Building a Type Set: How to Integrate the PCGS Doily (2.0), 2.1, and 2.2 Holders into a Master Type Set — A Collector’s Guide to Budget vs. High-End Strategies

Building a type set is the ultimate journey through history. Let’s look at the best way to represent this design in your collection.

When most collectors think of building a type set, they think of the coins themselves — the Liberty Seated dimes, the Saint-Gaudens double eagles, the Morgan dollars. But there’s a parallel universe of type collecting that has exploded in popularity over the past two decades: collecting the holders that encapsulate those coins. And no area of holder collecting is more fascinating, more debated, or more rewarding than the PCGS Generation 2 family — the legendary Doily (2.0), the elusive 2.1, and the transitional 2.2.

I’ve spent years studying these holders, cross-referencing auction appearances, cert numbers, and magazine archives. What I’ve found is a story that’s far more complex — and far more interesting — than the standard PCGS Museum of Holders timeline suggests. If you’re building a type set that includes these slabs, or if you’re simply trying to understand what you’re looking at when one crosses your path, this guide is for you.

Why the PCGS Gen 2 Holders Deserve a Place in Your Type Set

Let me be direct: if you’re building a comprehensive type set of PCGS holders, the Gen 2 family is non-negotiable. These three holders — the Doily (2.0), the 2.1, and the 2.2 — represent a critical transitional period in PCGS history, spanning roughly from August 1989 through January 1990. They bridge the gap between the iconic Rattler (Gen 1) and the more modern Gen 3 holders that followed.

But here’s what makes them truly special from a type collecting perspective: they may not have been produced in the neat, sequential order we’ve all assumed.

The standard narrative, as presented by the PCGS Museum of Holders, goes something like this:

1. Gen 2.0 (Doily): Introduced September 1989, used through October 1989. Features the distinctive “NumisCap” design with a doily-like pattern, perforated edges, and a solid white bottom band covering the barcode. PCGS classifies it as “Very Scarce.”
2. Gen 2.1: Replaced the Doily in October 1989, used through December 1989. Features a plain green label, sometimes with “PCGS” printed at the top and sometimes without. Comes in both wide-perforation and fine-perforation varieties. PCGS classifies it as “Scarce.”
3. Gen 2.2: Replaced the 2.1 in December 1989, used into January 1990. Features smooth, rounded edges (die-cut) instead of perforations, with “PCGS” printed at the top. Also classified as “Scarce.”

Clean. Simple. Sequential. And possibly wrong — at least in part.

The Evidence That Changes Everything: ANA Video and COINage Magazine

Here’s where the detective work begins, and where I think the real excitement of type set collecting lives — in the primary sources.

The 1989 ANA Convention Video

Recently, a collector surfaced video footage from the 1989 ANA Convention in Pittsburgh, PA (held August 9–13, 1989). The broadcast, aired on the Financial News Network and reported by the well-known numismatic journalist David Lisot, features an interview with Patti Manassian, then-Director of Marketing at PCGS. Manassian explicitly describes a forthcoming new holder featuring a hologram, printed safety paper, and an outer collar. The footage shows the holder being rotated on camera — and it is unmistakably the Doily.

Lisot reported that the new holders would hit the market within two weeks of the August 26 broadcast date, and that existing holders could be sent to PCGS for replacement at $2 plus handling, with a turnaround of one to four weeks. This places the full market rollout of the Doily holder in the last few days of August through the second week of September 1989 — consistent with the PCGS Museum dates.

So far, so good. The Doily timeline holds up. But then comes the wrinkle.

The November 1989 COINage Magazine Problem

In the November 1989 issue of COINage magazine — a major numismatic publication in the pre-internet era — there’s a full-page, full-color image accompanying a Scott Travers article about his book The Investor’s Guide To Coin Trading. The image shows the obverse of two slabs: a PCGS-certified Saint-Gaudens double eagle and an NGC-certified Wisconsin commemorative. The PCGS coin is clearly in a 2.2 holder — identifiable by its smooth, rounded, die-cut edges and the absence of perforations.

