1935/34 D&S Boone Commems-------lowest 20th Century silver issue.
keets
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I happened to come across this matched set of 1935/34 Boone Half-Dollars during an eBay search. These have been a topic of discussion several times before, not necessarily this date/MM combination, but Boone's in general regarding the fact that they seem to always have flat or weak luster and seldom can be found with nice toning. While these fit in that category, at least from the pictures provided, what I find interesting about them is the low mintage of the branch mint coins.
Considering that there were only 2,000 of each Denver and San Francisco issues, I wonder how many still exist today? Walter Breen notes that they were sold for $3.70/pair "mostly to speculators" which is a bit funny considering the state of things today and in the recent past with investors. How many were lost to attrition, spent during tough times in the late 30's and early 40's? How many suffered from poor handling/storage?
These seem to be Real scarce or rare coins from the get-go yet they seldom receive any mention. The design may not be as striking as an Oregon Trail or others, but the theme is similar and yet draws less interest. I would think the limited mintage would at least cause some excitement. Who owns some of these?? Any estimates on how many still exist??
Al H.
Considering that there were only 2,000 of each Denver and San Francisco issues, I wonder how many still exist today? Walter Breen notes that they were sold for $3.70/pair "mostly to speculators" which is a bit funny considering the state of things today and in the recent past with investors. How many were lost to attrition, spent during tough times in the late 30's and early 40's? How many suffered from poor handling/storage?
These seem to be Real scarce or rare coins from the get-go yet they seldom receive any mention. The design may not be as striking as an Oregon Trail or others, but the theme is similar and yet draws less interest. I would think the limited mintage would at least cause some excitement. Who owns some of these?? Any estimates on how many still exist??
Al H.
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Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
i would consider that there are only about 1,500 remaining of each 1935/34 D and S coins, at least in AU and up. what i've been noticing lately are many circulated commems. there wasn't much of a premium on the Boone's at point of sale and considering the war years of the 1940's, it doesn't seem that 25% of the totals being circulated or impaired in some way is too outrageous. on the other hand, it could be that you're correct in figuring there could be many intact sets remaining. the fact of "speculators" getting involved could be the saving grace for many. however many there are, they don't seem to show up often. i see them as a sleeper, but when will they awaken?
al h.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.