Full sets by year and mintmark

My favorite type of collections are the ones that have every year and mintmark.
If I wanted to start my own (say the Lincoln pennies), what would be a good way to store them? Of course there are those books, but I was just wondering what else I could use and what some of you use. With the books it's difficult to take them out to admire and you can only see one side. If you have this kind of collection, I would like to see pictures.

 

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A lot would depend on if you're going to collect raw or certified.

If you go certified then you could do a registry set, say all NGC or all PCGS, etc.

If you go raw, you can think of Dansco albums for storage, as they are not only the most popular among collectors, but also the best around.

All proofs and mint set coins is another way to go too.

P.S. Whenever someone asks me about doing a series, like what you're thinking of, I always tell them the best place to start is researching the values for the different grades. I did this when I thought about putting together a Civil War set, 1 example of each denomination minted during the years of the Civil War. However, when I researched the values of some the denominations, most are way out of my budget. So I am looking at less expensive alternatives to this endeavor.

 

I like air-tites. :smile
Here is one on an old Hawaiian coin.

 

I like the dansco ones. What is the difference between a folder and an album?

The air-tites look good too, but probably difficult to keep a set organized.

 

The folders store the coins in a slot and usually only one side is visible. They also are folded for opening and closing. The albums are a 3 ring binder with pages you can turn, and have a hole in the page for the coins to go, and a protective sleeve that slides over both sides of the coin, and when you turn the page you can see the reverse side, not just the obverse.

 

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Ahh, I see. Clearly the album would be the better choice then. And the folder could be used for a second set or perhaps a beginners or childs collection.

Do you know if they are sold in store? I have found some places online, but I'd like to compare prices.

 

You can buy Dansco albums at coin shops. Probably also at hobby shops or maybe even a bookstore like Borders or Barnes and Noble.

 

You can buy them from dealers, or coin shops, or order them from here:

http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/?gclid=CInZkbC726cCFcW5KgodFy6q-g

 

If you want the entire Lincoln Cent series, I would highly recommend the Dansco 8100. It goes from 1909 to 2016.

-LTB

 

I have found that book stores usually only have albums for things like State Quarters

 

I've noticed that there are 2 albums from dansco for the lincoln cents. One has proof spots and the other doesn't. Where would I get a single proof penny? I've only ever seen them in proof sets, and theres no way I'm gonna open up one of those just for the stinkin penny! Would having the proof penny drastically change the value of the set or no?

 

I use the Dansco albums and slip-cases.
They are a nice compromise between folders, where you can only see one side of the coin, more expensive slabs/containers, or plain old 2x2 cardboard. You have a nice album, can see the entire coin, it is well protected, and while the albums cost more than folders, once you have the album, you have a home for one entire set that will last a lifetime.

I get mine from http://shop.ebay.com/hobbysuppliesco/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686 because I have gotten great service and price. I am up to about 15 Danscos now... My ASE set has been in a Dansco for a few years now, and I have noticed no strange toning or adverse affects on the coins.

That is my opinion... worth what you paid for it.

Oh, and for the proofs...
I started out with non-proof Danscos.
I felt like you... 'why open up every proof set from 1968 to date?'...
Eventually I went with proof books because I had many of the sets already, and time is showing that the mint packaging is not good for the coins like was assumed not long ago. Most proof sets you find from the 60s-70s, the coins are getting cloudy and discolored, as well as early 80s sets. So maybe the mint plastic is not the best place??? I converted to proof books and cracked open my sets.
I passed my non-proof books to my son, but could have sold them for a couple bux otherwise.
I suggest starting with the non-proof books if you aren't sure. You can always change later.

Good luck!

 

They're all over ebay. In fact you can get all the proofs at once or by year.

It would probably add about $100+ dollars onto the overall value (without the 79,81 type varieties, 70 small date, etc)...but if you want to customize you collection, you can buy a Lincoln Cents Dansco album that has blank cent pages.

-LTB

 

That's a good idea if you don't mind labeling the pages for each coin yourself, or not having the pages labeled at all.

The only thing I don't like about albums is that the manufacturers tend to put in or leave out coins on a seemingly random basis.
Like the Lincoln albums have a hole for a 1922 plain cent, but it really is more of an error (or substandard coin) than a variety that belongs in everyone's album. Then they have holes for all versions of the 1982, which is awesome, no complaints, but then the 2009 versions don't have holes for zinc AND copper like the 1982.

These are just a couple of examples that I see as inconsistent, they run through all the albums, all manufacturers, and all denominations... Little things that make you think "why did they put a hole for THAT?" or "where is the hole for this one?".


Edit:
I have seen kits with hundreds of little date and mint mark decals that you can use to label your own blank pages, but I forgot where to get them and wonder if they have enough pieces to do a book the way that I would want it labeled. There are also little electronic label makers that may print out small enough, but I haven't checked into it (thought about it though).

 

Those are usually, folders.

 

I was in 'Books a million' yesterday and they had albums (and folders) from several manufacturers, but they were pretty much all 'State quarter', 'National parks quarter', and 'Prez dollar' albums. Not what I would call a serious selection considering how many are truly available. Also, in a book store, you pay MSRP along with tax.

Buying online allows you to get closer to wholesale pricing, and if you buy out of state, no tax.

 

it's funny but it never really dawned on me that the lincoln cent series has been going on for 102 years ... man oh man ... that's one LONG SERIES!

maybe it's time for a refresh

 

Luckily I live in Oregon where there is no sales tax, period!

 

That's funny
I say I am lucky to live in Florida with no income tax!
I just buy online out of state to bypass sales tax.