Here’s the critical detail: the newsstand date on the cover is November 1989, but magazine production deadlines meant the issue was finalized and distributed no later than the last week of September 1989 — at least five weeks before the cover date. This is confirmed by cross-referencing other COINage issues; for example, the July 1990 edition discusses the Superior Boys’ Town Sale (May 27–29, 1990) but omits final prices because the magazine went to print before the sale concluded.

This means the PCGS 2.2 holder was already in a dealer’s inventory — not at PCGS headquarters, but at the Continental Coin Corporation dealership — no later than the last week of September 1989.

According to the standard timeline, the 2.2 holder wasn’t supposed to exist until December 1989. Yet here it is, photographed and published, a full two months earlier.

Concurrent Production: The Most Likely Explanation

So what’s going on? Were the Doily, 2.1, and 2.2 holders produced concurrently during the late 1989 through early 1990 window? I believe the evidence strongly suggests yes, and the explanation is both practical and entirely logical.

Consider the business reality: PCGS was a growing company in 1989, processing thousands of coins. When you’re running a high-volume operation, you don’t throw away already-printed labels and paid-for materials just because you’ve introduced a newer version. You use up your existing stock. This is standard practice in any manufacturing or service environment.

As one forum participant astutely noted: “In a business setting who wouldn’t do that? You wouldn’t throw away already printed and paid for labels and paper because you went to a newer version of your product, would you?”

This concurrent production model explains several anomalies:

• Doily labels without “PCGS” printed at the top: These exist, with certification numbers far apart from each other, indicating they came from separate submissions. If all Doily labels were produced in a single batch, you’d expect consistency. Concurrent production with multiple label stocks explains the variation.
• Gen 2.1 labels with and without “PCGS” at the top: The 2.1 holder comes in at least three varieties — wide perforations with “PCGS,” wide perforations without “PCGS,” and fine perforations (all without “PCGS”). This isn’t a clean progression; it’s the result of using different label stocks simultaneously.
• The 2.2 holder appearing in September 1989: If PCGS was already producing 2.2 labels while still using Doily and 2.1 stock, the early appearance in a dealer’s inventory makes perfect sense.

One collector who worked on a PCGS sample display for the ANA with BJ Searles confirmed this confusion firsthand: “I had several boxes of samples sent to her categorized by Condor’s generations, which recognizes the labels, but she was confused because it didn’t jive with PCGS’s ‘generations of holders’.”

The Condor generation system, which tracks label variations rather than just holder physical characteristics, identifies multiple sub-variations within each generation — including three different Doily label types alone. This strongly supports the concurrent production theory.

The Mystery of the Sample Slab Doily: A Potential New Variety?

Perhaps the most intriguing element of this entire discussion is the so-called “sample slab Doily” — a version of the Doily holder with rounded corners, no white band at the bottom of the label, and a less vibrant doily design. This variant has been seen in the ANA convention video sample slab and in a handful of other examples, but it appears to be distinct from the standard production Doily.

Key characteristics of the Sample Slab Doily:

• Rounded corners instead of perforated edges
• No solid white band at the bottom of the label
• Less vibrant, somewhat “ghostly” doily pattern
• Appears to match the sample shown in the 1989 ANA video
• Extremely rare — possibly fewer than 10 examples known

One collector who examined the COINage magazine image closely noted: “An image that looks like it has Doily characteristics, but with rounded edges and no perforations. Sort of a true hybrid.” After examining the original glossy magazine page under magnification, he confirmed that the edges are smooth and rounded — consistent with the 2.2 holder — but the overall appearance has Doily-like qualities that may be a function of the photography and printing process.

However, the existence of actual sample Doily slabs with these characteristics (rounded corners, no white bar) suggests that there may be a legitimate sub-variety of the Doily that hasn’t been formally recognized. If you’re a type set collector, this is exactly the kind of discovery that makes the hobby thrilling.

