Trying To Be More Selective
LeeG
Posts: 12,162 ✭
I did a review of my coin purchases for 2004 and found I was all over the place and made some poor coin purchases. My resolution for 2005 is to be more selective in the coins I purchase.
Here are some coins that I have my eye on and would like to get some thoughts from you guy's on these. All pictures are the sellers. Thank You in advance for all your comments, Lee1861 IH PCI MS-64 Virtually Mark Free Surfaces $229
Prices Realized PCGS/NGC: $414, $287, $425
1889 IH NGC MS-65 RB A well struck gem with deep, attractive burgundy color. In an old NGC Holder $449
Prices Realized PCGS/NGC: $299, $265, $259
1899 IH NTC MS-66 RB Superb luster and 80% Red. $259
Prices Realized PCGS/NGC: $106 (NGC 65), $253 (NGC 66), $259 (NGC 66)
Buffalo Nickel 1937-D PCGS MS-66 Light Golden Gem $85
Prices Realized PCGS/NGC: $92, $54, $63, $92
Buffalo Nickel 1938-D PCGS MS-66 Light Golden Gem $59
Prices Realized PCGS/NGC: $59, $52
RAW 1944-S Jefferson Gem BU Rainbow Toned $50
Prices Realized PCGS/NGC: $178 (65 FS), $26 (66), $18 (66)
RAW 1986 Golden DCAM Proof Jefferson with Blue Toned Halo $15
Prices Realized PCGS/NGS in PR69 DCAM: $13, $17, $18
RAW 1987-S Golden DCAM Jefferson. Reverse has killer Blue Rim Toning $10
Prices Realized PCGS/NGC in PR69 DCAM: $17, $22
RAW 1957 Gem++ Cameo Proof Roosevelt (close to DCAM) $100
RAW 1957 Gem Cameo Proof Roosevelt $65
Prices Realized PCGS/NGC: $20 (66 Cam), $18 (67 Cam), $127 (69 Cam), $75 (69 Cam)
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Comments
"Senorita HepKitty"
"I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
42/92
I would pass on the PCI-64 1861 indian head. I dont like the coin as a problem free 64. Thier is some corrosion spots at the outer edges and the color is medicore. I recently sold an ANACS-64 1861 on e-bay for just under 200.00 that was much better than this coin. JUST MO, BECUASE YOU ASKED!
I agree with Irish mike the 1899 Indian head is overgraded, and easily found nicer.
The 38-d Buffalo can be found nice easily and inexpensive. This coin is below average for a 38-d, not to mentionthe partial finger print on the reverse!!!!
the 44-s Nickel looks AT
and the first 57 Dime Obverse wont even make Cam
1861 PCI MS64 IHC has corrosion on the reverse edge.
1889 NGC MS65RB IHC looks like a very nice coin, I wonder how dark it is in-hand, the price is steep for that color.
1899 NTC MS66RB IHC does not look original at all and has likely been dipped and retoned; the 1899 IHCs typically come with terrific color.
1937-D PCGS MS66 Buff looks nice but I don't know about the price.
1938-D PCGS MS66 Buff looks like it has two cuts on the Native American's cheek and a partial fingerprint beneath the bison, this date comes very nice and so this is not a good buy, but the price is in the ball park for what these usually go for.
The raw coins are all complete losers at these prices, you may as well give your money away.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Chris
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
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You've shown us photos of mint state IHC's, mint state Buffalo nickels, mint state and proof Jefferson Nickels, and proof Roosevelt dimes.
Some might consider this to be somewhat "all over the place."
You've shown us PCI and NTC slabs, and raw coins, of which some may seem a little pricey.
Some might consider these as right fine stepping stones to "some poor coin purchases."
Do you have a focus? It's not quite clear.
It's nice to make resolutions, and as you've stated them above, your intentions seem to make sense. I'm just not sure you're off to a great start with this post.
Of course on the positive side, you seem to be taking the criticisms seriously, and perhaps will be able to sharpen your focus and, most importantly, begin to weed out the bad purchases before you even contemplate them.
z
That said, I like the 1889 IHC, but not at that price--the color doesn't seem worth anything near the premium, especially since it seems like it will be quite dark. Remember, with patience, you'll get the best coins at the best prices--two of my prizes came after 4-12 months of waiting, looking, and having a dealer look for me.
That said, here's an IHC, NGC MS64BN, I picked up over the summer. It was only $72, and I personally like it more than the ones you've posted--it's totally original, has pretty color, isn't dark (like the 1889), and was a solid coin at a great price--a coin I'm always happy to look at (scratches are on the holder).
Jeremy
PS- I agree with Tom's analysis
The 1889 MS65RB Indian has way too much high point discoloration and what I call shiny spots (friction or color breaks).
Even without that it appears somewhat lackluster. The Indian appears to have been in a losing boxing match with all that dark high point color (cheek, diamonds, lower feather tips, etc). Color needs to be uniform over the high points. The reason it is different is that the luster is broken underneath and it toned differently where luster actually was.
The 1899 Indian looks orange vice red so I agree with Tom.
NTC copper? Forget it. That one would likely be bagged.
The 1937d buff has similar high point discolorations similar to the 1889 cent. One almost has to accept this on early bust coins, but I don't expect to see it on gem buffs.
For every NTC winner you think have, there will be 4 losers to accompany it that will just kill you.
You are all over the yard again AND looking at poor choices with the PCI and NTC stuff !
Played that game last year some and its a money loser !
Heres my plan for 2005.
NGC and PCGS ! ONLY (well maybe an ANACS here and there)
Complete my 57 Proof Registry sets on both sides of the street (i should have only 1, but bouncing around has forced me into building 2 ! )
Buy some stuff to flip and fuel the monster.
If you buy Raw,buy it sight seen or dirt cheap,so it doesnt hurt too bad.
New coin submissions are going to NGC only (unless i need the plastic to fill a hole)
Now in your case,i would recommend you work on that Birth Year Proof Set !
Think about it,you like toners and 57 Proofs dont come along toned all that often from what i have seen (read that as expensive as well).
You like high grade Proofs (not cheap)
You could spend the next 5 years looking for high grade Proof toners that you need for the set,if you bounce around are ya gonna have the change when that Toned 57 Linky in 68 CAM (pop of 19 total between PCGS and NGC) shows up ?
Sure,i love buying shineys,it's way more fun than searching !
Keep your powder dry and wait on the coin you like and need !
The first Roosie wont Cam,2 is a maybe,why buy raw ?
Slabbed roosies are cheap,might take some work to find a toner though.
And for what it's worth I've made several poor purchases in 2004 that I regret now. All we can do is try to eliminate them in 2005.
roadrunner