Spectacular Duplicates--What to do!

As a toned coin collector, I never really cared much about the date/mm of the coin. However, with my new found passion of trying to assemble the world's finest toned Jefferson Nickel set, I have run into a new dilemma. Over the course of time, I have upgraded a particular date/mm and created duplicates within my set. Normally, most collectors simply unload the lesser graded coin once upgrading. However, my problem is that my duplicates are also fantastic coins that I just can't bring myself to part with. Here is an example. The 1945-P Jefferson Nickel is a conditional rarity in MS67 with a relatively small population of 358/2. However, it is readily available in MS66 with a population of 3176/360.

I picked up my first 1945-P which is a wildly toned Appalachian with a Bingham pedigree graded MS66* (Bottom photo). When the Compradore registry set sold last year in May 2008, I upgraded to a gorgeous MS67 (middle photo). Then out of nowhere, I found a fantastic MS67* (top photo) example on E-Bay in July which presently takes honors in my NGC registry set.









I have considered making a collection of spectacular toned 1945-P Jeffersons into an NGC Signature Set. If I assemble 40 of these babies, it would constitute a roll of 1945-P Jeffersons. There is a Jefferson War Nickel collector who named his registry set "55 cents the hard way". I am sure I could come up with a cool name like that for my set. The only thing stopping me is that the set would probably end up costing in excess of $15,000. I just don't know if I want to spend that kind of money assembling a set of duplicates.

Has anyone else ever had a dilemma with what to do with your duplicates. If so, I would love to hear your stories.

Paul

 

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Sort of, but not like you. I have an 1911-S (AU-53), 24-D XF-40 and a 31-S (XF-45) that I pulled from circulation 50+ years ago. I will probably never sell those. I also am running 3 sets of Lincolns, #1 and #2 are definitely keepers, but I may wind up selling/trading #3 for an S VDB and a 14-D for the other sets. All of this does not help you a bit except maybe you can keep some of your coins as trade for updates/hole fillers.

 

no, I wouldn't. I'd just keep upgrading

 

Typically, I'll try and trade the duplicates to the seller I'm buying the upgrade from. Oftentimes I take a slight loss if I tried harder to sell the coin directly, and sometimes I come out smelling like a rose.

For some coins, the really good ones, it is very difficult for me to get rid of them -- so I end up having to keep them.

So I guess it really depends on what your duplicates look like. For the coins in question, I would have a tough time letting go of #1 and #3, and would likely dump #2.

 

u can always depost them n the royal treasury where they will be dipped clean

 

okay okay they will be well looked after in their current state ( we cant afford to have you collapse)

 

Occassionally, I'm concerned I've invested too much of myself in this hobby... not financially, but spiritually.

Recently, I sold the best coin in my collection to prove to myself there is no coin I cannot part with. If I learn there is one coin where I say "NO !!! NEVER !!!", hopefully I will have the strength to give it up entirely. Maybe I'm there now, and don't know it !

 

Consider putting together two sets. The best go into your "A team" collection and the others go into your "B team" collection.

 

Sir, your fine silver coins are tarnished! Let me shine them up for you. I've got that brass brush around here somewhere...

Seriously; given your above stated goal of "trying to assemble the world's finest toned Jefferson Nickel set", unless you have unlimited financial resources, you should sell the coins you've upgraded. It works towards your goal by providing you with funds with which to purchase the other coins you seek. Since you're not in a hurry to sell them, you can wait until the right buyer comes along with a good offer.

I don't personally work this way; I hoard.

 

The separation anxiety will soon set in.......

 

i agree with that spiritually part its really bothersome these days. i cant even quit. GD help

 

Apparently, "soon" means "three weeks ago"

 

I hear LEHIGH96 is having a give away of wonderful nickels hahahahahaah

 

I'd take #1 in a second!

 

Keep your best. "Take what you need and leave the rest".

Many times it's hard to part with some of your beautiful coins but you have to do it to finance your future pursuits. It'll all work out OK.

Bruce

 

well i wish u hadf sold them when i had money to buy them sigh

 

I have some more duplicate Jefferson Nickels, all real nice!

1939-S Rev of 38 NGC MS66
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1941-D NGC MS67 6FS
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1943-P NGC MS67
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1943-P NGC MS66
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1943-D NGC MS66
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1943-D NGC MS65
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1944-P NGC MS66* Bingham Collection
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1944-S NGC MS66 Omaha Bank Hoard
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1945-D NGC MS65
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1945-S NGC MS67
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Comments Welcome!

 

really beautiful did i mention that their true beauty was being held back under the toning. which dip do you recommend Lehigh?