The Current Top St. Gaudens Registry Set..........

elwood · November 4, 2005 7:42AM

.......was assembled in one, yes that's right, one year.

With the talk about the Morse Collection I took a look at the Set Registry and was shocked by this quote from the current holder of the finest set.

<< I can't believe I have done it! I have been able to build a high quality set of this famous series of coins in just one year. >>

Are there any other series a collector could assemble, the finest set, if they so choose, in one year?

Does that sound remotely challenging?

Not slamming Saints...tell a Seated collector to build the finest set in one year and see what they will say. (just not possibe even with an unlimited budget)

INXS · November 4, 2005 7:50AM

He must have had one helluva ready made starter set. I find this amazing if true but I am alittle skeptical.

D · November 4, 2005 7:51AM

He's a forum member here, could always just ask him

.

BTW: I was looking at the set including the 1933 and the patterns. I couldn't help but laugh at the coin Eliasberg was missing.

-Daniel

MikeInFL · November 4, 2005 8:05AM

<< I want to repeat the point that highest graded does not always necessarily equate with "finest".

>>

That's exactly what I was thinking -- chasing the grade and not the coin. How could the truly "finest" coins all come to market in a years time? Doesn't sound realistic to me, but what do I know? I guess if you've got serious money to burn, have at it, and my hat's off to you...Mike

ER · November 4, 2005 8:12AM

He still lacks the 27-D.

saintguru · November 4, 2005 8:32AM

I know this collector well. In fact, I was the person who convinced him to build the finest set possible rather that hoard random dates. He did build his set using the "saturation buying" approach, which is indicative that a buyer with beaucoups $$ can flush out big coins. I thought it was rather gluttonous myself, but I think that many here would do the same thing if they had the money and desire.

Now in a way it does have an odor to it, but this is the way things are. I believe in bulding sets carefully and constantly upgrading...even within the same grade, but he actually did that.

I have to tell you that I have had my differences with this collector, but when all is said and done I saw his set today for the first time. I expected to see a fair amount of overgraded coins because of the fast build-out. I was quite surprised. Most of his coins were very strong for the grade...VERY strong. I would humbly admit that they matched mine and those are hard words to swallow! And trust me, the last thing I would do is "flatter" him.

He's got a great eye...he now needs to develope a LOVE for the ART that he owns. I told him that today. "Take a breather and start looking at these coins as beautiful works of art. They aren't 'chips' anymore".

That's my honest appraisal. I will tell you that that I LOVE my coins and I know every one like it's a painting. They are "personal".

JB

elwood · November 4, 2005 8:36AM

<< Depending upon what set was chosen, almost certainly so. >>

Can Barber collectors do it, Morgan collectors?, Lincoln Collectors?, Buff Collectors?, Indian Cent Collectors? How about Shield Nickels?, V Nickels?, Half Dime collectors? Two or Three Cent collectors? Bust Halves?

<< I want to repeat the point that highest graded does not always necessarily equate with "finest". >>

I agree, remember I didn't say finest set ever.....I said the current top registry set.

I do find it amazing and somewhat disappointing. I really can't quite understand how it can be done, but then I don't know anything about the series? I guess it becomes easier to do with the current market conditions and the collectons that are coming out?

To me, as nice as the Morse Collection was, which was fantastic!!! many of the coins appeared to be at there maximum grade.

tradedollarnut · November 4, 2005 8:39AM

How could the truly "finest" coins all come to market in a years time? Doesn't sound realistic to me, but what do I know?

The time to sell is when there is an active buyer. I bought my first seated dollar at FUN 2003. Within 15 months, I'd bought 3 almost complete sets [keeping those I wanted and selling the rest] and two partial sets. They kept being offered because it was known I was willing to buy.

