Home U.S. Coin Forum

New 1870-cc quarter received from DLRC

rheddenrhedden Posts: 6,567 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited May 31, 2022 6:56AM in U.S. Coin Forum
I got an exciting delivery from FedEx this morning courtesy of David Lawrence Rare Coins, which was a very nicely packaged 1870-cc quarter for my Seated Quarter set, which is only lacking the 1873-cc No Arrows (5 known). I usually give props to sellers who provide me with nice material, so here are the props. The coin came in a very nice felt-lined box and was packaged in a most secure fashion. It is a rare example of a circulated 1870-cc 25c that has its original skin and is free from pinscratches, dings, and rim problems. These coins were terribly beat up during their lives in the old west, and most slabbed coins in the AG-VF range are actually net-graded pieces that were given mercy grades by PCGS or NGC.

This particular example has a gray obverse and a yellow-gray reverse, possibly indicating that it sat face-up or face-down in the same location for many years and acquired two-tone coloration. I picture it sitting in the drawer of an old piece of furniture, or perhaps inside the wall/floor of an old building for many years. I wish I knew its history, but as is often the case, the story did not come with the coin. I was pleased to get this one a little below PCGS price guide, as these are usually offered in big auctions, and there's someone present who wants to stretch a little harder than I do. Price guides go out the window for Seated material when the market heats up. It will replace my other 1870-cc, which has a VF35 obverse, but has some very serious scratches on the reverse, which I attribute to a little-known 1879 knife fight with Billy the Kid during a trip to New Mexico (no, not really).



In all grades combined, I think the 1870-cc is slightly less scarce than the 1871-cc, but it prices a bit higher in most grades due to the extreme rarity of AU and Unc. specimens. Larry Briggs' book designates the 1870-cc as the rarest date in the series, but auction data and pop. reports of PCGS and NGC support the idea that the 1871-cc is actually the real key (excluding 1873-CC NA), except to those well-heeled people who insist on collecting in the AU-Unc. range. Most Liberty Seated Quarter set collections I have seen lack the key dates of 1870-cc, 1871-cc, and 1873-cc Arr., including some top-5 Registry set collections. I believe most of these coins are in the hands of Carson City specialists, rather than Seated Quarter specialists, who seem to prefer semi-keys and undervalued sleeper dates. Personally, obtaining all three of the key CC dates in PCGS holders is the most satisfying accomplishment of my numismatic lifetime, and I would recommend to other collectors of Liberty Seated Quarters to at least consider taking the plunge if you truly love this series.


Comments

  • AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,515 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Absolutely honest wear and stunning....

    very nice pick up...


    bobimage
    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • BustCudsBustCuds Posts: 1,096 ✭✭✭

    Congrats! image

    A super example of a Seated Quarter rarity.
  • VanHalenVanHalen Posts: 3,787 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice! I agree with Legend's auction description for this one, "Nothing but even wear is visible and we don’t think this coin has ever been cleaned or altered. Both sides are an even, mark free silvery/pale green light color. Miss Liberty and the details are evenly worn. The eye appeal is excellent!".
  • oih82w8oih82w8 Posts: 11,867 ✭✭✭✭✭
    That will make a dozen roses look like a booger.

    Very nice acquisition indeed! image
    oih82w8 = Oh I Hate To Wait _defectus patientia_aka...Dr. Defecto - Curator of RMO's

    BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug...
  • rheddenrhedden Posts: 6,567 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks for noting the previous Legend auction result. I had not seen it in that sale last June. Probably would not have helped, as I would have just bid it up to my eventual purchase price.
  • BoosibriBoosibri Posts: 11,839 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Very nice coin...congrats on your purchase
  • lordmarcovanlordmarcovan Posts: 43,194 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice original coin, and the DLRC box is classy. image

    Explore collections of lordmarcovan on CollecOnline, management, safe-keeping, sharing and valuation solution for art piece and collectibles.
  • astroratastrorat Posts: 9,221 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Wonderful coin!
    Numismatist Ordinaire
    See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
  • JJSingletonJJSingleton Posts: 1,400 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Tough CC qtr. I like it a lot. Congrats!

