$5 Indian Date Set

Pedzola

Early in the pandemic I had a good start (5/10) on an Indian half eagle date set. Unfortunately I got discouraged trying to find the remaining coins, sold 4 out of the 5, and changed focus to my type set.

I like to think I am slowly becoming a better and more patient and selective collector. As the remaining coins in the type set get tougher, I decided I need a "side mission" to keep things moving.

The $5 BLP incuse Indian is my favorite US Gold Coin design, the date run being 10 coins, with only the 1929 being a potential roadblock. So I thought I'd give it another go. (And try not to regret too much the carefully selected coins that I sold!)

My starting coin is an amazing 1912 that I purchased from @clarkbar04 here on the forum.
Out of the original 5, all 64 CAC, this was by far my favorite. It has amazing color and luster and few distracting marks. I think it is absolutely an "A" coin.

I have 1 other coin in hand and another on the way. I would like to keep this thread updated as the set progresses. So I'll end the opening post here and write about those separately.

I hope you all can give me some feedback as the set progresses!

Pedzola

The coin that pushed me over the edge to start this new collection is actually an auction win that I don't have in hand yet. I'll share that "2nd" coin as soon as I get it. I'm guessing another week.

So I won that 2nd killer $5 in an auction, decided to pursue the whole Indian date set, and within a couple of weeks a beautiful example of one of the tougher coins in the series appears. It didn't take too long for me to pull the trigger.

Presenting my 3rd coin, this 1916-S $5, ex Half Dome.

This is the most expensive of the date set in 64 apart from the 1929. So getting one of the harder coins out of the way early feels good!

I have found quite a bit of variation within grade 64, even among stickered coins.

I am aiming for nice luster, interesting and attractive color, and as clean as I can get for a 64, especially concerned about not having distracting marks on the face.

The trueview might show the bright orange gold color on this 1916-S better than my shots above, but it is a bright coin that checks all the boxes for me. Very excited to have it.

Along with coin #2 which I will be excited to reveal when I finally have it in hand, I think my starting trio is pretty incredible.

I am looking forward to the challenge of finishing the date run through 1916 with really super attractive coins.

I posted a "wanted" ad in the BST if anyone has a lead for me! That's all for now.

JonBrand83

This is awesome, I'm really looking forward to the rest. I know the new one you have coming in is a heater! This was always my favorite coin design so seeing eye appealing sets is always fun..

pcgscacgold

Very nice start. Good luck on finding great additions to the set.

Downtown1974

I’ve always admired the 1912, but that 16 is a real stunner. With your selective eye, I expect this set to be nothing short of spectacular.

D808LF

Are you doing an Everyman Mint Set? Great start if you are.

Pedzola

@D808LF said:
Are you doing an Everyman Mint Set? Great start if you are.

I think the 1909-O is a real challenge. I will stick with the basic date set.

golden

A super start to your set!

ricko

That is a great series and you have a good start. Will watch for your updates. Cheers, RickO

erwindoc

Great idea! I might end up doing the same thing. Keep us posted on your progress!

stawick

I think if I werent pouring all my funds into modern US precious metal proofs, THIS might be something I'd focus on. I also like this design and the incuse minting. I also have a 1912 1/2 eagle MS63 - my only one (so far). Love it.

zer0man

Strong start. Looking forward to seeing the rest.

justindan

Phenomenal coins!

Pedzola

Alright here is the mystery "2nd coin" as mentioned above.

I am very excited to share this 1911 $5 in MS65 CAC. I was lucky to be able to acquire this coin from the recent Long Beach auction at Heritage.

I was initially attracted to this 1911 because of the outstanding color and luster. I was interested in it as a high grade type coin. I didn't know anything about the O'Neal pedigree. A little bit of research taught me that this coin was part of the #1 all time $5 Indian set. O'Neal had some amazing rarities, an incredible collection. This 1911 was probably one of his more humble coins.

Here are the HA auction pics for a different perspective that shows off the color.

I love the look of this 1911. Very flashy in hand. I am thrilled to have it, and winning inspired me to dive into the date set. I don't intend to purchase more MS65s due to the cost, so this will be somewhat of a "halo coin;" my highest grade type example and a nice measuring stick for MS64 coins.

pcgscacgold

Congrats @Pedzola , I know you were looking for a 65CAC for the type set. I hope to be able to find one of those someday. That is a spectacular coin.

