choices..... seated quarter w/arrows for type set

ad4400

I know the "which one to keep" comes down to personal choices, but I still think its fun to see other's thought processes and priorities. I have two seated quarters with arrows for the type set. I find both very eye appealing and either could be a good fit for the direction I want the set to go.

Coin one is the 1853 w/Rays. The 'case' for this one is that I prefer the w/rays design. It is the higher grade coin with a larger value. It was also the coin I purchased for the album set long ago, bought as NGC58, made raw, and recently graded by PCGS.

Coin two is the 1854 w/arrows. I purchased this one already graded from a board member, before I had brought the 7070 back from the SDB to refresh on which pieces I would have graded to keep vs sell. The 'case' for this one is its undeniable eye appeal. As a 45+ it is also a POP 1 coin, and my type set was shaping up with POP 1 as a theme, with four POP 1 coins (due to variety attributions or + grades), and the idea of pursing POP 1 coin seemed appealing (albeit elusive, as one of the POP 1's is no longer).

I'll disclose my decision later, but am interested in how other's would reach their conclusion.

MapsOnFire

If the 2nd coin were a 50 instead of a 45+, making it a pop 155 instead of a pop 2, it would be LESS desirable?

DisneyFan

The 1853 is a nicer coin; but, we have two type coins here so I'd keep them both and look to upgrade the 1854.

privatecoin

Love the 53.

oldabeintx

Keep the '53 for sure, but you do need both as types. And the '54 also has an original look that I myself like a lot.

Cladiator

It's a type set, I'd keep and include them both as they are two different types. Win/Win.

telephoto1

I like the Arrows/Rays piece personally. Attractive color, nice strike, one year type, higher value. The 54 is also very attractive but I don't get hung up on Pop 1 stuff because it's just a matter of time before it's no longer Pop1.

MFeld

For better or worse, I focused on the pictures of the coins, and ignored the values, populations, etc.
I love the look of the 1853, and while the 1854 looks fairly nice, it doesn't compare. Among other considerations, the mark on Liberty's left facing leg of the latter distracts me a bit too much.

throckmj2004

I love the look of the 1853 far more than the 1854. They eye appeal is exceptional and I love the w/rays a lot more anyway. As @MFeld said, the mark on the left facing leg of the 1854 distracts me as well. I am more of a novice but the strike on the 1853 seems wonderful as well. Great coins!

jesbroken

The clarity of the strike of the 53 stands out and shouts at me, plus I love the rays. No brainer for me.
Jim

JBN

1854. Reds and greens. Great toning and look.

gumby1234

The 53 looks so much nicer and I like the arrows and rays design better.

Walkerguy21D

@Cladiator said:
It's a type set, I'd keep and include them both as they are two different types. Win/Win.

Agree with this!
Unless you need the $, keep both.
If one must go, sell the ‘54.

ironmanl63

I like the 53. I would be interested if you wanted to sell.

pursuitofliberty

@MFeld said:
For better or worse, I focused on the pictures of the coins, and ignored the values, populations, etc.
I love the look of the 1853, and while the 1854 looks fairly nice, it doesn't compare. Among other considerations, the mark on Liberty's left facing leg of the latter distracts me a bit too much.

Spot on my with my thoughts, fwiw

Also, if only one, the 53 Arrows and Rays is a "better" design in my eyes

Catbert

I'm an A&R design lover and this coin looks attractive to me. Thus this would be my choice.

The toning on the 1854 arrows is attractive, but I find the toning spot surrounding the eagle's head a little disconcerting. And the leg gash is bothersome as well.

Of course these are TVs and so the in-hand toning might well be exaggerated, so that could be a factor in my ultimate decision.

spyglassdesign

To me it's simple. If you prefer the arrows and rays design, then that's the one you would be happier with imo...

Mr_Spud

53 would be my choice

AdamL

If I had to choose one, it would be the 1853. Eye appeal, higher grade and Rays.

ricko

The 1853 is my preference....better detail, and I like the rays. Cheers, RickO

ad4400

The 53 is the keeper on my end as well. It was open/closed case based on the w/rays design alone. I also feel like many of the other posters that the 53 is the nicer coin, although the 54 has a lot of charm in its own right. When the original owner posted the 54 as a GTG, there were a lot of AU responses, but that the hit on the leg netted it down to the 45+.