The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 3, January 16, 2005, Article 21

HOW MANY COINS IN A "COMPLETE" U.S. COLLECTION?

Nick Graver writes: "Recalling that Eliasberg story of:
"Every U.S. Coin (made/issued for circulation)," just how
many coins would that have been? What is the count today?
Just how many U.S. coins would comprise a 'Complete Set?'
I never heard of anyone even guessing the total. The Ground
Rules would need to be defined, regarding circulating, proof,
and commemorative coins. Same with 'struck, but not issued'
coins. The Red Book would have to be the common element,
since obscure or rare references would not be available to the
average participant."

[I don't believe we've ever had this question in The E-Sylum,
but I recall reading some articles on the topic over the years.
The topic is sure to invite debate, since there are probably as
many definitions of "complete" as there are collectors. Here is
one collector's definition of a U.S. type set; even if we were to
agree on a set of types, we could also disagree on how many
coins of eachtype are necessary. For example, the 1974 Lincoln
cent was made in two different compositions of metal - I would
argue both should be included, but others may disagree.
Full Story
-Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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