FUN Show photos & purchases. Merc collectors-passing signals are on.
Cocoinut
Posts: 2,512 ✭✭✭✭✭
I attended the ANR, Superior, and 3 sessions of the Heritage auctions. Some of the classic rarities in quarters that sold were an 1827 7 over 3 in PR20 ($55,000), an 1835 in PR64 ($24,000), an 1852 in PR65 ($125,000), an 1853 w/Arrows & Rays in PR64 ($70,000). There were some "modern" top-pop quarters that brought good prices as well - a 1942-S in PCGS MS68 ($24,000), and the recently-made 1961-D and 1962-D in PCGS MS67 ($12,000 and $10,000). A 1927-S half in PCGS MS66 brought $21,000, and a 1798 dollar in NGC MS64 went for $65,000. The highlight of all the sessions that I saw was the sale of Mike Sadler's Lincoln cents, many of which brought astounding prices. After Mike's lots were completed, he was given a round of applause.
There wasn't a huge selection of Mercury dimes in any of the auctions, but I had hoped to pick up the 1925-D in 64FB that ANR was offering. Upon examining it in person though, it didn't live up to my expectations. Still, it sold for $1400 plus juice. The only other dates that I needed (and could afford) were in the Superior auction Tuesday evening, but were in NGC holders. The 1921-P and 1921-D in MS66FB were mislabeled, and even though that was pointed out before the auction began, it may have led to some confusion. Both coins went to the book, for $5000 and $4400, respectively.
That meant that if I was going to find any Mercs, I'd have to find them at the show. After what I felt was a thorough sweep of the bourse, I managed to find just 2 coins that I liked well enough to purchase, a 1919-D in MS64 and a 1927-D in MS65, both non-FB. I also saw a 1925-D in MS63FB, but the mintmark was practically illegible. Here are my new Merc additions:
I went to the PCGS booth, saw the Apollo and Joshua II Merc sets, both of which are awesome! BJ was there, and graciously offered to let me see any that I cared to view close up. Not wanting to take up too much of her time, I asked to see the 1916-D from the Apollo set. I attempted to photograph it, but the lighting was hardly optimal, and I didn't have a tripod with me. Here are the photos I was able to get. Unfortunately, the reverse photo is much too bright.
BJ commented that she received a lot of mail addressed to Mr. Searles, so I volunteered to post a picture of her. The picture she posed for came out blurred, but there's another that I took that shows her more clearly.
The 1913 nickel drew some attention, but not as much as I thought it might. The line was no more than 5 or 6 people each time I saw it.
My other purchases (all PCGS) at the show included:
a very high-end 1928-D cent in MS64RD ( I now have all of the regular issues from 1925-date in MS (not all slabbed), except the '25-S and '26-S)
2 upgrades to my recently-completed 1938-64 Jefferson proof set
a Barber dime in MS64. I'm trying to get one of each date from 1900-1916.
a 1941-S Walking Liberty half in MS65
several type coins: an 1851 3 cent silver in MS64, 1861-P ½ dime in MS65, 1879 dime in MS66, 1805 half in VF25, and an 1874-S Trade dollar in MS62
and, just because I liked the coins, a 1935 Connecticut half in MS65, and an 1853 gold dollar in MS63.
So, I've blown my coin budget for a couple of months, but had a great time doing it.
Next year's FUN show will be in Ft. Lauderdale, so the temperatures should be considerably warmer than in Orlando the past few days. I'm already looking forward to it!
Jim
There wasn't a huge selection of Mercury dimes in any of the auctions, but I had hoped to pick up the 1925-D in 64FB that ANR was offering. Upon examining it in person though, it didn't live up to my expectations. Still, it sold for $1400 plus juice. The only other dates that I needed (and could afford) were in the Superior auction Tuesday evening, but were in NGC holders. The 1921-P and 1921-D in MS66FB were mislabeled, and even though that was pointed out before the auction began, it may have led to some confusion. Both coins went to the book, for $5000 and $4400, respectively.
