Thoughts: Settling for Problem Coins to Fill Holes in Albums?

Discussion in 'World Coins' started by QuintupleSovereign, Mar 22, 2021.

  1. QuintupleSovereign

    QuintupleSovereign Well-Known Member

    So lately I've found myself in a bit of a pickle. A lot of the remaining holes in some of my sets are virtually unattainable given current price constraints, even in highly circulated condition. What do you guys think about settling for problem coins to fill holes like these?

    To cite but one example, I've been looking for an 1850-1851 Swiss 2 franc forever but the cheapest I'd found was over $200. I ultimately settled for a holed specimen for $39. Good choice? Mistake?
     
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  3. expat

    expat Remember you are unique, just like everyone else Supporter

    My thought is that you can complete the album, move on to another theme etc, and still keep your eyes open for an upgrade down the line
     
  4. Bradley Trotter

    Bradley Trotter Well-Known Member

    Got any pictures to share @QuintupleSovereign?
     
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2021
  5. Robert Ransom

    Robert Ransom Well-Known Member

    I agree with @expat. Some coins may magically appear.
     
    1stSgt22 and Inspector43 like this.
  6. Evan Saltis

    Evan Saltis OWNER - EBS Numis LLC Supporter

    I love me swiss coins :rolleyes:
    can't afford a set of the silvers so rappen will do it for now.

    Yes, hole filler coins are necessary if you really want to feel complete. Don't get a hole filler that you won't be able to get rid of, though. I said these same things now I have 5 hole fillers I feel guilty owning
     
  7. Evan Saltis

    Evan Saltis OWNER - EBS Numis LLC Supporter

    Also,
    Holed coin means its just a holed filler. but times are rough
     
    1stSgt22 likes this.
  8. serafino

    serafino Well-Known Member

    Some of the Sicilian coins I collect are so rare that I'm glad to find a problem coin if I can.
     
  9. mrweaseluv

    mrweaseluv Supporter! Supporter

    generaly if I'm working on a "set" i try to keep them in the same quality range... there are however some coins I will take in almost any condition due to the rareity of the coin. so normaly no... but say a 1895 morgan.... I'll take in any condition i can get :D
     
  10. mrbadexample

    mrbadexample Well-Known Member

    I can cope with almost anything except holes. I don't mind if it's worn to the bone, but I really don't like holes. I'd rather have a gap. :)
     
    mrweaseluv likes this.
  11. serafino

    serafino Well-Known Member

    I don't mind a small hole if the the coin has XF details. For me it's better than a coin that's worn smooth.
     
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  12. mrbadexample

    mrbadexample Well-Known Member

    That's one of the things I love about the hobby. Everything has a collector somewhere that would be happy with it. :)
     
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  13. offa the saxon

    offa the saxon Well-Known Member

    You can always upgrade at a later time when finances are better.
     
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  14. TheGame

    TheGame Well-Known Member

    There's nothing wrong with grabbing a hole-filler. Just don't overpay for one.
     
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  15. John Skelton

    John Skelton Morgan man!

    I have the same problem with Walking Liberty halves. Seems like every one has a worn area down the middle of the obverse. Sometimes very worn, other times only slightly but still noticeable. For my tastes, I'd rather have a WLH with a good head on her shoulders, but they're hard to find. What do you do when you don't want to spend a lot?
     
  16. ddddd

    ddddd Member

    I'm in the same camp. Don't pay problem-free money for a problem coin and still seek quality (as there are different levels of problems-from barely noticeable to flat out ugly). Another thing to consider is that there can be someone else who is in the same position of trying to fill a hole if you upgrade in the future (so it won't be impossible to sell).
     
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  17. kountryken

    kountryken Well-Known Member

    I am definitely for filling the hole. I like the date to be legible enough so that you don't have to use all of your imagination to guess what it is, lol. But, I collect circulated coins, so I don't have the best graded coins to begin with. I keep looking for a better one, I can afford, but if I don't find one, I'm happy to not see an empty hole.
     
  18. John Johnson

    John Johnson Well-Known Member

    I'm going to have to do that to finish my 7070 album. Prices are too high even in AG for some of the coins I still need.
     
    Theodosius likes this.
  19. Mr.Q

    Mr.Q Well-Known Member

    I totally agree with mrbadexample. Unless it is among a group of coins I purchase I never buy holed coins, period. They are very unappealing to me. Just my opinion.
     
  20. Mac McDonald

    Mac McDonald Well-Known Member

    Nothing wrong with a lesser example it if you just have to fill it...you can always replace it with a better one...it's not permanent unless you want it to be. Also no problem with an empty hole.
     
  21. whopper64

    whopper64 Well-Known Member

    I agree with expat and others, fill the hole until a better coin within your price range comes along.
     
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