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@jesbroken said:

That's photoshopped. The center of gravity is beyond the pivot point of where the rock meets the ground.

In your opinion, what are some of the other pioneer gold issues with the most historical significance?

"Here are some other pioneer gold issues that are considered to have significant historical importance:

Mormon $5, $10, and $20 Gold Pieces (1849-1860):
Historical Significance: Minted by the Mormon Church in Salt Lake City, these coins were produced to alleviate the shortage of coinage in the Utah Territory during the Mormon migration. They represent a unique blend of religious history and economic necessity. The $20 coin, in particular, is one of the rarest with only a few known examples.

Templeton Reid $5 and $10 Gold Pieces (1850s):
Historical Significance: Made by Templeton Reid in Georgia, these coins were one of the earliest private gold issues in the United States, predating the California Gold Rush. They are significant for showing private minting efforts in the South before the Civil War.

Augustus Humbert $50 Gold Slug (1851-1852):
Historical Significance: The largest gold coin ever officially struck for circulation in the U.S., these "slugs" were minted by Augustus Humbert in California during the Gold Rush. They represent the peak of private minting before the U.S. government stepped in with official coinage. Their size and rarity make them highly sought after.

Christopher Bechtler $1, $2.50, $5 Gold Coins (1830s-1840s):
Historical Significance: Produced in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, by Christopher Bechtler and his son, these were among the earliest gold coins minted in the United States. They are significant for illustrating the early private minting of gold in the South, well before the California Gold Rush.

Norris, Gregg & Norris $5 Gold (1849):
Historical Significance: This coin was one of the first private gold issues from the California Gold Rush era, minted in San Francisco. It highlights the immediate entrepreneurial response to the discovery of gold and the need for currency in the rapidly growing town.

Clark, Gruber & Co. $2.50, $5, $10, $20 Gold Pieces (1860-1861):
Historical Significance: Minted in Denver, Colorado, before the U.S. Mint took over, these coins are significant for their role in the economic development of the Colorado Gold Rush. They also represent the transition from private to federal minting in the West.

Dubosq & Co. $5 Gold (1849):
Historical Significance: One of the shortest-lived private mints in San Francisco during the Gold Rush, Dubosq & Co. produced this $5 gold piece which is rare and emblematic of the rapid turnover and speculative nature of early minting operations in California.

Each of these issues not only serves as a testament to the gold rushes and the entrepreneurial spirit of the times but also illustrates the private sector's role in currency during periods of governmental absence or delay in providing coinage. Their rarity, combined with their historical narratives, makes them highly significant in the study of U.S. numismatics."

What can you tell me about the Templeton Reid $25 gold coin?

25 web pages

The Templeton Reid $25 gold coin is one of the most enigmatic and rare pieces in American numismatics. Here's what is known about it:

Existence and Rarity: Only one Templeton Reid $25 gold coin is known to have ever existed. This coin was minted in 1849, during the California Gold Rush period.
Design:
Obverse: The coin features the words "CALIFORNIA," "TWENTY FIVE," and "DOLLARS," with "GOLD" at the bottom.
Reverse: It displays "TEMPLETON REID . ASSAYER . 1849" around the coin's edge.

Historical Context:
Templeton Reid originally gained fame by minting gold coins in Georgia in 1830, but the $25 coin was produced much later, likely using gold from California. There's debate over whether Reid personally went to California or if the coin was made from California gold without him actually being there.
The coin was part of an experimental or speculative minting effort, possibly to capitalize on the burgeoning gold rush or to establish another "first" in private minting.

Current Status:
This particular $25 gold coin was stolen from the United States Mint Cabinet Collection on August 16, 1858, and has never been recovered. Its whereabouts remain unknown, leading to numerous theories about its fate, including the possibility that it was melted down for its bullion value or is still in private hands.

Speculation and Interest:
The coin's rarity has led to significant speculation and interest within the numismatic community. It's considered one of the holy grails of American coin collecting due to its unique status as the only one of its kind ever produced.
There have been numerous searches and even rewards offered for its recovery, with PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) offering $10,000 for the first submission of this coin for grading and authentication.

Replicas and Restrikes:
Given its fame and the fact that it's lost, replicas or fantasy pieces have been made, often as tokens or souvenirs. These are not the actual coin but are intended for collectors who want a piece reminiscent of this legendary coin.

Value:
If ever found, this coin would likely be one of the most valuable in existence due to its singular nature, historical significance, and the story of its theft and disappearance.

In summary, the Templeton Reid $25 gold coin is not only a numismatic rarity but also a piece of American history, symbolizing the adventurous and speculative spirit of the Gold Rush era. Its theft has added a layer of mystery and allure, making it a subject of continuous fascination and speculation in the world of coin collecting.

In summary, I think it's fantastic for aggregating facts and information and can save so much time for research if you're in a hurry. It tends to give broad, general information and avoids being too speculative or opinionated. I'm a fan!

