There’s just something about the 27-S SLQ that I just love. Same with the 23-S Walker. I need to go through the pics on my desktop computer to see if I can find the 23-S. It’s an NGC MS62.
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@lkeigwin said:
Just one? Tough choice. I suppose it would be something impossible to replace, scarce, beautiful and unspoiled, historic. And representative of a favorite series.
These are the best coins all in one post that I’ve ever seen —
Many of these coins are the “best of the best” - indeed we have some great collectors and experts in this forum.
I appreciate you all - I’ve learned so much over the last few years since I’ve been on here… YOU ALL are the best of the best, and I thank you so much for contributing here and sharing your knowledge, wisdom, and of course your coins!!
All the best,
Tyler
@1northcoin said:
Wow, what a challenge. Just like asking us to name our favorite child.
At the risk of boring those who have seen it before, this one has become a favorite due to its uniqueness and provenance. As far as I know there has only been one other photographed 1850 Double Eagle that has been held out as a proof, and that one appears to have been minted as a special piece for a set in the fall of 1850 while mine can lay claim to having been one of, if not the first, 1850 $20 gold piece minted in the spring of 1850 - given its having been in the private collection of its designer, James B. Longacre.
(FWIW despite having been identified as a proof by others, I am more than satisfied with Max Mehl's auction description of the coin when he described it as "a brilliant semi-proof, almost equal to a brilliant proof.")
Thanks to the efforts of fellow forum member yosclimber, here is the 1949 Max Mehl auction description which he located:
This one has been my favorite for several years- it has all the character and history I love in lower grade circulated coins, but the surfaces and luster of a nice XF/AU.
Gosh, what a tough decision. Certainly not the most expensive, rare or hard to comeby, but has been my favorite Buff for 30+ years. I have many more Buffs I love, but this was one of the first truly nice ones. Photo by CHD, thanks Joe.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
@jackpine20 said:
Irreplaceable is my criteria. I am awestruck at the quality of the engraving and otherwise original surfaces on this 1799/8 draped bust $1. I paid minimum bid, straight grade G6 money for this raw engraved dollar that PCGS later evaluated as VG details. The folks at PCGS, followed through with my request for a solid rubber gasket! I couldn’t be happier!
Nice!!
Here’s one online I’ve been considering. PCGS scored it graffiti - vf details
Wow. Just one? Huh ... I can't imagine just having to only keep one. Maybe this one, still
1814 O-107a (107.3), P58cac, R5
ex-Link, ex-Frederick. A soft golden-grey patina with patches of russet and aqua-blue graces full cartwheel luster and mark-free surfaces. From Sheridan Downey; "Russ Logan quaintly referred to this intermediate die state as the one with "a mouse on the nose.” Logan owned one of two known 1814 platinum half-dollars, Judd 44. They were struck from the O.107 die pair. Since they do NOT have a mouse on the nose (or a die break between 81 of the date) we know that they were struck in 1814 at the Mint, not pieces de caprice, struck elsewhere from discarded dies."
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
A very special date with exceptional toning. Just a very small ding on her chin ........ and I have seen many 67's with worse. But none of my women seem to be perfect either.
I am going to expand this. Favorite two coins I cannot part with them equally. Both AU55 and perfect examples (to me at least) of what a flawless AU coin looks like - almost no surface marks and an original antique silver patina, and both very difficult to find in nice AU.
Then I have the coin which is my greatest regret selling.
Wow. Just one? Huh ... I can't imagine just having to only keep one. Maybe this one, still
1814 O-107a (107.3), P58cac, R5
ex-Link, ex-Frederick. A soft golden-grey patina with patches of russet and aqua-blue graces full cartwheel luster and mark-free surfaces. From Sheridan Downey; "Russ Logan quaintly referred to this intermediate die state as the one with "a mouse on the nose.” Logan owned one of two known 1814 platinum half-dollars, Judd 44. They were struck from the O.107 die pair. Since they do NOT have a mouse on the nose (or a die break between 81 of the date) we know that they were struck in 1814 at the Mint, not pieces de caprice, struck elsewhere from discarded dies."
While I own a 1814 50c, I am not familiar with this series. Is this coin a Judd-44, struck in platinum?
