The FUN Show: Barbers, and other FUN facts
TahoeDale
Posts: 1,785 ✭✭✭
It's now Thursday evening, and all the pre-show auctions have concluded. The Heritage Platinum nights--which included the Hugon Barbers, the Gold Rush Collection, and then several hundred high end coins of all denominations, was the best attended of all. Heritage still has 4 sessions to go in their sales, and they are setting new records every day--looking for total hammer to exceed 50 million dollars. I sometimes wonder where are all the coins to go? And what is left to sell/auction?
The Barber prices, which I was most interested in, was a mixed bag. Laura's prediction that new records would be set for all dates, no matter the rarity, didn't come true, as many coins were bought at present levels, many below, and a few above. But the room was full, and the phone bidders and internet played a major role. The 13-S quarter in MS 68, pop 1 went for 172,500, and the 1901-S in 67 brought big bucks too.
The Brasher doubloons were exciting to view, and more exciting to see change hands. It has been 25 years since they have been sold. Gold in all forms was frentic, and the dealers say the boom is still alive and well. The bourse floor was active all day, and I expect the same tomorrow. Coins in all grades and prices are available, and I seriously believe that anyone who wants coins can get them here.
I bought 11 coins in auctions, and 3 on the floor. Prices reflect current values, and while higher than a year ago, are progressing in a normal upward trend. The most exciting purchase was a 1796 16 stars half in AU 50(PCGS). Several capped bust halves were expensive as well, but the toning was original and vibrant, esp. the 1839 Reeded Edge in 65(PCGS).
More later.
The Barber prices, which I was most interested in, was a mixed bag. Laura's prediction that new records would be set for all dates, no matter the rarity, didn't come true, as many coins were bought at present levels, many below, and a few above. But the room was full, and the phone bidders and internet played a major role. The 13-S quarter in MS 68, pop 1 went for 172,500, and the 1901-S in 67 brought big bucks too.
The Brasher doubloons were exciting to view, and more exciting to see change hands. It has been 25 years since they have been sold. Gold in all forms was frentic, and the dealers say the boom is still alive and well. The bourse floor was active all day, and I expect the same tomorrow. Coins in all grades and prices are available, and I seriously believe that anyone who wants coins can get them here.
I bought 11 coins in auctions, and 3 on the floor. Prices reflect current values, and while higher than a year ago, are progressing in a normal upward trend. The most exciting purchase was a 1796 16 stars half in AU 50(PCGS). Several capped bust halves were expensive as well, but the toning was original and vibrant, esp. the 1839 Reeded Edge in 65(PCGS).
More later.
TahoeDale
0
Comments
Greg
On Friday, attended the PCGS Registry Luncheon and sat with Highlander and Ayers--2 great bust half collectors. Stewart Blay, Steve Duckor and Jay Brahin(Saintguru) were in place at the head table.
The program was very interesting, with Julian Leidman, Q David Bowers, Art Kagin and David Hall answering questions about the 40's thru 60's coin world events and conditions. All contributed great history, with Mr. Kagin the most verbose. All were asked to limit answers to2-3 minutes, and Mr K could have spoke for hours (he tried).
Viewed the Baxi Collection of Lib Nickels at the Legends table. Fantastic. Bought another early dollar--1797 in AU 58, and then visited with Reeded Edge, David Lawrence(John F), Don Willis, Sheridan Downey and Brian Wagner.
Going home in the morning. A great show, good conversation and some nice coins
Imagine being the consignor who had his coins listed at the end of that catalogue ?? Was there anybody awake to bid on the coins ???
Dale, I see you purchased the 1839 half in MS65. It was interesting to see it bring about the same price as the 1837 in PCGS MS66 that looked overly conserved. Obviously eye-appeal played a big role.
I have to wonder if the 250% premium the 1839 carries in CDN over the commoner 1837 is reasonable. I would imagine that these are all mostly type coins with very few people looking to make a date set considering the 38-0 are 39-0 can be pricey.
I liked the look of that 1839 very much. RE halves are notorious for being mottled ugly, dull surfaced ugly, or dipped out ugly.
roadrunner
I may be one of the few bust half collectors who chooses to collect the early halves, capped bust and Reeded edge. And the 250% difference between the 1837 and 1839 is a question I have pondered for some time. I also agree that most collectors will seek out the reeded edge series for type only, getting an 1837 and an 1839, in 64 or lesser grade. There is little difference in price til you get to MS 65.
But for those who want a gem 1839, plan to pay up. There are 3 65's and a 66. (Many more in the 1837 date). And the quality is lacking in many 1839's. I have not seen a real pq 1839 in 65 til this one. I have viewed one other 65 and the lone 66. While properly graded, no pizzazz in either, whereas the Lull 65 is a beaut, color and strike extraordinare.
And though most if not all collectors will never complete the short series because of the 1838-O, the same is true of all bust half collectors who do not obtain the 1817/4. With 7 known, and 1 unable to be found today, there will be 6 sets out of the hundreds that will ever be complete.
Taking your comments a step further, it's very hard to find an original, attractive, and solidly graded RE half of any date. For every 10 or so MS64 and higher pieces I run across, maybe 1 or 2 have those extra qualities. I've been searching for an 1837 RE in MS65 for 2 years now and have not found the right coin. A number of 66's have gone by (75% of those are conserved) as well as 65's, yet to find an original, similar to that 1839, with decent eye appeal is very frustrating. I have my 1838-39 type coin in hand already, but still one to go....and no hurry either.....it will show up eventually.
roadrunner