Behold, the ugliest coin in my collection 😉 .
PeakRarities
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When this coin was first offered to me, I immediately was hesitant because of the number of abrasions. Just about all of the coins in my collection have beautiful unabraded surfaces, but this one didn't quite match that level of eye appeal. When I dove into my research for this issue, I realized that this coin was actually pretty nice compared to what's out there on the open market. Most Wass 50s are well beyond being "messed with", they are straight mutilated. From repairs to deep scratches, harsh cleanings, giant rim bumps, and just about anything else unholy that could ever be done to a coin.
This one has a lot going for it. It's pretty darn original, with nice color, and there's a fair amount of mint luster. Well, at least "Wass 50 luster", which can be grainy and a bit unusual due to the method of manufacture. In terms of strike, I'd say its above average considering that the radial lines of the stars are all well defined and crisp, theres still visible hair curls, and then theres just a touch of weakness in the center of the reverse. In terms of actual wear, I could see this in a 45 holder but considering the abrasions I think the XF40 grade is fitting. PCGS has a total of 80 coins in the pop report, 15 in this grade and 32 higher. NGC's census reflects a mere 38 across all grade levels. CAC has approved only 14 in all grades, with 2 approved in XF40 and only 7 higher. The fact that most of these are net-graded to begin with and that even CAC shows quite a bit of clemency when evaluating these, just goes to show how difficult it is to find an unmolested example with originality. Since I made the decision to purchase this coin, it has grown on me quite a bit and I've come to a better sense of understanding and appreciation for its history and positive attributes. The peppered appearance may not be for everyone, but this is a fascinating issue that I wanted to add to the stable. Despite its shortcomings, this coin is delightful for what it is and I'm lucky to be its steward for a while.
"The time leading up to transition from the U.S. Assay Office of Gold to the establishment of the San Francisco Mint in 1854 was accompanied by acute shortages of gold coin similar to earlier periods, when private minters supplied much needed gold coin into West Coast commerce. Wass, Molitor & Company was at the forefront of private minters once again, responding to petitions from banking houses to mint gold coin despite the efforts of the fledgling United States Branch Mint to remove such coin from circulation. Both 1854 and 1855 were troubling years at the Branch Mint, forced to close intermittently due to lack of parting acids and materials to refine gold dust and copper alloy. Wass Molitor continued apace, issuing ten, twenty, and fifty dollar gold pieces in both 1854 and 1855.
The fifty dollar pieces were particularly in demand not only in banking circles, but throughout West Coast business relationships. The round fifties were accepted (sometimes at a premium) more readily than the old octagonal fifty dollar slugs made famous in previous years. Wass Molitor fifties were distributed far and wide, trading at par even far east of their original Western confines. Most surviving coins show signs of heavy use and circulation, including test cuts and numerous abrasions. Eventually, most of the pieces were melted at the San Francisco Mint as a convenient source of bullion, and recoined as San Francisco Mint double eagles. Wass, Molitor & Co. closed down after the 1855 issues were distributed"
- Heritage Auctions U.S. Coins Signature Auction #1348
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If you guys want to have some fun with this thread, feel free to share the ugliest coin in your collection.
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Here it is. It's head and shoulders that worst. It's a token, not a coin.
This was made from iron recovered from the CSS Virginia (a.k.a. The Merrimac) which did battle with the Monitor at Hampton Roads, Virginia. That match ended up in a draw. Ultimately the Confederates blew up the Virginia to keep it from falling into Union hands.
Around 1905, iron was recovered from the wreck of The Virginia. It was melted down and turned into various souvenirs. In addition to these tokens, another one was this miniature horseshoe.
This piece was once listed as a Civil War Token, but it was de-listed when the CWT people realized that it was made well after the war.
These pieces are very prone to rust, and this one is a prime example. I have wanted to upgrade it, but the prices have gone into obit. A year or so ago, Steve Hayden had one in one if his personal (not on eBay) auctions. It was going bad in the holder, and he took the unusual step of warning people about that, breaking back the bids at one point. It still went for around $2 thousand. Given the additional rusting issues, I would not have touched it with the proverbial 10 foot pole.
Here's a photo of this token in decent shape.
Dan, perhaps this coin does NOT deserve a video? 😜
Having fun while switching things up and focusing on a next level PCGS slabbed 1950+ type set, while still looking for great examples for the 7070.
This is by far the ugliest coin in my liberty seated quarter collection. The coin is dark grey, not even close in appearance to the TV photo.
Doug
Those are tough to find, period. Nice addition!!!
Here's my ugliest. Slightly better type but I have so many 76-Ss already I didn't feel like splurging for yet another hub combo.
This is actually one I had in mind when I made that statement
@MFeld
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EAC 6024
Fugly IHC
UGH!
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
This is pretty ugly.
