Okay, back to the very end of the auction, at least for me. By this time the participation was greater, and some of the really nice-looking coins are certainly not getting missed.
I think @Pnies20 and I are running on fumes at this point. I’ve also now had a couple other texts with other collectors, @pcgscacgold being one of them, and I am into a different zone. A mix of exhaustion, bewonderment, satisfaction, doubt and relief, and massive information overload.
There were just two more MB#55 coins on the list, and just three coins on my list overall.
I won the next, and then lost the last MB#55 coin I was tracking, which had been Lot #53 there, to strong bidding. I was okay with that, as I had won so many by this point and I had seriously depleted the set aside for this auction. Also, and this probably doesn’t really matter, but in the state of exhaustion after this marathon, I decided I wasn’t paying up for a late date R.1, even though I wished I’d have won her.
I never even bid on the last coin on my list.
.
Once that last one had passed, I shut off the screen and @Pnies20 and discussed everything going on, what we were hearing from other collectors, who won what and the like. I would copy and paste screenshots, but so many have personal information, I won’t go there. His screenshots were one of the best parts of the night.
He was also in “coverbutt” mode, for fear of the pending doghouse he might find himself in, as his lovely wife was getting word of his winnings. 😉 He even sold a coin out from under me, the rat bastage!!
.
Okay, back to that last coin I won in the Stephenville auction.
We still need to go back and revisit six (what?!) others, but we'll save that for the weekend. Good thing I’m not married … finding me in a doghouse might be an upgrade to the reality I would face!!
.
Anyway, at least one person who has contributed to this thread will recognize her I think, as he has a keen eye and is an astute collector, and he used to own the piece, some time ago.
Another participant in this thread made a unique suggestion tonight. @HillbillyCollector wanted to train his eye on GTG-type exercises, and after giving it some thought, at this point in the run, I think it might be fun for everyone to be able to test their image reading skills. We’ll figure that out as we go.
So instead of me telling you the grade, I’m just going to post the images I have or can produce myself. And I’ll list the Stephenville Lot #, so you can go back and check the grade. I may or may not add my description. I’ll leave the Die Marriage and Die State off as well, until the next coin I post, for those of you that want to sleuth that out.
.
For this coin, it will only be the images be from @lkeigwin , and we’ll put in part of Sheridan Downey’s description as well … because, well ... it is spot on. And frankly he’s a national numismatic treasure when it comes to cataloguing (and a lot of other things).
I will tell you the Die Marriage is a R.4-, so it’s hardly common fodder … although, to those in the know, no original Bust Halves are.
And again, this was the last coin I won in the Stephenville Auction, and one I certainly appreciate. Unfortunately for the consigner, this one cost me, all-in, less than half of what he had paid for her.
.
Stephenville Lot #93475 and previously MB55, Lot#52.
Sheridan wrote; "Archetypical grey dirt toning. Primeval and, of course, original. Caky luster rolls beneath the surface. The rims and central devices are beautifully impressed. Here is a first rate 1831."
.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
So, as I was first telling the story, I skipped over four coins after the gorgeous 21-104a and the spectacular 27-116.
I later came back and showed the 26-112, ex-Brown, but never showed these next ones.
Of course in the time that these were crossing the block, we had not settled into exhaustion, as the hunt and the game was still very much fresh and alive. Both @Pnies20 and I were taking our shots, and we both snagged a few prizes.
As much as I am absolutely thrilled with some of the first coins I showed in this thread, I am also very happy with all the coins I won.
Despite the fact this next coin isn’t what it seems to be (hint!), the Heritage images were easy to read. Also, this one had previously come from the D.S. Collection that Great Collections had auctioned in 2022, so finding another image was doable.
.
It was on my list, and when it came up, I was ready.
Back in the very beginning I mentioned I had put in a couple proxy bids, but I was only able to enter a few before the auction started, so I just decided to do the others in the auction live.
As the lot came up the bids increased until a proxy appeared to be the winner.
To the underbidder, man were we close! The bidding stopped at exactly $2. less than what I had written on my page to enter as my proxy! Two dollars!! It was an odd number too, just like I would have done.
Just $2. Amazing!!!
I almost didn't react in time, and had that not happened, I would not have bid again. But this became a very rare exception where I decided to exceed my bid limit. My brain told me it was me and the proxy, so I entered a cut bid … and crossed my fingers.
And, of course, she was mine!!
