I have an old Whitman blue No.1 Lincoln album (no varieties) that I started filling from pocket change back in the sixties, so obviously there are grades all over the spectrum. There are now 8 coins, 1909sVDB, 1909s, 1914d, 1931s, etc, missing from the album. I understand the 'if it is worth it to you', 'buy what you like', 'it is up to you' answers, but from a practical stand point is it worth the funds to finish the set with similar grade coins.
Well, you are missing all the key dates. I started collecting wheat pennies many moons ago in Whitman albums. I found it fun to try to complete the sets. With the exception of the VDB S, I have a complete set (excluding varieties) of all other cents since 1857. I would say, go for it and have fun! Happy Thanksgiving.
If a person started in the 1960s and still hasn't finished the set, I would say the answer is NO, not worth it. The missing coins missing are worth 10x to 500x or more, of the current value of the existing set of coins, depending on the grades purchased. If a person hasn't opened their wallet to buy the coins during the past 40 years, I don't see it being worth it now. Especially so with the current goose in prices because Lincolns are in the spotlight with the cent centennial (1909 was the first Lincoln cent).
Yes - I think it is worth hit. Maybe transfer them to a dansco album or intercept shield album. A complete set is very cool to see and look at.
if you have the money to do so, then do it. I love the feeling of a complete set, its just a goal of mine to have a set finished so keep trying to complete it.
From a practical standpoint if you're looking to finish the set to sell it I don't think it's worth it. You're going to spend more on those keys than you will ever get selling the set as a whole. You can usually sell the individulal coins for more than the set would bring. I guess that would make me an impractical collector because I'm finishing mine.:thumb:
That's what I'm working on. Just 4 coins from filling the first LN set. I have been buying the semi's and keys this last year when I kick started my old bobby. This X-mas I asked one of my daughters to get me an Interscept shield book so I can put my best LN's in there. Looking forward to that.
I have a 14-D in my Whitman, but none of the other rarities, I wished I hadn't sold the '31-S:headbang:
wow! You got the 1877, 1908 S and 1909 S Indians, plus the 1914 D and 1931 S Lincolns in change? [or even roll searching, how ever.] All that I can say is Congrats! I just re-read your post, you don't say that, but did you get them that way?
Yes, I have them all except the 1909S VDB. I purchased the 1909S IHC a couple of months ago and now I'm down to the last one. BTW, I don't have all the 2009 cents (non satin P & D) but I'm not counting them.
You don't like the "It's up to you" kind of answer, but to give you anything else, you should tell us what you mean by a "practical standpoint." If you mean "will I lose money on the coins," the answer is probably No. If you mean "will the enjoyment I derive from having a complete set be worth the money it costs to put it together," the emerging consensus appears to be Yes. If you mean something else by your question, then you need to specify what it is.
If you started in the 60's you may have a Whitman Folder, not an Album. Not sure when Whitman started with Albums though. To long ago to remember now. I started in the 40's with those old Folders and soon found out they really were not the best things for coins. The back of the slots are full of glue. Of course for a kid that helps holding in the really worn coins. You just spit on the coin and the glue now holds. I suggest you also keep on looking at change as much as possible. With the economy as it has been there are many people dumping old jars, cans, boxes, etc. of coins in banks that they've had for that rainy day and it is here now. Also, there have been a rash of home robberies in some areas due to the economy and the criminals just dump the coins in coin counting machines. I've had some really nice luck finding coins at garage/yard/estate sales too. Just remember you have to ASK. Not many put coins out on a table at those events. You have to ASK. Even if you don't find them in change, you might look up coin shows. Go to a few and see how many of what you need is available. And if you never find those last elusive ones, and really want to have a completed set, just put a Copper Washer in those places. Not the real thing but some just don't like empty slots. Someone I know purchased a fake 1909S VDB at a coin show for a few dollars. Said copy on the reverse but it now fills an Album.
I would like to offer another opinion. Actually I believe a person should start with the key dates. It's almost as if you need to specialize in one or two coins. The rest of the collection is just for looks. For example, I have been actively buying and selling 1928 peace dollars and 1857 large cents for 40 years. I started hoarding these in uncirculated condition after receiving both on a paper route. It does several things when you buy a key date. 1. It makes you pay attention to that area of the coin market. You'll see the highs, lows, deals, and over priced coins. You'll also become aware of the prices of common dates, which will allow you to buy and sell the common dates as well. 2. You will see the seasonality of the coin market. (Buy in January. Sell prior to Christmas.) You might be able to pick these up at a discount during these trying economic tries, after Christmas. 3. If you are prudent, these are the coins which hold value over the long haul and are much, much easier to sell, if need be. If you want these coins, take your time ask a number a dealers, look online, take a couple of years if you need, and try to buy the best possible condition you can on whatever budget you have.
"Start with the keys" is excellent advice, though I'm not sure that pondman's excellent post answered the original question.