Dan,
I completely understand but still think you may have been too hard with this piece after all it is in XF PCGS and stickered and uber rare and on top of all that its GOLD as well as my fav year 1855. It may not be perfect or match your set(s) but she is still a looker. Now if it was in AG or G or F I would agree with you but I am quite fine with this piece in all respects
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Correct, and that's ultimately the logic I used when I decided to pull the trigger. Appreciate the kind words, It took me a little while to warm up to it but now it's actually become one of my favorites. Finding a stickered one is a bear, and the price was not unreasonable at all.
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peacockcoins
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I found these 5 Ugly Duckings awhile back when CRHunting.
I love the appearance, despite its ugliness!
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This....
@DeplorableDan , if that coin is ugly, I don't want to be beautiful.
@DeplorableDan
That is the most beautiful "ugly" coin I've seen in a long time
I just wish.................
I can see where it got the sticker, there's no scratches, rim dings, or graffiti on her, just honest ware from being in circulation for many years.
Congrats
Mike
My Indians
Danco Set
Back in the day ( I am talking about 40 years ago ) I wanted a Wass Molitor $50. Everyone that I saw was beat up. I never did get one.
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No it's not.
Beauty is in the eye of the reholder.
Ugly as hell, but the price was right.
That is a very cool piece of pioneer gold!
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Mark Antony and Octavian (41 B.C.)
AR Denarius
M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore
O: Bare head of Mark Antony right.
R: Bare head of Octavian right, wearing slight beard.
Ephesus mint, Spring-early summer 41 B.C.
3.5g
20mm
Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; Sydenham 1181
This series of coins commemorates the establishment of the second Triumvirate of November 43 B.C. between Antony, Octavian and Lepidus. Both sides bear the inscription "III VIR R P C", meaning "One of Three Men for the Regulation of the Republic. Within a few years Antony would depart Italy for the Eastern provinces.
The moneyer for this coin is M. Barbatius Pollio who was also a Questor in 41 BC. Barbatius bears the title of "Quaestor pro praetore" abbreviated to QP a distinction shared by his colleague L. Gelllius.
Maybe real, maybe not. My best guess is that it’s a debased gold issue from authentic but heavily rusted dies, struck on a cast planchet by an unknown entity, probably in the 1840’s. The only sure thing is that it’s ugly as hell.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
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I read the title and thought to myself "well, he's going to post some Classic Head gold...". I mean, I adore Classic Head gold, but it is kind of the ugly Christmas sweater of US numismatics!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
this is the probably ugliest CBH I own
“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 mouth scares me!
Yikes! She might have a deeper voice than I do!
Having fun while switching things up and focusing on a next level PCGS slabbed 1950+ type set, while still looking for great examples for the 7070.
I didn't know Freddie Mercury was on a US coin!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I kind of like the coin and I can see how it would grow on you. You might have to wait 20 years to find a nicer one and who knows how much it will cost.
Cast copy in aluminum... gold plated.
Anyone have a clue when?
I've had it 20+ years.
Bought off eBay raw from a seller that didn't think it was real but didn't know anything else.
I have a few ugly coins, but they are so ugly that I cannot justify the time it would take to take photos of them.
3 attempts at drilling a hole or BB target?
I'm being harsh with the coin. It's a wiped and possibly tooled (near date), CAC-approved "Filler" with some original toning that saves me some money. That's its beauty. It stood out as the lowest graded coin in the seller's outstanding collection. It's more at home in my lower grade, less-uniform, "Bongo's retread tires" set.
Tooled on the obverse:
Given to me in my youth by a family friend; a WWII vet. I've kept it out of sentimental reasons.
Someone took a file to the reverse for some reason we'll never know.
USAF (Ret.) 1985 - 2005. E-4B Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief and Contracting Officer.
My current Registry sets:
✓ Everyman Mint State Carson City Morgan Dollars (1878 – 1893)
✓ Everyman Mint State Lincoln Cents (1909 – 1958)
✓ Morgan Dollar GSA Hoard (1878 – 1891)
Dang they went full Kung Fu on that one.
that's still a great coin, it shouldn't count here
Great coin DD. You’re putting together some nice pioneers! And, no coin is ugly.
I didn’t know we had a dictator on a coin in 1904!
Edit: Moustache anyone?
God bless all who believe in him. Do unto others what you expect to be done to you. Dubbed a "Committee Secret Agent" by @mr1931S on 7/23/24. Founding member of CU Anti-Troll League since 9/24/24.
More than likely a BB gun.
peacockcoins
Or an awl.
God bless all who believe in him. Do unto others what you expect to be done to you. Dubbed a "Committee Secret Agent" by @mr1931S on 7/23/24. Founding member of CU Anti-Troll League since 9/24/24.
Or at least until @emeraldATV gets here
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