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 Replies: 25 / Views: 3,318 |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
557 Posts |
Having recently resumed the hobby after many years absent I gravitated towards gold coins. Quickly realized this is quite costly, but I'm hooked. So far I've accumulate a dozen and other than the pre-classic head pieces, I am only missing a classic head quarter eagle and a St. Gaudens double. I'm curious about opinions on whether or not common dates detract from a type set?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2869 Posts |
I don't mind common dates in gold coins if they are nicer condition. Some people have other opinions though.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
In truth, common-date coins almost always define a type set, regardless of denomination.  to the CCF! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4469 Posts |
Common dates do not detract from a type set, but I try to stay away from the most common dates as there is much more competition when it is time to sell. On the Saint-Gaudens I did not want the 1924 or 1928.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2869 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
416 Posts |
I am a type set collector, the way I see it a type set almost has to be common dates or else it would be ridiculously expensive and difficult to complete. I say grab up common dates for your type set, and rarer dates as a separate endeavor. Of course that's just me!
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
557 Posts |
Here's what I have so far:
1853 Liberty Head $1
1854 Indian Princess $1
1873 Indian Princess Type 3 $1
1902 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle
1925D Indian Head Quarter Eagle
1857 $3
1834 Classic Head Half Eagle
1846 Liberty Head Half Eagle
1912S Indian Head Half Eagle
1891 Liberty Head Eagle
1911 Indian Head Eagle
1901S Liberty Head Double Eagle
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7273 Posts |
Edited by hfjacinto
06/25/2021 08:05 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5825 Posts |
As I always say, a type set is great because YOU get to define what YOURS will be composed of.
In my case I go for high grades, not rarity.
I'd rather have an MS-64 common date rather than an XF less common date.
But that's MY definition for MY type set.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Second @kanga's thoughts.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
Quote:
I'd rather have an MS-64 common date rather than an XF less common date. Same here, except for me it's often more of "I'd rather have an XF common date rather than an G less common date."  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
557 Posts |
Thanks All for the input! When I was starting to get back into the hobby I read somewhere that a collector should try and buy the scarcest coin in the best condition he/she can afford. That seemed like sage advice and that's what I have been trying to do. I was burned a couple of times during early purchases of Canadian gold, so now I stick with slabbed coins by either PCGS or NGC exclusively. I use multiple sources to try and ballpark values including texts and a couple of web sites. As a Canadian I have to calculate in possible taxes, import fees, shipping etc. when deciding what a reasonable price is and I've found that some ebay dealers are willing to sell outside of the platform at reduced costs which benefits my bottom line. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
8938 Posts |
I'll throw my Two Cents in. I've been working on my type set for quite a while and I'll share my general thoughts. Only buy once and be extremely strict. That means be unreasonably picky and a complete perfectionist, don't buy anything you'd be tempted to upgrade. Buy the best grade you can afford, and if it's a design you like more, stretch the budget. I've put budget limits on all the different types I've needed, I've also broken those limits on designs I like, see the Barber quarter I recently picked up. I had budgeted 1k for a nice MS-64 or 65 and ended up going above that for a real gem of a design I like. http://goccf.com/t/401485Thirdly, build a set you like and have fun doing it, that's what's most important. Type sets can take a long time. I bought a draped bust half dollar 2 years ago for my type set, and just recently bought a Draped Bust quarter. The reason it took so long was not so much due to budget, but due to lack of acceptable coins on the market. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
557 Posts |
Quote:
Common dates do not detract from a type set, but I try to stay away from the most common dates as there is much more competition when it is time to sell. On the Saint-Gaudens I did not want the 1924 or 1928. Slider, I'm curious to know which of the St. Gaudens years are less common, but still affordable in your opinion? |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
557 Posts |
Hey Grape, that is an outstanding coin! I am not in this for profit, rather nostalgia. Collected a very long time ago and sold off during the gold/silver boom of 1980. Broke my heart actually. So the coins I buy now are for me. Gold coins in particular intrigue me, but eventually I'll move on to others. I really like the odd ball denominations (2 and 3 cent pieces) as well as Canadian 5 cent silvers.
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Valued Member
United States
134 Posts |
Type sets are just that. Normally you may want the different types but in the best condition possible. Type sets are mostly not found with scarce or rare dates. Buy any coin in the highest condition you can afford and you will be glad you did. Don't buy low grade junk coins for a type set as it wouldn't look very nice to even non collectors.
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Replies: 25 / Views: 3,318 |
Posted 06/24/2021 10:31 pm