Building Your Type Set: Dansco Albums and Display Strategies

Now let’s talk practicalities. If you’re building a type set that includes PCGS Gen 2 holders, how do you display them? And how do you approach the budget question?

Display Options

Standard Dansco albums are designed for coins, not slabs. But several approaches work well for holder type sets:

• Custom Dansco pages: Some collectors have had custom-cut pages made to accommodate slab dimensions. This works best for single-row display of key holders.
• Capital Plastics display cases: These acrylic cases can be configured to hold slabs upright, making for an attractive display that allows both sides of the holder to be viewed.
• Shadow boxes and wall displays: For a more dramatic presentation, shadow boxes with slab-sized cutouts can create a museum-quality display.
• Standard slab storage boxes with labeled dividers: For collectors who prioritize protection and organization over display, this is the most practical approach.

My recommendation: if you’re building a type set of holders, display the holders themselves (empty or with placeholder coins) in a dedicated case, and keep the original certified coins in secure storage. This protects your investment while allowing you to enjoy the display.

Choosing the Best Strike for the Type

When selecting coins to represent each holder type in your set, consider these factors:

• Coin type: Choose a coin that was commonly certified during the Gen 2 era. Morgan dollars, Saint-Gaudens double eagles, and Walking Liberty half dollars are all excellent choices, as they were high-volume submissions in 1989–1990.
• Grade: For a type set, you want a coin that is well-struck, attractive, and representative of the era. MS-64 or MS-65 is ideal for Morgan dollars and double eagles — high enough to be visually impressive, but not so expensive that the coin cost dwarfs the holder premium.
• Eye appeal: Look for coins with minimal marks, good luster, and attractive toning (if any). Remember, in a holder type set, the coin and the holder are both on display.
• Cert number proximity: If possible, try to find coins with certification numbers that are close together. This adds a layer of historical authenticity to your set, suggesting they were part of the same production run.

Budget vs. High-End Type Collecting: A Realistic Framework

Let’s address the elephant in the room: cost. The PCGS Doily (2.0) holder commands significant premiums, and the 2.1 and 2.2 holders aren’t far behind. Here’s how to approach the budget question strategically.

The Budget Approach

If you’re working with a limited budget, focus on these priorities:

1. Start with the 2.2 holder. Despite being classified as “Scarce” by PCGS, the 2.2 is generally the most affordable of the three Gen 2 holders. It’s also the most visually distinctive, with its smooth die-cut edges making it easy to identify and display.
2. Add the 2.1 next. The 2.1 comes in multiple varieties, and some are more affordable than others. The fine-perforation variety without “PCGS” on the label tends to be less expensive than the wide-perforation version with “PCGS.” Start with whichever variety you can find at a reasonable price.
3. Save the Doily for last. The Doily is the crown jewel of the Gen 2 family, and it commands the highest premium. Be patient, watch auction results, and be ready to act when the right example at the right price comes along.

Budget-friendly coin choices for each holder:

• Morgan dollars (MS-63 to MS-64): $75–$200 depending on date and eye appeal
• Walking Liberty half dollars (MS-64): $100–$300
• Lincoln cents (MS-65 RD): $25–$75

These coins were commonly certified during the Gen 2 era and are affordable enough that the holder premium becomes the primary cost driver — which is exactly what you want in a holder type set.

The High-End Approach

If budget is less of a concern, aim for:

• Saint-Gaudens double eagles (MS-64 to MS-65): These were the coins most commonly associated with early PCGS certification and are the most visually impressive in a Gen 2 holder. A 1925 Saint in MS-64 in a Doily holder is the holy grail of Gen 2 collecting.
• Key date Morgan dollars: A 1889-CC or 1893-S Morgan in a Gen 2 holder combines coin rarity with holder rarity for maximum impact.
• Proof coins: Proof Morgan dollars or proof gold coins in Gen 2 holders are exceptionally rare and command significant premiums.
• Sample slabs: If you can find a verified sample Doily or sample 2.1/2.2, these are the ultimate high-end additions. Fewer than 10 sample Doily slabs are known to exist.

