NEW COIN: 1792 Half Disme GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 22
This coin is #18 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. The 1792 Half Disme has moved to #10 on the 5th edition of the famous book. I bought this coin in at the most recent Heritage auction for $84,000. The PCGS guide value is $85000. The Heritage description of this lot is below:
“When the authors of 1792: Birth of America's Coinage studied the die states of surviving examples, they determined the coins were struck in three different striking periods, with the second striking taking place in October 1792 and the third sometime after that. The later strikings were probably accomplished at the Philadelphia Mint, rather than Harper's sawmill. The total mintage is estimated at 1,500-2,000 examples and the surviving population numbers about 250 examples in all grades.
The present coin is an attractive Fine 15 example, with deep lavender-gray toning and highlights of golden-brown. Old scratches are evident on both sides and there is a planchet void between the eagle's head and F in OF on the reverse. Moderate wear shows on the design elements, but all lettering and the date remain legible and much interior detail remains intact. The 1792 half disme has traditionally been collected with the pattern series and this example was the plate coin in United States Pattern, Trial, and Experimental Pieces by Edgar Adams and William Woodin.
Ex: Martin Kortjohn, exhibited 11/28/1944 at the Bronx Coin Club; Kortjohn Collection (Stack's, 10/1979), lot 1190; Pullen & Hanks (1982), lot 1; Auction '84 (Stack's, 7/1984), lot 1037; Gore/Long Collections (Bowers and Merena, 1/1990), lot 99; Auction '90 (Stack's, 8/1990), lot 80; Dennis Mendelson Collection (Superior, 2/1991), lot 1203; offered on eBay (7/26/2007); the present consignor.(Registry values: P9)”
Wow! What an amazing collection. I'll likely never have the funds to devote that much to a single piece... but I have been thinking about certain coins on that list and how I can attain similar coins that would somewhat fit into my current collecting habits. For instance, I will never own an 1804 Draped Bust Dollar, but that Type coin is on my 18th Century list... not the same, for sure... but a boy can dream!
Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;
NEW COIN: 1808 $2.5 XF40 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 23
This coin is #95 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. The 1808 $2.5 has moved to #99 on the 5th edition of the famous book. I bought this coin in at the most recent Heritage auction for $96,000. The PCGS guide value is $82,500. The Heritage description of this lot is below:
1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle, XF40
Popular Single-Year Type, BD-1
Early Gold Rarity
1808 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4, XF40 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b, with a die crack from the top of the cap through the stars on the right. John Reich's Capped Bust Left design debuted on the quarter eagle in 1808, when a modest mintage of 2,710 pieces was accomplished. A single die variety is known for the date, with Reich's signature notched outside point on star 13. The small mintage was due to lack of demand, rather than any technical difficulties with production. No more quarter eagles were struck until 1821, by which time the design had changed again, to the Capped Head Left motif, making the 1808 an elusive one-year type coin. The rise in popularity of type collecting has made the 1808 Capped Bust Left quarter eagle an extremely popular issue in today's market,
The finest known (MS65) 1808 Quarter Eagle, made an appearance as the highlight of the first session of the D. Brent Pogue Collection on May 19, 2015. It sold for $2,350,000, adding the 1808 Quarter Eagle to the Million Dollar Coin Club.
NEW COIN: 1796 50c 15 Stars – F12 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 24
This coin is #72 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It has moved to #65 on the 5th edition of the famous book. I bought this coin at the most recent Great Collections auction for $48,600. The PCGS guide value is $55000.
There are about 75 surviving examples of this coin. Most examples are well circulated and many are repaired. The finest known MS66 example sold for $822,500 in 2015.
1787 Fugio – MS61BN GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 24
This coin is #32 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. This coin has moved to #41 on the 5th edition of the famous book. I bought this coin in a 2020 Great Collections auction for $2,000. The PCGS guide value is $2,500.
The Fugio cent is one of the most affordable of the 100 Greatest coins. For the advanced collector wishing to create a box of 3 of the 100, he could also obtain a 1909-S vdb 1c and a 1916-D 10c in attractive grades for less than $5,000.
1907HR – MS64 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 24
This coin is #25 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It remains #25 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin from Heritage in early 2020 for $19,000. The PCGS guide value is $30,000.
According to David Ackers:
"The 1907 High Relief Double Eagle is, in my opinion, the most beautiful coin the United States ever issued for normal circulation. Unfortunately, it was not as practical as it was beautiful; the high relief of the standing figure of Liberty and the eagle made the coin impossible to stack properly and thus unpopular and unsuitable for commercial purposes. Minting was also impractical since it reportedly required five blows of the minting press to fully bring up the design making high speed, mass production impossible.
