Tell us about the set you gave up on.

All traditional set types.

I get one unique design for each gov't (non)issue high grade silver (proof only, unless unavailable) coins. For US coins, I'll make an exception to same designs with different silver compositions (e.g. 1964 Kennedy and 1969 Kennedy).

I need visual flux.

 

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Cc Morgan's in unc. Just couldn't justify the cost of an 89 cc. Also large cents by date just found other interests. Decided to do my type set and trade dollars with proofs no 84 and 85. In au and better with good surfaces. That's enough. Everything else I'm buying for inventory still keeping a few monster toner Morgan's and a few other coins tho

 

I would say a type set of US coins. Now that i am trying to start my amazon shop (if that is what my final rpoduct ends uo being) than i will need money =) so i gess that i am just saving adn getting invatory for that =) before this i would just buy whatever caught my eye, a trade dollar, a cool hard times token from 1837, i even have gold flakes from the SS central america=)

 

Bah! Quitters!

You just aren't going deep enough in your hunt!

Kidding aside, it's always good to put together a budget and understand what you are in for before embarking on a set.

That said, I have paid "circulated" value for many coins that I've come into that are MS quality - and graded as such.

The second thing to remember is that if you are going after a set - you should price out the highest coins in the set and see if they are within your reach. Go after them first, because the common date - are.... (drum roll) more common. (Captain Obvious to the rescue!)

Last, consider lower grade coins or "Details" grade coins for the rare dates. You can find some true bargains on them and they're still gorgeous on display. At some point you may come across the exact coin, grade and price you want - but there's nothing wrong with a place holder to complete a set.

These are all coins I paid circulated / melt value for in the last year or so and had graded myself.

Good hunting!

 

I never actually started a traditional set collection, but instead found myself with quite the challenge by looking at all world, high(er) grade, silver type coins throughout the history of mankind, with a bit more emphasis and exception given to US coins.

 

I've never caved in on a set........just individual extraneous pieces.

 

For me it's not that easy. I can buy examples of most dates of trade dollars. But to find them in original skin with attractive toning is tough. The 78-cc seldom comes on the market. And even more seldom with the surface preservation and eye appeal I want. And a nice one in au is approaching a 5 figure coin. If you can find it. And if people collected trades like Morgan dollars it'd be a 6 figure coin

 

Here's a few examples

 

If I'm ever in the market for a Trade Dollar Bill, you'll be the first one I contact. Loved these issues as a youth, but fell away so to speak. Still on the horizon, though.......

 

I always hated trade dollars. Found them ugly. Maybe that's just because I saw the ugly ones that Bill is referring to. There are many on this site, such as Bill's, that are spectacular.

 

Not ugly. Honking hunks of silver in the day......to only compete with world commerce......devastatingly lacking. Still, I love them.

 

I never give up. Ever. I may change directions or routes, but quitting just ain't in me. I have to say, that trait isn't always a good thing.

 

Sets? Meh. ( )

I think I might try JA's Constans 2&2 mint type set with nice patinas and then find a good Whitman folder to put 'em in.

 

ditto on all points

 

Morgan Silver dollar date set.
I really don't like them just too many around. Every show or BM always has tons of them. I will admit I do have some in old ANACS holders

 

That's why I collect them strictly by "eye appeal factor" (i.e. grade&toning or PL/DMPL characteristics) and NOT by date, mm or VAM type. I'll check the VAM type of course, and I own a couple of CC's, but that's secondary...

to stay on topic: I gave up on the $4 Stella set... I first thought hey only 2 coins, that should be easy ;-)

 

Well, the chop marks add a really cool piece of history to trade dollars =), Thats why i like them so much

 

Do you know if there is sort of guide book or website for VAMS?

 

Sure, there's www.vamworld.com

...and there is the VAM "bibIe" :
http://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Catalog-Encyclopedia-Morgan-Dollars/dp/0966016823

You could also try the advertising section on CT, maybe one of the members has a copy for sale...