    Joseph J. Singleton - First Superintendent of the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega Georgia

    Findley Ridge Collection
    About Findley Ridge

  • CoinosaurusCoinosaurus Posts: 9,614 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The big one. Congrats! A lovely example for an 1870-CC quarter in that grade.
  • 291fifth291fifth Posts: 23,898 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Exceptionally nice example of the grade. A coin I would have loved to own back in the 1980's when I attempted to collect the series.
    All glory is fleeting.
  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 23,891 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Looks like the Landon coin. Nice 100 year old provenance.
    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • Wabbit2313Wabbit2313 Posts: 7,268 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Wow, tough date! Nice coin also!!
  • rheddenrhedden Posts: 6,567 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Looks like the Landon coin. Nice 100 year old provenance. >>



    Andy,

    Thanks for passing this information along. I never would have found the pedigree lurking on a Canadian auction site otherwise. It sold too cheaply in the Landon sale, IMHO. I don't know why you would auction off a U.S. coin rarity in a Canadian venue in Canadian dollars. A lot of Canadian collectors care about 1870-cc quarters as much as we care about 1875-H Canadian 25 cent pieces.

  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 23,891 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I don't know why you would auction off a U.S. coin rarity in a Canadian venue in Canadian dollars.

    Landon, a Canadian, died about 100 years ago. The collection - mostly Canadian coins and tokens - was held by the family, then donated to a church, and then the church consigned it.
    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 23,891 ✭✭✭✭✭
    More on the Landon Collection.
    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Very cool, congrats. Do you have a registry set where you are showing off your toys at?
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • rheddenrhedden Posts: 6,567 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Much of my Seated quarter set is raw, so I never started a Registry set. I did post my set in a previous thread here if you want to look at some of the other pieces. Besides the 1870-cc upgrade, the 1871-cc has been upgraded to a PCGS F-15 and the 1842 has been upgraded to a PCGS AU50 OGH since I posted the pictures, and I added some colorful proofs in PCGS 65-66 holders. I will update the set pictures in January.

    Link to other thread
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,452 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Much of my Seated quarter set is raw, so I never started a Registry set. I did post my set in a previous thread here if you want to look at some of the other pieces. Besides the 1870-cc upgrade, the 1871-cc has been upgraded to a PCGS F-15 and the 1842 has been upgraded to a PCGS AU50 OGH since I posted the pictures, and I added some colorful proofs in PCGS 65-66 holders. I will update the set pictures in January.

    Link to other thread >>

    Awesome, thanks!
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • MeltdownMeltdown Posts: 8,650 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You are a true collector, Congrats on the original skinned quarter. I can appreciate your enthusiasm even though it's way out of my collecting focus.
  • thebeavthebeav Posts: 3,744 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Very cool coin and information.
    A good post !
  • ProofmorganProofmorgan Posts: 707 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Beautiful coin! I can't think of any reason why CAC would not have stickered it.
    Collector of Original Early Gold with beginnings in Proof Morgan collecting.
  • rheddenrhedden Posts: 6,567 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Beautiful coin! I can't think of any reason why CAC would not have stickered it. >>




    CAC = Canadian Auction Company, Eh? image


    Looking through the Landon sales, it looks like none of the coins were sent to CAC after being certified. There is a lot of poppin' fresh PCGS material in the catalogs, but I don't see any beans. Whether Legend might have submitted this coin to CAC, or perhaps someone else, is anyone's guess.

  • ChangeInHistoryChangeInHistory Posts: 3,004 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great coin, I appreciate that look.
  • JBatDavidLawrenceJBatDavidLawrence Posts: 500 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks for the kind words on the box and the coin! We're really glad to hear that you like it.
    Andy is correct, it is the Landon coin and we were privileged to own it twice in the last year. It really is a great date and a really nice coin in our opinion. We'd love to buy more coins like it!

    Thanks again for the kind words and for your purchase!
    John Brush
    President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
    email: John@davidlawrence.com
    2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
  • BarberFanaticBarberFanatic Posts: 671 ✭✭✭✭
    While I personally do not like the look of the coin, I understand and appreciate its scarcity. As long as you are content with it, that's what matters. Congratulations on acquiring a very rare coin.
    My current coin collecting interests are: (1) British coins 1838-1970 in XF-AU-UNC, (2) silver type coins in XF-AU with that classic medium gray coloration and exceptional eye appeal.
  • garrynotgarrynot Posts: 1,874 ✭✭✭
    That coin is one of the keys to a Carson City collection. Congratulations. It's a treat to see one of those.
  • MFHMFH Posts: 11,720 ✭✭✭✭

    Congratulations, Ron. That's a wholesome 70-CC.
    I once thought of putting together a set of Seated
    Quarters, but the early CC's are virtually unobtainable.
    I soon gave up my quest and then concentrated on
    (What else ?) Barbers.