Of the 11,250 High Reliefs minted, it is my estimate that 2/3 to 3/4 of this total were the Wire Rim variety since the Flat Rim is at least two to three times as rare as the Wire Rim. The difference between the two varieties was unintentional, i.e. the Mint did not purposely set out to make one variety and then alter the design to make a second variety. (In this regard, the Wire Rim and Flat Rim Double Eagles are not analogous to the Wire Edge and Rolled Edge Eagles which were totally different coins.) The Wire Rim and Flat Rim Double Eagle varieties resulted from the use of different collars. in the case of the Wire Rim variety, the collar was not sufficiently tight and the pressure of the repeated blows forced metal up where the edge of the coin meets the collar to form a very thin wire rim. On most Wire Rims, this raised metal encircles the whole coin, both obverse and reverse, while on the Flat Rim variety, the edge is flat, if not beveled.
The 1907 High relief is much more common than its low mintage (the lowest of the entre Saint-Gaudens series) would imply. Obviously, many specimens were saved due to both the coins' novelty and their beauty. Most existing High Reliefs (both Wire Rim and Flat Rim varieties) are uncirculated and many of them are gem and even superb quality. The circulated examples are almost always high grade and many, if not most, received their wear from being used as jewelry or pocket pieces rather than from commercial use. The plentiful auction records for the Wire Rim would seem to indicate that it is one of the half dozen most common issues in the entire series. In my view, it is not that common, but I do think that one interesting claim can be made for it, namely the 1907 Wire Rim High Relief is the highest priced U.S. coin for its rarity. (The 1895 Proof Morgan Dollar and 1879 Flowing Hair Stella are two other candidates for this distinction, but I think the High Relief is the easy winner with respect to ratio of its high price to low rarity.)"
NEW COIN: 1798/7 $10 AU 50 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 25
This coin is #94 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #46 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at the most recent DLRC auction for $51,500. The PCGS guide value is $46,500.
According to David Ackers:
"This is one of the rarest of the early Eagles but, despite the similarity in the mintages of this and the 1798/7, 7x6 Stars, the 1798/7, 9x4 Stars is not nearly as rare as the 7x6. In fact, based on the auction appearances, this issue is not really as rare as generally believed and has appeared with the same frequency as the 1804 and less often than the underappreciated 1797 Small Eagle. Most known specimens grade from VF to AU but several strictly uncirculated examples are also known."
NEW COIN: 1796 No Stars $2.5 AU 50 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 26
This coin is #67 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #62 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at the most recent DLRC auction for $124,500. The PCGS guide value is $150,000.
According to Ron Guth:
"The 1796 Quarter Eagle with No Stars on the obverse is one of the most historic and important U.S. gold coins. The mintage is a mere 963 pieces, which is exceedingly small by any standard. Estimates of the number of surviving examples has ranged all over the place. David Akers claimed 30 to 40, refuting earlier claims of 15 to 20 known. The cataloger at Heritage estimated 80 to 100 in their January 2007 sale. PCGS experts estimate a surviving population of 100 to 125 pieces. To put a finer spin on things, we have images of 28 different examples, all in AU or better. Eleven of those examples are Mint State 60 or better. At the top of the condition census is the incredible PCGS MS65 (finest by two full points) that sold for $1,725,000 in January 2008.
It is very difficult to locate a "perfect" 1796 No Stars Quarter Eagle. Many show lintmarks of various sizes. Some show adjustment marks, usually in the center of the obverse. The Bass:261 coin (now in an NGC MS60 holder) shows three different, mint-caused defects: a diagonal fissure running from the turban to Liberty's temple; vertical adjustment marks on the obverse; and a heavy lintmark on the right side of the reverse (yet, it is still a nice, six-figure coin). Though there are numerically finer examples, my personal favorite is Bob Simpson's PCGS MS62+ -- it is well-struck, has great color, and is free of any distracting problems."
You now have a collection of 26 coins where every coin has an interesting story. Any of these coins would enhance a collection. However put all these together it is really a spectacular collection. Congrats!
1915-S $50 AU53 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 26
This coin is #26 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #29 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at a 2020 Great Collections auction for $52,800. The PCGS guide value is $52,500.
According to Ron Guth:
"In 1915, San Francisco hosted the Panama-Pacific Exposition, a massive celebration of the opening of the Panama Canal. To record the event, the U.S. Mint produced a variety of commemorative coins, including a Half Dollar, a Gold Dollar, a Quarter Eagle, and two versions of a $50 gold piece (one round and one octagonal). Attendees at the Exposition could purchase the coins singly or in a variety of combinations. The most extreme combination was a double set (two of each coin) housed in a specially made copper and glass frame. Because of the high face value of the $50 coins, sales failed to meet expectations, resulting in hundreds of unsold coins. These were eventually melted down, resulting in a net mintage figure of only 645 pieces.
The $50 Panama-Pacific gold coins are massive, heavy coins made of a relatively soft metal. As a result, the coins are susceptible to wear and damage, making it difficult to find exceptional examples. The vast majority of survivors are Mint State, usually in MS63. Gems are very rare, and the best examples top out at MS66."
Are you working with an expert who can view and provide an opinion on the coins before you acquire them? These are very nice but expensive coins. Hopefully you have someone on your side to consult with before making the purchase.