@NJCoin said:

@UpGrayedd said:

@NJCoin said:

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@NJCoin said:

@UpGrayedd said:

@NJCoin said:

@UpGrayedd said:

@NJCoin said:

@UpGrayedd said:

@NJCoin said:

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@NJCoin said:

@johnny010 said:
Maybe I’m disconnected a bit, but traveling 50% for a living, I don’t see the world falling apart due to a connecting flight. I mean, it’s better than a stage coach.

You're right. The world also won't fall apart if a coin show is skipped.

Dealers have enough hassles traveling around the country with expensive inventory. Connecting flights do not need to be among them. Particularly when there are several opportunities throughout the year that do not involve them.

It's a legitimate concern, no one is required to attend any particular show, and the final attendance tally will show that @PeakRarities's concerns are not unfounded. Particularly when you consider that the issue also impacts members of the public.

Less public attendance at a show translates into less good shows for dealers, magnifying the hassle of traveling in the first place. With or without a connecting flight. Just ask any dealer who attended the last show in Nashville or Tampa whether the squeeze was worth the juice in light of the public attendance.

I'm fully aware that OKC might not have as many direct flights as some locations, but for all you high society folks and other elites, if you live in places such as Miami, Orlando, Chicago, NYC, LA, Denver, Atlanta, Charlotte, Seattle, Nashville, or Vegas just to name a few you shouldn't have any trouble getting a direct flight if that's what you want. Now if the cream of the crop coin dealers all live in Bugtussle or Hooterville that's a different story.

If you say so. I'll wait and see how the attendance shakes out.

I predict many cream of the crop coin dealers will skip the show, regardless of where they are coming from, because if the show turns out to be a bust, it just won't be worth their time and money. And all indications are that OKC is going to draw traffic comparable to the GACC in Tampa or IMEX in Nashville, as opposed to ANA in Rosemont, Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, or FUN in Orlando.

Because a lot of people are going to have no interest in making a trip to OKC in August to look at and buy coins. Lots of other opportunities to visit much more attractive locations during the year.

The fact remains that there is not nearly as much nonstop air service to OKC as you seem to imagine, and the flights that are available are not nearly as well priced as those to many other popular destinations. As though OKC is a popular destination in the first place. Not sure what drove the ANA's decision to pay OKC a visit, but, after the show, you'll see why it wasn't a wise one.

"High society" or not, this is not a "build it and they will come" type of situation. The shows need to be where people want to go. Not the other way around. Because, given the variety of choices throughout the year, absolutely no one needs to go to any one show. Especially if they think it might suck.

There are myriad reasons why OKC is not a hot spot. (I guess, literally, in August it will be a bit of a hot spot. 🤣) The lack of tons of cheap direct flights to many US destinations is but one of them.

LOL, I never said OKC would be a success that is completely out of my control. I just wanted to gig you a bit because you talk a lot, but I've never seen you back anything up. Around here in OKC we call that "all hat no cattle".

I will admit I have probably not read all of your nearly 2,500 posts so I could have missed it, but I have never seen you post a single coin or mention what you actually like to collect. Even more peculiar I have never seen you post a positive or affirming post. All I've ever seen are negative and argumentative posts. It's actually kind of sad.

Case in point, in one of the now deleted VaultBox threads, I actually took your side to which you immediately told me I was wrong. It was both fascinating and absurd all at the same time, and like I said kind of sad.

All good. I like to share my thoughts. Not my collection. If you look hard enough, you'll see many positive, affirming posts. Even some agreeing with those I tend to argue with.

Plenty of "Likes" and "Agrees" as well. The fact remains, as with life in general, that it's the arguments that tend to draw attention.

That said, if OKC being a success is completely out of your control, what are you trying to convey by posting that "all you high society folks and other elites, if you live in places such as Miami, Orlando, Chicago, NYC, LA, Denver, Atlanta, Charlotte, Seattle, Nashville, or Vegas just to name a few you shouldn't have any trouble getting a direct flight if that's what you want"? That they should be ashamed of themselves if OKC is not a success, because OKC is accessible to those truly motivated to make the effort?

Yes, of course it is. Any place is. The point that the WFOM is not a Taylor Swift concert, and the more difficult it is to attend, and the less attractive the location, the fewer hard core collectors will be motivated to make the effort. And dealers really don't need to congregate in OKC in August to trade with themselves.

No offense to you if you call OKC home. I don't consider myself a "high society elite," but OKC is not really an attractive convention location for most of the rest of the country. Notwithstanding the fact that you have professional basketball and some very fine college football.

Why would I say anyone should be ashamed if OKC is not a success or if dealers and/or collectors choose not to attend? That is probably one of the more asinine things you have said, and that's a pretty high bar. Once again I was gigging you. After all I figured a big shot like you had a private jet, so a direct flight shouldn't be a problem. Commercial is for poor people.

