When you are looking at making a purchase, how much does how it affects your registry come in to play in your purchase decision? I've had a few registry sets I've been working on, and I have upgraded some coins because I didn't particularly care for the original coin in the set, and I slowly was moving up, which got me pumped up about moving up in the rankings. That started me upgrading more and more coins, and while I was slowly climbing the ladder, I've realized that; A) - I'll never make it any higher then Top 20 (and that's in one or two subsets) B) - I've been making some purchases solely for the bump in the set C) - If I keep it up, I'll either go broke or my wife will throw me out Right now I'm at a point in 2 subsets (Booker T Washingtons and Washington/Carvers) that I'm close to completing, and I'm in a bit of a quandary on the last few remaining coins. I can either get them in 66, or save the money and get them in slabs at any grade just to qualify. In either case for those 2, it isn't a question of the money per se, but more of is it a waste to get the higher grades? I already have ones that I really like (toned just right), or in grades that I couldn't justify going higher (have 66+ w/CACs). Then there are the 2 other sets that my focus is really on; the short set of 50 old silver commems, and the 144 complete commemorative sets. I only need 2 for the 50 set, (I need to cross a number of them to NGC/PCGS) and will be going at least 66 on both of those (Hudson & Spanish Trail). The 144 will never be at 100%, as I see no need to get all the Arkansas, Boone, Texas, and Oregons, etc. I may add to them, but it is doubtful I'll ever get them all. So if you made it this far; does your registry make much difference to you when you buy?
As a long-time NGC Registry participant, I'll say that Registry points is only one factor that plays into my purchase decision. I like to have complete sets; that's how I choose to collect. Some people find this style unappealing, but I like to see a complete set. The Registry is a convenient way to lay out the set and present it in a complete way. It helps keep me on track, and I see a visible representation of how my set is progressing. Like you, I realized a long time ago that I'll never be in the top percentages of the sets. Instead, I chose to emphasize presentation with good pictures, good descriptions, and interesting information. Telling a good story to go along with the coins became more important for me. Now, if I see a coin that I really like at a price I can afford, sure, I'll consider upgrading. But Registry points isn't really my main motivator there either - I generally want the highest quality coins that I can get. I would never buy a bargain 65 with unattractive eye appeal just to upgrade a 64 in my set. That doesn't make for a nice set. But, if I see an attractive 65 with great eye appeal that is clearly nicer than my 64, sure, I'll upgrade. If I have a coin in my set that I don't particularly like, then I'll upgrade it - but not to get more points. I'll upgrade it to get a nicer coin.
I agree with @physics-fan3.14 ...upgrade if the eye appeal justifies it and the price is within your means. I really only have one competitive set in the registry and it's a modern world set. I did upgrade some coins from MS 69 to MS 70. Even I can admit that often does not make sense, but I was reasonable about it (I did not pay most of the large 70 premiums by winning some fortunate auctions and getting some of my own 70s from raw submissions).
Well, I have to admit it has affected my decisions at times. I only do one and it's the US Type including moderns that's in my clickable banner in my sig line. On occasion, I've upgraded things here and there because of the point jump and it is inevitably a nicer example too. But, most of what's in it was not purchased based on point value. I have a very nice looking 1859 IHC that has initials engraved on the reverse. I gave $100 for it. I sent it in, knowing it would get a details grade and used it because I liked it but it kills the points for that spot. One without the engraving would have cost me hundreds more. It's not that important to upgrade that one to me. I actually found the initials interesting and figured somebody may very well have given it to a loved one before they went off to the war and it got saved. It was only a cent. It could have been spent and used in commerce but it wasn't. I've sent a lot of it in myself for grading and whatever happened, happened. A couple were cleaned. I used them. Maybe I'll upgrade someday, maybe not. I like the registry for multiple reasons. It's enjoyable for me to look at. I like coin photography so I like updating it with photos I take of my coins. I like seeing the progress and being able to easily share it with people. The ranking is interesting but not the end all be all. I've made it into the top 100 out of 1133, currently ranked at 97th. I was at 98th but somebody must have sold something or points changed and I got a free bump up. I only have one with a CAC sticker. Those get points upgrades now. I'm happy being in that top 100 group. I don't feel obligated to chase the top 50 because I might not ever be in that upper echelon. Maybe in another 40 years. lol I don't buy coins just to fill spots. I'm missing a flying eagle cent still that I could have easily filled but I want a really nice example of one and they're really steep so I'm still waiting. I have some clads but some I just won't buy because I feel I have enough examples. Even though they'd be easy points. Just not worth taking up space to me and the series may already be well represented. I don't understand the awards system. I find it completely nonsensical. This particular set has 130 spots. I'm 53% complete having 69 of 130 with all of my own high quality photographs. 98th spot is 12% complete and he won an "overall achievement award." I think some people just throw a few high grade coins they have in a registry set with no intention of actually completing the set, just to see the rank. And then you win an award for it. lol Well, anyway that's another topic for another thread....