.
Okay, let’s do this … Heritage images (less the full slab), and mine.
No description, no Die Marriage, no Die State. We’ll give that out on the next update.
.
HA images
.
My images
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Okay, this has been a spectacularly fun adventure, but I think we've fallen of the edge.
Which is good. It's probably time to move on. I had the front page for long enough.
I never thought I would get so much support and interest, and I thank you all for that. Really, really.
I love to write, and allowing my own humor and internal dialogues to have a life of their own for a brief moment here has been very satisfying.
Again. Thank you all.
.
Before I forget, the last coin is a P50cac, and for those wondering, it's a 1822 O-101 (101.2), which is one of the "22/1" overdate varieties. Research has shown that both the 1822 O-101 and O-102 are not really overdates at all, but they continue to be catalogued and certified as such. See "Bust Half Fever" by Edgar E. Souders for a wonderful glimpse into these two issues.
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I am going to show one more coin from the auction here, even though I am leaving 5 more to be shown somewhere else, later. Yes, I won 14 coins! Crazy!! It decimated the war chest. But the war chest was well stocked too, so all is not lost.
I took some images on Friday night and this coin is rather amazing in hand compared to the images I found in the auction, or even at the previous sale. I kind of knew it would be, as the images I found where it sold on GC (not as part of the D.S. Collection, but just as a lot last January) were telling.
.
Before we go there though, I want to discuss several last aspects of the Stephenville auction, as a consideration.
First, I never meant to disparage the consigner or the auction house. At all. As amazing as some of the prices realized were, I actually think, overall, it was healthy to see a more normalized valuations. We have been in a strong bull market for a couple years, during which several very strong buyers have been active in the hobby in more than a few series. This can skew prices in the short term.
Next, we all have different reasons for collecting, and we all have different reasons for selling. Sometimes, buying is done more quickly than learning. And sometimes, selling is also done on a fairly quick timeline, for whatever reasons. Again I heard the consigner is not having health problems, so I am thankful for that.
Further, we all have different thresholds and budgets. I don't write checks anywhere near what the consigner did ... that extra zero just doesn't work for me. Some of you don't write them the same as I do. Twenty years ago, I absolutely wouldn't have, so it's easy for me to see the contrast.
Finally, I think as long as we collect with a passion and understanding, and try not to let the quality of our lives, or that of our loved ones, be affected negatively by our strange addiction, life is good.
I am grateful for the journey.
.
Okay. Here she is. Thank you for letting me ramble.
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“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
@pursuitofliberty , you are a coin photo whisperer. Plain and simple. I don't think many people saw the coins photos for what the coins actually looked like. If they had, more bidders would have gotten involved. I have saved many of the HA auction photos, as well as ones from MB auctions, to compare in later auctions. Great lessons have been learned in this auction and results.
“Finally, I think as long as we collect with a passion and understanding, and try not to let the quality of our lives, or that of our loved ones, be affected negatively by our strange addiction, life is good.”
Amen to that. Great coins and a great story to go with them.
Shucks @pursuitofliberty , you have kept a great thread going! Don’t stop now, we need to see those other 4-5 coins! I’ve really enjoyed this, been a lot of fun!👍
OK you lettered edge CBH folks.
I'm mostly a type collector. All LE halves are considered one type and I see three.
First style 1807-1808. My favorite. Second 1809-1832? Third 1833-1836? Based on bust size.
How do you categorize them and what do you call them? Please educate me.
@Nic said:
OK you lettered edge CBH folks.
I'm mostly a type collector. All LE halves are considered one type and I see three.
First style 1807-1808. My favorite. Second 1809-1832? Third 1833-1836? Based on bust size.
How do you categorize them and what do you call them? Please educate me.
OK, you asked for it. The following pages are from my book Bust Half a dollar Bibliomania.
Q: When does a collector become a numismatist?
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
Okay, let’s fill in the last of those four coins that went in between the 21-104a and the 27-116, and we’ll see if I can spin a good tale for three of the final four after that, as they do have a kind of funny story.
Maybe give me a day or two to take some images and write something up.
And regarding your comment prior to that, you've seen some of the girls I hang out with!
. @Nic I'll let others comment further too, and with the aforementioned reference you have some background ... but yes, at least three distinct changes. Maybe we can get @lkeigwin in here to expound on his design style descriptions. I can't seem to find them, but he had some good ones.
