Can You Beat Top Pop? Let's see!
FlyingAl
Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭✭✭
I started writing this and I found that what I was writing would have so much more value with examples from you guys. I remembered a post from a few weeks ago lamenting the large collections (Hansen, Eliasberg) and how those collectors can afford those top pop coins but the average collector can't. I know that there are coins out there that you guys have that are more attractive than those top pop coins, and so I gave a few examples I've seen. I want to see more though! Here we go:
I was going through a few (ok a few thousand) past auctions for 1942 proof quarters, looking for a specific quality - contrast. For those of you who know the series, you'll know just how rare these things are with any sort of contrast at all. I saw about twenty coins in Stacks, Heritage, and GC auctions that I would say had contrast worth noting, mainly that I would describe at least one side of the coin as CAM. Out of these, roughly 80% were PR64s and the remainder were PR65s. I saw a grade total of 0 above PR65. I was so intrigued by this that I went through the archives here as well and found one post by @cameonut2011 that had a PR67 1942 quarter with contrast. Here it is:
.
.
For what it's worth, this may indeed be the rarest 1942 quarter in existence, given that more than one PR69 has been certified by PCGS and NGC, and that there are no finer near CAM coins out there that I've seen, by over a grade point. And what's more, I would be willing to bet it was bought for less than the PR69 examples 
. It goes to show that a lower grade can indeed be much rarer and somewhat more desirable to collectors than top pop coins.
Why on earth am I posting this? I think it's a good reminder for those of us who can't afford grade rarities and look at something lies the Hansen or Eliasberg collection and say that "my collection would never measure up". There are coins out there that beat those PR69 examples, not only in rarity but also in attractiveness. Look at series like the Barber proofs or Seated proofs or even Franklin halves in moderate mint state grades. Some of those coins with color, contrast, or even FBL are absolutely gorgeous, and they can be bought for fractions of the prices pf their top pop brothers, and yet can be much much rarer. Some might even say that those coins are finer than those with top pops. I'll leave you with one last example from a forum member that I've had the honor to get to know since I joined the boards, @Eldorado9.
Let's take the 1911 quarter he has in PR67:
.
.
I've never seen a Barber proof with pastels like this before, and I would say that it can be compared in eye appeal to the PR68 example on CoinFacts. And yet, it's an attainable price level (somewhat 
) and most definitely much more achievable than a 68.
Don't beat yourself up over not having the Hansen collection. Instead, I challenge you to do something more difficult - go into your current collection, and find a coin that the average collector can afford that has a quality that makes it as desirable or more desirable than the top pop of that coin. I know they're out there, lurking in your collection. Let's see 'em, and make sure you tell us what makes them unique, like the two examples above!
A quick note, I realized I've ripped on the Hansen and Eliasberg collections here to make a point. To allay that, I offer this statement. Those two collections are undoubtedly the best and most complete collections of US coins ever assembled. The effort that those two collectors have managed to put into their collections will likely never be matched again in my lifetime, and that is to be recognized.
Coin Photographer.
Comments
Here is a coin I really like. It's nowhere near a top pop and isn't even mint state but it's up there with the best color I've seen on a Columbian Expo Half.
🤔 I need to process …….. not even near to contemplate my answer 😟
Not even a CAC, but how many 1865-s 5.00 are prettier than this? About a dozen are finer in numerical grade at PCGS.
1867-s 10C AU-55. In collection since 1990. No CAC attempt.
Nice 1911 Quarter! Here is a coin that can handle all contenders in terms of eye appeal: It's MS65, Pop. 87/53 finer, yet it holds it's own with any I've seen. Purchased for $1,500.00 from a Heritage auction.
One of absolute favorite capped bust dimes. Bought the coin at a show about 10 years ago. At first glance, you can mistaken it as a proof. Enjoy. It looks better in real life.
I have a few coins, recently graded, that would qualify, IMO.
When Trueviews of these coins post I will post them to this thread.
Who will be crowned miss untop pop!
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
@Eldorado9 That is a spectacular gold piece! I can't see anything limiting it at 65.
Anyways, here's my entry- for less than 1/4 the cost of the top pop cameo RD, I got gorgeous color in a BN holder.
While I agree with the premise in the OP, I would caution that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. My coins - well, at least many - are attractive to me... others may not, or will not agree. That is OK by me. I am not in competition with any collectors. My collection is to please me, but certainly fine when others like my coins too. Cheers, RickO
Not top pop but extremely close and at a substantially lower price.
MS 67+*
Successful BST with ad4400, Kccoin, lablover, pointfivezero, koynekwest, jwitten, coin22lover, HalfDimeDude, erwindoc, jyzskowsi, COINS MAKE CENTS, AlanSki, BryceM
This one is actually top POP for NGC:
Pop. 22/15 better....Graded PF-66 CAC, impeccable surfaces and mirrors.
We need a new phrase - Buy the coin, not the toning
Oftentimes, quite often actually, the term "Top Pop" just equates to Highest Graded by PCGS/NGC. The reason as I understand it is because the technical merits which separate MS66 --- MS67 --- MS68 are miniscule but eye-appeal can be quite stark.
Half expected the Seated Brigade to bring some attractive early S mints. Awesome prizes! Easy to understand why the few nice ones that exist bring significant premiums.
"You can't get just one gun." "You can't get just one tattoo." "You can't get just one 1796 Draped Bust Large Cent."
I've posted this one before, and here's a chance to post it again. Anyone who knows 1921-S Morgan dollars knows that this MS65 is something special, as it is more sharply detailed than the 66+ coins on the CF page.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Sure, I'll play
One of my favorite (if not my favorite coin in my collection): PR-67CAM and a true MONSTER TONER!
Here is a twin to your 67+ only 2 grade points less.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
Here's a couple of mine. Neither are anywhere close to top pop, but both stand out against coins of higher grade because of their eye appeal.
@robec I looked thru your set. You have a few really nice ones.
Successful BST with ad4400, Kccoin, lablover, pointfivezero, koynekwest, jwitten, coin22lover, HalfDimeDude, erwindoc, jyzskowsi, COINS MAKE CENTS, AlanSki, BryceM
How about a pink Peace $?
Pop 984/179
nlh
End Systemic Elitism - It Takes All Of Us
1887-S 10C F-119 1/0 None finer or lessor attributed.
PUP: Flag of the 1 inside the fourth and fifth vertical shield lines. Below the R of LIBERTY.
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1887-s-10c-f-119/538758
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, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
1906 USPI peso PR66 pop 13/20
1944-S 50c MS66+ pop 6/8
1904 1c MS65BN pop 12/9
1903 1/2c MS66RB pop 10/7
1904 10c MS66 pop 13/6
1903-S peso MS64 pop 23/14
From the Kingdom of Hawaii, a King Kalakaua I coronation medal. Top Pop at MS 66. 1 of 2 certified.
Then again, I have the other King Kalakaua I coronation medal.