Update #4 - Completed Circulated Classic Silver Commemorative Type Set

Nickelsearcher, beautiful commemorative set you have posted.

I just saw this thread and had exciting and scary thoughts about starting a set myself.

I recently acquired few commemorative halves, Lincoln, Texas, Pilgram, & stone mountain, and during the search, I came across some other beautiful commemorative halves.

Following the theme of my reply above to Coconutjoe ....

There are a number of understood numismatic challenges facing anyone desiring to pursue a type set of circulated classic silver commemoratives.

Market availability, authenticity, original surfaces, pricing, etc.

None of these challenges are frustrating as they are known and derive as a natural result of the market place. They are expected and to a large extent provide the basis for the satisfaction that comes along with acquiring the rare and original examples that hopefully someday lead to set completion.

There is however an aspect of pursuing a certified set that brings a lot of frustration because it is man caused and not part of the underlying market ... TPG grading variability at the low end of the circulated range.

I know it sound convenient to 'bash' the TPG when the assigned grades do not match expectations ... however in the case of honestly worn classic silver commemoratives I have from personal experience numerous examples of where my TPG of choice (PCGS) has simply missed the boat relative to other PCGS certified examples of the same coin.

Being of a kind and understanding spirit ... I attribute this TPG malaise to simply not having the opportunity to judge many of these coins.

I'm writing to vent (and be rid of ) my frustration with the latest such example.

The Texas Centennial Half Dollar in my collection is certified as PCGS AG03 and was acquired by me raw in 2014.

I've shown it before .... here it is again:

1934 Texas Centennial Half - PCGS AG03



In September of this year I was thrilled to acquire another 1934 Texas that I was certain would be a downgrade.

Discussion with my fellow fans of the circulated set led to consensus slam dunk at FR02 with the possibility of PO01.

1934 Texas Centennial Half - PO01/FR02 (Raw)



I ask you to objectively compare the two images of the same coin/date ....
there should be no doubt that my 2017 example has seen additional circulation wear than my 2014 example.

Well ... the PCGS Wizards have rendered their views:

1934 Texas Centennial - PCGS AG03



Really?

The coin is now raw again and back to PCGS for another attempt.

This is frustrating, expensive and time consuming ... and alas a part of the certified pursuit of this lovely set.

OK ... I'm good again.

Thanks for listening.

David

I guess they were being awfully generous that day.

I hope they make it right this time.

Send it in again!

Ive been following this thread for years and I'm glad you finally finished the set! Just curious, but what percentage of the set is in PO-1 to AG-3, and have you ever bought one of these already graded?

I truly admire your dedication on completing a worthy set!

Appreciate your interest in this unusual pursuit CoinCollector2012




Interesting questions ... 15 are in your grade range PO01 to AG03 ... with alas only 2 at the ultimate lowball grade of PO01.

Those two are my 1893 Columbian Exposition and the 1925 Stone Mountain.

This is not a pursuit for the traditional lowball collector ... Nobody will ever acquire a true lowball set in this series ... the coins during the 'commemorative craze' era 1934 - 1939 simply did not circulate ... and are very rare treasures indeed in any grade below AU.

You can view images of them all with comments on the PCGS Registry site ... where I am #3 behind two other friends amazing sets of circulated classic silver commemorative.

To the question of already graded ... absolutely. I'll take them however they appear in the market if they support this collecting interest.

Best - David

No update yet on the 1934 Texas re-submittal. I'm now at 33 business days (economy rate) with the PCGS wizards .... with the upcoming influx of 2018 dated coins bulk submittals who knows when they will get around to a grade.

I do have some hopeful downgrade news to share ... purchased the following coin raw:

1925 Lexington Half Dollar - FR02 (Raw)



Given my experiences with the wizards evaluating these seldom seen examples .... who knows what they will come back with. G06 maybe?

For comparison .... here is my current PCGS AG03 example:

1925 Lexington Half Dollar - PCGS AG03



It's difficult to argue that the newest (raw) coin has not seen more wear.

We'll see sometime next year what the wizards say!

Don't collect them, but I'm really impressed.