Just upgraded my Shield Nickel collection. This is one tough series and now, at last the collection
Justhavingfun
Posts: 835 ✭
That's the business strikes. I've tried to get full-horizontal shield lines on all coins so it's a visually attractive set.
The 1880 is a killer coin, almost impossible even in AU58. When I was a kid, I had one dateless shield nickel from circulation. I never dreamt I would have a complete date set, to say nothing of one that was so good. I'm really pleased with this set and proud like a papa.
I upgraded the proofs as well, and that's a good set, but there are still some cameo and deep cameo's to get. I particularly love the deep cameos -- the shield nickel is particularly beautiful in deep cameo.
I also pulled my 1879, 9 over 8 in Proof 69 out of the safe to loan to Mitch Spivack. This is the only 19th century 5 cent piece ever graded 69, and Mitch says only one of two 19th century coins so graded by PCGS. This nickel -- and my 43-D Jefferson in MS68 Full Steps -- have the most beautiful rainbow irridescence I've ever seen on a nickel. Both are absolute dazzlers front and back.
Mitch: Do you think you could post a picture of the 9/8 on this thread for me? Or maybe send Sassafrass a scan and she'll do it for you?
Now, I've chirped long enough. If you have some good shield nickels that upgrade me, by all means make me an offer to sell, or swap. I don't promise to buy, but if it's a real upgrade, I promise to stretch to buy, if I have to.
From Happy Land,
Just Having Fun!
The 1880 is a killer coin, almost impossible even in AU58. When I was a kid, I had one dateless shield nickel from circulation. I never dreamt I would have a complete date set, to say nothing of one that was so good. I'm really pleased with this set and proud like a papa.
I upgraded the proofs as well, and that's a good set, but there are still some cameo and deep cameo's to get. I particularly love the deep cameos -- the shield nickel is particularly beautiful in deep cameo.
I also pulled my 1879, 9 over 8 in Proof 69 out of the safe to loan to Mitch Spivack. This is the only 19th century 5 cent piece ever graded 69, and Mitch says only one of two 19th century coins so graded by PCGS. This nickel -- and my 43-D Jefferson in MS68 Full Steps -- have the most beautiful rainbow irridescence I've ever seen on a nickel. Both are absolute dazzlers front and back.
Mitch: Do you think you could post a picture of the 9/8 on this thread for me? Or maybe send Sassafrass a scan and she'll do it for you?
Now, I've chirped long enough. If you have some good shield nickels that upgrade me, by all means make me an offer to sell, or swap. I don't promise to buy, but if it's a real upgrade, I promise to stretch to buy, if I have to.
From Happy Land,
Just Having Fun!
Jefferson nickels, Standing Libs, and US-Philippines rock
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Comments
Regards,
JHF: Congratulations on your world class collections of MS & Proof Shield Nickels. Your 1880 PCGS-MS66 Shield Nickel is one of the most fascinating coins I have ever seen and your 1867 Rays PCGS-PR66CAM is magnificent as well, just to name a few besides this incredible 1879/8 jewel.
Wondercoin.
Partner / Executive VP
Heritage Auctions
There may be other individuals who have an extreme passion for obtaining the finest known examples in a series they collect, but I know of only 2 who do it as well as JHF. I have competed with him and Steve Duckor (Barber halves) and while I lose most of the time, I can honestly say the fight is fair, and we like each other when the game is over.
They are gentlemen, and approach the hobby with a determination that only gains them more respect each time they add a monster, or come in second (not often). It is one of the most rewarding aspects of collecting.
I owned the 1879/8 proof 69 shield in the late 90's. It was the only coin that my friends still ask me about, when I see them years later."Do you still have the prettiest coin I have ever seen?" No, I sold that coin, knowing that they were refering to the nickel. "O, I'm so sorry", like I had lost a close relative. I'm proud that JHF is now the guardian.
I have sold Steve some of his nicest halves. He is always complimentary when I see him, at shows, and we discuss our recent purchases. He advises me on coins that are available that will improve my set. ( He needs no more).
So let the conduct of these fine men be a learning lesson to all. Collect what you wish, finest if you can afford it, and be a friend to others. I promise you will gain more than a just a coin, if you have the qualities of these "true" collectors.
