Do Serious Type Collectors Eventually Become Series Collectors?
Catbert
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I began as a type collector but soon realized this wasn't enough for me. My original thinking was "how boring to collect a certain type over and over. It's only a different date anyway." Yet, there were certain types that just didn't appeal to me so I then asked myself, "why am I buying it anyway?"
What about you? (there's of course, no wrong way to collect!)
Seated Half Society member #38
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
Do Serious Type Collectors Eventually Become Series Collectors?
This is a public poll: others will see what you voted for.
1
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I started as a series collector (Morgan, Peace, Barber) and have since become a type and (multiple) box of 20 collector.
I didn’t choose an answer, because my choice is not up there. I was never interested in type collecting, as a whole. There were certain types that I liked, of course, such as Walkers, SLQs and Morgans but there are many (most) types that I had no interested in. My strategy was to build on my Walkers collection. First, I started with the early dates, then I went for the one per date set and finally collected the series in its entirety. I’m doing the same with Morgans and Franklins.
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My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Was the other way around for me. I dove deep into a couple different US series and then felt compelled to put a type set together when i got to the point where i felt I could comfortably afford the level of coins Id want to do it in.
I’ll never be “done” with my 7070 and always have my eyes peeled for coins that would fit well in my set and upgrade what i have…..but I’ve spent more and more time with world coins since I got to 100% on my CAC 7070 registry.
I started with making the modern Lincolns but then got bored with it.
Currently in the type mode and just buy whatever appeals to me as long as it's something that I believe would resell easily.
So, I'm not much help and yes, you're an idiot
A lot of people I know started by doing type sets or beginner-type collecting in Whitman albums and then expanded to specializing when they realized they had a passion for one specific coin series.
Anecdotal obviously but that was my path as well. I completed a Dansco 7070 Type set (minus the gold page) and during that process of figuring out what to collect next, I contracted a very debilitating disease called the Bust Half Fever
Collector of Capped Bust Halves, SLQ's, Commems, and random cool stuff! @davidv_numismatics on Instagram
My choice is not there either, but then my choice has a wide latitude. I think collectors are just like collections; each one is unique. I'm not even sure how I would classify myself. I, like so many, had several different interests and approaches to collecting. still do. James
i find this more these days with myself, it can varies at time to
I used a type set to find out what I liked, then moved on to collecting a couple series.
Type collector, mainly into Seated. -formerly Ownerofawheatiehorde. Good BST transactions with: mirabela, OKCC, MICHAELDIXON, Gerard
I’ve gone back and forth and probably will forever. So I’m probably not a “serious” type collector when I’m bouncing around, but also never fully focused on a series (always had side quests during series hunts).
I assume I’m not unique. I also don’t think Type and Series are mutually exclusive.
I always think I'm a type collector but I gravitate toward series collecting because that's more of a sense of "completion" for me. I found a good middle ground collecting a complete 1890 mint set. It combines the two types of collecting, a "series" with defined parameters but also many types.
It depends. A lot of type collectors will become series collectors. Others will remain type collectors or will shift to collect what ever they like. Some will take a hybrid approach maybe doing a small series here or there but type or erratic collecting of everything else.
I went in exactly the opposite direction. I started off with Lincoln Cents as a kid... then to IHC's... then to Type. In my collection, I've completed a circulated 7070... then went on to complete, Lincoln Cents, Buffalo Nickels, and a few date run series with varieties for Large Cents.
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
I'm with @Davidk7 the Dansco 7070 was the gateway drug into my full blown addiction for bust halves. It's getting worse by the day. Considering attending Bust Halves Anonymous to help.
I agree with option #1 as a blanket statement. There are likely many people who don't have the time to specialize and stick with a type set.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
Nm
Why can't we select "Yes, because either they eventually run out of things to collect or become interested in a certain type and desire to focus" AND "You're an idiot. No one cares."?
I also was a type and commem collector and never understood the series collectors. Until I found a series that spoke to me and now I'm all in.
I also collect other unrelated types that interest me so maybe sprinkle in a little "I just collect whatever appeals to me regardless of type or series approach objectives."
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
While I have some favored series/issues (e.g. early half cents, CBHs, early federal in general), I’ll buy anything, as long as it’s something I consider eye appealing and desirable, and should resell easily. I only own one 20th century coin (below), purchased because I think it’s beautiful and will be easy to sell when the time comes.
I was a series collector that became a type collector!
Interesting premise.
While I am definitely a series collector when it comes to CBH's, I still dabble outside of that pursuit, usually in other early Federal type, or other series I have gained knowledge in over the years and still have greater appreciation for.
I don't consider myself a type collector or a series collector necessarily, although if we account for a few series, I suppose I am closer to the latter.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
I completed all of the types, and I got into a few series. They were not too long, did not have a ton of key dates and very few mint marks which did not have historical significance. I have colleced the following series.
Flying Eagle and Indian cents.
Classic Head $2.50 gold
Classic Head $5 gold
Indian $2.50 gold
Lincoln Cents - I figured I should finish the 1909 to 1940 book since I had started it in 1959!
Roosevelt Dimes
Franklin Half Dollars
Walker short set 1941 to 1947.
Early half dimes, can't do the 1802!
Early Dollars by date, can't do the 1794!
No. I like to keep my collection diverse without duplication.
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,...