Of course, all the dies are hand crafted, so the changes and anomalies are what give us the Overton references.
However, to your point, the '07 and '08 have the different reverse, which is quite noticeable, but even the obverse portrait is different from later issues.
Then, while there are some subtle changes, the design remains pretty constant from 1809 through 1832, the year of Chief Engraver Kneass's great experimentations. 1832 is actually Sub-type #8 according to Souders' descriptions (see Bust Half Fever")!!
He even refers to Sub-type #9 affectionately as the "Traditional Abominable Bastards"! See I'm not the only Nut!!
However, in the end, I rarely hear coins referred to by their sub-types, as it is mostly either date, date and variety, or date and Overton reference. Maybe we should work on that!
Hopefully we'll get some other takes here too.
.
Okay, back to that last coin … an 1824 O-101a (24/1 overdate), in a P50 dinner jacket, with an emerald brooch ... for those who didn't look it up.
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Now, the last on from in between 21-104a and 27-116.
If anyone can tell me two of the three reason’s I bid on this next one, I am going to be impressed.
I will say this, it was on my list and I was prepared more a substantial percentage higher than I did.
Difficult to image, so I may need to come back on this one.
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“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
One of the most enjoyable threads I have read. Thanks for sharing. Your enthusiasm and excitement throughout this journey keeps me coming back for the latest installment. Keep it coming.
I'm sorry that I missed it in the real-time daily basis that you posted it, but now it's been bookmarked by me to read over and over in the future. You picked up some legitimately scarce and aesthetically wonderful pieces and your writeup is absolutely worthy of publication to share with a larger audience. As a side note, I had owned a DBH ex-Brown and the coin was original as all get-out and gorgeous as heck. It was also in the old NGC fatty holder. In a moment of weakness I sold it to another collector who then ended up crossing it to PCGS at one grade increment lower. I didn't care about the grade increment ding, but the loss of pedigree information and the pristine NGC fatty really hurt.
@TomB Thanks for the comments. This was a fun thread. I had considered trying to do a follow-up, but this week got away from me. Maybe still.
And yes, the loss of original holder kind of hurts (although I still have the tag). I am grateful I do have another Brown coin (1832 O-105) still in the NGC holder that I found this summer.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Okay, before we start, that last one is an 1822 O-105a, which is a much more difficult Die State, and it was not marked as such.
For those doing a GtG it is in a AU50 holder, and that is the correct grade IMO. It could be one higher, but not one lower. It was the middle in the run of three AU50’s I won (between the 22/1 and the 24/1), and the only one of the those three without a bean. I may send it someday.
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Going back to that Monday night, now 4 weeks ago (Wow!), there was one more coin on my bidding list.
Since I did this all out of order, it’ll have to finish that way too, at least if I am ever going to get through all of this story.
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Back to my mind set that night, I had already won two 1827’s that were on my list … and I had also won the first of three coins that were not on my list. That will be the next part of the story, as I rarely ever bid on things that didn’t make the final bidding list ... and in and of itself, that could be another story.
Anyway, I was a little in a state of disbelief at this time, but not numb yet, and still very much in the hunter’s mindset. Yet I knew, even then, I hadn’t really thought I would win so many. I knew, this was much different than anything I had experienced recently (if ever) … and I knew I was extremely fortunate to have won some of the spectacular coins so far.
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The next coin up was not necessarily spectacular. Not flashy or colorful in that way that seems to stop everyone who looks.
I have professed my love for the “dirty girls”, the ones who lived a little and danced a jig or two. While I absolutely appreciate the gorgeous and pristine, it’s really the ones that just got in from a ten-mile hike and a kayak paddle across the lake that hold a special place in my heart. Maybe "dirty" really isn’t really the right description … I think “wholesome” is a better moniker.
So, besides all the amazing wins that had already happened (and the ones I didn’t know would happen yet), this coin had made my final list, and she was still worthy of consideration. I was hopeful with all that had transpired so far that I could make her mine without much struggle.
And then, in a flash … like so many in this auction … it was a bid … a waiting … and a win.
I would have stretched farther to bring her home.
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Formerly from the DS Registry (I think I will label all those ex-Pierce) sold in August of 2022, with a touch of “caky goodness”, here is a wholesome example that came for a visit, and will probably stay for a long time;
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“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Comments
Gorgeous! Love those defined stars and the original looking surfaces!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Yup, I’m officially in love. 😁
Very nice!!!!