Weather11am

Amazing! 😍

logger7

You may want to work through a numismatic professional who can service your want list. I would just choose one, as you don't want dealers bidding against each other both working your want list.

asheland

Splendid endeavor!
My lone type example is a 64.
They definitely look great in that grade!

Pedzola

@logger7 said:
You may want to work through a numismatic professional who can service your want list. I would just choose one, as you don't want dealers bidding against each other both working your want list.

I was thinking about this today. I am pretty public about my collecting goals, including posting here and on instagram. So everyone knows what I'm looking for. These $5 indians are so hard to find nice, I will take any advantage I can get. I even posted this on Instagram yesterday.

There is one dealer I have been working with quite a bit who has been amazing. I will work through him whenever feasible, and I am always paying attention when he has a coin to show me. But it's not an exclusive arrangement - he knows what I'm looking for, but I haven't delegated my search.

Sharing my progress in public I have a SLIGHT concern about others bidding against me with intent to resell the coin to me. I hope that doesn't happen. I watch GC, Heritage, Stacks, Ebay like a hawk. If a great $5 Indian shows up on any web auction I will be bidding my max. There is almost zero chance that a good one would escape my attention.

So if you are a fellow collector, let's enjoy the competition. Best of luck. If you are a dealer, I hope you can offer me coins that I haven't seen before. I might not like you anymore if you try to sell me something I bid on and lost.

lilolme

@Pedzola
I did a search on collectors corner for 1908 through 1915, pcgs only, grade 64, 64+ and it found all with cac approval available (either auction or dealer) except the 1913. Don't know anything about pricing / auction or if they fit your requirements.

The search link does not show (same as basic link), so would need to click advance search and fill in year issued 1908 to 1915, grading svc PCGS, Grade 64 to 64+ and GO. Then pick out the cac approved.

https://www.collectorscorner.com/Category/Category.aspx?catId=771&pId=4

Pedzola

Thank you very much. I use the search features on collectors.com and collectorscorner.com every day!

lilolme

@Pedzola said:
Thank you very much. I use the search features on collectors.com and collectorscorner.com every day!

Well I tried. I read where you kept track of the auctions so I thought I would throw out the CC. But you were already on top of that also. Good luck.

Pedzola

Wow I have been delinquent in updating this thread. I have 3 amazing coins to add to the roster that I have picked up since my last post.

The set is definitely evolving faster than I thought it would!

The 1915 is my favorite of the 3, but all are very nice for 64. I really didn't expect for the set to evolve this quickly but you pick up the right coins when they are available! The 09d is not a tough coin to find but I thought this one had a great look to it, great color.

Now I'm left with 1910, 1913, 1914 remaining. But my coin budget is pretty much toast at this point so they probably aren't coming soon.

I made a deal for an unrelated coin this past week which required significant prioritization. Will post that one in it's own thread!

breakdown

The set is really taking shape! Keep sharing them here with your photos.

Crypto

How long before you add the MM, they all start as a date set unitl they get filled up

Although it will be almost impossible to match the 29 and 09o at that quality level

Pedzola

I might get more enjoyment out of starting a different basic date set (like $2.5 Indians) vs trying to finish a complete set of $5's.

I won't shut the door completely, but for now I've still got a few $5's to find, and plenty of work to do on my type set. No need for new goals!

I really like how this set is shaping up. I will take my time with the rest.

jom

I tried this set myself some years ago. I found that many of the dates in grades I could afford (certainly not MS64) came rather ugly. Finding a nice AU 09-O or 12-S is difficult if not impossible as I find many of them just butt-ugly, IMO. If I could afford MS63/64 I'd do it as I like the series....but it just didn't work out.

Looks as if you are off to a great start!

jom

Pedzola

I was very happy to add another $5 to the set this past week.

This 1914 Is extra clean for a 64 with bright lustrous surfaces. The trueview it has a bit of a neon color to it. I think my photos are more true-to-life.

I feel like I have been staying pretty disciplined waiting for the right coins. The 1914 is a great add. The set has come together surprisingly quick.

Just 1910 and 1913 remaining (and maybe eventually the 1929...)

pcgscacgold

Excellent addition to the set @Pedzola

Downtown1974

Wow, you’re nearly there now! What a great looking set!

PeakRarities

So close! You have a great eye, all of them are very attractive coins.

