Set Collecting VS Type collecting

I was watching a video on pricing rare coins in todays market. The presenter is the person who does the pricing for the Redbook. He says, "Collectors should only concentrate on one series or type of coins." That statement really intrigued me. I know in my collecting
journey I have concentrated on just Seated coins the last 25 years, so I guess I am following his advice. However, in the past I have built several type sets.
In truth though, I would be willing to bet that there is a type collector for every person focusing on just one series. He claims that, "There is too much information and variety to succeed at this". Yet look how popular 7070 albums are. Type collecting seems to be more popular than ever, so are they collecting wrong?

 

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The problem with statements like this is that the terms used are so ambiguous as to render the statement meaningless. In this case the word "succeed" can mean anything. Unless the author defined it in his video, then it's up to each collector to define it for him/herself. In fact, that's one of the primary attractions of putting together a type set - the collection is largely self-defined.

My answer to your question is no - they are not collecting wrong.

Now, if the video's author did define "succeed" and the OP wants to repeat it here, then the narrowed scope will improve the possibilities of a focused discussion.

 

Totally agree with Publius2........

There is no right or wrong way to collect. It boils down to what you, the individual, find fascinating and interesting.

 

Who is anyone to tell me how I should collect? It’s my collection and I’ll collect what I like. I have a full set of just about every coin series produced since 1900. I am also putting together a nice higher grade Type set in a Dansco 7070 and it’s a fun set to build.

 

Grasshoppers,
If an individual enjoys seafood, chances are, it will be more than just shrimp.
J.T.

 

The way I collect is the right way...




























...for me.

 

The only wrong way to collect is to not collect at all. To each their own, collect what and however you enjoy.

 

There are a couple of things I’d consider wrong such as intentionally buying coins with problems because they’re cheaper. But as you said, to each their own…

 

My collection is just like yours CN.

I find that people who analyze collecting methods today are basing their conclusions on the population of coins by date and type as we see them today. I built most of my collection during a time when it was possible to find any coin ever released for circulation in your daily change. I even got a Twenty Cent piece in change.

 

I've seen similar comments in the past. It's ludicrous. There is no 'one right way' to collect. Collect what speaks to your soul/heart/whatever. If everyone did everything the same way or liked the same things then life would be boring. And that kind of attitude drives me nuts 'my way is the only right way'. Nope. What buffonery.

 

Just had dinner but now for some reason I'm hungry again.

 

I collect whatever I can scrounge up. I tried that collecting others then Abe and nickels. Find a different kind of coin so I bye a folder. Now I got plenty of folders with 1 or two coins in them. Happy as a clam I am

 

Oh man…. If he is right, I am in big trouble……. Truth is, I give give two hoots whether or not another person defines my collection as successful. After all… It is MY collection.

 

I’m not someone who needs to fill every hole so a type set is more my style. However, my type set includes world coins and ancients that are interesting or beautiful or temporally significant; all three categories checked off is a home run.

 

He can look at my U.S. sets on the NGC Registry and decide if I am a “failure.” And that does not include my collection of tokens, medals, British kings, Roman emperors and presidential campaign items.

 

No, no, NO, you're doing it all wrong - you have to do it like THIS!!! Lol, my passion has been Standing Liberty Quarters, but I'm kind of at an impasse on improving my collection (until, knock on wood, next year's busy season or my annual bonus - but that's probably going for other real estate related things) because I'm at a point where the improvements to my current set are mostly in the thousand dollars and up range, which is pretty high falutin for me. So I've moved into early Colonial coins - putting together some form of a low grade set, which may always be missing some rare pieces, and I'm okay with that, I am having a LOT of fun with the Colonials. I also have a good start on a low grade Capped Bust half set and some other stuff - I bought a lot of "junk" or low grade Barbers and other stuff, including some Seated over the years, so the journey will continue and my interests will likely shift. I don't think focusing endlessly on "one" coin type would maintain my interest.

 

How could anyone collect whatever they wanted, enjoy what they collected, and stayed within their budget (okay, close to their budget) without being a success?

 

+1 Well said!

 

I'm sorry Mr. Eliasberg, but you're just doing it wrong. "There is too much information and variety to succeed at this."

https://www.pcgs.com/news/the-eliasberg-collection

 

I don’t doubt you one bit