They've all been doctored to look the same, or is that similar? BTW, is a BIN the same as a done deal? And, are they modern counterfeits of classical material? Which is better, toned gold or blast white gold? (Duh, gold is gold!)
No, wait, they aren't the same!!!!! Pay particular attention to the second "8" on #2. Then look at #1 again. There isn't a second "8" in the date. Maybe not conclusive, but I'm convinced. I think.
Thank's Mark. I love the detail on the double eagle. It is such a complicated design. I also love the orange splash on the half eagle neck. I also hope you'll put up an eagle circa 1800 sometime. It is my favorite coin design, and is rarely seen.
Developing theory is what we are meant to do as academic researchers and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
You may get hanged for starting a thread like this! Before we do hang you, however, I would like to claim the first coin as your parting gift to me. Thanks!
Beautiful coins, Mark. I love looking at gold. I have a collector oriented question to a dealer oriented guy (or gal if Legend wants to reply). Do you have any suggestions or strategies for how a guy who cannot shell out 4 digits for coins can build a gold coin collection (non GAEs). Would you say focus on a particular series, date, or what recommendations would you give? If you think this is something that should be PM'd instead, that's fine with me.
<< <i>Do you have any suggestions or strategies for how a guy who cannot shell out 4 digits for coins can build a gold coin collection (non GAEs). Would you say focus on a particular series, date, or what recommendations would you give? If you think this is something that should be PM'd instead, that's fine with me >>
I almost always prefer variety to a group of coins of the same type/design. For less than $1000 each, you could probably buy: MS63 Type l and lll gold dollars, an AU Classic Head $2.50, MS64 Liberty and Indian $2.50's, an AU $3, an AU Classic Head $5, an MS64 $5 Liberty, an MS63 $5 Indian, MS64 Liberty and Indian $10's, an MS63 $20 Liberty and an MS65 St. Gaudens $20.
As always, I recommend that you diversify, don't spend $ that you might need in a year or two, buy what YOU like and keep in mind that values/prices may increase or decrease.
Some good ideas, guys. I'm one of those fence-sitters on AU-58. The grade I love to hate. Only 'cause I have several... sigh.
I'm guessing only buy certified gold. Would you all say that NGC and PCGS grade gold fairly equivalently? (yes, I know, grade myself, but I am not an expert in all series and would like to lean towards the service that handles it better)
Thanks Mark, lovely little quartet there. That double eagle is kind of shouting at me. Wait a minute, so's the half eagle. Oh, i think i hear the eagle.... oh you get the picture.
I also enjoyed the connecticut commems. I am quite a fan of toned commems and to tell you the truth it really has to be a nasty dog for me to dislike. I found neither of them to be nasty dogs, although i think i would have liked obv. 1 paired, however improbable as it may have been, with rev. 2.
The 1834 $2.50 was the first year of a new design, without the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM," which had previously appeared within a ribbon, above the eagle, on the reverse of $2.50 gold pieces. The change was made because the bullion value of gold coins was greater than face value at the time and bullion dealers were having them melted in huge quantities. It was therefore decided, to lower the official weight and fineness of the $2.50 and $5.00 pieces. The change in design was intended to make for easy identification of these modifications.
The 1883 $5 is an astounding piece from the Bass collection, graded PR67 by PCGS. It was certified before NGC and PCGS began using the "Cameo" designation, but is a most obvious cameo. It is also one of only five PR67 $5 Liberty's (of any date) certified by PCGS. Its mintage was all of 61 pieces!
The 1903 Proof $10 is a good example of a proof coin with some cameo contrast, but not over enough of the coin to make the "Cameo" designation. The reverse contrast is all there - that is not the problem. The obverse features some contrast on the stars and the upper hair of Ms. Liberty, but not on her portrait, however. Compare the frosting on this coin against that of the $5 piece above it and you will see a marked difference.