Understanding the Market

One forum participant asked when prices for the 2.1 and 2.2 holders would “get in line” with the Doilies. The experienced collector Marshall Feld offered a wise response: “I don’t take it as a given that the market hasn’t already taken scarcity into consideration — at least in most cases.”

This is an important insight. The market for Gen 2 holders is relatively efficient. The Doily commands the highest prices because it’s the most recognized and most sought-after. The 2.1 and 2.2 are priced lower not because the market has failed to recognize their scarcity, but because demand is lower. If you believe the 2.1 and 2.2 are undervalued relative to the Doily, now may be the time to acquire them before broader collector awareness catches up.

Current market observations:

• Doily (2.0) with common coin: Significant premium over the coin’s raw value, often 3–5x the coin value alone
• 2.1 with common coin: Moderate premium, generally 1.5–3x the coin value
• 2.2 with common coin: Moderate premium, similar to the 2.1
• 2.1 with “PCGS” on label: Commands a premium over the 2.1 without “PCGS” — this variety is reportedly even scarcer than the Doily itself

The Three Varieties of PCGS Gen 2.1 Holders: A Detailed Breakdown

For the serious type set collector, the Gen 2.1 holder deserves special attention. There are at least three distinct varieties, and a complete Gen 2 type set should include all of them:

Gen 2.1 Variety 1: Wide Perforations with “PCGS” on Label

• Perforated edges (wide spacing)
• “PCGS” printed at the top center of the label
• Plain green label background
• Rarest of the 2.1 varieties

Gen 2.1 Variety 2: Wide Perforations without “PCGS” on Label

• Perforated edges (wide spacing, matching the Doily style)
• No “PCGS” printed at the top
• Plain green label background
• Similar in appearance to a Doily without the doily pattern

Gen 2.1 Variety 3: Fine Perforations without “PCGS” on Label

• Perforated edges (fine spacing, tighter than the Doily)
• No “PCGS” printed at the top
• Plain green label background
• Represents a transition toward the die-cut 2.2 style

The existence of these three varieties within a single “generation” is powerful evidence for the concurrent production theory. PCGS wasn’t simply progressing from one label design to the next — they were experimenting with multiple designs simultaneously, likely using up existing label stock while introducing new versions.

Authentication Tips: How to Identify Genuine Gen 2 Holders

With premiums rising, authentication becomes critical. Here’s what to look for:

Doily (2.0) Authentication Markers

• Perforated edges: The Doily has rough, perforated edges around the entire perimeter. These should be visible to the naked eye and feel rough to the touch.
• Solid white bottom band: A solid white strip runs along the bottom of the obverse label, covering the barcode area. However, be aware that some Doily labels lack this feature — particularly sample slabs and potentially some production examples.
• Doily pattern: The background of the label features a distinctive lace-like “doily” pattern. On production Doilies, this pattern is usually vibrant and clearly visible. On sample slabs, it may appear faded or “ghostly.”
• “PCGS” on label: Most (but not all) Doily labels have “PCGS” printed at the top center. The absence of “PCGS” does not automatically mean the holder is not a Doily.
• Certification numbers: Original Doily holders have seven-digit cert numbers. If you see an eight-digit cert number in a Doily-style holder, it’s a modern retro holder from approximately 2015, not an original.

2.1 Authentication Markers

• Plain green label: No doily pattern. The label is a solid, plain green.
• Perforated edges: Either wide or fine perforations, depending on variety.
• “PCGS” presence/absence: Check whether “PCGS” appears at the top. This is the key differentiator between 2.1 sub-varieties.

