My passion is Lincolns. Other the years, I have bought, sold and updated my Lincolns (many times). I have all of the dates EXCEPT for a 1922 Plain Strong Reverse and a 1955 Double Die Obverse. Technically, since these are varieties and I have the rest, would that constitute a completed set? After all, no 1922 cents were minted in Philadelphia and the 1955 double die was a huge error/variety accidentially released to the public...so much for my case. Also, I have seen and read about registry sets (PCGS, NGC, etc.). Is it worth it? Is it just an ego thing? It might be nice to know that I have the 447th ranked Lincoln cent set [I am just making the number up ], but what is it really about? Sounds like a question about the meaning of life...hate to be so dramatic. Thanks for your inputs...
What constitues a completed set is up to the individual collector. Some feel that a set is not complete without all of the varieties. Some collect only in dates and ignore varieties. Some only collect varieties. The question is, do you feel that your collection is complete without these varieties? Given the scarcity, I personally would be ready to move on to something else...but it really is up to you. As far as registry sets, someone else will have to answer that question as I have no experience with them.
To me it's when you have one of each date and mintmark...no 22 plan and 55 DD. Yes I buy varietys when I can afford and like them but for the most part I don't. Speedy
I'd say you're done with a series when you're ready to move on to something else. My dad has a complete set of Lincolns minus only the DD's, and he's still adding to it. He's got more duplicates than you can count, but he still wants more, so he's not done. If you ever get to the point that you can't imagine adding one more coin to the set, then I'd say it's done! Gotta say, I hope I never get to that point on any of my sets. It's fun to fill an album, but you know... There's always an upgrade to do, unless you've got a complete set of PF-70's!! Rachel
When someone is collecting a set,say the King George V small 1c. coins from Canada,it can be considered complete when all the dates are filled, but the 1936 1c. with the dot is extremely rare,as there are 5 pieces known.
Actually I did it outa curiosity --I currently have a top 10 set in the SAE section in NGC's section, when I started I didn't think of it as an ego thing to be honest with you--At first I was very low on the pole, but over time I broke into the top 10. I know I'll never have a no.1 or 2 set, heck I might not even ever break the top 5, and I could get booted from the top 10, but you know what?, I don't care, that wasn't the purpose of me "playing the game"--It is fun tho, if you make it that way and don't try to compete with the rich guys-- I also started in the registry for $20 Saints, can you imagine? I know I'll never never will ever complete a high grade set--the cost would bankrupt me, now if I ever win the Florida Lottery, well then I'll give those boys a run for their money But it's just fun trying to collect these beauties at grades I can afford --I also started a $5 Gold Eagles, but thats been dormant since I opened it-- Finally as far as complete set issue--I agree with all other posts so far, a set is complete when I say it is, thats the beauty of this hobby, you set the standard and set what you wanna collect--If you think your set is complete??Then it's complete bro, the only person you need to satisfy is yourself Keep in mind tho, in order to join a registry set with either company, the coins must be slabbed, ngc will except only NGC or PCGS slabbed holders, whereas PCGS will only except there holders--I also believe you have to be a member with there submission services--(I think)--Since I always renew, I don't remeber policy now
Well,2 of the key dates in the Canadian 5c. series is the 1921 & the 1926.The 1926 has 2 varieties - the near 6 & the far 6.The far 6 one is very rare.
I'd say your set is complete - but then I'm not a set collector really. I have completed a few over the years of specific series, but only a few. And I've never cared for the registry programs either - but I do understand them - for having the nicest collection matters to me too. But me knowing is enough - I don't feel the need to tell everybody else. In a way, something like the registry programs has always existed - it just never had a name. For there was a time when only Royalty and the nobility collected coins - they were the only ones who could afford to do so. That's how our hobby got its name. And they competed with each other fiercely ! Over the years, some collectors have always competed with each other to see who could put together the nicest collections. Today is no different in that regard. But what does make today different - is that now, because of the internet and modern technology eveybody in the hobby hears about it. That didn't used to be the case. For big name collectors used to keep their acquisitions quiet and not tell anybody - until that major coin show or gathering took place. Then they would bring them out for display and to show off. Bragging rights were a big thing And bragging rights are a big thing today as well. Who among us doesn't enjoy posting pics of our new coins and sharing them with others ? Lord knows I certainly enjoy it. But I don't feel the need to put it up on the internet where everybody can see the entire list. One at a time works just fine for me
well I think that in this case...(Im a Lincoln Cent collector too ) at least for me the set will be complete when you get the Plain 22...the 55 DD isnt on the album not in mine (Dansco)...I don't collect proofs either...I find more interesting to get a good (not refering to the "G" grade) circulated coin than paying for a proof...hehe but that's just me...
Since a set could always be upgraded, if you really think about it..eg.. the perfect coin for each coin, I decided that a set is complete when I either run out of desire or run out of money. Now I am sure I could keep my desire active if all of you out there just donate one paycheck out of the year to me for the next five years. Think of it as doing a good deed and perserving the hobby.