And thanks too for posting the pictures of the 1879, 9 over 8 in Proof 69. It's a shame it didn't cameo, but given the intense coloring on the coin, I can't say I fault them.
Thank you, too Mr. Trade Dollar Nut. Your message is loud and clear: Upgrade coins are going to be made.
You're absolutely right. When my 1867 rays in Proof 65 cameo'd, it was the one and only cameo for that date. And given how few were minted, I thought it might stay that way forever. Now there are two Proof 66 cameo's and one other Proof 65 cameo.
When the coin is a valid upgrade -- coin-wise, not just in terms of plastic -- I have no problem going after it. But what bothers me is when the plastic says it's an upgrade but my eyes tell me it isn't. I just had that experience in another series, with a key date in another series I have up on the registry sets. It was offered to me for well into six figures -- and was a nice coin. But to me, it didn't look as nice as the coin I already had for a third the price. So I passed and some other collector is going to get it and use it to beat the dickens out of my Registry Set. So it goes.
Hello Todd Imhof. Nice to meet you at long last, especially since I've done so much business with your firm, so successfully over the years. And certainly, part of my success in building the shield nickels to this state is due to the wonderful coins Pinnacle has secured for me. Much thanks to Mark, Kathleen, and yourself!
Thank you Coin Fame, Dan 50, and Mr. Registry Coin. Much appreciated, and especially you, Mr Registry Coin, who has walked down the same path before me, clearing the way.
And what a nice thing to say, Tahoe Dale! That makes my day.
But it ain't true that I beat you out more often than not. I'm black and blue from the friendly beatings Laura and you give me.
I'm going to post my Liberty Nickel collection sometime soon, so everyone can see where you two aced me out. That's one of the next series I want to work on.
Warm regards to everyone,
Just Having Fun
That PR69 piece is just killer!
Ken
And thanks too for posting the pictures of the 1879, 9 over 8 in Proof 69. It's a shame it didn't cameo, but given the intense coloring on the coin, I can't say I fault them.
JHF: You are very welcome. Incidently, the 1920(d) SLQ in PCGS-MS68FH from the Heritage FUN Sale - now, there was an "expensive" "one point upgrade"!
I agree on the 1879 nickel- while clearly the evidence of a beautiful cameo nickel is poking through the sensational (2) sided rainbow coloring, I'm afraid the only way to secure that cameo designation from PCGS might be to "dip" the coin
Wondercoin
Bruce Scher
Bruce: Thanks again for the opportunity to acquire such a beautiful coin from you a few years ago. Back then, you were certainly not in the "selling mode" and I know it pained you to see the coin go (nearly as much as the pain in writing you that "rather large check")
Wondercoin.
but it doesn't stop me from admiring those who can!
Congratulations on another outstanding achievement.
Another WOW!!! set
Many of my sets occupy the same registries as yours, however, the quality of your coins is in a seperate universe than mine. Certainly your collections, and some of the pieces I know about, are outstanding. I wish mine could compete on that level, but alas, I am proud to just be able to interact within the same community of inspired and inspiring numismatists.
And, that's why I wanted to comment. From what I continue to see here, I (and I am sure many others) appreciate your contributions to this board. Certainly you are a gentleman, and the fact that you take the time to post and respond here, and to PM on some issues to some members ... and just to interact as you do, is a great thing to behold.
Actually I could extend this to a few other posters in this thread.
TahoeDale said it best (so I'll paste it back in);
So let the conduct of these fine men be a learning lesson to all. Collect what you wish, finest if you can afford it, and be a friend to others. I promise you will gain more than a just a coin, if you have the qualities of these "true" collectors.
Again, congratulations on an outstanding set!!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Awesome accomplishment !!! Congratulations !!!! There are so many amazing coins in your sets. The shield nickels are a series that has long been overlooke, and they have never gotten enough respect. I hope that your accomplishment brings more attention to the series, and that shield nickels benefit accordingly.
Now you need to make an entry in the "Shield Nickels with Varieties" category. You just need three more coins to do it: the 1866/1866, the 1873 Closed 3, and the 1883/2. Then you can be on top in both categories.