2.2 Authentication Markers

• Smooth, rounded edges: The 2.2 is die-cut, not perforated. The edges are smooth and rounded — this is the single most reliable identifier.
• “PCGS” on label: All 2.2 labels have “PCGS” printed at the top center.
• Plain green label: No doily pattern, same as the 2.1.

Actionable Takeaways for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying or selling Gen 2 holders, here are my recommendations:

For Buyers

1. Verify the cert number. Always check the PCGS certification number on the PCGS Verify website. Confirm that the coin details match the label and that the cert is valid.
2. Examine the edges closely. Perforated vs. die-cut is the single most important distinguishing feature between the Doily/2.1 and the 2.2. Use a loupe if necessary.
3. Check for the white bottom band. On Doilies, the presence or absence of the white band can help distinguish production examples from sample slabs.
4. Compare cert numbers. If you’re trying to date a holder precisely, look up cert numbers in the range (±5–10 numbers) to see if any have auction records with photographs that might help establish a timeline.
5. Be aware of retro holders. PCGS has reissued Doily-style holders for special occasions. These have eight-digit cert numbers and are not original Gen 2 holders.
6. Buy the best you can afford. In holder type sets, condition matters. Look for holders with clean, unyellowed labels, intact holograms, and no cracks in the outer collar.

For Sellers

1. Photograph both sides clearly. Buyers want to see the label, the edges, and the coin. Use good lighting and a macro lens if possible.
2. Describe the holder precisely. Specify the generation (2.0, 2.1, 2.2), the edge type (perforated or die-cut), and whether “PCGS” appears on the label. Mention any unusual characteristics (e.g., absence of white bottom band on a Doily).
3. Reference the cert number. Include the PCGS cert number in your listing so buyers can verify the coin independently.
4. Price based on comparable sales. Check recent auction results for similar holder/coin combinations. The PCGS Holder Museum and oldslabholders.com are excellent reference sources.

Resources for the Gen 2 Collector

As you build your type set, these resources will prove invaluable:

• PCGS Museum of Holders: https://www.pcgs.com/holdermuseum — The official reference for PCGS holder generations, including production dates and scarcity ratings.
• Old Slab Holders: https://oldslabholders.com — A fantastic independent resource with detailed photographs and descriptions of early PCGS, NGC, and ANACS holders.
• Collectors.com Forums: The PCGS Doily thread and the Gen 2.1 discussion thread are treasure troves of collector knowledge, including detailed photographs and cert number analysis.
• Condor Generation System: This alternative classification system tracks label variations in more detail than the PCGS Museum, making it invaluable for the serious type set collector.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the PCGS Gen 2 Family

The PCGS Gen 2 holders — the Doily, the 2.1, and the 2.2 — represent far more than a footnote in grading company history. They are artifacts of a pivotal moment in the coin market, when PCGS was rapidly evolving its technology and processes to meet the demands of a booming collector market. The concurrent production of multiple holder types during this period reflects the real-world chaos of a growing business, and the resulting variations create a rich and rewarding field for type set collectors.

What makes these holders truly special is the ongoing mystery. The COINage magazine evidence suggesting the 2.2 holder existed weeks before it was “supposed” to, the existence of Doily labels without “PCGS” printed on them, the sample slab Doily with its unique characteristics — these are not settled questions. They are invitations to further research, further discovery, and further collecting.

For the type set collector, the Gen 2 family offers something rare in numismatics: a field where new discoveries are still being made, where a sharp eye and a willingness to dig into primary sources can yield genuine insights, and where the journey of building the set is as rewarding as the completed set itself.

Whether you’re building on a budget — starting with a 2.2 and working your way up — or pursuing the high-end approach with Saint-Gaudens double eagles and sample slabs, the PCGS Gen 2 holders offer a collecting experience that combines history, mystery, and the thrill of the hunt. And isn’t that what type set collecting is all about?

Start your Gen 2 type set today. The holders are out there, waiting to be found — and the story they tell is still being written.

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