I started collecting series as a kid in the 50’s as did many, from circulation. As soon as I could afford to buy early type, I did that too. After completing a number of series in both MS and proof, I got serious about type. I found that my series sets (slabbed) took up a ton of room and I wasn’t really paying attention to them, having satisfied the completion itch. Sold all my series, keeping a few favorite coins for my expanded type set. Now, just a few very expensive US Federal type needed, so I expanded into Colonial and into foreign type that circulated in the Colonies or were legal tender until 1857. The foreign type is a deep enough well to keep me occupied.
I think that's the more normal progression. People start out as hole fillers and then realize they all look alike and the keys are low grade and look ugly relative to the higher grade commons.
I imagine sometimes someone gets enthralled with one series and collects that. But I would be surprised if there were many people who went from type collectors to multiple set collectors. It's a completely different psychology.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
The first coin I bought was an Indian cent but I never continued with them. I have 3 Indian cents now and a whole lot of different stuff.
I started collecting from circulation- Lincoln, Jefferson, Mercury / Roosevelt, Washington, Walking Liberty / Franklin / Kennedy. Never got into Standing Liberty quarters or Buffalo nickels because just about the only ones available in circulation at the time were dateless but over time, I accumulated enough different date/mint Buffalo nickels somehow to make finishing the set seem worthwhile. I never tried to complete any older sets because I knew I wouldn't be able to finish them in a condition that would be acceptable due to cost.
Started doing series then switched to type now looking at a box of 40
I started off collecting mostly Morgan dollars with the hope of completing a higher grade set. Reality eventually set in and I realized my goal was not going to happen. I sold most of my coins and started collecting mostly pre Civil War gold regardless of denomination and territorials. I’ve expanded my collecting to include Seated Liberty Halves and Dollars with an occasional Trade Dollar.
Seems reasonable that collecting interests expand which is a good thing.
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nevermind
I have always collected coins by series. Type collecting was never for me. I collected almost all series (except gold), including bust and seated coins and odd denominations (2 cents, 3 cents and sheild nickels, 20 cent pieces, 3 cent silvers).
Safe to say I’ve caught the fever too and it feels pretty damn good! Second piece will be here next week (see avatar
Never knew I could be happy with AU till I went backwards roughly 200 years.
I voted no one cares, but only because the other three options didn’t work for me. You’re not stupid. 😂
I only become serious about building a collection over the last couple of years. I started by buying a few raw coins, but not many as I realized for me that was a fool’s errand. Then I bought a bunch of graded Morgans and peace dollars and made a lot of dumb beginner decisions.
So I decided to build a single series that is reasonable to complete and will allow me to really get to understand one specific coin. I built an Everyman peace dollar set that I keep trying to constantly make better. It’s reasonably inexpensive (except the 34S), and many of these coins are knockouts. It’s a doable set for an enthusiastic beginner.
Then I started building a 20th century type set, and I’m really enjoying it.
Once that’s complete, I’ll likely refocus on improving the Peace set.
I don’t know what my point is, but I find the type set really freeing because you can ignore tough dates, and really just focus on buying attractive coins that I enjoy. I’ve got no shot at a winning collection, but I want the collection to just look great sitting on the table.
This is just fun, there are no rules. Find what you like and buy coins that make you smile! 🙂
I have been reading back issues of the Barber Coin Collector Society for the last few months. Today I am at Vol. 8, issue #4 from 1997. It has an article by David Lawrence encouraging collectors to pick a single coin series and stick to it. I will paraphrase his reasons.
You will learn the nuances of the series and discover not just the stated key dates but the additional coins that are truly rare.
You will enhance your grading skills and learn to discern well struck pieces from average run. (Also the tendency of many dates to have a wide variety of strikes and cherrypick)
You will learn the varieties that exist and will be able to cherrypick dealer inventorys.
You will gain far greater satisfaction from your collection because you will have more insight on what is truly rare and have the honor of finding those coins.
I don't know if everything he says is true; have never completed any series, but he was a respected dealer and coin expert so i will give his thoughts the weight they deserve. james
Option 4 made me spit coffee !!! thanks for the morning laugh !!
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
successful BST with Ankurj, BigAl, Bullsitter, CommemKing, DCW(7), Downtown1974, Elmerfusterpuck, Joelewis, Mach1ne, Minuteman810430, Modcrewman, Nankraut, Nederveit2, Philographer(5), Proofcollection, Realgator, Silverpop, SurfinxHI, TomB and Yorkshireman(3)
I’ve worked on my Type Set for decades (along with U.S. Proof Sets 1936 - 1942), upgrading coins as my budget allowed. Roughly six years ago or so, I got to the grade level where I was comfortable to remain. That resulted in my Dansco 7070 Registry Sets (one with gold and one without) each being ranked #3 current. A short time ago Black Cat retired his set as he sold his coins, so I “backed into” current #2. I see that Hansen has been in the process of crossing his coins to CACG, so I would think that at some point he’ll have to retire his PCGS set, so I’ll then “back into” #1 current.
When I stopped upgrading that Type Set, I asked myself, “So what’s next?” I decided to work on two to three sets at a time, starting new ones as I was “finishing” others. In denomination order, I have put together the following sets: Flying Eagle Cents, Indian Head Cents, Lincoln Wheat Cents DATE set, Two Cent set, Matte Proof Buffalo’s, Capped Bust Half Dimes, Capped Bust Dimes, Proof Barber Dimes, Merc FB DATE set, Twenty Cent set, Standing Lib Quarter FH DATE set, Proof Franklin set, Classic Silver Commem 50 Coin set, Morgan Dollar DATE set, and a Peace Dollar DATE set.
What fun!
Steve
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