My run is done..

A few days ago I finally found the 1962 Proof set in the NGC Multi-Coin holder. This completed a run of 11 consecutive proof sets in the NGC multi-holder format from 1954-1964. The "hunt" took 22 months beginning with the first set purchase (the 1964) in Sept of 2013.

Completing this set was a good side adventure for me, and filled a gap in my collection, as basically these are the only certified Lincolns (both Wheat and Memorial), Jeffersons, Roosevelts, Franklins and Kennedys that I own. So 6 design types were covered, and oh yes ,these are also my only certified proof coins.

Collecting this set brought back fond childhood memories as my early collection included a few of these Proof Sets in the original Govt issued packaging, and I remember the excitement of receiving them in the mail, that one set on a yearly basis...much different that today's mint with its' flavor of the month issues.

I also like the fact that the year 1964 is the last year of US coin issues that I will collect, with my primary focus continuing to be 19th Century business strike issues. That 1st Kennedy silver half dollar sure does seem like it was issued just yesterday, but unfortunately much time has passed.

It is also important to mention that I would never have thought to collect these if not for finding a previous article written on this NGC board. To me, the multi coin holders have that "proof set feel", plus are now graded and encapsulated. Ten of the sets are housed in the NGC multi holder storage box, with the 11th man, the 1964 set, carefully wrapped for protection in a coin cloth.

Here is a summary of my NGC multi coin holder proof set holdings:

1954 all PF66

1955 all PF 67ex 5C PF68

1956 all PF 67

1957 all PF 67 ex 50C PF66

1958 all PF66

1959 PF66 25C 50C, PF67 1C 10C, PF68 5C

1960SD all PF66

1961 all PF67

1962 all PF67

1963 all PF67

1964 all PF68

A few comments, eight of 11 sets are all of the same grade, interestingly, this was not that that important to me, rather I was looking for sets with a minimum lowest coin grade. For example, I passed a couple of times on a PF 66 set for 1962, knowing that PF67 would be available if I was patient.

The best set is unquestionably the 1955, and the only set I did not wait for an upgrade on is 1954, my birth year. I have also seen a 1953 set in PF66 or PF67 but it was never the goal to go back another year, even though biologically it should be pointed out that I was around that year.

Only if opportunity knocks may I may add a complementary 1960 LD set but only if all are in PF67. The other "variety" set that is out there is of course the 1964 with Accented Hair 50C and I would certainly buy that in anything PF66 and up. Again, these are nice to haves, but not "must haves".

Time wise, two years is very quick for me to complete a numismatic goal, by comparison, my completed Indian and Flying Eagle Sets took 15 years to achieve (for the eagles only the 1856,1857, 1858SL. 1858LL and 1858 8/7 , the basic 5). and my completed MS piece set took about 5 yrs So again, I strive for patience and quality, its a marathon, not a sprint.

With retirement last year, my coin purchases have slowed, and I am much more budget conscience. Amongst other sets being worked on, I am currently playing around with Washington Quarters 1932-64 as Flanagan's design is, to my eye, by far the best of the current "Presidential" issues that so need complete re-design.

This is also my final collector's journal posting on the board, it has become way too acrimonious, with the sheer joy of collecting dampened by one to many caustic remark and unnecessary brouhaha. I certainly will remain a member of the NGC Society, as it is a great mechanism to structure a collection.. The most difficult post I wrote is when I lost my best friend, Bogart, and received wonderful , encouraging, comments from many on the board. In January, we added a new pooch to our household , "Vegas" , another mini schnauzer that has wonderfully filled an important gap ( I guess like these sets, only much the better !).

I do hope everyone is having a great summer, happy collecting, and please take care.

Cheers !

Rich

To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.