Some thoughts

It's good to know people are reading this journal, even when they disagree with something I write. Numismatics can be a very opinionated hobby - especially when there are such things as registry sets. Personally, I think that is good. Opinions, expressed in a civil tone, are the way we all learn and grow in this hobby.

This past week has been numismatically challenging for me, but it's only the beginning of what will be a very interesting year in many ways. A Capped Bust half dime I was eyeing in an online auction went for more than I was willing to pay, and I have a terrible time looking at Mercury dimes to add to my set.

Having an FB (Full Bands) designation is nice, but I wonder if it really matters except in the points totals for the registry sets. I have two Merc's in my registry set that are not FB (and can't claim to be), but the coins look good. In fact, I'm about ready to add another MS-65 that is not FB but has good eye appeal and frankly looks better than a lot of FB Merc's I have examined recently. The only "problem" is - it doesn't have those Full Bands!

This is why coin collecting is so challenging for me. Like most of us, I'd like to purchase every coin that fits my criteria just by looking at the grade on the slab. But it certainly doesn't work out that way. I've looked at some MS-66 coins that don't look as good to me as MS-65 coins. FB or no FB? Depends on the coin. The extra two letters on the grade don't matter to me as long as the Merc looks good in my set. Plus, I'm not sure that FB warrants the extra money a collector has to shell out for it, especially in the higher grades of 66, 67 and so on.

Patience is a virtue in numismatics - and I need it when it comes to Capped Bust half dimes. Still searching for the "inaugural" coin to put in my registry set - some must be anxiously awaiting this addition (yeah, right!) since the view count on the set keeps going up even though I have no coins in it yet. I think I ought to pick up a book on those half dimes to learn some more about them.

Speaking of books - Bower's Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins is now shipping at the beginning of March according to Amazon... should be good reading.

Status Report:

Capped Bust half dimes - still searching for XF to AU example to start off my date set.

Mercury dime short set - ready to pull the trigger on an MS-65... we'll see how that goes

Large cents - getting the itch to add to my VG set, but would love to know when my copy of the latest CQR will show up at my door (been waiting since June or July). CQR is "Copper Quotes by Robinson" for you non-early copper enthusiasts. It doesn't help that the rest of those Naftzger coppers are being auctioned off this year.

Good luck in your numismatic and other endeavors this coming week and congratulations to all the award winners!