@chesterb said:
Are you working with an expert who can view and provide an opinion on the coins before you acquire them? These are very nice but expensive coins. Hopefully you have someone on your side to consult with before making the purchase.
I do. But these coins are mostly rare and don't come around everyday and in my price range I can't always obtain high grade examples. These are not investments for me but hobby purchases.
$50 XF 40 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 26
This coin is #35 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #68 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at a 2020 DLRC auction for $33,500. The PCGS guide value is $40,000. The coin appears worn in the trueview image. It is much nicer and very impressive in hand.
According to Ron Guth:
"The $50 gold pieces issued by the United States Assay Office of Gold in San Francisco in the early 1850's were not actually coins per se. Rather, they were called "ingots" at the time; today, we know them as "Slugs." Their real value, besides that stated on their face, was in standardizing the jumble of over-valued, underweight, and off-purity private issues prevalent at the time. Nowadays, the $50 slugs are among the most popular of all California gold pieces.
High-grade examples are very difficult to locate. Because of their high intrinsic value, the large majority of them have been melted down over the years. Those that entered circulation were subject to all the injuries that a heavy gold coin might receive, especially bumps and bruises on the corners. Because of their high numismatic value, many have been repaired or otherwise "improved" over the years. Finding an example with original "skin" and that crusty, old-gold look is well-nigh impossible. In our search for coins for the PCGS CoinFacts Condition Census, we've come across a few (these all refer to the 1851 $5 Humbert Reeded Edge, 887 THOUS variety). In 2016, an NGC MS65 was offered for sale at a fixed price of $625,000. In January 2017k, a PCGS MS63 example sold for $352,500. An NGC MS63 example sold for $176,250 inm 2014. A PCGS MS62 example sold for $223,250 in 2014, then failed to sell when it reappeared in 2015. At least four or five additonal, lower-level Unc. examples are known."
1895 $1, CAM PR64CAM CERTIFICATION #84246836, PCGS #87330 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 26
This coin is #66 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #56 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at a 2020 Great Collections auction for $71,100. The PCGS guide value is $75,000. This coin is very impressive in hand with a smooth and reflective surface.
According to Jeff Garrett & Ron Guth:
"The 1895 silver dollar is known as the "King of Morgan dollars" and is the last coin that many Morgan collectors need to complete their sets. Because of the great demand prices for 1895 silver dollars are considerably higher than proofs of other dates"
This coin is not rare about 300-400 exist, but the great demand does cause it to be very expensive.
AUCTION RECORD: $269,500.00 • PCGS PR67+DCAM • 06/28/2020 • DAVID LAWRENCE RC
How did I just find this thread now? Great collection and progress! I have one on the list, a Fugio cent, and it ain't high grade. I have had the opportunity to "play with" (i.e., photograph) several on this list. I'll have to look at my archives to see how many, but I'm guessing my collection of photos has fewer coins than your actual set.
NEW COIN: 1792 10C J-10, BN SP25BN CERTIFICATION #01003139, PCGS #11026 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 27
This coin is #29 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #20 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at a recent Heritage auction for $138,000. The PCGS guide value is $200,000.
This is a very rare coin. The current PCGS POP is 13 with 9 graded higher.
1776 $1 CURENCY, PEWTER AU50 CERTIFICATION #02572657, PCGS #791 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 27
This coin is #12 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #30 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin from Heritage for $36,850. The PCGS guide value is $50,000.
COIN FACTS:
P. Scott Rubin: The 1776 Pewter Continental Currency Dollar is a very mysterious issue, as there is no documentation known authorizing its issue. This particular variety is known for its incorrect spelling of the word currency on the obverse die. Eric Newman has three different die combinations for this variety all using the same obverse die and, in fact, using the same reverse die. However, the reverse die was modified twice during its usage to strike coins in three different metals, Pewter, Brass and Silver.
While the Pewter coins are the most common of the three metals used for this issue, they also contain some of the rarest die varieties. The Curency (with one R) coins represent three Newman variety numbers N-1-A, N-1-B and N-1-C. The A reverse has small dots surrounding the colonies’ names.. The B reverse is the same die as A only the die has been re-engraved, adding solid lines through the dots for a more solid chain. Finally the die was lapped and the dots virtually removed and new, thicker solid lines used to create the chains on the C reverse.
While the N-1-C Pewter Continental Curency Dollar is a scarce coin, with maybe as many as a few hundred or more known, the other two varieties N-1-A and N-1-B are extremely rare. The N-1-A at the current time (Feb., 2015) is known by only one Pewter specimen. The N-1-B Pewter variety is known by seven examples, of which five are believed to be in grades of About Uncirculated or better.