Successful BST with drddm, BustDMs, Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino
$5 Type Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/type-sets/half-eagle-type-set-circulation-strikes-1795-1929/album/344192
CBH Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/everyman-collections/everyman-half-dollars/everyman-capped-bust-half-dollars-1807-1839/album/345572
Okay, back to the very end of the auction, at least for me. By this time the participation was greater, and some of the really nice-looking coins are certainly not getting missed.
I think @Pnies20 and I are running on fumes at this point. I’ve also now had a couple other texts with other collectors, @pcgscacgold being one of them, and I am into a different zone. A mix of exhaustion, bewonderment, satisfaction, doubt and relief, and massive information overload.
There were just two more MB#55 coins on the list, and just three coins on my list overall.
I won the next, and then lost the last MB#55 coin I was tracking, which had been Lot #53 there, to strong bidding. I was okay with that, as I had won so many by this point and I had seriously depleted the set aside for this auction. Also, and this probably doesn’t really matter, but in the state of exhaustion after this marathon, I decided I wasn’t paying up for a late date R.1, even though I wished I’d have won her.
I never even bid on the last coin on my list.
.
Once that last one had passed, I shut off the screen and @Pnies20 and discussed everything going on, what we were hearing from other collectors, who won what and the like. I would copy and paste screenshots, but so many have personal information, I won’t go there. His screenshots were one of the best parts of the night.
He was also in “coverbutt” mode, for fear of the pending doghouse he might find himself in, as his lovely wife was getting word of his winnings. 😉 He even sold a coin out from under me, the rat bastage!!
.
Okay, back to that last coin I won in the Stephenville auction.
We still need to go back and revisit six (what?!) others, but we'll save that for the weekend. Good thing I’m not married … finding me in a doghouse might be an upgrade to the reality I would face!!
.
Anyway, at least one person who has contributed to this thread will recognize her I think, as he has a keen eye and is an astute collector, and he used to own the piece, some time ago.
Another participant in this thread made a unique suggestion tonight. @HillbillyCollector wanted to train his eye on GTG-type exercises, and after giving it some thought, at this point in the run, I think it might be fun for everyone to be able to test their image reading skills. We’ll figure that out as we go.
So instead of me telling you the grade, I’m just going to post the images I have or can produce myself. And I’ll list the Stephenville Lot #, so you can go back and check the grade. I may or may not add my description. I’ll leave the Die Marriage and Die State off as well, until the next coin I post, for those of you that want to sleuth that out.
.
For this coin, it will only be the images be from @lkeigwin , and we’ll put in part of Sheridan Downey’s description as well … because, well ... it is spot on. And frankly he’s a national numismatic treasure when it comes to cataloguing (and a lot of other things).
I will tell you the Die Marriage is a R.4-, so it’s hardly common fodder … although, to those in the know, no original Bust Halves are.
And again, this was the last coin I won in the Stephenville Auction, and one I certainly appreciate. Unfortunately for the consigner, this one cost me, all-in, less than half of what he had paid for her.
.
Stephenville Lot #93475 and previously MB55, Lot#52.
Sheridan wrote; "Archetypical grey dirt toning. Primeval and, of course, original. Caky luster rolls beneath the surface. The rims and central devices are beautifully impressed. Here is a first rate 1831."
.
“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
That was a fun night of texting @pursuitofliberty and something I had never been a part of before. Live play by play as the auction unfolded.
Another great add to your set. The hits keep coming.
Successful BST with drddm, BustDMs, Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino
$5 Type Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/type-sets/half-eagle-type-set-circulation-strikes-1795-1929/album/344192
CBH Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/everyman-collections/everyman-half-dollars/everyman-capped-bust-half-dollars-1807-1839/album/345572
I envy you bust half guys and your awesome community. This auction report beats the pants off most show reports I’ve read.
Looks like there's a new whale in the bay.. haven't seen a haul like this since HerbT crushed the founding fathers 😂
Seriously, this is fabulous and super fun vicarious thrills. Truly what we nutters need to keep the fire burning 🔥
As for the 31
I'll wager 55 obverse, 58 reverse.
And pcgs says...61!
Todd mentions in his last post, "good thing I'm not married".
Actually it is better for the females everywhere.......
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
Hey @scudafuel … we’d welcome you into the fold. Heck, you’re already a Bust guy anyway, so you’re kind of an honorary member in my mind.