Would I like for OKC to be a success, absolutely. As a matter of fact I hope every coin show is a success including GACC and IMEX because it is good for the hobby. However, if the WFoM in OKC falls flat on its face it won't affect me in the slightest or my bottom line unless they start auctioning cattle on the bourse.

Why would the ANA choose a s#%* hole like OKC? I have no idea, I guess someone needs to ask them. Who knows maybe APMEX played a role, they swing a pretty big stick (at least with bullion) and their headquarters are in OKC.

Not really sure how we ended up in the rabbit hole, or how it "gigging me" to say "I'm fully aware that OKC might not have as many direct flights as some locations, but for all you high society folks and other elites, if you live in places such as Miami, Orlando, Chicago, NYC, LA, Denver, Atlanta, Charlotte, Seattle, Nashville, or Vegas just to name a few you shouldn't have any trouble getting a direct flight if that's what you want. Now if the cream of the crop coin dealers all live in Bugtussle or Hooterville that's a different story."

I read it to mean that OKC is easily accessible from lots of places, so inability to get a direct flight is no reason to shun OKC. And I gave you my response.

The fact is, OKC not being a success won't actually affect anyone in the slightest, other than the ANA. And, whatever its motives were for choosing OKC, I am quite sure they went in with their eyes wide open.

It was likely payback to someone for something. And, as I said, the hobby will survive and we will all move on.

Piling on me for calling it as I see it is not going to change anything, or make OKC any better or worse than it is going to be. I seriously doubt a single person who wasn't going to go is going to change their mind based on your posts, or is going to change plans to go based on mine.

So, what exactly is the point of arguing with me when you are not even willing to take the other side?

The point is all you do is argue, and I was simply pointing that out. You are a negative person by nature, which is okay I guess (not really). It just seems like a sad way to go through life.

Once again have you ever posted a picture of a coin on this board? Have you ever stated what you like to collect? Have you ever even complimented someone on their coins or is arguing with people all you do here?

In that case, talk about calling the kettle black. "I'm arguing with you when I don't even believe in the other side as a demonstration of how YOU like to argue." 🤣🤣🤣

No, I've never posted a picture of a coin. So I'm not allowed to share my thoughts. About anything I want. Whenever I so choose. Thanks for setting me straight. 🤣🤣🤣

Good grief, do you edit every post?

You may do whatever you like, I'm not in charge of you. I'm just curious. We've established that you have never posted any pictures of coins. Have you ever posted what types of coins you collect? Do you in fact own any collectable coins? Have you ever complimented anyone on this board about their coins? Have you ever tried to help anyone on this board/answer a question in a positive manner or are all of your comments negative? Once again I assume I haven't read all of your posts, but all of them that I have read have been negative. Why is that?

Yeah. I post, then I find typos, or things I want to add. Am I allowed to do that? 🤣

As far as sharing goes, thanks for giving me permission, but I already knew I was free to share what I want, when I want.

I answer questions whenever I can. If you find my posts to be negative, it's probably because I'm a miserable human being.

We good now? Is OKC now going to be better than it would have been otherwise?

If I never posted about it, would the OKC WFOM be better than it's now going to be, after my comments? If not, why do you care about whether I post pictures of coins, compliment others' pictures, or express opinions, positive or negative, about whatever moves me?

Why do you think it is your business what I do or don't own? If I own nothing but the shirt on my back, and in fact don't even collect coins, but just post here because it seems like a groovy place to hang out online, would that make OKC a better place to live, or to have a national coin show?

If not, what's the point? Do you think you are making me feel bad, or putting me in my place? You aren't. Do you think you are going to provoke me into posting a picture? You won't.

If my posts offend you, there is an Ignore feature that can spare you, and let you get back to posting pictures of coins, complimenting others, and tending to your duties at the OKC Chamber of Commerce.

LOL, at least we agree on one thing. Like I said I'm just bored tonight, and you fascinate me. I don't think there is anyone else on this board as negative as you. 2,500 negative posts, that has to be some kind of record.

I think we also agree that OKC is going to be a bust. 😀

I never said that, y quien sabe. All I said was that I have no control over it, but if your wish does come true it won't really affect me. However, I want OKC to be a success. I want GACC to be a success. I want IMEX to be a success, because it is good for the hobby.

Yes. It is. I'm not sure what you are asking. It's a decent album coin. Not worth grading. It is known as a wheat cent, however, not a memorial cent. Although it was issued as a memorial.

@Min said:
Wasn't "coin collecting a hobby of kings."

Meh... so were stamps, once upon a time.

How many kings are there?

@Maywood said:
I think some members look at the post count before they look at the coin pictures and respond accordingly. Today it appears they might have a little egg on their faces. oops!!

I think we can give them a pass here on this one, in light of the bad faith premise of the OP .

@Fordee4 - This is for you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddsZTFSfXaw