FlyingAl and Eldorado9's Top Ten

FlyingAl

Eldo and I had one of our sporadic coin days today, especially aided by a number of NEWPs. This time, we decided to take every coin we had on the table and pick the top ten - namely, which are the last 10 coins that we'd want to see leave our collections. We chose these from around a hundred of our best coins, and the top ten took some intense discussion to figure it out.

A few interesting notes we saw when picking these coins:

First, they're not all CAC, despite the fact that the two chosen non-CAC coins are one of the few in the top echelons that don't have the bean (our collections are roughly 90% CAC, and these are still in the top 10). This goes to show that the best coins are not always in CAC holders.

Second, there's a good bit of grade variability, with a lot of 67s, a few 68s, a 66 and a 65. The best coins are not the highest graded, and we ranked several other higher graded coins lower than these.

Third, we did not choose based on rarity alone. While many of these coins are major rarities, coins like the 1942 and 1892 are moreso eye appeal rarities than anything else. They are not rare by conventional means - until you try to find another like it.

Now I'll shut up and let the coins talk, aided by a little blurb about each coin.

1) 1907 50c, PCGS MS67+ CAC. A gorgeous striking rarity, with insane color. It speaks for itself.


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2) 1860 50c, PCGS MS67 CAC. A major rarity, and the color is insane. Ex Gardner, and this is a stunner.


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3) 1899 50c, PCGS PR68CAM CAC. Nearly flawless, and the best Proof Barber on the table for the day.


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4) 1900 $2 1/2, PCGS PR65DCAM CAC. Proof gold. 'Nough said.


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5) 1901-S 50c, PCGS MS67+. This coin is insane. Rare, colorful, and it really shouldn't exist.


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6) 1892 50c, PCGS PR67+CAM. The color will blow you away. I mean, just take a look.


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7) 1882 10c, PCGS PR68CAM CAC. More color, and insanely clear devices. Nearly tied with #8.


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8) 1898 10c, PCGS PR68CAM CAC. The cleanest coin on the table today. The color helps too.


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9) 1879 T$1, PCGS PR66DCAM CAC. It's funny to see this one so far down the list, but here we are. Exceptional by all means.


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10) 1942 50c, PCGS PR68 CAC. The color on this is just not something you see every day. Originality adds something too, and this was the best Walker on the table.

littlebear

Awesome coins!

EastonCollection

I second that - Awesome coins!

Morgan13

Eldorado and FlyingAL you have an amazing collection. I never get sick of seeing those coins.

Edited to add FlyingAl to my compliments of great coins.
Just beautiful.

asheland

Outstanding!

pursuitofliberty

@Morgan13 said:
Eldorado you have an amazing collection. I never get sick of seeing those coins.

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While I agree that @Eldorado9 has a fantastic collection, I think at least three of those belong to young @FlyingAl

In and of itself, that's a pretty high bar accomplishment for a YN that just turned into an Air Force Cadet last year.

Floridafacelifter

Fantastic coins gentlemen!

lermish

@pursuitofliberty said:

@Morgan13 said:
Eldorado you have an amazing collection. I never get sick of seeing those coins.

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While I agree that @Eldorado9 has a fantastic collection, I think at least three of those belong to young @FlyingAl

In and of itself, that's a pretty high bar accomplishment for a YN that just turned into an Air Force Cadet last year.

And he acquired them due solely to his pure hard work and thirst for numismatic knowledge.

Eldorado9

Outstanding shots Alex!

pcgsregistrycollector

Eye candy! Awesome coin photos by @FlyingAl and outstanding coins @Eldorado9!

breakdown

Great set of coins.

Coin 2’s colors are very difficult to capture in a photo. Eldo is fortunate to have it - Gardner had many beautiful seated halves and I lost on many of them but was thrilled when I won this one. Can’t imagine what I was thinking when I sold it a few years later.

Al did a nice job on it (all his photos are top notch). Here is a photo Todd took of the coin back in 2014:

MFeld

Great coins, equally great images and a fun thread!

jfriedm56

Amazing treasures to view. The photography is over the top. Thanks for a great post. Zack.

MaineJim

Wow coins there for sure. Congrats.

Jim

Eldorado9

@breakdown Thanks for posting the photo of the 1860....I had not seen that shot. It is truly magnificent in hand and I fell in love upon first glance The luster rolls around so perfectly and the coin has a real presence to it....Gardner's Seated Halves are legendary, yet this one was a highlight. One of the finest extant No Motto's? I believe so.

Catbert

@FlyingAl said:

A few interesting notes we saw when picking these coins:

First, they're not all CAC, despite the fact that the two chosen non-CAC coins are one of the few in the top echelons that don't have the bean (our collections are roughly 90% CAC, and these are still in the top 10). This goes to show that the best coins are not always in CAC holders.

Second, there's a good bit of grade variability, with a lot of 67s, a few 68s, a 66 and a 65. The best coins are not the highest graded, and we ranked several other higher graded coins lower than these.

I think the above two points bear repeating for those who are limiting themselves to CAC and/or grade self imposed restrictions. In my opinion, those individuals, who can certainly collect what they like, are missing out on some great coins and are pursuing factors external to the coin itself. I know many will disagree, but I think Eldo and FlyinAl have demonstrated that there is quality to be found without these restrictions.

Great coins and love the thread!

Eldorado9

@Catbert Very well stated Cat.

FlyingAl

@Eldorado9 said:
@Catbert Very well stated Cat.

Plus one!