Even if you are two bits short of the right series!
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@jayPem Hahaha! All prices from me to you just went up!!
And from what I heard, I think @Herb_T took in more plankton than I did on this sale too!
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@BustDM You are absolutely correct! It would be a shame if my charms couldn't be shared!!
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Okay, and that last one was an 1831 O-116, and it is in a P58 holder. Hopefully I didn’t spoil it for anyone.
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“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
Okay, back to coins and auctions and such …
So, as I was first telling the story, I skipped over four coins after the gorgeous 21-104a and the spectacular 27-116.
I later came back and showed the 26-112, ex-Brown, but never showed these next ones.
Of course in the time that these were crossing the block, we had not settled into exhaustion, as the hunt and the game was still very much fresh and alive. Both @Pnies20 and I were taking our shots, and we both snagged a few prizes.
As much as I am absolutely thrilled with some of the first coins I showed in this thread, I am also very happy with all the coins I won.
Despite the fact this next coin isn’t what it seems to be (hint!), the Heritage images were easy to read. Also, this one had previously come from the D.S. Collection that Great Collections had auctioned in 2022, so finding another image was doable.
.
It was on my list, and when it came up, I was ready.
Back in the very beginning I mentioned I had put in a couple proxy bids, but I was only able to enter a few before the auction started, so I just decided to do the others in the auction live.
As the lot came up the bids increased until a proxy appeared to be the winner.
To the underbidder, man were we close! The bidding stopped at exactly $2. less than what I had written on my page to enter as my proxy! Two dollars!! It was an odd number too, just like I would have done.
Just $2. Amazing!!!
I almost didn't react in time, and had that not happened, I would not have bid again. But this became a very rare exception where I decided to exceed my bid limit. My brain told me it was me and the proxy, so I entered a cut bid … and crossed my fingers.
And, of course, she was mine!!
.
Okay, let’s do this … Heritage images (less the full slab), and mine.
No description, no Die Marriage, no Die State. We’ll give that out on the next update.
.
HA images
.
My images
“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
Beautiful pictures Todd....
Looks like Brother Lance taught you more than just a Lust for the Ladies.......
Okay, this has been a spectacularly fun adventure, but I think we've fallen of the edge.
Which is good. It's probably time to move on. I had the front page for long enough.
I never thought I would get so much support and interest, and I thank you all for that. Really, really.
I love to write, and allowing my own humor and internal dialogues to have a life of their own for a brief moment here has been very satisfying.
Again. Thank you all.
.
Before I forget, the last coin is a P50cac, and for those wondering, it's a 1822 O-101 (101.2), which is one of the "22/1" overdate varieties. Research has shown that both the 1822 O-101 and O-102 are not really overdates at all, but they continue to be catalogued and certified as such. See "Bust Half Fever" by Edgar E. Souders for a wonderful glimpse into these two issues.
.
I am going to show one more coin from the auction here, even though I am leaving 5 more to be shown somewhere else, later. Yes, I won 14 coins! Crazy!! It decimated the war chest. But the war chest was well stocked too, so all is not lost.
I took some images on Friday night and this coin is rather amazing in hand compared to the images I found in the auction, or even at the previous sale. I kind of knew it would be, as the images I found where it sold on GC (not as part of the D.S. Collection, but just as a lot last January) were telling.
.
Before we go there though, I want to discuss several last aspects of the Stephenville auction, as a consideration.
First, I never meant to disparage the consigner or the auction house. At all. As amazing as some of the prices realized were, I actually think, overall, it was healthy to see a more normalized valuations. We have been in a strong bull market for a couple years, during which several very strong buyers have been active in the hobby in more than a few series. This can skew prices in the short term.
Next, we all have different reasons for collecting, and we all have different reasons for selling. Sometimes, buying is done more quickly than learning. And sometimes, selling is also done on a fairly quick timeline, for whatever reasons. Again I heard the consigner is not having health problems, so I am thankful for that.
Further, we all have different thresholds and budgets. I don't write checks anywhere near what the consigner did ... that extra zero just doesn't work for me. Some of you don't write them the same as I do. Twenty years ago, I absolutely wouldn't have, so it's easy for me to see the contrast.
Finally, I think as long as we collect with a passion and understanding, and try not to let the quality of our lives, or that of our loved ones, be affected negatively by our strange addiction, life is good.