    Mike Hayes
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !

    New Barber Purchases
  • CoinosaurusCoinosaurus Posts: 9,614 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>While I personally do not like the look of the coin... >>



    image

    Can you produce another of the same grade that you DO like? You don't always get a choice when it comes to these things.
  • topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Nice original coin, and the DLRC box is classy. image >>



    Aren't those cool boxes? I asked if they were inert.

    Alas, they aren't. Sure wish they were.

    Or is that being ostentatious? image
  • BarberFanaticBarberFanatic Posts: 671 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>While I personally do not like the look of the coin... >>



    image

    Can you produce another of the same grade that you DO like? You don't always get a choice when it comes to these things. >>



    I fully acknowledge the difficulty in finding a perfectly eye-appealing VG10 of that particular date. And as I said in my original post, I appreciate the rarity of the coin. That doesn't mean, therefore, that I am required to drop my own personal standards of eye-appeal and bleat with the masses, "Oh, I just LOVE the look of that coin! ZOMG!"

    The coin isn't particularly attractive TO ME. That statement doesn't IN ANY WAY detract from its rarity or its importance to the owner. And as you pointed out, some people are willing to make an eye-appeal trade off for a rarity of this caliber precisely because it's such a tough, tough date. It's all a matter of what compromises a collector is willing to make when acquiring the individual pieces of his collection. To Ron, the rarity of this piece outweighed the need to have a perfectly eye-appealing example. And I fully understand that sentiment. But it's one that I personally don't share. For me, I'd rather take the same amount of money and purchase a higher graded, more eye-appealing example of a slightly less rare date because eye-appeal is more important to me than absolute rarity. Neither of those choices is right or wrong; it's all personal preference.
    My current coin collecting interests are: (1) British coins 1838-1970 in XF-AU-UNC, (2) silver type coins in XF-AU with that classic medium gray coloration and exceptional eye appeal.
  • rheddenrhedden Posts: 6,567 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'm not aware of any 1870-cc quarter graded less than VF that has excellent eye appeal. They start at "average" and go down from there. This coin and my PCGS F15 1871-cc fall into the "average" category. I actually agree with Barber fanatic that it is not a killer, super-choice original coin for the grade. That item may not exist, though.



  • winkywinky Posts: 1,671
    I collect seated coins (mostly dimes) in VF or better so I will have to stay from these RARE quarters but very nice coin.
  • TreashuntTreashunt Posts: 6,747 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Wonderful pick up.

    Congrats
    Frank

    BHNC #203

  • CoinosaurusCoinosaurus Posts: 9,614 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Neither of those choices is right or wrong; it's all personal preference. >>



    Yay! Everyone wins! image

    I think there can be a wrong choice depending on which way the market winds blow. Sometime eye appeal is more in vogue than rarity, sometimes a marky 66 with a lot of pop is better than a clean 65. Sometimes toning is valued over all else.

    My sense on these early CC coins is that collectors going after them are motivated by rarity more than anything else. I've bought some really fugly early CC coins and it didn't matter, they were still easy to resell.
  • kazkaz Posts: 9,052 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Congrats on picking up such a nice example. I like anything "CC" with decent surfaces.
  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 23,891 ✭✭✭✭✭
    FWIW, I cannot think of a single issue of any coin in any series that I would want to collect in VG, and which I would reject if it were of similar quality and eye appeal to this particular 70-CC quarter.

    Sure, if I were collecting VG Morgan Dollars I'd be incredibly fussy about it. But I'm not about to start collecting VG Morgan Dollars.





    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • HydrantHydrant Posts: 7,773 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice box.
  • coinlieutenantcoinlieutenant Posts: 9,305 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Congrats on a tough, tough coin....
  • coinlieutenantcoinlieutenant Posts: 9,305 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Gotta love how Andy can see a 70-cc quarter in VG and pull out a sales history. I love the talent and experience and knowledge of people on this board.

    I owned only one 70-cc quarter in my life, an average VG8 that my friend sold me. He paid one dollar for it out of a junk silver dish in Edinburg Scotland in the 80s. image

  • Nice coin, and congrats on acquiring it.
    www.sullivannumismatics.com Dealer in Mint Error Coins.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Very, very nice CC coin.... Congratulations....Cheers, RickO

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file