Why do I have this coin?
RYK
Posts: 35,797 ✭✭✭✭✭
I have a small core collection of gold coins (35 or so). I regularly review my holdings to see what I have, make sure I still like what I have, and determine whether what I have still fits in with what I am trying to collect. I highly recommend this for the unfocused collector. On a recent review, I pulled out my 1857-D $5 PCGS XF-40. It is not an especially valuable coin, nor does it have an interesting pedigree or story. I did not realize when I purchased it this past fall from Gold Rush Gallery that it is 7th (out of 26) in rarity ranking with only 120-130 known to exist. (Many of these have been abused.) So far not very interesting....But when I turn the coin over and look at the reverse, I realize why I own it. This coin is as beautiful as an XF could possibly be. It is 100% original. There is dirt in the interstices of the eagle's shield and surrounding much of the lettering. The "D" is big and strong, just like you would want your mintmark to be. The eagle is nicely etched from the fields. Sure there is wear...this piece changed hands in commerce for years before someone took it out of circulation, and it was lovingly cared for thereafter. This is no coin that you rip on ebay. There is no upgrade potential and likely no money to be made here. It is what it is. A very undistinguished, circulated, not-particularly-rare Dahlonega half eagle that is going right back to the bank...for good. (Thank you for sharing my musings.)
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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 an optical illusion, it only looks like an optical illusion.
My mind reader refuses to charge me....
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Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Capped Bust Half Series
Capped Bust Half Dime Series
Not a chance (will I do it, nor will it upgrade).
On second thought, if I send it to NCS, it could end up in a NGC-61* holder...
<< <i>On second thought, if I send it to NCS, it could end up in a NGC-61* holder... >>
and then send it back to PCGS and it will come back a 40.
...if you wanted to give it away, of course
Rgrds
TP
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
Jeremy,
I expect that later in you life you will have many opportunities to purchase such a coin for yourself and you will enjoy it when you do. As for this piece, my son and daughter (five and two) are in line ahead of you.
BTW, my first gold coin was purchased for my by my father from Stack's (another story previously told here), an 1890 $2.50 in "AU", as a reward for winning the first round of the local spelling bee. I was eleven. My second gold coin was my 1878-CC $20 PCGS XF-40 that I purchased 25 years later!
Robert
Oh, David, that's easy. The answer is on the coin. It was buried in some Rebel's backyard!!!
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.