I disagree, and I think you're missing the point of the Coin Registry.

Yes, it has a competitive aspect, but the competition is supposed to enhance, not replace the appreciation of collecting. If, as your message suggests, you see it primarily as a competition, that could explain why you don?t think you should need 50% of the set to win. But if you understood that collecting, not competing, is the point of the Registry, the 50% minimum might make more sense to you.

I?d add that even from a purely competitive standpoint, parts of your message are pretty un-sportsmanlike, to say the least. For example, your intention to add two ?sleeper coins? to your set to win your registry category at the last minute ?just to the #1 guy off? makes me wonder if your head is screwed on straight. I?d hate to think you bought 18 MS68FT dimes just for a plaque that adds nothing to the interest or value of your coins.

And, by the way, what did Jwillie33 (the current #1) ever do to you that you should derive satisfaction from him off? All I know about him is that he spent a lot longer putting together his set, which is complete at MS67FT, than you?ve spent on yours. His accomplishment is one I respect a great deal, especially since I haven?t managed it myself, despite having spent significant time, effort and money trying. Shouldn?t your plaque mean more to you if it also reflected that kind of respect and admiration from your peers for what you?ve accomplished and how you went about doing it?