Opportunity is the key for rare coins.

saintguru · November 4, 2005 8:40AM

Many were actually a little higher graded than I would have graded them. But a vast majority were graded properly and there were a few that were undergraded. The set was definately "maxxed-out" by the handlers who had their hands in supplying these coins.

elwood · November 4, 2005 8:43AM

Thanks for your perspective saintguru....did you think he could accomplish what he has done in that time frame? Was it suprising to you?

<< Most of his coins were very strong for the grade...VERY strong. >>

That makes it even more impressive?
Does the collector have an eye or have a good advisor?

What was your opinion of the quality and grading of the Morse Collection? Several of the major coins seemed to be maxed out to me.

D · November 4, 2005 8:48AM

FYI, this collector also has the finest 10$ Indian set, and third finest all time 5$ Indian set.

-Daniel

elwood · November 4, 2005 8:49AM

<< They kept being offered because it was known I was willing to buy. >>

TDN....did you have a lot of shots taken at you? Did you have to stretch to buy these sets? Or were you in a comfort zone?

tradedollarnut · November 4, 2005 8:52AM

Yes, a few shots. And yes, had to stretch an awful lot and go WAYYYY out of any possible comfort zone.

But that's what it takes to build a truly great set. You can't be beholden to price guides, you can't only buy coins when the time is perfect and you can't always cherry out the exact coins you need from someone's set.

Russ · November 4, 2005 9:00AM

I don't think even a #1 Modern Crap™ Proof Kennedy set could be assembled in a year.

Russ, NCNE

saintguru · November 4, 2005 9:04AM

elwood.

He does have a good eye. He learned as he went along, made his mistakes, pissed me off numerous times by stepping in front of me, but he assembled a three great sets. With all said and done, he is a friend.

As I said, the Morse collection had coins all over the map. Many of them were simply the finest coins of the series that I have ever seen. Many were not what I would have accepted at the grade.

I wasn't a major player, but I scrutinized every important coin. I saw the "steals", and there were a half dozen that were luckily bought by good people that I like!! Had I had more $$ I would have grabbed one myself, but I was VERY happy to buy a very elusive 1909/8 MS65. I subsequently sold my MS64 in the Platinum sale and got 50% MORE than the MS64 in Morse!!

I think that says it all.

jpkinla · November 6, 2005 3:49PM

Thank you to everyone for the comments. I am truly humbled SG.....I have tried to buy the best and fortunately many of the tough ones happened to come along at the right time....It was a fun challenge but my ego does not require my set to be the FINEST just as nice as I can get and afford......I will be taking a break as I am broke now! Seriously, I believe my set to be as nice as I can make it and so I am pretty much content.....There is always a higher graded coin and there will always be a "better" one that comes along but I don't "need" it....

Thanks again and feel free to ask any questions....

jpkinla · November 7, 2005 3:40AM

ER,

BTW, I am NOT going to acquire a 1927-d.....I am perfectly content without it.....

CarlWohlforth · November 7, 2005 4:03AM

Congrats on the neat set!

19Lyds · November 7, 2005 4:20AM

<< Thanks again and feel free to ask any questions.... >>

Very nice set! Do you have any plans on providing pictures?

cartwheel · November 7, 2005 5:23AM

Congratulations, jpkinla! I'm sure it's a wonderous set to behold. A top-ten St. Gaudens set holder lives in my area, and I had the pleasure of holding his PCGS MS64 1932 Saint. My (unregistered) Saint set includes one slabbed coin (so far)!

Cartwheel

IrishMike · November 7, 2005 5:27AM

I understand the Ally IHC is on the block at FUN so you could theoretically finish this set in a couple of hours at most. Like others have said, its all about opportunity and money. If I owned that set I wouldn't feel any less about how I had acquired it. It wouldn't prevent you from adding to or upgrading it as other opportunities evolved.

jpkinla · November 7, 2005 5:40AM

I hope to send in the entire Saint set for regrading in the near future. In any event, at least several of the coins are shot upgrades. When I do send them in, I will ask for the PCGS photo service. Do you feel the photos are nice? I used them on my $10 Indian set but felt the pictures lacked some depth.

