Is their such thing as an inexpensive pattern?

TheLiberator

Ok..I have limited means. (I won't discuss HOW limited, but let's just say heritage doesn't know me too well...!)

Patterns seem fascinating. I would LOVE to have a pattern of some of our current circulating coinage. I suppose these would cost an arm and a leg, huh?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

The Liberator

airplanenut

An 1854 flying eagle large cent pattern sold at a B&M auction last year for around $510 (it was F-12)... it was donated to the YN Scholarship Auction at the Summer Seminar this year and sold for $1000.

Jeremy

relayer

Yes, depending on what you are looking for (and what inexpensive means). Under $1,000? Yes

TheLiberator

Uhhhh....what about under 2000?

3000?

lordmarcovan

As a matter o' fact, I have a wildly magenta-toned pattern in an NGC PF65 holder for sale, at my cost of 250 bucks.

It's Darkside, though- a 1913 Bavarian 3-mark pattern (Pn-16) by the famous Goetz, struck in copper.

There are several opportunities to buy "cheap" patterns on the Darkside. But there are also a lot of fantasy issues.

US patterns are more expensive, though not necessarily rarer.

My "Magenta Monster" Goetz pattern is the last coin on the right in this banner I use on my eBay page (and used to use in my sigline here). Cosmicdebris took some better pics of it but had a hard time imaging it in the slab- I haven't uploaded the pictures he made for me. That coin is the last beauty I have left out of the ones in that banner picture.

Lakesammman

All the patterns I collect are considered inexpensive by the "big boys"

Inexpensive seems to be the $1500 to $2000 range. There are a few circ patterns cheaper but they are few and far between.

cladking

Modern patterns tend to be extremely rare and few different types exist. Many of these
are not as obviously patterns as the older issues. They tend to be far cheaper than older
patterns though. If you consider the Gardiners Islands tokens to be patterns, they might
be available for as little five or ten dollars.

There are also several darkside modern patterns which are fairly common. The ECU's and
Euros can be picked up for under $100 in some variety.

CoinAddict

Here is a Goetz like LordM's if you are interested in something Darkside.

MrEureka

I would LOVE to have a pattern of some of our current circulating coinage. I suppose these would cost an arm and a leg, huh?

Correct, but there are a fair number of circulated 19th century patterns that can be had under a $1000. I sold a three cent pattern at ANA for $400 and a nickel at $600. As for more expensive patterns, well over 100 different can be acquired for less less than 2K each in 63 or better condition.

lordmarcovan

That's a nice one! My "Magenta Monster" is struck in copper, though. I did pay a premium for the toning.

ziggy29

Some of the "more common" patterns (which is a relative term, because by regular issue standards, all patterns are very low mintage!) can be found for less than $1,000. I don't know that you'll have much luck under a few hundred bucks, but if that's "inexpensive" by your standards, then you have a chance.

nwcs

Of course, attractive patterns will be more sought after and cost more. There is a book that I ran into at the bookstore today on patterns including prices. Was like $30. Might be worth taking a trip to the bookstore and seeing if you can find it.

MrEureka

There is a book that I ran into at the bookstore today on patterns including prices. Was like $30. Might be worth taking a trip to the bookstore and seeing if you can find it.

The 8th edition of Judd is the one to get. It retails for $30.

clw54

For their condition and rarity, they're inexpensive compared to regular issue coins. The ones I've seen, Rick Kay's, are beautiful. Worth checking out at a show.