Variety traction

kranky

Of the numerous illogical things about the hobby, varieties are right up there. coiNuts' thread about the two-feather Buffalo got me thinking about how arbitrary it is that some varieties become very well known, while others like the two-feather Buffalo languish in obscurity.

The two-feather has the exact same cause as the famous three-legged Buffalo (overpolished dies) and exists for a number of different dates, yet few people have any interest. They have about the same amount of design detail missing. No loupe is required to see it. Yet, the three-legger is in the Red book and the two-feather varieties aren't.

It occurs to me that a number of factors have to come together in order to have a variety become well known and desirable (not including very early US coinage where nearly every coin was some type of variety in itself).

1. The "right" amount of coins need to be available. Too many, and they aren't desirable. Too few, and there's no point in generating demand because the supply isn't available.

2. It has to be visible to the naked eye. It may not jump out at you, but if you know what to look for it has to be noticeable.

3. It has to either be a type of variety that always attracts attention (like a doubled die or an overdate), or if not then it has to have a catchy name (3-legged, Bugs Bunny, capped die).

4. It needs to make it into the Redbook.

What are your thoughts on why some varieties get traction (build up and sustain a following) and others do not?

tjkillian

I believe you are very correct when you say that it needs to be in the Red Book. Varieties listed in there are the ones people collect. Very influential.

Tom

Russ

<< <i>or if not then it has to have a catchy name (3-legged, Bugs Bunny, capped die). >>



...Accented Hair.

A cool story also helps.

Russ, NCNE

BigD5

I think you hit all the bases with your reply Kranky. Being listed in Cherrypickers helps too.
I think the "naked eye" comment is the most important. If a collector can "see" the variety, fairly easily, that's a good thing.

coiNuts

Just to throw my 5 cents in.................I have found many more 2 feathers of dates that are not in the cherrypicker's...............I have been getting the better grades slabbed, and have been putting together the lower grades in my safe.............I have been thinking about writing a book, or having someone famous (J.T.) (Jeff Oxman) (Dr. Fey) or someone like that write a book.........I have been putting together stats on the REAL rarity of the different dates...............what do you think?

kranky

<< <i>

<< <i>or if not then it has to have a catchy name (3-legged, Bugs Bunny, capped die). >>



...Accented Hair.

A cool story also helps.

Russ, NCNE >>



Accented Hair is another great example of how the name made the variety popular.

Are you hinting there is a cool story behind the AH?

Russ

<< <i>Are you hinting there is a cool story behind the AH? >>



Jackie on the phone with the head of the US Mint: "Hey, I don't like the design! Re-do it!"
Head of US Mint: "Yes, Ma'am! Will do right away!" <Mumbling under breath about how a First Lady doesn't have the authority, etc., etc.>

Actually, there's more players involved and more to the story that will all be revealed in the fullness of time.

Russ, NCNE

coinkat

Interesting thread... I agree with your comments Kranky and in some ways that is not a good thing. Let me explain:

There are some vary rare varieties, for example the 1896-o, 1900-o and 1902-o micro "o " Morgans that just do not exist in MS (actually there is 1 MS63 1902-O MICRO) and because condition is such a factor among collectors, these varieties are ignored and under appreciated. The key is there has to be enough to promote. Look at the 1887 7/6 and the 1887-0 7/6. These coins are really not that rare, especially compared to the 3 other Morgan VAMs mentioned, but they have been promoted because there are enough MS examples out there. This process really distorts rarity...does it?

So here is the question, would you rather have a MS64 borderline 65 1887-0 7/6 or the 1902-o micro o graded MS63. For me, the decision is simple...the 1902-o micro.

DHeath

Kranky,

Good thread and great analysis. I think visibility=collector interest. By visibility I mean press interest, dealer promotion, or even sometimes our activity on these forums. I know the AH variety has greatly increased visibility as a result of the conversations and readership of this forum. I think the 55 DD gained visibility in the newspapers. Right now the attention given a certain V-nickel is increasing it's exposure (even though it isn't really a variety). Worn die coins seem to be more popular than RPMs and DDO or DDR coins. The 3-legger, the 22 no D, the 66 no FG, the 82 no FG. I think collectors who don't normally collect barieties like these, and Whitman included the 22 plain in the folder.