My New Carver Commem Set and Why I Like Them

Clankeye

Clankeye

First of all let me explain those pictures are my first real attempt at coin photography with my new Fuji finepix 3800. I would say they give a reasonable idea of these coins except that in hand they actually appear a little more lilac and purplish than just gold.

This is a matching toned 1952 Carver P,D,S set (left to right) graded NGC65, 65, 65. To come across nicely toned matching sets of the Carver series is very tough. The D and S mints of this year have mintage's of just over 8,000 coins. High grade sets aren't as easy to come by as some people think. Matching toned ones are even harder.

I love the Carver series. The coins were first minted in 1951 with the opening of the Washington Carver National monument in Missouri.When I think about what the country was yet to go through in the early 60's in the way of the civil rights movement, I am amazed that these coins even exist. Some people find them unattractive. But I think they are gorgeous. The spartan reverse with the outline of the USA and the word "Americanism" at the bottom is so uniquely American to me.... I just find them fascinating.

At any rate, I wanted to share this set with you all. Don't be too harsh on my photography skills.

Clankeye

Placid

Nice

wingedliberty

Very cool. These men contributed alot to our nation and are rightly commemorated. I also agree
with you on the difficulty of matching sets. Keep it going.


Brian.

Clankeye

I'm going to run this through one time, in case anyone who blinked might like to look at some coins.

Clankeye

wingedliberty

Here is a fascinating linkBooker T.Washington biographical and historical link. Know your commems.



Brian.

shirohniichan

That's a real peach of a set you got there. Did Mr. Bombay help you "acquire" them?

DesertLizard

Super nice! I don't collect commems, yet, but I might start paying more attention.

Clankeye

Thanks for that link, Brian. And here's a quick synopsis on Carver:

George Washington Carver

What the heck, we'll make this a history thread. As you said Brian, these were two accomplished and worthy men. Sometimes a little refresher is good. I know it is for me. I am definitely getting to the age where I've forgotten a lot of what I used to know.

Carl

kaleidoscopic

Nice looking coins Clank.

Kscope

Clankeye

Thank you Shiro, DL, K, Placid and Brian...

One reason I wanted to post pictures of this set is because I genuinely think a lot of people would be surprised if they saw how attractive the coins can come.

Shiro-- let's just say Mr. Bombay was very persuasive in convincing the reluctant owner he should part with them

Clankeye

supercoin

Nice looking set, and they look like they have great luster to go with the toning.

Clankeye

Supercoin--
You are totally correct. The luster underneath the toning is very vibrant, and kind of makes the coins "light up" a bit.

Carl

monsterman

i am not real good at these computers so i hope i did this right..i love btw and w/c coins and have feverously collected them for years..here is my 50 piece set and if you go there you will see my finest btw and w/c

http://www.certifiedsociety.com/registry/ShowAllSets.asp?IDSetType=109

hope you enjoy them as i do

ttyl
monsterman

gmarguli

Link to MonsterMan's set

Gemini

Thats a very nice matched toned set Clankeye...very attractive!!!

DoubleDime

I have the complete 12 coin set. I also found them to be fascinating.

HillbillyJim

Congrats on the nice set Carl. The Carvers are tough in the gem grades with eye appealing original surfaces. Are you collecting the 12 piece set?


Jimmy

coinguy1

Clankeye,

I freely admit that I dislike many of the Washington Carver's I see, whether individual pieces or sets. Most of them have troublesome abrasions and/or unattractive color. That doesn't even take into account the design, itself, which I don't particularly like.

Now, let's get to the set that you posted..........apparently the coins have very good luster and very pretty color AND, you have a wonderfully matched set there - let me have them?

Along with certified grading and market-making for so many individual coin issues, many sets (proof sets and three piece silver commemorative sets, in particular) are being broken up and sold as individual pieces. Locating attractive matched sets is becoming more and more difficult and that trend will definitely continue.

You certainly have the right idea plucking attractive, original matched sets from the marketplace. And, don't worry, your secret is safe with me - I'm sure no one will ever see this P.M. I'm sending you. Whoops.......

Clankeye

<< <i>The Carvers are tough in the gem grades with eye appealing original surfaces. Are you collecting the 12 piece set? >>



Yes, Jimmy I am collecting the 12 coin set. I'm one coin away from having the complete set, and then I will always look out for some upgrades. I would love to have all four years be matching sets, but I really don't think I'm going to be able to pull that off.

Monsterman-- I have seen the Booker and Carver in your set before (the scans) they are beautiful. I have gone and looked at your set in the registry a number of times. I am pleased to know that you are a Carver and Booker T fanatic. I'd love to see all your coins someday.

Coinguy1-- Thanks for your honesty. I've known that Carvers are not your favorite commemoratives, but I thought even you would find something to like about this set. The nice thing about commemoratives, even the designs you like the least, there are examples out there somewhere which you will find attractive. I always think it's kind of cool finding an example of a coin that you don't think you care about at all, and it's so gorgeous that it kindles an interest in the coin or the series.

Keep collecting, keep an open mind. There. My new mantra.

Clankeye

meos1

Clankeye;

Any chance you and I might get together and look at some of each others stuff?? Remember I am the fella who likes the COlumbia, SC commem. Let me know.

Nice Carvers, sweet matches!

Dan

Clankeye

Dan--
I would love to. The only problem that I can see is that I live in Seattle and I think you live in South Carolina. A bit of a distance problem there. I saw a nice set of Columbias being auctioned on eBay the other day and I thought of you.

So yeah, would be happy to show and tell coins with you. Maybe one of these days I'll make it to the Baltimore or Fun shows and I can meet some of you East-coasters.

Carl

wingedliberty

Plan on attending the FUN show now. How cool would it be to meet more members?
I am looking forward to it.
It will be nice to get you out of the Seattle rain!

Brian.

meos1

Clankeye;

I thought you were a Columbia boy.... Oh well when we see each other at a FUN or other show we will have to swap stories.

Dan

PS: Let me know if you run up on a Columbia commem thats priced right. I am not too terribly fluid as it is after Christmas but hey I am sure there something I can shuffle around.