2025 Retrospective - Seated Half Additions
Catbert
Posts: 7,817 ✭✭✭✭✭
Over the last two years I've shared my acquisitions toward my registry set for each year with a post in December. However, this year I'm doing it now since I'm paying my taxes that I've been remiss in doing properly each quarter and I need to pause in my spend. As such, I've stopped adding since September.
Nonetheless, 2025 was incredible and was most unusual due to a significant auction that transpired via Gerry Fortin. The Newtown collection brought forward many excellent coins that, if I wished to not miss the opportunity, I had to raise cash and be aggressive in pursuit of selected targets. All of the Newtown coins were available for lot viewing at the January FUN show (to be offered over three auctions throughout the spring). It was a must to see them in person to properly evaluate the coins since Gerry's photos are so bad. All photos in this thread are either provided by @robec or are TruViews that are acceptable renditions.
2023 seated half retrospective:
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1099070/the-year-of-the-cat-seated-halves-added-in-2023
2024 seated half retrospective:
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1109957/2024-more-progress-made-on-the-seated-half-set#latest
Some will say that the 3 years combined are a bit crazy in "buying my way into a set" but I like to believe I was pretty selective with quality and I found the right coins from a variety of sources. In order to accomplish this year's result, I had to sell some great coins including a couple seen in the 2023 link. While I miss those coins, sacrifices had to be made!
So let's start with the two coins I bought at January 2025 FUN:
AU53 CAC: I really like the intense toning on this coin. I think the coin was likely cleaned long ago and retoned. This was a Fortin purchase.
MS64 (Failed CAC due to old cleaning): Like many, it's nice to have the CAC designation and I suspected it had failed, but I submitted it anyway to learn the official reason. It really looks like the picture shown and is gorgeous to view. This was bought from Eye Appealing Rare coins via a trade.
Stay with me - More to follow! 
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Comments
Here's a coin from our very own @PocketChange who I met in person at FUN (oh my to see his proof 20 centers - just superb) who subsequently offered this coin to me from his collection. It is just what a 58 should be.
AU58 CAC:
This coin is the pride of my collection and was acquired at the first Newtown auction. I considered it to be the keystone in my set and, after it just jumped out after inspecting many fine lots, I was determined to win it:
MS63+ CAC - Eliaberg provenance on holder
And so, 2025 was off to a great start with these 4 coins in January.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
As I was watching the Super Bowl I decided to check my email and was reminded of a DLRC auction that evening. So, I decided to see what was being offered and couldn't believe that this coin was listed. This coin was once sold by CRO to our own @scubafuel in 2013. The subtle blues and greens make this example special beyond the holder and sticker.
MS63 OGH w/Gold CAC:
This coin is just a fantastic coin for a lower grade UNC. Vibrant color, proof like surfaces, found via an Instagram poster's home page where I reached out to see if he'd sell it. When I got it in hand - just WOW! The pic is accurate.
MS62 CAC:
February and March were done!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
The Newtown auction offerings were not only spread into 3 events but the consignor was gracious to allow layaway payments. This was key to me being able to participate given their price tags.
This coin is a former Dick Osburn coin that has gold patina, some blue-green shades, and obverse clashing. It's wonderful under a light:
MS62 CAC:
Here's a coin from a GC auction once owned by my collecting North Star, @JBN . It is an unique coin in that the surfaces are very glossy with a even color throughout. JBN upgraded his slot for this coin and I am always interested in his cast offs!
XF45 CAC
April and May were completed by the second most favorite coin from the Newtown purchases. This coin would fool many as a proof and the grade assigned seems most conservative. JA made a comment that it has the look of a 67 (not that he says it is). Wonderful mirrors on this coin:
MS64 CAC:
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
I posted about this coin in a previous thread in that it was an upgrade for the date. The O mints were my start in this series and they will always have a special place in my heart. Another Newtown coin:
MS63 CAC (only two CAC coins finer):
Here's another coin sourced from an Instagram dealer. He stated that this coin sat in a leather pouch for many years and he had sent it in to PCGS and CAC. This is the first year of the with motto type.
MS62 CAC:
July and August summer months were great!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
September brought another spur of the moment purchase. I was visiting my son and his beautiful but noisy kids along with a few other relatives eating at a Mexican restaurant while sipping a very good margarita. My phone's Stacks app buzzed with a live auction and I decided to tune in thinking it a good momentary distraction. This classic type came up and I made a rash decision to place a last second bid. Glad I did!
MS64 CACG
And the last Newtown coin was paid off and received this month. This coin has copper-plum toning and is a very tough date in CAC with just 24 coins (two finer than this one).
MS63 CAC:
Thus, 2025 was more than I could have asked for as not only a collector, but one who is attempting to build a challenging set. I know the length of this series presents big obstacles such as time, opportunity, competition and funds will continue to keep me engaged. It's all worth it!
Thanks for reading and let me know which of the 13 coins above you find most compelling (or not) to you.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
That's pretty cool.
If I could have just three, this order.
83
73
53.
Very nice coins. I love the 1860!
Nice coins @Catbert
Mike
My Indians
Dansco Set
Thank You, and Congratulations. Beautiful!
@Catbert Thanks for your posts. Made my whole morning. One thing I wish more collectors would do is share their collecting experience and not just pics of coins.
I am a circulated guy so my hands down pic is the 1869. It is a coin i would have pursued hard. The 1841 is the winner in the Uncirculated category. The date, the look are fantastic and the provenance is the Easter egg. James
They are all REALLY nice. The 41 and 83 look flashy as hell so those would be my choices.
I love year end recaps and this is a very nicely done one!
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
Just a fantastic line-up. You have a great eye for these Seated Halves, and the quality is evident in every single coin I've seen from you! Well done buddy!
The 1841-O, with the awesome strike and color for a small-letters reverse is my favorite. The 73 Arrows is beautiful! The 1860 is also hammered with nice color.
It's interesting to read these year overviews. I've had a fun year as well, both buying and selling coins. GFRC and Great Collections have been great venues for both. This has been the year of the "Weird F" for me. A week after I read up on the 77-S WB-6 Weird F for the first time, the finest known example, an MS64, pops up on GFRC. Then recently, a 77-S WB-40 Weird F in MS61 pops up on Stacks. They became the only MS SLHs I've ever owned.
I write and post so much I'd think people would groan at my year overview.
that 1869 and 41-O press all the right buttons for me! Thanks for sharing.
Outstanding year end review, congratulations on your excellent acquisitions and I look forward to your progress and review in 2026.
Thanks for sharing.
I had a difficult time coming up with favorites but my two are the 1841-0 and 1883.
Some really great coins there Cat! A fantastic year indeed!