An Example of a Surprising Auction Outcome - 1839 No Drapery Half

Catbert

I watched this coin since I'd like to own the type someday. Since I could not see the coin in hand, I asked a professional to look at it for me. The feedback was that it was nothing special. Obviously, as a distinct type and it being in a PCGS CAC holder, these factors contributed to some of the ballast for it's lofty hammer price ($7200 all in). However, to me, it's just another example of the trend in coin prices right now that seems way out of balance. I know it's an example of one, but what do you think?

https://coins.ha.com/itm/seated-half-dollars/1839-50c-no-drapery-wb-101-die-pair-4-r4-au53-pcgs-cac/a/1344-3514.s?ic5=CatalogHome-ActionArea-JumpToLot-071515

291fifth

There is still money out there hunting trophy collectibles. Is it smart money?

jmlanzaf

It is an an R4

skier07

@291fifth said:
There is still money out there hunting trophy collectibles. Is it smart money?

I wouldn’t call that a trophy coin. The buyer paid very strong money for an okay looking coin. The spot on the obverse is distracting to me.

alaura22

I also watched this coin, so so on the coin IMO and the price was too high for me.
I'll wait for another chance

scotty4449

I would pass because of the spots on the obverse and reverse, otherwise it's a nice coin.

Nysoto

For the referenced coin, I think it is nice with natural gray toning, not much pizazz but I would not mind owning it at a non-sticker price.

I had been looking for this type for a couple years, there is nothing at dealers in nicer circulated XF - AU. Gerry Fortin had an XF CAC that sold in a few days. There are far more collectors who need this type than coins available. I resorted to my old method of frequently checking dealers for new stock and it paid off, was on the phone immediately to land this AU50 coin. The obverse marks might be irksome to some, but since I am OK with AG3 FH halves I am fine with it, love the coin:

alaura22

@Nysoto said:
For the referenced coin, I think it is nice with natural gray toning, not much pizazz but I would not mind owning it at a non-sticker price.

I had been looking for this type for a couple years, there is nothing at dealers in nicer circulated XF - AU. Gerry Fortin had an XF CAC that sold in a few days. There are far more collectors who need this type than coins available. I resorted to my old method of frequently checking dealers for new stock and it paid off, was on the phone immediately to land this AU50 coin. The obverse marks might be irksome to some, but since I am OK with AG3 FH halves I am fine with it, love the coin:

I looked at that coin when it 1st hit ebay and then went to the website, just didn't want to pony up the money for it. It is a very nice coin but I need to add many so this one was out for me.
Congrats

Nysoto

Did not notice it on ebay. In hindsight, I think a PR at auction would have been higher than the dealer 5K. Darn stickers!

alaura22

@Nysoto said:
Did not notice it on ebay. In hindsight, I think a PR at auction would have been higher than the dealer 5K. Darn stickers!

The difference between you and me, I won't buy without the sticker. I'm sure there are many more differences.......

golden

I saw the coin before the auction. I need one, but did not like that one because of the weak reverse strike.