A Tale of Two Commems

Clankeye

I was just browsing Heritage and came across this Monroe commemorative graded MS 68 by NGC. It lists at twenty grand.

Monroe

Just a few weeks back Anaconda was selling a very nice white NGC64 example that probably could have been had for $400 up. As we speak another board member BigD5 has a PCGS64 on eBay for $360 that I really like.

64 Monroe

I don't mean this to be one of those knee-jerk threads where everyone attacks the high grade, high priced coin (although I don't doubt it will happen). I just want to shine a light on how different the monetary tiers are these days for some coins from grade to grade. And how intensely subjective the eye appeal is... regardless of the assigned grade.

Monroe's are interesting coins. Underrated in the high grades. A 68... wow. I think though, even given that I had extreme amounts of money, it would be hard for me to appreciate the 68 $19,500 odd dollars worth more than the 64.

Clankeye

keithdagen

Just an MS-63, but hey, it's got some cool colors.



This and the Sesqui are really hard to find in higher grades, but also generally, ugly as sin when toned.

FatMan

Pop 1 coins feed big egos - not most collectors. I'd rather take the twenty grand and put together a wonderful set of MS4+ commems. Learning all the history and studying the uniqueness of all the designs will give me years if not a lifetime of enjoyment. The Pop 1 is super, but not for me.

wingedliberty

I agree with you that eye appeal will always be the overriding factor in coin purchases.
Granted ,there are some who only want the best plastic, but the Eliasbergs and Norwebs of this
world assembled quality not quantity. I love the Monroes also , and have four. 62,63,64,64.
I am still fascinated by the Monroe Doctrine. I think it was a pivotal event in our history.


Best regards,
Brian.

stman

I like the eye appeal of the coin BigD5 has better than the high grade one. I didn't look as far as marks, just first impression. And for 19,500.00 cheaper, That's a good first impression.

Placid

Pop 2 $70,000.00

shirohniichan

In the case of ugly coins like the Monroe, wouldn't it be better to collect like braddick and get one with the least details?

wingedliberty

Thats what I call eye appeal!!!!



Brian.

danglen

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I always thought the sculpture of the two maidens that form North and South America were among the more imaginative designs in US coinage.

FatMan

Just another common Pop 2 coin!

Wow, I have to stop typing so I can clean up my drool off my keyboard.

Clankeye

Keith--
I like your coin for the grade. I've looked at a lot of Monroes in the 63-64 grades, and to quote Warren Zevon "It ain't that pretty at all."

I will go on record as saying I really like the coin itself, the design, the history... yeah it's one of the commems that gives me that vibration. I always keep my eye out for them. They are so plentiful ugly, and so cool when you find one that speaks to you.

Also for the record, I don't hate the NGC68. On the contrary I like it. But, I do question whether the tremendous bump in money is an illusion almost. A creation of wealth out of thin air. I'm really talking out loud to myself here, because I guess I realize that in the world of collectibles, so much end value is decided by subjective criteria.
Then again, a pop 1 is a pop 1. Nothing subjective about it. But, pops can change--and that's not subjective either.

Carl

lordmarcovan

For the record, I do hate that NGC 68.

That's gotta be one of the fugliest things I have seen in a while.

Maybe they should throw in a small bonus with that coin:

Clankeye

<< <i>I always thought the sculpture of the two maidens that form North and South America were among the more imaginative designs in US coinage. >>



I agree with you Danglen.


Lord M--
Just be dilligent with that metal detector and I'm sure you will unearth a nicer one soon.

Carl

lordmarcovan

I guess I couldn't complain about that blotchy look if one came outta the ground...

airplanenut

I really like the reverse of BigD's... the 68 is FUGLY!

shirohniichan

Since that was a Hollywood coin, maybe they'll do a remake soon. That seems to be about as creative as Hollywood is these days.

cacheman

Clank, take your time...you will eventually find one that will be better looking than either of these examples...they're out there.