Regardless, it’s a beautiful coin!
HB
Wow. Just one? Huh ... I can't imagine just having to only keep one. Maybe this one, still
1814 O-107a (107.3), P58cac, R5
ex-Link, ex-Frederick. A soft golden-grey patina with patches of russet and aqua-blue graces full cartwheel luster and mark-free surfaces. From Sheridan Downey; "Russ Logan quaintly referred to this intermediate die state as the one with "a mouse on the nose.” Logan owned one of two known 1814 platinum half-dollars, Judd 44. They were struck from the O.107 die pair. Since they do NOT have a mouse on the nose (or a die break between 81 of the date) we know that they were struck in 1814 at the Mint, not pieces de caprice, struck elsewhere from discarded dies."
While I own a 1814 50c, I am not familiar with this series. Is this coin a Judd-44, struck in platinum?
Regardless, it’s a beautiful coin!
HB
That one is struck in silver.
I'm not sure if both platinum pieces are counterstamped, but I'm pretty sure they are...
But what a cool way to authenticate the striking Era, die states don't lie!
👏
That one is struck in silver.
I'm not sure if both platinum pieces are counterstamped, but I'm pretty sure they are...
But what a cool way to authenticate the striking Era, die states don't lie!
👏
.
Sorry I'm late to respond.
@jayPem is correct, mine is silver ... a regular issue variety of a Later Die State. My understanding is the two known platinum examples are severely counter-stamped with multiple P's, but I have heard conflicting reports about the second example. There is a good primer article about the Judd Plate coin here.
@jackpine20 said:
Irreplaceable is my criteria. I am awestruck at the quality of the engraving and otherwise original surfaces on this 1799/8 draped bust $1. I paid minimum bid, straight grade G6 money for this raw engraved dollar that PCGS later evaluated as VG details. The folks at PCGS, followed through with my request for a solid rubber gasket! I couldn’t be happier!
That's a beauty.
Unfortunately I would never know whether my very first draped bust with weeping liberty had normal or irregular date.
A very special date with exceptional toning. Just a very small ding on her chin ........ and I have seen many 67's with worse. But none of my women seem to be perfect either.
Some of the best coins I have even seen occur on this thread - all I can say is wow … mouth open and just in awe of all these examples …. Many of us are truly blessed!
This one, I svppose. It's not the most valvable coin in my collection, bvt try finding another 1921 with as mvch character. Lvster? check. Eye-appeal? check. Svrfaces? check. Strike? (way above average), check. It lives in a PCGS MS66 CAC holder. I liked it so mvch I made a period-appropriate collage for it:
I have nicer and I have prettier but this was my first cherry 🍒 (sorry for bad iPhone pics and stray German shepherd hair 😆). 1824 O-124, R.5. PCGS has 23 graded total.
@BryceM said:
This one, I svppose. It's not the most valvable coin in my collection…. It lives in a PCGS MS66 CAC holder ….
That is nice coin - I’m a big fan of the peace dollars. A MS66 1921 cac, I believe, would certainly be the most valuable coin in my collection…!!!!
I have a nice 64 - would love to own a 66. Thanks for sharing!
I am surprised so many can decide on a favorite all time coin. If I tried I am not sure I could narrow it down to a half dozen or not. Hmm.... But enjoy those that can.
Well if that’s your only ancient you did a good job of picking one.
Very nice tetradrachm!
Thanks!
There's a story, so I can't resist.
When I was a kid, collecting coins out of circulation, my family took a trip to NYC. We went to the various museums (because that's what we did; it was a different, but wonderful, childhood). Being half Greek, and in love with ancient Greece and Greek myths, I could not leave a replica of this coin in the gift shop.
Fast forward 60 years, and I decided that, now that I'm a big boy, I wanted a real one. So I looked, far and wide, learned what I could about them, and decided to buy this one.
There are some other candidates such as the AU58 BN 1909 Lincoln cent I found roll hunting as a kid. I turned over a high grade circulated wheat cent with no expectations and there was that magical date! Unfortunately, I don't have photos of it, and it's not a particularly valuable coin, just a memorable find. So, I'll go with the 1851 seated Liberty half for its combination of scarcity and choice appearance. It was a pretty memorable "find" as well for me, my first on-line HA auction, and I wanted it so badly that I hit the bid button repeatedly until I placed a bid on the next coin.