That meant that if I was going to find any Mercs, I'd have to find them at the show. After what I felt was a thorough sweep of the bourse, I managed to find just 2 coins that I liked well enough to purchase, a 1919-D in MS64 and a 1927-D in MS65, both non-FB. I also saw a 1925-D in MS63FB, but the mintmark was practically illegible. Here are my new Merc additions:
I went to the PCGS booth, saw the Apollo and Joshua II Merc sets, both of which are awesome! BJ was there, and graciously offered to let me see any that I cared to view close up. Not wanting to take up too much of her time, I asked to see the 1916-D from the Apollo set. I attempted to photograph it, but the lighting was hardly optimal, and I didn't have a tripod with me. Here are the photos I was able to get. Unfortunately, the reverse photo is much too bright.
BJ commented that she received a lot of mail addressed to Mr. Searles, so I volunteered to post a picture of her. The picture she posed for came out blurred, but there's another that I took that shows her more clearly.
The 1913 nickel drew some attention, but not as much as I thought it might. The line was no more than 5 or 6 people each time I saw it.
My other purchases (all PCGS) at the show included:
a very high-end 1928-D cent in MS64RD ( I now have all of the regular issues from 1925-date in MS (not all slabbed), except the '25-S and '26-S)
2 upgrades to my recently-completed 1938-64 Jefferson proof set
a Barber dime in MS64. I'm trying to get one of each date from 1900-1916.
a 1941-S Walking Liberty half in MS65
several type coins: an 1851 3 cent silver in MS64, 1861-P ½ dime in MS65, 1879 dime in MS66, 1805 half in VF25, and an 1874-S Trade dollar in MS62
and, just because I liked the coins, a 1935 Connecticut half in MS65, and an 1853 gold dollar in MS63.
So, I've blown my coin budget for a couple of months, but had a great time doing it.
Next year's FUN show will be in Ft. Lauderdale, so the temperatures should be considerably warmer than in Orlando the past few days. I'm already looking forward to it!
Jim
Countdown to completion of my Mercury Set: 1 coin. My growing Lincoln Set: Finally completed!
0
Comments
Super post - I feel I was there - next year I hope in Ft. Lauderdale indeed
Funny you are looking at the same coins I had my eyes on - your right on the 25-D I've seen it and I too passed - it has got some strange acid spots or something growing in it - too bad the web pictures were super - however I can see it being sold easy. That said the coin is a gorgous 64FB.
I agree with your comments on the merc's in general in the sales - ditto - too bad many good dates were in NGC plastic which means zilch to me, and seemingly to many others.
Those two Merc's you got are nice - really nice - I guess FB with that eye appeal would have taken you back to ummm next FUN show in 2011
Coingrat's and glad you had FUN!!
Marc
Nice Post and Nice Coins. It sounds like you had a very nice time. Boy those 19D's are hard to find with the lower diagonal full. Yours looks exactly like the one I have if your picture is accurate. Thanks again for the report.
Ken
Walt
WOW, what a super post is right. One of the best. Those are some great looking dimes and I'm happy for you that you were able to find some nice looking mercs to add to your collection. I only wish that I had gone.
Later,
Paul B. Gunsallus
Later, Paul.
Great report! Glad to hear your trip was FUN and successfull too. Congratulations on the two new dimes, they are real nice and I am sure made the trip worthwhile.
I was lucky enough to get the 1919-S Merc PCGS MS65 no bands in the Heritage after auction sale. It is a great upgrade from my AU55.
Any other Mercateers get anything new?
Regards,
Wayne
Wayne
www.waynedriskillminiatures.com
42/92
I looked at that '19-S in 65, and it looks very much like the one in my set. I think you'll be pleased with it.
Congrats!
Jim
President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay
Thanks for your opinion, as I know you have a good "eye" for Mercs. I've been looking to upgrade the AU coins in my collection for some time. It is getting much more difficult though. The coins I have in AU are the ones that are often big bucks in the mid MS grades, and especially with full bands. It has been a lean winter for me, but I've added a couple of quality coins. I have decided to sit back and take stock, and do some upgrading as I can. I intend to be much more selective on future additions to the collection, but still don't mind taking small steps to get there.
Regards,
Wayne
Wayne
www.waynedriskillminiatures.com
Nice upgrade Wayne.
Ken
Also picked up a 27-S in 64FB which I'll post seperately later b/c that is a great buy in itself too.
Marc
Way to go!
Jim