The Pewter N-1-A Pewter Continental Curency Dollar was only discovered in late 2014 and offered for sale in Heritage’s 2015 FUN Platinum Night Sale as lot 4004. PCGS graded the coin as Genuine with Edge or Rim Damage, while Heritage gives the coin a grade of Very Fine Details. This unique discovery coin realized $117,500. At the same Heritage 2015 FUN Sale, the Donald Partrick Collection contained the finest currently graded Pewter N-1-B Pewter Continental Curency Dollar, graded MS-64 by NGC and sold as lot 5837 for $199,750. At the same auction, an N-1-C Pewter Continental Curency Dollar, graded MS-65 by NGC as lot 5839 sold for $246,750.
Analyzing these sales, it appears that grade trumps rarity for the Pewter Continental Curency Dollars.
@gschwernk said: NEW COIN: 1798/7 $10 AU 50 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 25
This coin is #94 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #46 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at the most recent DLRC auction for $51,500. The PCGS guide value is $46,500.
According to David Ackers:
"This is one of the rarest of the early Eagles but, despite the similarity in the mintages of this and the 1798/7, 7x6 Stars, the 1798/7, 9x4 Stars is not nearly as rare as the 7x6. In fact, based on the auction appearances, this issue is not really as rare as generally believed and has appeared with the same frequency as the 1804 and less often than the underappreciated 1797 Small Eagle. Most known specimens grade from VF to AU but several strictly uncirculated examples are also known."
@gschwernk said: NEW COIN: 1796 No Stars $2.5 AU 50 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 26
This coin is #67 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #62 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at the most recent DLRC auction for $124,500. The PCGS guide value is $150,000.
According to Ron Guth:
"The 1796 Quarter Eagle with No Stars on the obverse is one of the most historic and important U.S. gold coins. The mintage is a mere 963 pieces, which is exceedingly small by any standard. Estimates of the number of surviving examples has ranged all over the place. David Akers claimed 30 to 40, refuting earlier claims of 15 to 20 known. The cataloger at Heritage estimated 80 to 100 in their January 2007 sale. PCGS experts estimate a surviving population of 100 to 125 pieces. To put a finer spin on things, we have images of 28 different examples, all in AU or better. Eleven of those examples are Mint State 60 or better. At the top of the condition census is the incredible PCGS MS65 (finest by two full points) that sold for $1,725,000 in January 2008.
It is very difficult to locate a "perfect" 1796 No Stars Quarter Eagle. Many show lintmarks of various sizes. Some show adjustment marks, usually in the center of the obverse. The Bass:261 coin (now in an NGC MS60 holder) shows three different, mint-caused defects: a diagonal fissure running from the turban to Liberty's temple; vertical adjustment marks on the obverse; and a heavy lintmark on the right side of the reverse (yet, it is still a nice, six-figure coin). Though there are numerically finer examples, my personal favorite is Bob Simpson's PCGS MS62+ -- it is well-struck, has great color, and is free of any distracting problems."
One of my favorite U.S. coins. I love the uncluttered field.
I also like concept of the collection. Good luck with it!
TD
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
1909-S VDB 1C, RD MS65RD CERTIFICATION #09772621, PCGS #2428 GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 27
This coin is #14 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #27 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin from DLRC for $4,000. The PCGS guide value is $7,500.
According to Ron Guth:
The 1909-S VDB ranks as one of the most popular and widely known of all the Lincoln cents and some might argue that it is one of the favorites in the entire run of United States coins. Collectors love coins with stories, and this one has a couple.
First, there's the controversy over the initials on the reverse. When Victor David Brenner created his new design, he placed his full name in tiny letters on the base of the reverse, bottom center. This was nothing new, as other designers and engravers had placed their names and/or initials on coins of the past. As part of modifications to Brenner's models, Mint Engraver Charles Barber changed the name to the artist's three initials (VDB). Once the coins were issued, some newspaper reporters took issue with the placement of the initials, arguing that the bottom of the reverse was far from inconspicuous and that the initials amounted to free, illegal advertising for the designer. Instead of placing the initials elsewhere in new dies, mint employees simply removed them entirely from the coin, and a new round of cents were produced without the VDB.
The short period of time in which the VDB coins were produced in San Francisco led to the second desirable attribute of this coin: it's low mintage. Only 484,000 Cents were issued with the VDB initials, creating an instant scarcity. It's popularity has remained high ever since.
Wow, just wow. I love how you dont appear to be getting caught up in the grade game but choosing pleasing artifacts that provide a good combination of value and appeal. I love the Disme and Continental dollar epically but they are all treasures.
Comments
That is why I put the goal at 32. Also at that point cost is very high for each addition.
NEW COIN: 1792 Half Disme
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 22
This coin is #18 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. The 1792 Half Disme has moved to #10 on the 5th edition of the famous book. I bought this coin in at the most recent Heritage auction for $84,000. The PCGS guide value is $85000. The Heritage description of this lot is below:
“When the authors of 1792: Birth of America's Coinage studied the die states of surviving examples, they determined the coins were struck in three different striking periods, with the second striking taking place in October 1792 and the third sometime after that. The later strikings were probably accomplished at the Philadelphia Mint, rather than Harper's sawmill. The total mintage is estimated at 1,500-2,000 examples and the surviving population numbers about 250 examples in all grades.
