I released my 1795 Flowing Hair silver dollar from its PCGS holder. Let me explain.

jackpine20

Some time back, I released my 1795 Flowing Hair silver dollar from its PCGS holder. Let me explain; walk with me. If you own an early silver dollar that has been evaluated by one of the third-party grading companies - and you've never held it in your hands raw, you're missing out. I have a ritual. I like to hold the hard, cold coin in my hand a few times a year while sitting at my special desk, a mid-to-late-eighteenth-century Georgian drop front desk fashioned from curly maple. The drawers and casework are dovetailed for both strength and beauty. In observance of my practice, Monday next week is one of my much-anticipated holy days. On that upcoming Christmas morn, I will pull it out and hold it in my hand - the way Robert Scot intended. I have done it before, and I wouldn't want to spoil it for you. Let's just say, it's thinner than I had imagined. For those concerned souls out there, I always handle it over a soft towel, just to be safe. The desk, by the way, is absolutely amazing! I only read novels there and study coins. That's it. I never use electronics at that desk. I have another, less antique desk for that.

This venerated two-desk disposition is as much a religion for me as I could conceive. The space is sacred. Sometimes, I imagine trying to inconspicuously lug around a substantial pile of newly minted 1795 (or 1794) dollars at a crowded public auction. For the fortunate few, that was perhaps a weekly event - some two-hundred-twenty-eight years ago.

note: edited to add a picture

baddogss

@jackpine20 Sounds like a good thing. Glad you are comfortable with your decision. Enjoy!

Pizzaman

Make sure you recycle the plastic, it's bad for the environment.

calgolddiver

beautiful coin and great story. Thanks for sharing.

TomB

Great coin and great desk. Enjoy!

Project Numismatics

If you are enjoying your coins, you’re probably doing the hobby correctly.

If I ever move back to Philly, I’m buying a house on Elfreth’s Alley and filling it with period furniture. I suppose I’d need a 1795 dollar too.

SanctionII

Wonderful story.

And a prime example of the pure joy (not connected to grades, monetary value, etc.) that collecting can provide to a person.

I am also drawn to holding raw coins in my hand (for example my silver Athenian Owl that is about 2,500 years old).

oih82w8

I can definitely understand. Coins were meant for commerce, no matter how long they were in circulation. I was gifted a "slick" Large Cent that I like to handle, carefully, in a similar manner.

Thanks for sharing and enjoy your passion!

Typekat

Definitely a great way (and perfectly curated. setting) in which to to enjoy a classic coin!

I similarly enjoy a couple of 200+ yrs old, formerly ‘details’ graded clunkers that I have liberated from their slabs.

It’s a genuine tactile thrill just to hold them in your hand, and wonder.

The_Dinosaur_Man

I think I might like the desk more than the coin. Tiger maple is a favorite material in my family.

rays

@jackpine20 said:
This venerated two-desk disposition is as much a religion for me as I could conceive. The space is sacred. Sometimes, I imagine trying to inconspicuously lug around a substantial pile of newly minted 1795 (or 1794) dollars at a crowded public auction. For the fortunate few, that was perhaps a weekly event - some two-hundred-twenty-eight years ago.

>
Interesting commentary, thanks for sharing. I love both the desk and the 1795 dollar.

jackpine20

This is the 'other' desk. I enjoy this one, too.

johnny9434

@Project Numismatics said:
If you are enjoying your coins, you’re probably doing the hobby correctly.

If I ever move back to Philly, I’m buying a house on Elfreth’s Alley and filling it with period furniture. I suppose I’d need a 1795 dollar too.

Correct period 👍

Boosibri

No harm in owning that coin permanently raw. Fun coin to own and to be able to handle

rte592

Did you find the secret compartment in that desk yet?

jackpine20

@rte592 said:
Did you find the secret compartment in that desk yet?

I looked hard for a secret drawer. No luck. Sometimes the maker will sign and date a piece inconspicuously under a drawer. That’s the first place I looked; still no luck. On the bright side, I guess I lucked out in simply possessing it.

cheezhed

@Longacre would approve, sans overstuffed chair.

MojaveGhost

@Project Numismatics said:

If I ever move back to Philly, I’m buying a house on Elfreth’s Alley and filling it with period furniture. I suppose I’d need a 1795 dollar too.

Wonderful place, but be aware that the tourists will knock on your door and ask to use your bathroom. Also, very noisy (proximity of PATCO line) and quite a few rats from the nearby river running about.

Stunning antiques, jackpine20! Enjoy them in good health.

Dave99B

Great desk, great coin, and one awesome story. Love it!

Dave

psuman08

Love the coin and the desk. Glad you are able to enjoy the history.

MFeld

Completely fantastic!

TennesseeDave

Good for you that you can do that and enjoy it. Nice old desks and Windsor chairs.

jayPem

Perfect coin to set free!

Steven59

Very cool!

HoledandCreative

A great pocket piece unmatched by most.

CommemDude

Did this dollar reside for awhile in the coin purse of Washington, Madison, or Jefferson? This coin connects us to an amazing time in our history. Great idea to free it from the plastic slab.

Morgan13

I am an avid reader so the entire time a I read your post a tape was rolling in my mind.
I say good for you.
That's the way to enjoy this hobby.

Downtown1974

I like your style jackpine!

divecchia

Good for you enjoying the hobby the way you like. Great looking coin and terrific looking desks.

Donato

Walkerfan

Great story and sounds reasonable to me!

Have fun with your Coins!!

lkenefic

Thanks for sharing... love the coin and the antique desk!!

jackpine20

Merry Christmas to all!

RobertScotLover

I like your style