The Iron Island Collection

About This Set: This set is an absolute monster, comprising nearly 500 coins. What makes it an exquisite challenge is the scarcity of coins in PCGS slabs, in particular the 1c and 5c coins and nickel coins post-1968; many of these have a handful certified, in some cases just a single coin. And those few slabbed coins that do exist rarely come to market. Consequently, I have been obliged to search through thousands of pliofilm sets to obtain coins worthy of this collection.

Much thanks to Colonial Acres Coins for so kindly accommodating my search, to fellow registry collector Terry Butcher for some important trades and discussions, and to Sanjay Gandhi of PCGS for working diligently with me to correct several errors and omissions in the set composite.

I have named this set the Iron Island Collection as a nod to Balon Greyjoy, a hard man some will remember as King of the Iron Islands from Game of Thrones. The Ironborn prided themselves on paying the Iron Price, taking what they wanted the hard way, by force. Never would they condescend to buying things (paying the Gold Price). When I think of this set, one of Balon's quotes rings true:

"No man gives me a crown. I pay the Iron Price. I will take my crown."