The present coin is an attractive Fine 15 example, with deep lavender-gray toning and highlights of golden-brown. Old scratches are evident on both sides and there is a planchet void between the eagle's head and F in OF on the reverse. Moderate wear shows on the design elements, but all lettering and the date remain legible and much interior detail remains intact. The 1792 half disme has traditionally been collected with the pattern series and this example was the plate coin in United States Pattern, Trial, and Experimental Pieces by Edgar Adams and William Woodin.
Ex: Martin Kortjohn, exhibited 11/28/1944 at the Bronx Coin Club; Kortjohn Collection (Stack's, 10/1979), lot 1190; Pullen & Hanks (1982), lot 1; Auction '84 (Stack's, 7/1984), lot 1037; Gore/Long Collections (Bowers and Merena, 1/1990), lot 99; Auction '90 (Stack's, 8/1990), lot 80; Dennis Mendelson Collection (Superior, 2/1991), lot 1203; offered on eBay (7/26/2007); the present consignor.(Registry values: P9)”
Very nice.... coins that old, from that period, are all treasures. Thanks for showing us... Cheers, RickO
It sure is a treat to follow your journey.
These coins are not only amazing, they are a part of American history.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
That is for sure an iconic piece. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
Wow! What an amazing collection. I'll likely never have the funds to devote that much to a single piece... but I have been thinking about certain coins on that list and how I can attain similar coins that would somewhat fit into my current collecting habits. For instance, I will never own an 1804 Draped Bust Dollar, but that Type coin is on my 18th Century list... not the same, for sure... but a boy can dream!
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
NEW COIN: 1808 $2.5 XF40
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 23
This coin is #95 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. The 1808 $2.5 has moved to #99 on the 5th edition of the famous book. I bought this coin in at the most recent Heritage auction for $96,000. The PCGS guide value is $82,500. The Heritage description of this lot is below:
1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle, XF40
Popular Single-Year Type, BD-1
Early Gold Rarity
1808 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4, XF40 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b, with a die crack from the top of the cap through the stars on the right. John Reich's Capped Bust Left design debuted on the quarter eagle in 1808, when a modest mintage of 2,710 pieces was accomplished. A single die variety is known for the date, with Reich's signature notched outside point on star 13. The small mintage was due to lack of demand, rather than any technical difficulties with production. No more quarter eagles were struck until 1821, by which time the design had changed again, to the Capped Head Left motif, making the 1808 an elusive one-year type coin. The rise in popularity of type collecting has made the 1808 Capped Bust Left quarter eagle an extremely popular issue in today's market,
The finest known (MS65) 1808 Quarter Eagle, made an appearance as the highlight of the first session of the D. Brent Pogue Collection on May 19, 2015. It sold for $2,350,000, adding the 1808 Quarter Eagle to the Million Dollar Coin Club.
NEW COIN: 1796 50c 15 Stars – F12
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 24
This coin is #72 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It has moved to #65 on the 5th edition of the famous book. I bought this coin at the most recent Great Collections auction for $48,600. The PCGS guide value is $55000.
There are about 75 surviving examples of this coin. Most examples are well circulated and many are repaired. The finest known MS66 example sold for $822,500 in 2015.
Your making great progress!
Congratulations!!! You're 75% of the way to your goal.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
This is great stuff. I think this is a great effort on your part .
WS
Here are larger photos from the greatcollections.com archive.
https://www.greatcollections.com/Coin/986738/1796-Draped-Bust-Half-Dollar-15-Stars-PCGS-F-12
1787 Fugio – MS61BN
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 24
This coin is #32 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. This coin has moved to #41 on the 5th edition of the famous book. I bought this coin in a 2020 Great Collections auction for $2,000. The PCGS guide value is $2,500.
The Fugio cent is one of the most affordable of the 100 Greatest coins. For the advanced collector wishing to create a box of 3 of the 100, he could also obtain a 1909-S vdb 1c and a 1916-D 10c in attractive grades for less than $5,000.
1907HR – MS64
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 24
This coin is #25 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It remains #25 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin from Heritage in early 2020 for $19,000. The PCGS guide value is $30,000.
According to David Ackers:
"The 1907 High Relief Double Eagle is, in my opinion, the most beautiful coin the United States ever issued for normal circulation. Unfortunately, it was not as practical as it was beautiful; the high relief of the standing figure of Liberty and the eagle made the coin impossible to stack properly and thus unpopular and unsuitable for commercial purposes. Minting was also impractical since it reportedly required five blows of the minting press to fully bring up the design making high speed, mass production impossible.