I am grateful for the journey.
.
Okay. Here she is. Thank you for letting me ramble.
.
“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
@pursuitofliberty , you are a coin photo whisperer. Plain and simple. I don't think many people saw the coins photos for what the coins actually looked like. If they had, more bidders would have gotten involved. I have saved many of the HA auction photos, as well as ones from MB auctions, to compare in later auctions. Great lessons have been learned in this auction and results.
You are ending on a beauty.
Successful BST with drddm, BustDMs, Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino
$5 Type Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/type-sets/half-eagle-type-set-circulation-strikes-1795-1929/album/344192
CBH Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/everyman-collections/everyman-half-dollars/everyman-capped-bust-half-dollars-1807-1839/album/345572
You keep showing us these dirty tarnished coins.
I’ll send you a bottle of dip if you can’t afford one.
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
“Finally, I think as long as we collect with a passion and understanding, and try not to let the quality of our lives, or that of our loved ones, be affected negatively by our strange addiction, life is good.”
Amen to that. Great coins and a great story to go with them.
@pursuitofliberty
After 5 days and 1100 views I do not think your thread has fallen off the edge. Maybe thread of the year and I don't collect CBH's.
Fab coins, history, pics, and writing, Reminds me of the old times on our forum.
Thank you very much for sharing.
Self-serving post incoming.
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
Oh, don't stop now! Not when we've been having so much fun!
Give us a few more!
Coin Photographer.
Shucks @pursuitofliberty , you have kept a great thread going! Don’t stop now, we need to see those other 4-5 coins! I’ve really enjoyed this, been a lot of fun!👍
OK you lettered edge CBH folks.
I'm mostly a type collector. All LE halves are considered one type and I see three.
First style 1807-1808. My favorite. Second 1809-1832? Third 1833-1836? Based on bust size.
How do you categorize them and what do you call them? Please educate me.
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
OK, you asked for it. The following pages are from my book Bust Half a dollar Bibliomania.
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
OMG, you guys are relentless!!
Wow, over 1100 views. Crazy.
Okay, let’s fill in the last of those four coins that went in between the 21-104a and the 27-116, and we’ll see if I can spin a good tale for three of the final four after that, as they do have a kind of funny story.
Maybe give me a day or two to take some images and write something up.
.
@BustDMs Excellent reference! Thank you!!
And regarding your comment prior to that, you've seen some of the girls I hang out with!
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@Nic I'll let others comment further too, and with the aforementioned reference you have some background ... but yes, at least three distinct changes. Maybe we can get @lkeigwin in here to expound on his design style descriptions. I can't seem to find them, but he had some good ones.
Of course, all the dies are hand crafted, so the changes and anomalies are what give us the Overton references.
However, to your point, the '07 and '08 have the different reverse, which is quite noticeable, but even the obverse portrait is different from later issues.
Then, while there are some subtle changes, the design remains pretty constant from 1809 through 1832, the year of Chief Engraver Kneass's great experimentations. 1832 is actually Sub-type #8 according to Souders' descriptions (see Bust Half Fever")!!
He even refers to Sub-type #9 affectionately as the "Traditional Abominable Bastards"! See I'm not the only Nut!!
However, in the end, I rarely hear coins referred to by their sub-types, as it is mostly either date, date and variety, or date and Overton reference. Maybe we should work on that!
Hopefully we'll get some other takes here too.
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... for those who didn't look it up.
Okay, back to that last coin … an 1824 O-101a (24/1 overdate), in a P50 dinner jacket, with an emerald brooch
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Now, the last on from in between 21-104a and 27-116.
If anyone can tell me two of the three reason’s I bid on this next one, I am going to be impressed.
I will say this, it was on my list and I was prepared more a substantial percentage higher than I did.
Difficult to image, so I may need to come back on this one.
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“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
Why?
first, its a lovely coin
second the die state 105.4 is estimated at R-6 to R-7
That @OKbustchaser , can't get anything by him!!
Well, maybe the provenances. But maybe he recognized that after the original post.
I'm not sure who had it before Pierce, and I am surprised he didn't have it attributed correctly.
Also, FWIW, unless something has changed this year, we are now listing the 105a (105.4) as a R.5. Still was a nice cherry for what I snagged her at.
“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
One of the most enjoyable threads I have read. Thanks for sharing. Your enthusiasm and excitement throughout this journey keeps me coming back for the latest installment. Keep it coming.
