Sooo ... I am writing to share status and some collecting insights of my pursuit towards a complete 50 coin type set of classic USA silver commemorative in honestly circulated condition.
Some background information if I may ...
I started this set about 2 years ago ... intended then as an interesting complement to what was at the time a growing interest in the series ... and I assumed (incorrectly) that the circulated coins would be easier to find, and less expensive to acquire, than the huge prices I was seeing on their corresponding MS64 and better versions.
Now with 2 years of collecting experience in this set ... I report to all that the circulated set of classic US silver commemorative is indeed far tougher to find and acquire!
The collecting challenge with this circulated set is market availability ... and what I have learned in the subsequent two years is that many of these coins just did not circulate ... makes sense as they were sold at the time at a premium ... and in later years mainly to collectors who tend to put them away and not spend them.
It is possible ... maybe even likely ... that I will never be able to complete the set ... the coins just might not ever come available in circulated condition.
That bummer of a thought does not discourage me though ... and I'm pleased to now share photos of my 31 circulated classic silver commemorative ... housed in my Dansco 7094.
Top of Page 1 .... There are way too many counterfeit Lafayette Dollars ... so this coin was freed from an NGC VF30 slab. Likewise ... the Pan-Pacific half was freed from a PCGS XF40 slab. All other coins in my circulated set were purchased raw.
The VG8 Isabella was an incredible score for a coin that I rarely see below XF40.
Bottom of Page 1 ... I believe the Missouri suffers from an old cleaning ... and the Stone Mountain is nearing basal state.
Top of Page 2 ... The VG8/F12 Hawaiian is the only circulated example I have ever seen of this rare 10,000 mintage coin ... and cost me $800!
The 1925 Ft. Vancouver is my latest circulated addition ... and acquired as the result of a CCF member finding it for me at their local shop ... sending me a message ... and kindly offering to act as broker for me with nothing expected in return. That CCF family member shall remain anonymous ... unless they choose to self identify ... but trust that I very much appreciate their support in my set.
Lots of holes starting to show up now in the set ...
Bottom of Page 2 ... The 1936 Long Island is a visual favorite ... exhibits what I call 'circulated cameo' ... dark circulation fields contrasted by silver wear on the devices and portraits. Truly enjoy that look.
Gotta enjoy as well that funky art deco eagle on the 1936 Bridgeport in VF30 state.
Top of Page 3 ... Lot's of holes here in my set ... the San Francisco probably suffers from an old cleaning ... but at XF40 is a welcome addition to my set.
Bottom of Page 3 ... More holes! The BTW is AG3 and the topic of one of my recent comparison posts ...
Sooo ... that represents my circulated set so far after two diligent years of searching at shows, dealers and on-line.
I am truly enjoying the challenge of building the set ... and still hold out hope that someday I might complete it.
For those considering this challenge ... be mindful that the coins are tough to come by in the market and still relatively expensive ...
Many Thanks to any who have read this far .. and if you are so inclined please help keep an eye out for me at your local dealer for any honest coins that can help fill those last 19 holes.
Enjoy
David
Posted 09/16/2011 9:56 pm
