The Need to "Have Them All"

When considering a series to collect, how important is it to you to choose a series where it's reasonably possible to complete the set? Assuming, of course, that you don't have unlimited funds.

For example, if you otherwise like Barber dimes, would you rule out collecting the series because of the unattainability of the 1894-S?

 

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I mostly collect type coins , but I'm still filling holes in mw wheat cents folder,I'll probably will never get the 1909-S-VDB,because I'd rather spend a grand on a DBH or unc. Bust Half, but I still enjoy filling those empty holes. rzage And who knows I could win the Lottery

 

That is something that I take into consideration when pondering a series I may collect. But it won't stop me in most cases. For example, I'll never ever complete a bust half set, but thats not going to keep me from adding some to my collection.

 

Not important at all. Just decide what you want to collect and then attempt to do it. As far as I am concerned a set is what you want it to be.

 

study and learn about whichever series (or type set collection) you are interested in. there is absolutely nothing wrong w/ not getting a key such as the 94-s. i am putting together a set of morgans. for me, i will probably be able to afford the 1893-s, but it will be in ag-g condition. as far as the 1895, barring a pile of money falling on me, or some other beneficial financial occurrence. it will be unachievable. most collectors give the collector the benefit of a doubt regarding dates such as these. it's still close enough to a complete set. who knows...perhaps you will hit the lottery and get to buy one anyway!!!! the main thing is to learn about collecting your series and ENJOY what you are doing.......best wishes...steve

 

I tend to use alot of blank pages or blank whitman folders for my coins because I hate having holes that I know I will never fill, and I can make my own type of set, like a date set, and exclude certain mintmarks. Also, for some reason I'm partial to only business strike coins and can't get into proof coins, so I know that if I put my collections into most Dansco albums I'll always have holes.

 

To me the super key holes Like the 1909-svdb will always remain empty. And that's OK by me.

I could afford to buy an s-vdb to complete my set, but I can't wrap my mind around the thought of laying that much money down for a coin with the economy the way it is. I might need that money for food the way prices are going.

 

Funny you should mention Barber dimes. That's exactly what I'm slowly collecting. It was a series I never expected to start. But I picked up a nice old "Library of Coins" album for one dollar. I like the antique look of the album and it's in nice shape. So I am starting to fill holes with fairly low grade coins. Found a 1913-S for $20. Scored a few more dates last weekend for $2.50 each. Sure there will be holes left unfilled.

 

I never take into account whether it is reasonably possible to complete a set. If I like a coin, I'll buy an example of it. If I like a series, I might buy several. I almost never complete or try to complete a set. It's too restrictive.

 

nope. I wouldn't rule it out.

I have a bunch of sets of Barber dimes, all without the 94 S and I consider them complete.

 

Completeness is your defintion.
You can call it whatever you wish.
Sometimes you just have to include a mental asterisk.

In the case of Barbar dimes, the "mental asterisk" could stand for "1894-S not included."

I don't include Memorial cents when I say my Lincoln set is complete.

Most people will ignore the 1916 when they say their SLQ set is complete.

That sort of "definition."

 

When I choose a new series of coins to start collecting I look over the entire series, for example, in a "red book" to get an idea of what kind of challenge I'm taking on as far as how many higher priced coins are included in a set. I know there will be a few vacant spots in a few of my albums but thats alright with me because they will be filled sooner or later. I'm constantly on a quest for half dimes and am expanding my search from Seated Liberty to Capped Bust. That should be interesting!

 

indianhead:
Good luck with those capped busties!
That should realy be a challenge!

 

Thanks Frank, I looked into the series and although it seems like a real challenge, it'll be fun obtaining the dates and varieties. I just bought an 1835 CBHD a few days ago, small date/large 5c variety. I have a feeling I'm going to need alot of luck (and money) completing this set.

 

Mr. Accumulator

I've been accumulating coins for 45 years and never really had a "collection" of anything until a couple of years ago. I now have three complete sets of ASEs.

I've decided to start trying to put together sets and have started off pretty simple. I'm working on a set of Ikes and I'm lacking three. I've also started putting together a complete set of SBAs and plan on working on Peace Dollars next.

The reason that I selected these sets is because they're attainable at a reasonable cost.

 

This makes a lot of sense.

In short - completeness is not important to me. I'm mostly a type set collector, and I know there's no way I'll ever have certain types.

And I don't even feel the need to live up to a "shortened" completeness. Rather, I look at my progress... my knowledge and cabinet are at a certain frontier, and that frontier marches forward - just like scientific knowledge.

 

there is always the copy coin to fill that empty spot if you can't take it . i got a 1894 s barber dime copy and a 1909 svdb cent. i know it they arent real and tell every one that sees them that they are copies. i just like the no empty space look.

wvrick

 

Another subtle issue with "The Need to "Have Them All""...

If a major key is out of reach, one might stretch and settle for a problem coin - just to fill a hole.

In addition, prices of keys have increased faster than the coin bull market as a whole; they're really high right now.

 

There is no need to fill them all up although it would be nice...

I started out too many type sets and I'm sure I asked for a lot of trouble...

http://www.gxseries.com/numis/numis_index.htm

 

I have a great fondness for the ASE series, beautiful commemoratives. I've put together a BU set of Ikes short one 73P. I have all the browns and just one blue Ike. I have a couple of BU SBA sets including the proofs. I agree they are quite obtainable and affordable.

I like your avatar. I served 7 years, 4 in SAC and three in TAC. I never tried of watching the eagles fly.

The Peace Dollar is an exceptional coin, prettiest Lady Liberty in my opinion. Hope you find what your looking for.

Keep On Collecting!!!

Allen