My Adventure Building a “Box of 100” CAC Type Set

After stepping away from coin collecting for nearly ten years, I’ve plunged back in with a project that’s reignited my passion: building my personal “Box of 100” type set with a CAC focus. What a ride it’s been! Sorting through coins, sending them off for slabbing and stickers, and setting firm but fun boundaries has made this collection both affordable and deeply satisfying. With 83 slots filled so far, I’ve rediscovered America’s coinage history while learning practical collecting lessons I wish I’d known decades ago.

The Rules That Keep My Collection Focused

To prevent this from becoming overwhelming (or bankrupting me), I set some clear guardrails that balance discipline with delight:

• Every coin must be a genuine US Mint issue or government-contracted piece—like the Fugio Cent—keeping things historically rooted.
• Business strikes only, with rare exceptions for special SMS coins that steal my heart.
• Only designs I truly connect with—modern types that don’t speak to me get skipped, making this set uniquely mine.
• PCGS, NGC, or CACG slabs for protection and peace of mind.
• CAC stickers when possible, adding that extra quality confidence.
• A strict $50-$500 budget per coin—surprisingly, you can find amazing pieces within this range!

These rules create a wonderful mix in my box: crusty low-grade coins whispering history alongside blast-white mint state beauties, all chosen for their appeal and affordability.

Treasures That Make My Collection Sing

Handling these coins has been the real joy. Some favorites that always make me smile:

• My 1795 Liberty Cap Cent (AG3 with CAC)—rough but full of early American character.
• A 1921 Peace Dollar High Relief (AU53 CAC) with breathtaking detail that captures post-WWI optimism.
• Several Seated Liberty pieces like the 1858 Half Dime (AU58), showing gorgeous “circ cam” toning from circulation.
• The 1943-S Steel Cent (MS66 CAC)—a humble wartime hero with surprising eye appeal.

I’ll admit I also nerd out over slab variations. Hunting down old “Fatty” holders adds another layer of fun, like collecting the packaging along with the prize.

Hard-Won Wisdom from the Trenches

Through wins and mistakes, I’ve gathered some practical advice:

• When you spot a great coin at a fair price, grab it—waiting often costs more in the long run.
• Mix those grades! Circulated coins have soul and history that mint-state pieces sometimes lack.
• Don’t hesitate to re-slab coins in damaged holders—it protects both the coin and your investment.
• CAC stickers are helpful, but don’t fixate. Some types simply aren’t stickered, and that’s okay.
• Track your collection stats. Knowing your grade ranges and gaps makes hunting more purposeful.

Where My Collection Stands Today

As we wrap up 2023, I’m at 83 coins with 17 spots calling my name. Here’s the current breakdown:

• CAC Stickers: 65 green, 2 gold, 1 in the pipeline, and 15 without options
• Slabs: 56 by PCGS, 27 by NGC
• Denominations: Strong on Half Dollars (16) and Quarters (11), with everything from Half Cents to Gold Eagles represented
• Grades: Mostly AU/MS territory—16 in MS65—but I treasure my AG3 warriors too
• Values: Mostly $100-$400 range, proving quality doesn’t require a trust fund

On the Hunt: My Most Wanted List

With 17 slots left, I’m chasing these pieces to complete the set:

• A Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959-1982) for its everyday history
• A classic Morgan Dollar—the quintessential silver workhorse
• Artistic commemoratives like the Lafayette Dollar
• Early rarities like a Draped Bust Cent if the budget allows

Limiting myself to 100 coins means tough choices, but every new addition feels like a victory.

This “Box of 100” adventure has reminded me why I fell in love with coins decades ago. It blends historical discovery with the thrill of the hunt in the most satisfying way. I’ll keep refining it one CAC-stickered find at a time—and if you’re looking to rekindle your numismatic spark, I can’t recommend trying a focused set like this enough!