Is it really a tangible goal to complete a set? I've been working on a basic date/mintmark Morgan Dollars set in PCGS at whatever is economical. I have 9 coins remaining, but I wonder whether I'll ever complete it with the 93-S or just leave that hole as a perpetual dream.
My set is a long term project but I've made significant progress.
One would be a FOOL to rush a set such as mine, as patience is the key to building a quality set.
I enjoy building it at my own pace and also the pride of ownership while watching it appreciate.
There are always upgrade possibilities, too.
I think that the key is to spend some years building a core that you are satisfied with and then work from there and start with the more difficult dates.
I try to find coins that match well, even if the grades are different, which gives it some uniformity and cohesion.
I will complete it someday in the not too distant future, though.
“I may not believe in myself but I believe in what I’m doing” ~Jimmy Page~
The best part on completing a set is the fact that you now get to choose from the choices you made in your OP. It's all up to you! Now, isn't that a nice option/options to have? Good job!
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
"Completion" of a set likely means different things to different people. To those smitten by the collecting fever, merely filling an album or finishing a date or date/mint set of a series is not likely to satiate the collecting bug. The urge to continue persists. And this is true for many hobbies. I recall when I was a kid in the '50's, my father was an avid HO scale model railroader. One day when he was showing off his considerable layout to a family friend, the friend naively asked "When will it be done?". My father turned white as a ghost, turned to the fellow and replied "Gee, never I hope". Hobbies are meant to be pursued, not 'finished'. No true hobbyist seeks to be done or complete, regardless of the object of his obsession.
For myself, collecting United States Capped Bust half dimes, 'completing' a set by date (there was only the one mint producing this series) was very anticlimactic and quite easily done - just nine dates. Fortunately, at that time (around 1986) Jules Reiver had just published his 'Variety Identification Manual' (VIM), listing all known die marriages at that time. This was just what I was looking for, giving me yet another reason to continue pursuing the series I loved. It took me from a mere nine (9) dates to fully 86 die marriages at that time. And as I completed that task, Russ Logan and John McCloskey wrote "Federal Half Dimes 1792 - 1837", increasing the number to 92 (123 including remarriages). And for the Liberty Seated half dimes, the number of possible die marriages, while still unknown, is in the order of 500! Hopefully I will never be 'complete'.
They that can give up essential Liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither Liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin
I keep it and start another series. However I am now running out of series. I usually do not upgrade as I like to get the right coin in the first place. I can wait. I have been working on some series for many years. Sometimes you just cannot find the right coin. Anyone else here collect circulated 3-cent silver pieces (circulation issues) including the 1863-1872 dates? Some of these coins do not show up for years and years. Just try to find an 1865 three-cent silver coin in circulated condition that is presentable.
It took me over 25 years to almost complete my liberty seated half dollar set (still need the 78-S which I may never get because of cost). I have not purchased a liberty seated half dollar since 1999. I have moved on but still have this set.
Comments
Yes. I keep images of the cons that I once possessed and look at them occasionally.
Yes. I also make upgrades whenever one catches my eye.
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...
My 7070 type set with gold is the same...always looking to make it nicer.
These are my only 2 goals in the hobby right now.
Lafayette Grading Set
One would be a FOOL to rush a set such as mine, as patience is the key to building a quality set.
I enjoy building it at my own pace and also the pride of ownership while watching it appreciate.
There are always upgrade possibilities, too.
I think that the key is to spend some years building a core that you are satisfied with and then work from there and start with the more difficult dates.
I try to find coins that match well, even if the grades are different, which gives it some uniformity and cohesion.
I will complete it someday in the not too distant future, though.
“I may not believe in myself but I believe in what I’m doing” ~Jimmy Page~
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947)
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.I picture enjoying it, showing it and always keeping an eye on occasional upgrades.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
If we were all the same, the world would be an incredibly boring place.
Tommy
For myself, collecting United States Capped Bust half dimes, 'completing' a set by date (there was only the one mint producing this series) was very anticlimactic and quite easily done - just nine dates. Fortunately, at that time (around 1986) Jules Reiver had just published his 'Variety Identification Manual' (VIM), listing all known die marriages at that time. This was just what I was looking for, giving me yet another reason to continue pursuing the series I loved. It took me from a mere nine (9) dates to fully 86 die marriages at that time. And as I completed that task, Russ Logan and John McCloskey wrote "Federal Half Dimes 1792 - 1837", increasing the number to 92 (123 including remarriages). And for the Liberty Seated half dimes, the number of possible die marriages, while still unknown, is in the order of 500! Hopefully I will never be 'complete'.
My portfolio rather diversified and always churning it.
At one time was considering specializing in Peace Dollars. In such a set 2 - 3 deep would be critical.
If you have completed a set, your a specialist that series now. Just put them up for sale in your online store and buy more to add depth or upgrade.
It took me over 25 years to almost complete my liberty seated half dollar set (still need the 78-S which I may never get because of cost). I have not purchased a liberty seated half dollar since 1999. I have moved on but still have this set.
Sell it and start something new?
Put it away and look at it occasionally?
Keep upgrading?
I usually put it away, look at it occasionally, keep upgrading, and start something new.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
I'll let you know if I ever complete my set of Barber dimes.
My Adolph A. Weinman signature