@BryceM said:
This one, I svppose. It's not the most valvable coin in my collection, bvt try finding another 1921 with as mvch character. Lvster? check. Eye-appeal? check. Svrfaces? check. Strike? (way above average), check. It lives in a PCGS MS66 CAC holder. I liked it so mvch I made a period-appropriate collage for it:
What a spectular Peace Dollar, and very rare with nice toning. I especially like the reverse where it looks like the sun is just rising at 5:00 A. M. And Ms. Liberty is still awakening.
Comments
There’s just something about the 27-S SLQ that I just love. Same with the 23-S Walker. I need to go through the pics on my desktop computer to see if I can find the 23-S. It’s an NGC MS62.
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Absolutely gorgeous key date. Wowwww
Probably this Pioneer Base Ball Club medal by John Bolen. Took me forever to find a nice one, and than another 3 months to pay it off!
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Very hard for me to choose, but probably this one today 🤔
Mr_Spud
My FAVE, posted before and from BST !!
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)
These are the best coins all in one post that I’ve ever seen —
Many of these coins are the “best of the best” - indeed we have some great collectors and experts in this forum.
I appreciate you all - I’ve learned so much over the last few years since I’ve been on here… YOU ALL are the best of the best, and I thank you so much for contributing here and sharing your knowledge, wisdom, and of course your coins!!
All the best,
Tyler
Wow. What fun running through this thread...
Probably this one for me...
Click on this link to see my ebay listings.
Thanks all for the responses.
Agree this has been a fun thread.
Well if that’s your only ancient you did a good job of picking one.
Very nice tetradrachm!
I have nicer coins - I guess "interesting" must count a lot.
(Photo by messydesk.)
Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association
This one has been my favorite for several years- it has all the character and history I love in lower grade circulated coins, but the surfaces and luster of a nice XF/AU.
Beware the Ides of March!
Gosh, what a tough decision. Certainly not the most expensive, rare or hard to comeby, but has been my favorite Buff for 30+ years. I have many more Buffs I love, but this was one of the first truly nice ones. Photo by CHD, thanks Joe.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Nice!!
Here’s one online I’ve been considering. PCGS scored it graffiti - vf details
My forever grail
Great coins in this thread!
Wow. Just one? Huh ... I can't imagine just having to only keep one. Maybe this one, still
1814 O-107a (107.3), P58cac, R5
ex-Link, ex-Frederick. A soft golden-grey patina with patches of russet and aqua-blue graces full cartwheel luster and mark-free surfaces. From Sheridan Downey; "Russ Logan quaintly referred to this intermediate die state as the one with "a mouse on the nose.” Logan owned one of two known 1814 platinum half-dollars, Judd 44. They were struck from the O.107 die pair. Since they do NOT have a mouse on the nose (or a die break between 81 of the date) we know that they were struck in 1814 at the Mint, not pieces de caprice, struck elsewhere from discarded dies."
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
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.
I feel very lucky to own this one........
A very special date with exceptional toning. Just a very small ding on her chin ........ and I have seen many 67's with worse. But none of my women seem to be perfect either.
OINK
This thread is intense.
I am going to expand this. Favorite two coins I cannot part with them equally. Both AU55 and perfect examples (to me at least) of what a flawless AU coin looks like - almost no surface marks and an original antique silver patina, and both very difficult to find in nice AU.
Then I have the coin which is my greatest regret selling.
.
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Oh I wish I had kept this Seated Half.
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While I own a 1814 50c, I am not familiar with this series. Is this coin a Judd-44, struck in platinum?
Regardless, it’s a beautiful coin!
HB
That one is struck in silver.
I'm not sure if both platinum pieces are counterstamped, but I'm pretty sure they are...
But what a cool way to authenticate the striking Era, die states don't lie!
👏
I'll go with this one for now. It is the one used for my avatar.
"Why waste time learning, when ignorance is instantaneous?"- Calvin and Hobbes
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Sorry I'm late to respond.