Of the 11,250 High Reliefs minted, it is my estimate that 2/3 to 3/4 of this total were the Wire Rim variety since the Flat Rim is at least two to three times as rare as the Wire Rim. The difference between the two varieties was unintentional, i.e. the Mint did not purposely set out to make one variety and then alter the design to make a second variety. (In this regard, the Wire Rim and Flat Rim Double Eagles are not analogous to the Wire Edge and Rolled Edge Eagles which were totally different coins.) The Wire Rim and Flat Rim Double Eagle varieties resulted from the use of different collars. in the case of the Wire Rim variety, the collar was not sufficiently tight and the pressure of the repeated blows forced metal up where the edge of the coin meets the collar to form a very thin wire rim. On most Wire Rims, this raised metal encircles the whole coin, both obverse and reverse, while on the Flat Rim variety, the edge is flat, if not beveled.
The 1907 High relief is much more common than its low mintage (the lowest of the entre Saint-Gaudens series) would imply. Obviously, many specimens were saved due to both the coins' novelty and their beauty. Most existing High Reliefs (both Wire Rim and Flat Rim varieties) are uncirculated and many of them are gem and even superb quality. The circulated examples are almost always high grade and many, if not most, received their wear from being used as jewelry or pocket pieces rather than from commercial use. The plentiful auction records for the Wire Rim would seem to indicate that it is one of the half dozen most common issues in the entire series. In my view, it is not that common, but I do think that one interesting claim can be made for it, namely the 1907 Wire Rim High Relief is the highest priced U.S. coin for its rarity. (The 1895 Proof Morgan Dollar and 1879 Flowing Hair Stella are two other candidates for this distinction, but I think the High Relief is the easy winner with respect to ratio of its high price to low rarity.)"
This coin is a beauty and hands down one of my favorite pieces as far as design goes.
Congrats.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
Just found this thread... And damn glad I did
NEW COIN: 1798/7 $10 AU 50
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 25
This coin is #94 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #46 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at the most recent DLRC auction for $51,500. The PCGS guide value is $46,500.
According to David Ackers:
"This is one of the rarest of the early Eagles but, despite the similarity in the mintages of this and the 1798/7, 7x6 Stars, the 1798/7, 9x4 Stars is not nearly as rare as the 7x6. In fact, based on the auction appearances, this issue is not really as rare as generally believed and has appeared with the same frequency as the 1804 and less often than the underappreciated 1797 Small Eagle. Most known specimens grade from VF to AU but several strictly uncirculated examples are also known."
Survival Estimate: 90
AUCTION RECORD: $258,500.00 • PCGS MS62+ • 09/15/2015 • STACK'S BOWERS
Wow, she is a beauty. I love the reverse design of the $10 gold, it just screams, "AMERICA"!!!
Congrats on this awesome pickup.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
NEW COIN: 1796 No Stars $2.5 AU 50
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 26
This coin is #67 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #62 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at the most recent DLRC auction for $124,500. The PCGS guide value is $150,000.
According to Ron Guth:
"The 1796 Quarter Eagle with No Stars on the obverse is one of the most historic and important U.S. gold coins. The mintage is a mere 963 pieces, which is exceedingly small by any standard. Estimates of the number of surviving examples has ranged all over the place. David Akers claimed 30 to 40, refuting earlier claims of 15 to 20 known. The cataloger at Heritage estimated 80 to 100 in their January 2007 sale. PCGS experts estimate a surviving population of 100 to 125 pieces. To put a finer spin on things, we have images of 28 different examples, all in AU or better. Eleven of those examples are Mint State 60 or better. At the top of the condition census is the incredible PCGS MS65 (finest by two full points) that sold for $1,725,000 in January 2008.
It is very difficult to locate a "perfect" 1796 No Stars Quarter Eagle. Many show lintmarks of various sizes. Some show adjustment marks, usually in the center of the obverse. The Bass:261 coin (now in an NGC MS60 holder) shows three different, mint-caused defects: a diagonal fissure running from the turban to Liberty's temple; vertical adjustment marks on the obverse; and a heavy lintmark on the right side of the reverse (yet, it is still a nice, six-figure coin). Though there are numerically finer examples, my personal favorite is Bob Simpson's PCGS MS62+ -- it is well-struck, has great color, and is free of any distracting problems."
You now have a collection of 26 coins where every coin has an interesting story. Any of these coins would enhance a collection. However put all these together it is really a spectacular collection. Congrats!
Great great collection. Is your set retired in the registry or active?
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
It is active. I am not really competing. I am more interested in total number of coins instead of maximizing rating points. Link:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/alltimeset/222831
1915-S $50 AU53
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 26
This coin is #26 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #29 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at a 2020 Great Collections auction for $52,800. The PCGS guide value is $52,500.
According to Ron Guth:
"In 1915, San Francisco hosted the Panama-Pacific Exposition, a massive celebration of the opening of the Panama Canal. To record the event, the U.S. Mint produced a variety of commemorative coins, including a Half Dollar, a Gold Dollar, a Quarter Eagle, and two versions of a $50 gold piece (one round and one octagonal). Attendees at the Exposition could purchase the coins singly or in a variety of combinations. The most extreme combination was a double set (two of each coin) housed in a specially made copper and glass frame. Because of the high face value of the $50 coins, sales failed to meet expectations, resulting in hundreds of unsold coins. These were eventually melted down, resulting in a net mintage figure of only 645 pieces.
