14 coins needed).
Twenty Cent set, Business Strikes (only 4 coins needed).
My “Unique” Indian Head Cent set.
Flying Eagle Cent sets (some still in progress).
Morgan Dollar DATE set (only 28 coins needed) 11 coins still to go.
Peace Dollar DATE set (only 10 coins needed) 4 coins still to go.

Steve

ricko · May 18, 2023 5:41AM

I have not done a set since I completed my CC Morgan set twenty years ago... Prior to that, I did a set of Kennedy halves and Franklin halves.... dabbled in partial albums but never focused on that area. Now I just acquire the coins that 'speak' to me due to design, condition or various other reasons.... I like the freedom/lack of boundaries.... Just fun. Cheers, RickO

PerryHall · May 18, 2023 5:50AM

Do you select the series or does the series select you? By this, I mean that you may not looking for a new series to collect but you come across something that you find to be interesting and then you research it a little bit and then it grabs your interest and becomes your new obsession.

P0CKETCHANGE · May 18, 2023 5:53AM

I’m primarily a type collector, and all three of my secondary sets started when I acquired a coin I really liked as a type example.

I started a “dual-sided toner” silver WQ set after picking this one up:

I started a “blast white” Peace Dollar date set after getting this beauty:

And I started an “original haze” WLH Proof CAC set after adding this one:

jacrispies · May 18, 2023 7:04AM

Go in depth in the series you enjoy collecting the most. If you completed a basic variety set, move on to a complete variety set. Then go to die states! This would be much easier and more enjoyable to do with say draped bust half cents as opposed to braided hair half cents.

Catbert · May 18, 2023 7:18AM

@PerryHall said:
Do you select the series or does the series select you? By this, I mean that you may not looking for a new series to collect but you come across something that you find to be interesting and then you research it a little bit and then it grabs your interest and becomes your new obsession.

This is a great point that I agree with whole heartedly. And, if it's a long series, break it down into smaller parts (dates, decade, mint marks, etc.) so you can have milestones and determine whether you wish to continue to collect the series.

semikeycollector · May 18, 2023 8:34AM

@Catbert said:

@PerryHall said:
Do you select the series or does the series select you? By this, I mean that you may not looking for a new series to collect but you come across something that you find to be interesting and then you research it a little bit and then it grabs your interest and becomes your new obsession.

This is a great point that I agree with whole heartedly. And, if it's a long series, break it down into smaller parts (dates, decade, mint marks, etc.) so you can have milestones and determine whether you wish to continue to collect the series.

Very well said!

JJM · May 18, 2023 8:34AM

I usually take a peek at what the cost of the set will be before i dive in

FrankH · May 18, 2023 8:44AM

My problem with "sets" is "needing" any coin. I resented ....needing.... 3c pieces in my 7070.
Of late I've switched to darkside but still ...might ...buy a US coin if one strikes my fancy.
Like the 1870-cc dollar I got ...just because.

I find a lot of the darkside equally (if not more) interesting and there's no limiting "set" factor.

lkenefic · May 18, 2023 8:47AM

For the longest time, my fascination centered around completion of my Type Set... I had already started transitioning to the next project to some extent as I was finishing.... Middle Date Large Cents in particular and just Early Copper in general. Now that I completed the date run, I'm going back and filling in with Redbook varieties. I also have a few more obvious Newcomb varieties of certain dates...

erwindoc · May 18, 2023 8:52AM

Lately for me, it has come down to budget. Is it a set I can realistically complete in the grade that I think will be nice enough to make me happy. I have been shying away from longer sets after completing and selling a really long set!

semikeycollector · May 18, 2023 8:56AM

How do you decide to collect a series?

Do you have a strategy when it comes to vetting something new?

I like to collect a set that has tough Keys, semikeys and condition rarities, that are undervalued- a real challenge.
I don't collect the generic or common coins.

Do you fall backward into it after gathering a few type examples?
After several coins are bought in the set, I either stop collecting the set or jump in head first.

Do you stick within the same period, same metallic composition, or diversify?
I seem to gravitate to the long sets in the 19th century.
Had completed a date and mint mark set of Liberty Seated Dimes (no 1873-cc NA), then got interested in collecting better date Liberty $5 gold. This will be a small set, but the dates are cool,
I have some interest in South African coins since I am traveling there and read Nelson Mandela's biography. This country does have some scarce and rare coins. I'll be doing more type collecting with this set, looking for scarce issues.
I think at heart, I'm a set collector and not a type collector. I used to collect more type, then found that I like to specialize.

Do you analyze populations and cost before buying your first coin?
I analyze populations in a most anal fashion, looking for scarce and undervalued issues.