Beautiful coin. You CBH guys have too much fun.
Thank you very much @BustDMs for the Bibliomania pic, and @pursuitofliberty for your insight.
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
Amazing thread!
I'm sorry that I missed it in the real-time daily basis that you posted it, but now it's been bookmarked by me to read over and over in the future. You picked up some legitimately scarce and aesthetically wonderful pieces and your writeup is absolutely worthy of publication to share with a larger audience. As a side note, I had owned a DBH ex-Brown and the coin was original as all get-out and gorgeous as heck. It was also in the old NGC fatty holder. In a moment of weakness I sold it to another collector who then ended up crossing it to PCGS at one grade increment lower. I didn't care about the grade increment ding, but the loss of pedigree information and the pristine NGC fatty really hurt.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
@TomB Thanks for the comments. This was a fun thread. I had considered trying to do a follow-up, but this week got away from me. Maybe still.
And yes, the loss of original holder kind of hurts (although I still have the tag). I am grateful I do have another Brown coin (1832 O-105) still in the NGC holder that I found this summer.
“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
Looking forward to the next installment. The more I read, the more I learn.
Successful BST with drddm, BustDMs, Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino
$5 Type Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/type-sets/half-eagle-type-set-circulation-strikes-1795-1929/album/344192
CBH Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/everyman-collections/everyman-half-dollars/everyman-capped-bust-half-dollars-1807-1839/album/345572
Okay, before we start, that last one is an 1822 O-105a, which is a much more difficult Die State, and it was not marked as such.
For those doing a GtG it is in a AU50 holder, and that is the correct grade IMO. It could be one higher, but not one lower. It was the middle in the run of three AU50’s I won (between the 22/1 and the 24/1), and the only one of the those three without a bean. I may send it someday.
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Going back to that Monday night, now 4 weeks ago (Wow!), there was one more coin on my bidding list.
Since I did this all out of order, it’ll have to finish that way too, at least if I am ever going to get through all of this story.
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Back to my mind set that night, I had already won two 1827’s that were on my list … and I had also won the first of three coins that were not on my list. That will be the next part of the story, as I rarely ever bid on things that didn’t make the final bidding list ... and in and of itself, that could be another story.
Anyway, I was a little in a state of disbelief at this time, but not numb yet, and still very much in the hunter’s mindset. Yet I knew, even then, I hadn’t really thought I would win so many. I knew, this was much different than anything I had experienced recently (if ever) … and I knew I was extremely fortunate to have won some of the spectacular coins so far.
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The next coin up was not necessarily spectacular. Not flashy or colorful in that way that seems to stop everyone who looks.
I have professed my love for the “dirty girls”, the ones who lived a little and danced a jig or two. While I absolutely appreciate the gorgeous and pristine, it’s really the ones that just got in from a ten-mile hike and a kayak paddle across the lake that hold a special place in my heart. Maybe "dirty" really isn’t really the right description … I think “wholesome” is a better moniker.
So, besides all the amazing wins that had already happened (and the ones I didn’t know would happen yet), this coin had made my final list, and she was still worthy of consideration. I was hopeful with all that had transpired so far that I could make her mine without much struggle.
And then, in a flash … like so many in this auction … it was a bid … a waiting … and a win.
I would have stretched farther to bring her home.
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Formerly from the DS Registry (I think I will label all those ex-Pierce) sold in August of 2022, with a touch of “caky goodness”, here is a wholesome example that came for a visit, and will probably stay for a long time;
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“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
Another outstanding addition to your set. Congrats my friend. Four weeks have gone by so fast.
Successful BST with drddm, BustDMs, Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino
$5 Type Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/type-sets/half-eagle-type-set-circulation-strikes-1795-1929/album/344192
CBH Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/everyman-collections/everyman-half-dollars/everyman-capped-bust-half-dollars-1807-1839/album/345572
That coin is the epitome of graydirt. An inimitable look and truly outstanding...🤯
Could you please set aside some time to locate me a small date run of coins that look identical?
1807- 1811... would settle for XF
Since you took those ahead of me, I will request 1812-1820
Successful BST with drddm, BustDMs, Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino
$5 Type Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/type-sets/half-eagle-type-set-circulation-strikes-1795-1929/album/344192
CBH Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/everyman-collections/everyman-half-dollars/everyman-capped-bust-half-dollars-1807-1839/album/345572