Are All The Varieties Really Needed For A Complete Set?

Depends on how you define "complete". I'm going for a type set. That doesn't mean I need a Shield nickel with *and* without rays, or eagles with *and* without the motto.

I have Lincoln cents with the wheat and memorial reverses, but those are inexpensive and distinct designs (I also went for the 1943 wheat to further the distinction). But in the end, it's your collection, so it's your call.

I'm curious to see what others have to say. My personal opinion on "complete collections" is that complete is determined by the collector.

There are many kinds;

One type of a certain coin, one date from each year of a coin's mintage, one from each mint mark, raw, graded, high graded, proofs, circulation, errors....you name it.

I've often found my definition changes of what complete means once I reach a certain goal. I think some people here would say the same thing. Once you complete your collection, you realize you can expand, or improve it.

What matters is that you learn about the things you want to collect, take the requisite time (it could be years!) and above all....have fun.

Just my $.02 (or is it $.05? Maybe 2 $.05s: proof and circulation types.....)

I also think it's a personal decision on what a "complete set" is.
If you want to include varieties include them.
If not....don't.

But I personally do not think you need a Cheerio dollar for a Sacagawea/Native set.
There are going to be VERY few that would have the financial ability to obtain one.
Or an 1856 flying eagle small cent, etc.

Your set, your rules. Bleep 'em if they want to argue with you.

Unless "Hey, noticed you don't have a 22 no-D, here's one to complete your set"

What about the gold 2000 W one?

I consider a 'Complete' set, as something the Mint or BEP has put into circulation, or offered for sale to collectors; not something that slipped past 'Quality Control'.