So I started my first set a few weeks ago. Ikes. I spent $150 dollars on several silver proofs and silver uncirculateds. I also picked up some nice business strikes. Then last week I decided to make an ASE set. I wanted something fun to do with my niece and nephew and they are going to each make their own ASE sets. So today I bought the 1996 ASE in about MS 66. I bought 10 random date ASE's this week on a flash sale online. The funds aren't an issue but I am losing focus. Do any of you collect several sets at once or just focus on one at a time?
Most collectors do multiple sets at a time or do type sets. I tried doing sets but always found myself distracted by other sets like you are feeling. That is a big reason why I switched to a type set, can buy almost anything and figure out a way to make it fit
I did do a variation of a type set now that I think about it. It was just inexpensive mint and date coins that I love. I have only been collecting for a year. Trying to get good ideas for making full sets that are relatively inexpensive like Ike's and ASE's.
SBAs are another pretty cheap set you could try or presidential dollars/state quarters/atb quarters. Most sets can be done fairly inexpensively in certain grades if you just do a date set instead of a full set as well
@Bman33 Here is a thread I created on the 1971 Friendly Eagle variety that I purchased https://www.cointalk.com/threads/ike-dollar-1971-d-friendly-eagle-variety-ms63.288776/
The FEV is nice, I do not have one yet. I joined the Ike Group a little bit ago and I can't believe all the varities and types!
One set at a time seems awfully boring. I concentrate on German coins but don't worry about sets. I just buy whatever I come across and don't already have and let the sets take care of themselves. Most of the modern and Nazi silver sets are filled in this way and the older ones are slowly getting there.
I just collect what I like, want, what's available in my budget and what I happen to come across. I have a lot of Partial sets, most of which are no where near complete lol. It's fun though and it keeps me happy and interested. I have specific types of coins that I enjoy collecting more but I find it very limiting to only focus on 1 or 2 things. That's just me though.
One problem with sets is that there's always at least one year/mint that's out of reach, so you wind up with an almost full set with a hole in it. With a type set you only need one of each coin so you can concentrate on getting the best you can afford, without regard to the rarities.
Heres the problem, we collect everything because we don't know what we want to collect. I had like 9 sets and spent time making lists and printing and everything then never did them. Try not to get too over your head and you'll be fine.
Amen. The Ike dollar set was able to be completed by just about anyone. Recently someone, and I can guess who, has convinced PCGS that the "1971-S SILVER TYPE 1 Reverse PR" is a regular production piece. Now exactly one person has a "complete" set, and everyone else is stuck at 97.14%. Yes, the PCGS population is exactly one.
Where is it written that you have to collect sets ? You can collect anything in any way you want ! That is the very beauty of this hobby, you decide what works for you - not anybody else. There's no such thing as too many, you can collect a 100 sets, a thousand if you want. Or none at all, just a mix of this coin and that coin. Collect what you LIKE - and forget about everything else !
My collection is all over the place. It has turned into what ever catches my eye, and for the right price. Some turn into a "Cherry pics", Variety's are my favorite, But, not my sole intention. There are a lot of nice collectable coins out there, just waiting for a good home!