Thanks for all of the comments. I feel a great relief to have finished and it has been a lot of fun trying to find the coins.....Fortunately for me, they just happened to come up at the right time....

jpkinla · November 7, 2005 5:50AM

I am not quite sure what some of the issue is on how I acquired the set. I bought each coin carefully after determining value versus quality and lucky for me the Morse sale came along and I could upgrade a few of the major dates which I wanted to do. I have used a large number of dealers whom I would be happy to mention if asked. The key is I used a LARGE number of good dealers, not one like Morse did.

In the case of Saints, some of the really rare dates are available if you are prepared to pay the price. I can buy a 27-d if someone wants to give me the money to do so....There are a few around even though it is really rare. The 1921 is one of those dates that even if you have the money, you won't find one!

jpkinla · November 7, 2005 5:54AM

Some of my pop 1 or 2 coins are the finest but not all of them. I was just lucky to have some of them offered to me....

Regards,

John

saintguru · November 7, 2005 5:56AM

Not a single coin you own will upgrade.

I, on the other hand have 5 or six that are just crying for new holders.

jpkinla · November 7, 2005 6:04AM

Yeah, yeah.....That's NOT what you said when you were drooling all over the holders!

GOLDGUY · November 7, 2005 6:12AM

<< BTW, I am NOT going to acquire a 1927-d.....I am perfectly content without it..... >>

WHAT???!!! NOW you tell me???

AgMe · November 7, 2005 6:21AM

With enough money and an absence of conscious... anything is possible. Anything.

~g

saintguru · November 7, 2005 7:04AM

Uh oh. Todd..I'll help you out

jpkinla · November 7, 2005 7:14AM

Let me rephrase that one.....I won't be getting a 1927-d unless:

I sell one of my kids

I hit the lotto

I find one

A bag is discovered in Switzerland

Pinnacle Rarities decides I am such a nice guy they decide my set needs one at no cost to me!

As I always say:

If it is difficult I can do immediately! If it's impossible, it will take me a little longer!

fc · November 7, 2005 8:26AM

i think i say it for everone here. you suck.

how about pictures? spring a few bucks to have someone do it professionally?
create a website. I am sure lots of people would enjoy/study them.

GOLDGUY · November 7, 2005 9:11AM

<< sell one of my kids >>

Well, how much are one of your kids worth at current market value? We're a little shorthanded around here and would be happy to discuss indentured servitude!

jpkinla · November 7, 2005 1:32PM

fc,

I would love if Mike Printz could do my sets with his photographic skills....Maybe someday soon!

MFH · November 7, 2005 1:47PM

All I can say is OMG ! That's some set of St Gaudens you've assembled. How much do you want for your kid ?

jpkinla · November 7, 2005 1:51PM

Mike,

I have FIVE kids! Why do you think I have to invest so much in coins! Do you know what a college education is going to cost me? I am thinking a 1927-s in MS66 or more!

saintguru · November 8, 2005 5:14AM

You better be thinking ALL your "S's" ...

jpkinla · November 8, 2005 11:10AM

You may be right about that!

lloydmincy · November 8, 2005 12:52PM

Congrats John. I thought you once told me your were broke after your $10 set!!!

thewiz1969 · November 8, 2005 4:07PM

<< I don't think even a #1 Modern Crap™ Proof Kennedy set could be assembled in a year.

Russ, NCNE >>

I'm going to try - financials willing..... I really like the series - and especially dcam Kennedys - no matter anyone's opinion or label. Been at it a month set is basically complete but now it's upgrade time - will let you know in a year.

-Mark

thewiz1969 · November 8, 2005 4:14PM

and sorry - I forgot to add.... congrats on that St set... it is truly amazing.....

8-)

The Current Top St. Gaudens Registry Set..........

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