@jayPem is correct, mine is silver ... a regular issue variety of a Later Die State. My understanding is the two known platinum examples are severely counter-stamped with multiple P's, but I have heard conflicting reports about the second example. There is a good primer article about the Judd Plate coin here.
https://www.pcgs.com/news/pcgs-certifies-1814-platinum-half-dollar
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
A different pic of the coin I already posted. Something I just love about the 27-S SLQ
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That's a beauty.
Unfortunately I would never know whether my very first draped bust with weeping liberty had normal or irregular date.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/quarters/PCGS-2020-quarter-quest/album/247091
That’s spectacular! 🥰
My YouTube Channel
Some of the best coins I have even seen occur on this thread - all I can say is wow … mouth open and just in awe of all these examples …. Many of us are truly blessed!
This one, I svppose. It's not the most valvable coin in my collection, bvt try finding another 1921 with as mvch character. Lvster? check. Eye-appeal? check. Svrfaces? check. Strike? (way above average), check. It lives in a PCGS MS66 CAC holder. I liked it so mvch I made a period-appropriate collage for it:
Beautiful, and SIGNIFICANT, coins everyone!
I have nicer and I have prettier but this was my first cherry 🍒 (sorry for bad iPhone pics and stray German shepherd hair 😆). 1824 O-124, R.5. PCGS has 23 graded total.
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
That is nice coin - I’m a big fan of the peace dollars. A MS66 1921 cac, I believe, would certainly be the most valuable coin in my collection…!!!!
I have a nice 64 - would love to own a 66. Thanks for sharing!
I am surprised so many can decide on a favorite all time coin. If I tried I am not sure I could narrow it down to a half dozen or not. Hmm.... But enjoy those that can.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wwmUMvhy-lY - Pink Me And Bobby McGee
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https://youtube.com/watch?v=D0FPxuQv2ns - Ruby Starr (from 'Go Jim Dandy') Maybe I'm Amazed
RLJ 1958 - 2023
I don’t have a single favorite coin. But here’s one that I adore….
Thanks!
There's a story, so I can't resist.
When I was a kid, collecting coins out of circulation, my family took a trip to NYC. We went to the various museums (because that's what we did; it was a different, but wonderful, childhood). Being half Greek, and in love with ancient Greece and Greek myths, I could not leave a replica of this coin in the gift shop.
Fast forward 60 years, and I decided that, now that I'm a big boy, I wanted a real one. So I looked, far and wide, learned what I could about them, and decided to buy this one.
And I couldn't be happier!
Mark
There are some other candidates such as the AU58 BN 1909 Lincoln cent I found roll hunting as a kid. I turned over a high grade circulated wheat cent with no expectations and there was that magical date! Unfortunately, I don't have photos of it, and it's not a particularly valuable coin, just a memorable find. So, I'll go with the 1851 seated Liberty half for its combination of scarcity and choice appearance. It was a pretty memorable "find" as well for me, my first on-line HA auction, and I wanted it so badly that I hit the bid button repeatedly until I placed a bid on the next coin.
This coin put me on a lifetime of collecting coins with clash marks.
Splendid!
My YouTube Channel
It's hard to pick a favorite, but I do catch myself looking at this one quite a bit...
Dwayne F. Sessom
Ebay ID: V-Nickel-Coins
A very private specimen for over 150 years!
What a spectular Peace Dollar, and very rare with nice toning. I especially like the reverse where it looks like the sun is just rising at 5:00 A. M. And Ms. Liberty is still awakening.
OINK
Thank you! What is also strange about this one is that it is bag toned on the eagle's breast feathers.
I view it as the cornerstone for my collection which is mostly toned Peace and Morgan dollars.
This one has survived all of the sell-offs over the years. While not an MS69, the strike and surfaces are exceptional.
So interesting how many of these are dated 1814!
So you bought this Craig?
@bolivarshagnasty
Do you mind to share the grade on the 1919 cent? It’s incredible!!
All of these coins together would make a killer collection!
It’s in a 65rb holder. Always new it was under graded. JA agreed and gave it a gold CAC. Purchased years ago on ebay, raw and under $100.