Just Having Fun with Roosies

About This Set: Before PCGS added the full-band line designation, the Roosevelt dimes was a boring series, too easy to present much challenge. It was the full bands designation made this series challenging and popular.

And even though I collect the Roosies in full band, my somewhat curdmudgeonly view is that distinction between full bands and non-full bands is largely artificial. To me, it was a marketing stroke of genius by PCGS, not a true collecting issue.

** With Jefferson nickels, full steps is a significant indicator of the strike. A full steps Jefferson LOOKS VISIBLY BETTER on the reverse than a 2-stepper. The building is invariably better defined.

** Likewise, a full head Standing Liberty Quarter has FAR MORE EYE APPEAL than one with a smushed head.

** And a Shield Nickel with full horizontal shield lines LOOKS FAR BETTER than one with merged shield lines.

But with the Roosies, full bands or not makes very little difference to the overall look of the coins. They’re attractive with or without full bands.

I only collected them full bands because they were boring -- no challenge -- without ‘em.

My thanks to Steve Heller, who lead the way; to Nick Cascio, who sold his great collection to me; and to Mr. Wondercoin who put me together with those giants of the Roosies.

Important last point: I’ve gathered about 2 squintillion duplicates and triplicates, as I upgraded time and again. I have no use for them and I’ll be happy to trade -- giving you significantly more value for an upgrade. But I’m having eye problems and I’ll be sending almost all of my duplicates to Mr. Wondercoin. His e-address is [email protected]. Mine is [email protected].