I just started this...in a different way though. I am starting with key dates and semi key dates since my assumption is they will go up in cost before I complete everything. I have a couple non-keys too. So far I have: 1909-S - PCGS MS62BN (Key Date) 1909 VDB - Raw 1910-S - PCGS MS63RB (Semi Key Date) 1911-S - PCGS MS63BN (Semi Key Date) 1914-D - Raw (Key Date) 1917-S - Raw 1931-S - PCGS MS64BN (Key Date) I started off with the intention of just buying the key dates graded but then decided to do semi dey dates as well. Going to take a while though as I set a portion of my Christmas bonus aside for this and have spent what I set aside for this specifically. Lol
Nice coins you have! I wanted to knock out all the low dollar coins first. I have some keys and semi keys as well. I know now pretty much every coin left won’t be cheap. I would like to pick them up raw for the book but understand it’s better to buy graded keys. Good luck with your set!
If it hasn't been mentioned yet. NEVER put rubber bands anywhere near your coins. I learned the hard way. It will go right through the holder, and leave a black line on your coins. The damage will be permanent. I would suspect sulphur would be the culprit.
The problem with rubber bands or anything of rubber, it will contain sulfur, which of course reacts with coin metal , and shouldn't be used. But you can get nitrile rubber bands which do not. They are quite strong , but overtime will react with ozone if sufficient amount is in the atmosphere where one resides. Jim
So I’ve made some pretty good progress on my set. I’m down to 8 coins not including the DD’s. I purchased the 1909s VDB in XF25. I totally love the coin as it’s also Lincoln Woody.
I started out the same way and ended up collecting tubes of wheats. I got way too much to put in books