My Adventure with geekpryde’s “Box of 100” CAC Type Set

Lately, I’ve been completely hooked on type collecting, and geekpryde’s “Box of 100” CAC Type Set got me fired up to restart my own collection. After a ten-year break, I dusted off my old coins a few months back and started sending them out for slabbing and CAC stickers. It’s been a wild ride reorganizing everything, and I’m itching to share how you can build an affordable set that tells America’s coin story.

Why Type Collecting Steals My Heart

For me, chasing every date and mint mark feels like homework. What really gets my pulse racing is watching designs evolve across 230 years—from Fugio Cents to modern bullion. My collection focuses strictly on business strikes that speak to me, skipping modern designs that don’t excite me. This keeps things affordable and personal, with most coins landing between $50-$500. Completeness isn’t the goal; it’s about surrounding myself with pieces I genuinely love.

The Rules That Keep Me Sane

To avoid collector’s chaos, I borrowed some smart boundaries from seasoned folks. Here’s what guides my picks:

• Strictly U.S. Mint or government-contract coins (like the Fugio Cent)
• Business strikes only—no proofs, except for rare SMS cases
• Only coins that make my heart skip a beat
• PCGS, NGC, or CACG slabs required
• CAC stickers whenever possible
• $50-$500 budget per coin

I deliberately mix grades—from well-loved AG3s to flashy MS70s—because variety adds character and saves cash. Honestly, a circulated coin with great eye appeal often beats a pricier mint-state example.

My Collection Today: The Good Stuff

So far, I’ve filled 83 slots in my “Maine One Hundred Coin Type Set.” Here’s where things stand:

• CAC Stats: 65 green stickers, 2 gold, 1 pending, and 15 without options
• Holders: 56 in PCGS slabs, 27 in NGC
• Breakdown: Half cents (3), cents (12), half dollars (16), plus rarities like twenty-cent pieces
• Grades: Everything from AG3 to MS70, with MS65 being most common
• Cost Reality: Most landed between $50-$300—proof you don’t need a trust fund for quality

Some showstoppers? My 1795 Liberty Cap Cent (AG3 but full of charm) and an 1872 Seated Liberty Dollar (G4 with knockout toning). I’m also re-holdering gems like my 1854 Half Cent to fix scratched slabs—a lesson learned the hard way!

Grading Lessons and CAC Reality Checks

Here’s what grading taught me: trust your eyes more than the number. CAC stickers give me confidence, but they’re not always available. My advice? Grab the best coin you can afford when you see it. Don’t snub circulated pieces—they’re often steals. And while re-holdering makes sense for damaged slabs, I scrapped plans for position 3 after realizing costs outweighed benefits.

What’s Next and Hard-Won Wisdom

With 17 spots open, I’m hunting a Draped Bust Cent, Morgan Dollar, and clad Washington Quarters—all under $500. Staying focused prevents wallet meltdowns. Through this journey, I’ve learned: stick to your rules like glue, mix grades for visual punch, and take it slow to savor the chase.

The Unexpected Joy of Slab History

Beyond the metal, I’ve fallen for slab variations themselves. Hunting down NGC “Fatty” no-lines or PCGS “Doily” holders adds another dimension to the hobby. It reminds me numismatics isn’t just about coins—it’s about the stories they carry. Sharing photos takes effort but pays off; I urge every collector to document their set. It’s rewarding personally and might spark someone else’s passion.

This project reignited my love for coins, teaching me patience and joy in the little things. Starting a type set? Remember: collect what sings to you, watch your budget, and enjoy every minute of the hunt!