The $50 Panama-Pacific gold coins are massive, heavy coins made of a relatively soft metal. As a result, the coins are susceptible to wear and damage, making it difficult to find exceptional examples. The vast majority of survivors are Mint State, usually in MS63. Gems are very rare, and the best examples top out at MS66."
WOW. I can only dream of having any of those beautiful coins.
Successful BST with ad4400, Kccoin, lablover, pointfivezero, koynekwest, jwitten, coin22lover, HalfDimeDude, erwindoc, jyzskowsi, COINS MAKE CENTS, AlanSki, BryceM
How did Pan Pac $50's acquire wear? Were they used in commerce? That seems crazy to me.
Are you working with an expert who can view and provide an opinion on the coins before you acquire them? These are very nice but expensive coins. Hopefully you have someone on your side to consult with before making the purchase.
I do. But these coins are mostly rare and don't come around everyday and in my price range I can't always obtain high grade examples. These are not investments for me but hobby purchases.
Quite the endeavor! Enjoy!
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
$50 XF 40
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 26
This coin is #35 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #68 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at a 2020 DLRC auction for $33,500. The PCGS guide value is $40,000. The coin appears worn in the trueview image. It is much nicer and very impressive in hand.
According to Ron Guth:
"The $50 gold pieces issued by the United States Assay Office of Gold in San Francisco in the early 1850's were not actually coins per se. Rather, they were called "ingots" at the time; today, we know them as "Slugs." Their real value, besides that stated on their face, was in standardizing the jumble of over-valued, underweight, and off-purity private issues prevalent at the time. Nowadays, the $50 slugs are among the most popular of all California gold pieces.
High-grade examples are very difficult to locate. Because of their high intrinsic value, the large majority of them have been melted down over the years. Those that entered circulation were subject to all the injuries that a heavy gold coin might receive, especially bumps and bruises on the corners. Because of their high numismatic value, many have been repaired or otherwise "improved" over the years. Finding an example with original "skin" and that crusty, old-gold look is well-nigh impossible. In our search for coins for the PCGS CoinFacts Condition Census, we've come across a few (these all refer to the 1851 $5 Humbert Reeded Edge, 887 THOUS variety). In 2016, an NGC MS65 was offered for sale at a fixed price of $625,000. In January 2017k, a PCGS MS63 example sold for $352,500. An NGC MS63 example sold for $176,250 inm 2014. A PCGS MS62 example sold for $223,250 in 2014, then failed to sell when it reappeared in 2015. At least four or five additonal, lower-level Unc. examples are known."
1895 $1, CAM PR64CAM CERTIFICATION #84246836, PCGS #87330
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 26
This coin is #66 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #56 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at a 2020 Great Collections auction for $71,100. The PCGS guide value is $75,000. This coin is very impressive in hand with a smooth and reflective surface.
According to Jeff Garrett & Ron Guth:
"The 1895 silver dollar is known as the "King of Morgan dollars" and is the last coin that many Morgan collectors need to complete their sets. Because of the great demand prices for 1895 silver dollars are considerably higher than proofs of other dates"
This coin is not rare about 300-400 exist, but the great demand does cause it to be very expensive.
AUCTION RECORD: $269,500.00 • PCGS PR67+DCAM • 06/28/2020 • DAVID LAWRENCE RC
100 Greatest US Coins...
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
Very interesting.
Well done. You are making quick progress.
So far, around 715K cost…..
Must be a fun journey! 👍
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
1857-S $20 BOLD S S.S. CENTRAL AMERICA #1 GOLD FOIL MS66 CERTIFICATION #05752909, PCGS #70001
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 26
This coin is #75 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. I bought this coin at a 2020 Great Collections auction for $24,750. The PCGS guide value is $30,000.
AUCTION RECORD: $282,000.00 • PCGS MS67 • 05/16/2019 • LEGEND RARE COIN AUCTIONS
How did I just find this thread now? Great collection and progress! I have one on the list, a Fugio cent, and it ain't high grade. I have had the opportunity to "play with" (i.e., photograph) several on this list. I'll have to look at my archives to see how many, but I'm guessing my collection of photos has fewer coins than your actual set.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
NEW COIN: 1792 10C J-10, BN SP25BN CERTIFICATION #01003139, PCGS #11026
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – NEW Total 27
This coin is #29 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #20 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin at a recent Heritage auction for $138,000. The PCGS guide value is $200,000.
This is a very rare coin. The current PCGS POP is 13 with 9 graded higher.
AUCTION RECORD: $705,000.00 • PCGS SP64BN • 04/27/2016 • HERITAGE AUCTIONS
This is a superb collection and it's very exciting to watch grow!
