I got mixed decision on how to collecting graded coins. In past few months, I did thought of few denominations to collect. For raw coins, it's easy as I have no problem to decide which ones I want, but the graded coin is my main issue. My thought was "Should I collect one denomination area on specific grade only or just able to buy any grade to fill up the set?" It has been bother me and cause me not to buy any graded coins in past few months because I am still struggle with "Is it wrong to collect vary graded coins in one denomination set or just enjoy collect them?" I wonder if you have same thought as I am having right now? How do you solve that annoying thought and be enjoying to collect the graded coins without "Second thought?"
There is no right or wrong way to collect coins. You set your own parameters. If you want to collect a certain series as raw coins and another series as certified coins, or even a "mix 'n match" combination of the two, it's totally up to you. Chris
cpm9ball: Thank you for insight and you can say that I am still thinking. Is it OK to have mixed grades in one denomination? For example, collecting 1942-1945 Silver Nickel with vary graded from AU 45 to MS 66 in different mint or is it better to focus on only one grade level for one set? What would you do? When I typing, I did think that it's based on preference, but it still bother me to think of that.
The issue with a mixed grade set is that the coins in the lowest grade will probably bug you when you look at the set as a whole. If those coins are key dates and the best you can afford it probably won't bother you much, if they are lower because you wanted to save a few dollars you might decide to upgrade later. If you are comfortable with grading coins on your own (and detecting fakes) then graded coins are not a must. If you struggle with either of these areas then you should probably pick graded coins for at least the key dates. I collect Braided Hair cents and have purchased all raw with the exception of the key date. I did this so I didn't have the worry of purchasing a fake (bought online) and also the ease of resale if I ever sell my collection.
Like Cam said, if you mix grades from, say, XF-MS when you look at the set as a whole, you may not be happy with the lower grades. It may be a different story if you were building a set of VF/XF or XF/AU because there will be a degree of circulation wear on all of them. Chris
Cam and cpm: Thank you. You both are right. It's seems that I can't be satisfied with graded set. That's my problem by look at lower grade and I feel that I have to upgrade because I am not happy with it. I guess I should stick with raw coins. I am enjoy building my IKE set using Dansco album. I just need 8 or 9 coins to complete the book. Thank you for input, I appreciate it.