Pedzola

Well I haven't found a 1910 or 1913 $5 yet that meet the criteria. But I did find a 1909 that I thought was nice enough to merit an upgrade from my 09D.

I have strayed with this one into the land of white plastic. But it's a super coin. I'll get it into the right holder some day.

I picked it up at the NH coin expo a few weeks ago. If anyone follows me on instagram (hypnogold) I posted it there but have been slacking keeping up on the forum lately.

This 1909 is bright and clean with great color and luster. I didn't hesitate when I saw it. I am pretty confident in what I'm looking for - this one checked all the boxes. It's just a super nice coin for a 64. I am sticking with the plan and trying to hold out for the best coins for the set. And as in this case, I will upgrade if needed. My 1909-D was actually a really great coin, but this one is even nicer and 09-P is slightly better for the year vs the ubiquitous 09-D.

Still hunting for 1910, 1913. Appreciate any leads.

PeakRarities

Great looking coin! I love it as a 64, looking forward to the completion and ill keep an eye out for the others

JW77

APMEX had 2 1913 MS64 CAC in their inventory. I bought one of them for my 12 piece gold type set. Maybe doesn't meet all your requirements. Looks like the other might of sold as well. This was APMEX pic, not very good.

alaura22

@Pedzola said:
Well I haven't found a 1910 or 1913 $5 yet that meet the criteria. But I did find a 1909 that I thought was nice enough to merit an upgrade from my 09D.

Have any plans for the 1909-D?

conrad99

@Pedzola said:
Well I haven't found a 1910 or 1913 $5 yet that meet the criteria. But I did find a 1909 that I thought was nice enough to merit an upgrade from my 09D.

Indeed. That 1909 is mesmerizing, and would be mesmerizing in any holder, or none at all. Congrats.

Pedzola

@JW77 said:
APMEX had 2 1913 MS64 CAC in their inventory....

I inquired with apmex about the 1913 in 64 cac in their inventory. (I didn't think they had 2, but if so it would have been the same story):

They said they didnt have any pictures of the actual coin, the cert number is unknown, they couldnt tell me anything other than it's a 1913 $5 in 64 cac. The picture on the website and the picture on ebay (same stock number) were 2 different coins. And they told me both were stock images.

I opted not to buy a coin blind having no idea what I would get.

The pictures you are showing are the pics they posted on ebay. The coin is nice except for the swipe on the obverse 2nd star after liberty. I would have considered this one for my set. I will keep looking. Congrats on the pickup.

Pedzola

@alaura22 said:
Have any plans for the 1909-D?

Already gone.

JW77

@Pedzola said:

@JW77 said:
APMEX had 2 1913 MS64 CAC in their inventory....

I inquired with apmex about the 1913 in 64 cac in their inventory. (I didn't think they had 2, but if so it would have been the same story):

They said they didnt have any pictures of the actual coin, the cert number is unknown, they couldnt tell me anything other than it's a 1913 $5 in 64 cac. The picture on the website and the picture on ebay (same stock number) were 2 different coins. And they told me both were stock images.

I opted not to buy a coin blind having no idea what I would get.

The pictures you are showing are the pics they posted on ebay. The coin is nice except for the swipe on the obverse 2nd star after liberty. I would have considered this one for my set. I will keep looking. Congrats on the pickup.

I spoke to customer service and confirmed the ebay coin was not a stock image, but rather pics of the actual coin that would be received. it was reasonably priced, maybe a $150 high and it filled the hole in my set. good Luck on your ongoing search.

alaura22

@Pedzola said:

@alaura22 said:
Have any plans for the 1909-D?

Already gone.

JW77

@alaura22 said:

@Pedzola said:

@alaura22 said:
Have any plans for the 1909-D?

Already gone.

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

johnny010

Subscribed

Waiting to see the 29. > @Pedzola said:

@JW77 said:
APMEX had 2 1913 MS64 CAC in their inventory....

I inquired with apmex about the 1913 in 64 cac in their inventory. (I didn't think they had 2, but if so it would have been the same story):

They said they didnt have any pictures of the actual coin, the cert number is unknown, they couldnt tell me anything other than it's a 1913 $5 in 64 cac. The picture on the website and the picture on ebay (same stock number) were 2 different coins. And they told me both were stock images.

I opted not to buy a coin blind having no idea what I would get.

