One Interpretation of the True Spirit of the Registry

[TomB]

I’ll be honest with everyone and admit that Registry sets typically don’t mean much to me. Obscured sets, sets without any images and sets without any descriptions only make me wonder why someone would go through the trouble of listing the set. Also, the tremendous salesmanship-hype that can accompany the building of a Registry set leaves me cold. Of course, the great beauty of the Registry is that it allows one to collect and assemble sets of various depth, coverage, appearance, grade and expense. It also facilitates education, from those who are willing to invest the time to share knowledge, with those who might be eager or willing to accept this gift.

 

Keeping that concept in mind I would like to draw attention to a set that will not win an award for its high point content, is not complete, does not boast impeccable photographic images and will not drive the average collector into bankruptcy. However, this set embodies the idea of sharing knowledge, the commitment to finding attractive, original coins and the obvious rewards that tenacious searching will bestow. In my opinion, this is a Registry set that reflects a numismatist.

 

The set that I have had the pleasure to look through is Doc’s Walkers, compiled by our own WLH expert supertooth (Bob). It’s not a complete set and isn’t peppered with MS coins; yet this set displays a level of commitment that I don’t believe most other sets can match. The images are scans, but if one is accustomed to interpreting the appearance of a coin from a scanned image one can easily see that these coins represent a special group. They are original, circulated, attractive coins with meaty surfaces and natural, pleasing appearances. I’ve spent quite a bit of time looking through the images and thinking to myself that there is an apparent disconnect between bid prices on some of these pieces and the ability to find the pieces. Some of these coins don’t exist on the bourse, they are deceptively difficult to obtain.

 

I’ll admit two things in this thread. The first admission is that I also have a Registry set, but it is also a set that will never win any awards or be high ranking. The second admission is that I always viewed the WLH set as an “easy” set to complete with attractive, mid-grade coins. This comes directly from my experience with the Barber half series where there seem to be simply no coins in this grade range and preservation. I’ll admit that I was wrong about the WLH set in this condition. These coins are tough. I have studied Doc's Walkers, when I have had time, for about two months now. In my opinion, this is the epitome of the Registry; an experienced, savy collector who is willing to share his knowledge within his niche with others who are likeminded.

 

Hats off to supertooth for building such a fine set and sharing it with the numismatic community!

[michael]

[IGWT]

Wow. Now that's a tribute to a man and his numismatic abilities. Well deserved and well bestowed.

 

Don't blush, Bob.

[HaydenTubbs]

 

Two thumbs up and 5 *s!!!

[Hoot]

Great set and sharing! Tha old tooth puller sure knows how to pick 'em and thanks to him for the time he took to share.

 

Hoot

[supertooth]

Good Morning Folks----Wow---I am truly humbled----And yes, Lou, I am a bit blushing that I have attracted Tom's attention. It again shows why these NGC boards are what they are----simply a 'fine' bunch of good numismatic folks. But, if you like Walkers at all, you can thank my son, Dave, and Tom B for being able to view them. Plus my wife, Barb, for the pictures. Dave had been on me for 2 years or more to put them on the Registry. Without Tom B, I would not have even started on the boards. So a special bit of thanks to them. And, I might add just one thing about the "early" Walkers. What Tom B has found out is what I have known as a kid of 9 back in 1955. That being that 'original' coins in grades of VF to AU grades basically do not exist among the 'early' Walkers. They are as scarce as hen's teeth. Thanks to Tom B and to all of you--plus NGC---for some great information on these boards. Bob [supertooth]

[Gary Sullivan]

Now if we can get Bob to use a digital camera on those fine coins of his, we can see the true beauty of those original walkers. A good friend

[Architecht]

For your convenience, Doc's Walkers

[Bruceswar]

Very nice set.... Thanks for sharing

[TerrapinWill]

I like sets like this that include nice original circulated examples. Seems so many people are caught up in "highest grade possible" and forget that circulated coins have nice eye appeal as well. JMHO

[Oldtrader3]

Congratulations Bob, I am aware that you have put much effort and personal commitment into your WL Set. I am very pleased that you are getting recognition for the effort that you made.

Charlie

[jgrinz]

I am duly impressed at this set as I peruse through the tantamount amount of pictures in this set. I find my self looking for a 1933-s to fill that minor hole for him

 

Good job, here here, smashing, deal and all that

[Merc]

It is nice to see a reg set with pictures for all the coins. The pictures are pretty good. All are clear enough to grade the coins. Looks like it took many submissions to NGC