The 1903-S $20 is just a nice, very clean example for its type, albeit a scarcer issue, with a combined NGC and PCGS MS65 population of less than two dozen. Compare that to a population of more than 5000 for the 1904!
Comments
Finally, are they slabbed by PCGS, NGC or ACG?
EVP
How does one get a hater to stop hating?
I can be reached at evillageprowler@gmail.com
Drool...................................
Coinlearner, Ahrensdad, Nolawyer, RG, coinlieutenant, Yorkshireman, lordmarcovan, Soldi, masscrew, JimTyler, Relaxn, jclovescoins
Now listen boy, I'm tryin' to teach you sumthin' . . . . that ain't no optical illusion, it only looks like an optical illusion.
My mind reader refuses to charge me....
Tyler
Are these legit coins, or is there a scandel lurking in their past? Come on give us a cool story about them.
and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
Great pics
DAN
My first tassa slap 3/3/04
My shiny cents
09/07/2006
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Russ, NCNE
jom
Thanks,
Neil
almost as beautiful, and a whole lot less expensive, seems like a great value.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
How about another little lesson on one or two?
<< <i>Do you have any suggestions or strategies for how a guy who cannot shell out 4 digits for coins can build a gold coin collection (non GAEs). Would you say focus on a particular series, date, or what recommendations would you give? If you think this is something that should be PM'd instead, that's fine with me >>
I almost always prefer variety to a group of coins of the same type/design. For less than $1000 each, you could probably buy: MS63 Type l and lll gold dollars, an AU Classic Head $2.50, MS64 Liberty and Indian $2.50's, an AU $3, an AU Classic Head $5, an MS64 $5 Liberty, an MS63 $5 Indian, MS64 Liberty and Indian $10's, an MS63 $20 Liberty and an MS65 St. Gaudens $20.
As always, I recommend that you diversify, don't spend $ that you might need in a year or two, buy what YOU like and keep in mind that values/prices may increase or decrease.
I'm guessing only buy certified gold. Would you all say that NGC and PCGS grade gold fairly equivalently? (yes, I know, grade myself, but I am not an expert in all series and would like to lean towards the service that handles it better)
Neil
That 1883 is a beautiful cameo with some really deep looking mirrors. I wish I could afford one like it.
but i also like the proof 5 dollar eye appeal!!!!!!!!!!!! well i do like the twenty and the early gold piece also!!!!!!
sincerely michael
I also enjoyed the connecticut commems. I am quite a fan of toned commems and to tell you the truth it really has to be a nasty dog for me to dislike. I found neither of them to be nasty dogs, although i think i would have liked obv. 1 paired, however improbable as it may have been, with rev. 2.
z
The 1834 $2.50 was the first year of a new design, without the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM," which had previously appeared within a ribbon, above the eagle, on the reverse of $2.50 gold pieces. The change was made because the bullion value of gold coins was greater than face value at the time and bullion dealers were having them melted in huge quantities. It was therefore decided, to lower the official weight and fineness of the $2.50 and $5.00 pieces. The change in design was intended to make for easy identification of these modifications.
The 1883 $5 is an astounding piece from the Bass collection, graded PR67 by PCGS. It was certified before NGC and PCGS began using the "Cameo" designation, but is a most obvious cameo. It is also one of only five PR67 $5 Liberty's (of any date) certified by PCGS. Its mintage was all of 61 pieces!
The 1903 Proof $10 is a good example of a proof coin with some cameo contrast, but not over enough of the coin to make the "Cameo" designation. The reverse contrast is all there - that is not the problem. The obverse features some contrast on the stars and the upper hair of Ms. Liberty, but not on her portrait, however. Compare the frosting on this coin against that of the $5 piece above it and you will see a marked difference.
The 1903-S $20 is just a nice, very clean example for its type, albeit a scarcer issue, with a combined NGC and PCGS MS65 population of less than two dozen. Compare that to a population of more than 5000 for the 1904!
K S