NeophyteNumismatist · May 18, 2023 10:48AM

Thanks for the comments. While I am not quite ready to move on, I want to give my next step some thought. I appreciate the comments from "set builders" and "non-set builders" alike.

@winesteven - Like you, I also target shorter sets. Those monster sets intimidate me, because I am afraid I will run out of gas. Also, I look at the set and decide if I can afford to go after it. So similar approaches in that regard.

@semikeycollector, I also like your comments about looking at less-common coins. I think that I am also looking to build sets that are at the crossroads of affordable and scarce/rare. As you mentioned already, this can be a real challenge. I do think that this was some of the appeal in going after half cents and proof mercury dimes. Not that I would call them "rare", but there is a scarcity to them that I appreciate.

@jacrispies - I do have some varieties and dies states when it comes to half cents. My draped busts are getting close to my original goal of "major/Redbook" varieties with only 3 coins left. I am not sure if I want to move on to every variety, because I like other series, too. That said, I do like varieties... (back and forth I go here).

Cougar1978 · May 18, 2023 10:55AM

Mostly it would be affordability, popularity in market place (its potential get good retail), and if could buy right.

emeraldATV · May 18, 2023 11:52AM

My approach to collecting only started 3+ years ago, as I needed a hobby. I purchased 2, 1 cent full boxes, from my local bank which was closing (Beneficial Bank} after many years of service. I guess the spark was the 1982 variety which seemed to be a challenge and plenty full in the early search.
Well, now I needed some education and started on a website, that I found not to be my style or personality let's say.
Enter Collectors Universe. As the varieties were being discussed I would search that subject coin and see what was in my box of goodies or examples of.
Keeping this short that's how I collect and learn.
Growing up as a kid, my mother was an RN. One thing she said and I'll never forget. If seen by a doctor always follow your own instincts as some are only book smart. Logic is your job.
Buying will follow education. Selling, I see as a tool in education.
This composition is brought to by my ethics.
David

VTchaser · May 18, 2023 12:20PM

Hey i started collecting about 3.5 years ago as well! Started with a few morgans and SBA's my grandfather had when he passed.

As of now I'm about 3 things:

Album Fillers (working on buffalos, shields, small cents at the moment)
Collecting 90% when i think its a good deal
Grabbing a bar or few ounces of silver when its a good deal

Things I want to eventually get into:

High graded SLQ's (my favorite coin design)
High graded large cents (my second favorite)

NeophyteNumismatist · May 18, 2023 12:58PM

@emeraldATV and @VTchaser - I love the fact that you two are newer like me, because we likely share some of the same thoughts around getting started. I wish you all the best in the accomplishment of your short and long term goals.

Dave99B · May 18, 2023 1:17PM

My basic guidelines:

1) I have to absolutely love the series.
2) I have to be able to complete the entire set in a specific grade (all dates and mint marks).
3) I have to have confidence that I can find unmolested material in the chosen grade. This one is tricky.

If I can check these three boxes, I dive in head first. I don't care if it takes 12 months, or 25 years...I'm in.

Dave

ctf_error_coins · May 18, 2023 1:35PM

It is impossible to collect a full type set of all the different types of mint errors in different denominations and designs.

It is always an open ended search that will never end, which makes it fun.

NeophyteNumismatist · May 18, 2023 3:35PM

@VTchaser said:

"High graded large cents (my second favorite)"

If you are interested in getting into high grade large cents, you may also want to think about half cents. I love large cents, but I found that it was much more affordable to collect half cents in higher grades. They are smaller and less popular, but if you want to dig into early copper, they are worth a look.

WCC · May 18, 2023 3:51PM

@NeophyteNumismatist said:

How do you decide to collect a series?

Do you have a strategy when it comes to vetting something new?

Do you fall backward into it after gathering a few type examples?

Do you stick within the same period, same metallic composition, or diversify?

Do you analyze populations and cost before buying your first coin?

What is your thought process?

I performed an analysis like you describe back in 1998 when I resumed collecting. By now, I already know what I really like, what I don't, what's in the middle, and the coin's relative preference to me.

I don't ever expect to complete my non-US set but if I do, I'll probably just add the other mints of the same design. There are slightly over 400 for all five denominations for the four primary mints.
Maybe focus on my two current world side collections. Other than that, there are a random assortment of unrelated coins I'd consider, depending upon the price at the time.

VTchaser · May 19, 2023 5:09AM

@NeophyteNumismatist said:

@VTchaser said:

"High graded large cents (my second favorite)"

If you are interested in getting into high grade large cents, you may also want to think about half cents. I love large cents, but I found that it was much more affordable to collect half cents in higher grades. They are smaller and less popular, but if you want to dig into early copper, they are worth a look.