The pictures you are showing are the pics they posted on ebay. The coin is nice except for the swipe on the obverse 2nd star after liberty. I would have considered this one for my set. I will keep looking. Congrats on the pickup.

Same issues with APMEX. Do not understand how they can sell non-bullion coins sight unseen. You’d think pictures or cert numbers would help their business. They had a proof like coin I wanted but no way to send pictures AND I was told if I bought both coins and returned the one I didn’t like they would charge restocking.

lermish

@johnny010 said:
Subscribed

Waiting to see the 29. > @Pedzola said:

@JW77 said:
APMEX had 2 1913 MS64 CAC in their inventory....

I inquired with apmex about the 1913 in 64 cac in their inventory. (I didn't think they had 2, but if so it would have been the same story):

They said they didnt have any pictures of the actual coin, the cert number is unknown, they couldnt tell me anything other than it's a 1913 $5 in 64 cac. The picture on the website and the picture on ebay (same stock number) were 2 different coins. And they told me both were stock images.

I opted not to buy a coin blind having no idea what I would get.

The pictures you are showing are the pics they posted on ebay. The coin is nice except for the swipe on the obverse 2nd star after liberty. I would have considered this one for my set. I will keep looking. Congrats on the pickup.

Same issues with APMEX. Do not understand how they can sell non-bullion coins sight unseen. You’d think pictures or cert numbers would help their business. They had a proof like coin I wanted but no way to send pictures AND I was told if I bought both coins and returned the one I didn’t like they would charge restocking.

I bought the AU50 chopped 1877-CC trade dollar in my set sight unseen from APMEX. It's such a tough date I just wanted to buy it and was willing to eat any expenses to return if I got it in hand and hated it. After my purchase the pictures updated on their website and they were underwhelming. Oh well.

Then I got it in hand and it had really nice luster and was attractive. Nice looking coin for a tough date and definitely a keeper! And now:

Their numismatic prices are all over the place and pictures are not great but I would gamble buying there again if they had what I was looking for. Worst case they accept returns.

alaura22

@johnny010 said:
Subscribed

Waiting to see the 29. > @Pedzola said:

@JW77 said:
APMEX had 2 1913 MS64 CAC in their inventory....

I inquired with apmex about the 1913 in 64 cac in their inventory. (I didn't think they had 2, but if so it would have been the same story):

They said they didnt have any pictures of the actual coin, the cert number is unknown, they couldnt tell me anything other than it's a 1913 $5 in 64 cac. The picture on the website and the picture on ebay (same stock number) were 2 different coins. And they told me both were stock images.

I opted not to buy a coin blind having no idea what I would get.

The pictures you are showing are the pics they posted on ebay. The coin is nice except for the swipe on the obverse 2nd star after liberty. I would have considered this one for my set. I will keep looking. Congrats on the pickup.

Same issues with APMEX. Do not understand how they can sell non-bullion coins sight unseen. You’d think pictures or cert numbers would help their business. They had a proof like coin I wanted but no way to send pictures AND I was told if I bought both coins and returned the one I didn’t like they would charge restocking.

Just another company that I will not deal with

alaura22

@JW77 said:

@alaura22 said:

@Pedzola said:

@alaura22 said:
Have any plans for the 1909-D?

Already gone.

I love that song.......................my x not so much!

Pedzola

Alright I have a new coin to share! Up to 8/9 now (or 8/10 if I ever get a 1929).

A huge thank you to fellow $5 Indian collector @Dscoin for finding and procuring this wonderful 1913 $5 for me at the recent Pittsburgh ANA.

And thank you to @messydesk for taking some great pictures of the coin at the show, so I don't have to.

Pedzola

And here is the set all together so far.

gschwernk

Very nice set. I just started a $5 set including the Indians. You are right they are not easy for find nice cac or not.

pcgscacgold

Very cool @Pedzola For about 10 years I collected the little sister Quarter Eagle. I got to 12 of them and then figured out they were way too small and wished I had done the $5's. You have put together a great set.

rsei0120

I am so excited for you all, as a newbie, I won my first 1912 $10 Indian, then I went for a 1911, then a 1911 S, and now I am waiting for a 1914 D, as soon as I get them all I am sending in for grading, one I was very excited is a MS65. I am learning to be selective, but I did get hooked on these lol, will post pictures after I get them slabbed

divecchia

Nice addition to a great looking $5 gold set.

Thanks for sharing your progress.

Donato