Incredible collection for sure. Five more pieces to reach your goal.
Congratulations on your latest pickup.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
I admire all the coins so far, but love the 1792 copper disme.
Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association
1776 $1 CURENCY, PEWTER AU50 CERTIFICATION #02572657, PCGS #791
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 27
This coin is #12 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #30 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin from Heritage for $36,850. The PCGS guide value is $50,000.
AUCTION RECORD: $246,750 • MS65 • 01-07-2015 • Heritage Auctions
COIN FACTS:
P. Scott Rubin: The 1776 Pewter Continental Currency Dollar is a very mysterious issue, as there is no documentation known authorizing its issue. This particular variety is known for its incorrect spelling of the word currency on the obverse die. Eric Newman has three different die combinations for this variety all using the same obverse die and, in fact, using the same reverse die. However, the reverse die was modified twice during its usage to strike coins in three different metals, Pewter, Brass and Silver.
While the Pewter coins are the most common of the three metals used for this issue, they also contain some of the rarest die varieties. The Curency (with one R) coins represent three Newman variety numbers N-1-A, N-1-B and N-1-C. The A reverse has small dots surrounding the colonies’ names.. The B reverse is the same die as A only the die has been re-engraved, adding solid lines through the dots for a more solid chain. Finally the die was lapped and the dots virtually removed and new, thicker solid lines used to create the chains on the C reverse.
While the N-1-C Pewter Continental Curency Dollar is a scarce coin, with maybe as many as a few hundred or more known, the other two varieties N-1-A and N-1-B are extremely rare. The N-1-A at the current time (Feb., 2015) is known by only one Pewter specimen. The N-1-B Pewter variety is known by seven examples, of which five are believed to be in grades of About Uncirculated or better.
The Pewter N-1-A Pewter Continental Curency Dollar was only discovered in late 2014 and offered for sale in Heritage’s 2015 FUN Platinum Night Sale as lot 4004. PCGS graded the coin as Genuine with Edge or Rim Damage, while Heritage gives the coin a grade of Very Fine Details. This unique discovery coin realized $117,500. At the same Heritage 2015 FUN Sale, the Donald Partrick Collection contained the finest currently graded Pewter N-1-B Pewter Continental Curency Dollar, graded MS-64 by NGC and sold as lot 5837 for $199,750. At the same auction, an N-1-C Pewter Continental Curency Dollar, graded MS-65 by NGC as lot 5839 sold for $246,750.
Analyzing these sales, it appears that grade trumps rarity for the Pewter Continental Curency Dollars.
This is an absolutely incredible collection. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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"To Give Anything Less than Your Best, Is to Sacrifice the Gift" - Steve Prefontaine
That's absolutely gorgeous!
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You are putting together an awesome collection. Love what you are doing. Thanks for sharing
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One of my favorite U.S. coins. I love the uncluttered field.
I also like concept of the collection. Good luck with it!
TD
Just beautiful coins !
Enjoying your pursuit........
you are just killin it !!! congratulations !!!
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
successful BST with Ankurj, BigAl, Bullsitter, CommemKing, DCW(7), Downtown1974, Elmerfusterpuck, Joelewis, Mach1ne, Minuteman810430, Modcrewman, Nankraut, Nederveit2, Philographer(5), Realgator, Silverpop, SurfinxHI, TomB and Yorkshireman(3)
1909-S VDB 1C, RD MS65RD CERTIFICATION #09772621, PCGS #2428
GOAL 32 of 100 Greatest Coins – Current Total 27
This coin is #14 on the PCGS 100 greatest list. It is #27 on the 5th edition list. I bought this coin from DLRC for $4,000. The PCGS guide value is $7,500.
According to Ron Guth:
The 1909-S VDB ranks as one of the most popular and widely known of all the Lincoln cents and some might argue that it is one of the favorites in the entire run of United States coins. Collectors love coins with stories, and this one has a couple.
First, there's the controversy over the initials on the reverse. When Victor David Brenner created his new design, he placed his full name in tiny letters on the base of the reverse, bottom center. This was nothing new, as other designers and engravers had placed their names and/or initials on coins of the past. As part of modifications to Brenner's models, Mint Engraver Charles Barber changed the name to the artist's three initials (VDB). Once the coins were issued, some newspaper reporters took issue with the placement of the initials, arguing that the bottom of the reverse was far from inconspicuous and that the initials amounted to free, illegal advertising for the designer. Instead of placing the initials elsewhere in new dies, mint employees simply removed them entirely from the coin, and a new round of cents were produced without the VDB.
The short period of time in which the VDB coins were produced in San Francisco led to the second desirable attribute of this coin: it's low mintage. Only 484,000 Cents were issued with the VDB initials, creating an instant scarcity. It's popularity has remained high ever since.
Wow, just wow. I love how you dont appear to be getting caught up in the grade game but choosing pleasing artifacts that provide a good combination of value and appeal. I love the Disme and Continental dollar epically but they are all treasures.
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set