Not a bad plan. I will keep that in mind. Thanks!

divecchia · May 19, 2023 8:33AM

I am working on a complete U.S. Coin Type set that will likely not be completed in my lifetime. There are some very interesting thoughts above. I have never done a series before and have no intentions of doing one, but if I decide to do one I have bookmarked this thread and will refer to it as there are many different and interesting suggestions as how to proceed.

Donato

percyb · May 19, 2023 8:57AM

I collected everything and anything for decades but now
am focused on types and ridding myself of all the extras in the sets.

keyman64 · May 19, 2023 9:08AM

Some of it is based on opportunity.
I will also look to see what Mercury Dime areas I am not currently focused on and determine if I want to make that commitment.

NeophyteNumismatist · May 19, 2023 9:17AM

@percyb said:
I collected everything and anything for decades but now
am focused on types and ridding myself of all the extras in the sets.

Could you unpack this a little more? I don't have decades in the hobby, so I am very curious how long-time collectors have evolved over time... what spurred this change in direction? What lessons have you learned along the way that you don't mind sharing? If you could start collecting again anew, would you do things differently... and is any of that translatable to a "new guy" like me?

I am always looking to get feedback from the veteran collectors.

NeophyteNumismatist · May 19, 2023 10:30AM

@NeophyteNumismatist said:

I am very curious how long-time collectors have evolved over time... what spurred this change in direction? What lessons have you learned along the way that you don't mind sharing? If you could start collecting again anew, would you do things differently... and is any of that translatable to a "new guy" like me?

As I think about it, maybe this would be best left to a new thread. A collectors evolution over time is more broad than how one selects a new series to collect.

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1091511/to-the-veteran-collectors-how-has-your-collecting-strategy-evolved-over-time#latest

Walkerfan · May 19, 2023 10:47AM

I look at design (aesthetic beauty), absolute rarity & condition rarity. I collect in the MS range (whenever possible). I like to keep it to MS 62-MS 65 for key dates and MS 66-MS 67 for common dates. I like larger coins, so I gravitate towards Halves and Dollars but I DO like Quarters, too. I always buy the KEYS FIRST, as they never get easier or less expensive to locate. Many get cracked out and upgraded, too, so strike while the iron is HOT!!!

edwardjulio · May 19, 2023 11:20AM

This is my method:

NeophyteNumismatist · May 19, 2023 12:07PM

@edwardjulio - Lottery system, I like it.... but how do you pick what you write on the slips of paper?

johnnyb · May 19, 2023 2:40PM

I’ll see an interesting/cool coin at a show or online at what feels like is a good price and buy it. Then maybe I start a set, maybe a buy one or two more and feel it isn’t for me, or maybe I realize I’m in over my head (like when I thought a nice VF 1850-O was a quick start on a seated liberty quarter set!). My problem is finishing a set…. I get close and rather than finish I feel the urge to move on. But honestly, how many times can I look at a set once it’s finished?
I envy anyone who can honestly do a box of 20! Would love to know how you stay disciplined!!

rays · May 19, 2023 5:56PM

I make sure there is no “stopper”. The last thing I want to collect is a series with an R-7-8 key priced in the $500k and up range.

Aegis3 · May 19, 2023 9:49PM

@NeophyteNumismatist said:

If you are interested in getting into high grade large cents, you may also want to think about half cents. I love large cents, but I found that it was much more affordable to collect half cents in higher grades. They are smaller and less popular, but if you want to dig into early copper, they are worth a look.

Back in the 1990s(?) at a regional EAC meeting, I remarked that reading Sheldon's Early American Cents got me intrigued about large cent varieties (imagine that!), but then looking at price guides disabused me of that notion. But half cents were cheaper and had less varieties! It probably had something to do with just how I expressed those though, but it got a good number of laughs.

semikeycollector · May 20, 2023 7:28AM

@NeophyteNumismatist said:
Thanks for the comments. While I am not quite ready to move on, I want to give my next step some thought. I appreciate the comments from "set builders" and "non-set builders" alike.

@winesteven - Like you, I also target shorter sets. Those monster sets intimidate me, because I am afraid I will run out of gas. Also, I look at the set and decide if I can afford to go after it. So similar approaches in that regard.

@semikeycollector, I also like your comments about looking at less-common coins. I think that I am also looking to build sets that are at the crossroads of affordable and scarce/rare. As you mentioned already, this can be a real challenge. I do think that this was some of the appeal in going after half cents and proof mercury dimes. Not that I would call them "rare", but there is a scarcity to them that I appreciate.

@jacrispies - I do have some varieties and dies states when it comes to half cents. My draped busts are getting close to my original goal of "major/Redbook" varieties with only 3 coins left. I am not sure if I want to move on to every variety, because I like other series, too. That said, I do like varieties... (back and forth I go here).

Proof Mercury Dimes and Half Cents are very interesting collections! Those dimes are extremely attractive! You will definitely find scarce and rare coins with Half Cents, even after 1800.

Fun Fact, which you may know already: This coin has a mintage of 16!
https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-2LEQ4/1844-braided-hair-half-cent-original-b-1-rarity-6-proof-61-bn-ngc

There are many dates like this, with the proof onlys. I honestly end up selling coins to buy something so expensive and only recently in my 50+ years of collecting, but its kind of cool. I haven't thought if it was a good investment or not. But G-d knows its not a generic coin!

Zoins · May 20, 2023 9:30AM

@ctf_error_coins said:
It is impossible to collect a full type set of all the different types of mint errors in different denominations and designs.

It is always an open ended search that will never end, which makes it fun.

Well, I have known certain error collectors to go from moderns to classics, if you can call classics a different series

may · May 20, 2023 10:51AM

I start with a couple type coins, then fell into the abyss.

Early_Milled_Latin_America · May 20, 2023 11:21AM

My rule is if I can't afford the most important key date of that series then don't collect it. And that is a rule I have learned recently by experience. Best not to buy all the coins around that one missing coin you may never own. You will not be happy is my belief.

oih82w8 · May 20, 2023 1:19PM

There are those who prefer the variety of Type Sets, and you can count me among them.

Early_Milled_Latin_America · May 20, 2023 4:19PM

@PillarDollarCollector said:
My rule is if I can't afford the most important key date of that series then don't collect it. And that is a rule I have learned recently by experience. Best not to buy all the coins around that one missing coin you may never own. You will not be happy is my belief.

And I am by no means rich so there are many sets I don't collect because of lack of funds but I am OK with that.

The_Dinosaur_Man · May 20, 2023 4:34PM

I start by happenstance, mostly.

I got into Proof Lincoln cents because of the S-mint coins stopping in 1974 in the Whitman folders but continuing on in the Red Book, thus fueling my drive to has P-D-S for all the dates. And then all the proofs.

Mercury Dimes because an old friend liked them.

Seated Liberty Dimes and Half Dimes because I was updating the online inventory at my LCS, saw the low mintages and low prices and thought back to the 1916-D Mercury, plus at the time I was a lurker here and not a member and liked the fascination many members had with the design.

Bahamas cents because my fiance likes starfish. There are some neat low mintages in that series and really no cost.

There are other series I'm inclined to collect but don't have the cash to pursue. I'll be flipping through the books or catalogs and something will catch my eye and it's all downhill from there.

WCC · May 20, 2023 4:46PM

@PillarDollarCollector said:
My rule is if I can't afford the most important key date of that series then don't collect it. And that is a rule I have learned recently by experience. Best not to buy all the coins around that one missing coin you may never own. You will not be happy is my belief.

I don't expect to complete the pillars I collect and it's not even important to me. Bolivia isn't that hard if the buyer isn't selective, but Peru is a lot more difficult. I'm not buying "dreck" or coins I don't really like that much just to complete a series. No, just because a coin is in a "details" holder doesn't make it "dreck".

mcarney1173 · May 20, 2023 5:19PM

Seated Dollars seem like your style. Very tough to find original examples

D808LF · May 20, 2023 5:27PM

Recent sets: Completed an everyman $2 1/2 Indian. Not particularly difficult except for one coin that I managed to get a 58+ on which projected me to #2 in Registry. I began a 1907 Mint Set with gold knowing there were two show stoppers, both $10 Indians, wire and rolled edges. It's a beautiful set with lotsa 'big gold'.

My latest endeavor is way off the rails but fun at this point in time. I began a themed set representing countries I've traveled (64) with PCGS graded coins. It's a WIP. I have 12 of 64 depicted below,...with 100 being the goal.

https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/themed-coins/travelers-century-club-d808lf/album/15242

WCC · May 20, 2023 6:34PM

@D808LF said:
I began a 1907 Mint Set with gold knowing there were two show stoppers, both $10 Indians, wire and rolled edges. It's a beautiful set with lotsa 'big gold'.

Aren't the $10 wire and rolled edge patterns? Or are both die varieties? I know both are in the Red Book.

D808LF · May 20, 2023 10:57PM

@WCC said:

@D808LF said:
I began a 1907 Mint Set with gold knowing there were two show stoppers, both $10 Indians, wire and rolled edges. It's a beautiful set with lotsa 'big gold'.

Aren't the $10 wire and rolled edge patterns? Or are both die varieties? I know both are in the Red Book.

Correct, however, both are included in the Mint Set Registry.
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/mint-sets/1907-mint-set-gold/album/149711

How do you select a new series?

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