My Eisenhower Proof set is complete.

It's hard to believe I haven't written in my journal for about six months but it's been one of those years. Time seems to have just melted through my fingers and any extra money just doesn't exist. But I have been squirreling a little money away, a dollar here and a dollar there with only one goal in mind, get a PF69UC 1973S Silver Eisenhower Dollar to complete my set. Finally, I actually have something to write about again. Last week I was able to pick up a real nice example for less than $50. I am rather proud of myself since I have often seen them priced at upwards of $80 and on occasion even more. Once I complete all the pictures and appropriate documentation I will have only my 2nd complete set, 3rd if you count the 2009 Lincoln Cents Proof Set. Alas, this complete set will only rank 14th overall along with several other folks. I do not foresee moving up in the rankings any time in the future as that will require either PF69*UC or PF70UC examples and that just isn't in my budget.

I continue to scour EBay for my $5.00 Circulated Roosevelt Dime set and it has been growing in spits and spurts. I've even managed to pick up a few Presidential Dollars and as soon as my wife returns from taking care of some family business she is most excited to be writing the documentation behind those coins. Apart from that, at best, I have been able to pick the odd coin here and there. I have found myself, given the shortage of funds, spending much more time with my raw album sets. I have however started to move into earlier sets. I've added a few Indian Head Cents, both holes and upgrades, a couple of Buffalo Nickels to fill in some holes, the odd Liberty Nickel when the opportunity presents itself and even a couple of Large Cents.

In looking at my collecting goals I set for myself last September, I haven't had near the success I have had in previous years but of my ten goals five have been met. (Of course, I finally knocked of the Number 1 spot that has been on the list for the last 2 years when I completed the Eisenhower Proof Set.) I am starting to think about my goals for my next collecting cycle which starts on September 1st but I will have to make a major readjustment in my thinking given the way this year turned out. No complaints though. This hobby affords many of us the luxury of enjoying it even though our means are very limited. A number of people have written about how their fire or passion for the hobby seems to have dwindled of late. Not so with me. Whether I spend hours scrolling through auction sights, pouring over pocket change or just doing research, I relish each spare moment I can find to spend with my collection.

Anyway, for those of you that have been wondering where I disappeared to, I am still here and doing well. I find the time I can to read your entries and, finally, I have found the time to add to my journal. Be well my friends. Now, I will leave you with a picture of the Ike that completed my set.

Dennis