OK, I admit it. I have an ulterior motive. I would be pleased to offer you my 1866/1866 PCGS MS64 Pop 3/0, which happens to be an FS-001.1 (the more difficult of the two recognized 1866/1866 varieties), and which happens to be a very early die state, and in my opinion the finest extant example of FS-001.1 (even better than my NGC MS65).
Best,
Sunnywood
Sunnywood's Rainbow-Toned Morgans (Retired)
Sunnywood's Barber Quarters (Retired)
This thread has been an absolute pleasure to read, for so many reasons - thank you gentlemen.
I, too, once had the pleasure to view THE PR69 Shield Nickel. I can't begin to adequately describe its beauty with words and even excellent images can't do it justice.
And your display cases look very interesting too. Are they handcrafted? And are they what you do for a living or are they your hobby?
And thank you, too, Rob Getty! You haven't exactly set yourself an easy goal: The 1872 is a killer set and my money is on you. From the way you write -- and what you write ("Life time project") -- I'll bet you achieve your goal -- the finest 1872 set of all time. Good luck!
Dear Pursuit of Liberty, you have a wonderful name. And you make me blush.
Warm regards,
Just Having Fun
That was a funny story how Mr. Wondercoin "tricked" you into selling that coin -- by paying you what you asked. If I remember correctly, I deserve some of that credit: There's a time to dicker and a time not to, and to me that was definitely a time not to.
Now the 1879, 9 over 8 has found a permanent residence -- it's not going anywhere for quite some time. I find it painful to sell one of my better sets that I've spent years building up.
It pained me to sell my Nickel Three Cent piece collection and mine wasn't nearly as good as yours. Yours was absolutely spectacular. My guess is that you've had withdrawal symptoms from time to time, after selling your set.
I think the Coronet design is unappreciated. To me, it's beautiful in mint state and georgeous in cameo. Indeed, as I sit here typing in the Chaing Kai Shek Airport, in Taipei, I have on the desk in front of me, an 1868 three cent nickel in Proof 65 Deep Cameo. This is one of those rare three cent nickel deep cameos that is true deep cameo on both sides. I held it back from the sale just for moments like this -- so I'd have an "old friend" along.
Enjoy!
Just Having Fun
With Mr. Wondercoin as the intermediary, if I remember correctly, he filled several of the holes and gave me numerous upgrades. Thank you again, Mr. Sunnywood.
And that's why it's only fitting and proper that he be the one to help me finish off my Shield Nickel Variety collection.
Mr. Sunnywood:
Do you think you could "PM" with the price? And if I'm comfortable with that, would you be willing to send the coin to me in Bangkok, for my inspection?
Thanks again and warm regards!
Just Having Fun
Thank you kindly for the mention of my small contribution to building your magnificent sets. Your patience and persistence, with the astoundingly energetic and thorough assistance of Wondercoin (not to mention his tough business acumen - he wore me down on many occasions !!!), have resulted in some amazing collecting achievements !!!
PM sent
Best,
Sunnywood
Sunnywood's Rainbow-Toned Morgans (Retired)
Sunnywood's Barber Quarters (Retired)
That 9/8 is a killer coin -- I love it!!!!
rainbowroosie April 1, 2003
JHF: Congrats on obtaining what I think happens to be a monster coin. Taking a break and doing any USA coin shows this year?
Talk about a truly RARE "rare coin"!
<< <i>Collect what you wish, finest if you can afford it, and be a friend to others. I promise you will gain more than a just a coin, if you have the qualities of these "true" collectors. >>
Long ago, I remember reading one of the Apostrophe Sales' catalog descriptions of a Wreath Cent (or was it a 1794?) as a "Gem of the First Water". You sir, fit that description not only with your unfathomable collections, but more importantly, the graciousness you display on these forums.
Do keep it up with the collections, and if you ever sell those 'Fancy Filipinas', I do so hope I'll be in the running to garner a few of the best of the best in type.......I love 'em all, but the the US Philippines set wins the day with me.
Dear Sunnywood: I was privy to that correspondence, and I wouldn't have put it in physical terms. Rather it was the inexorable logic Mr. Wondercoin marshalled on those occasions, on my behalf. Gosh, he was good. And I don't mean to put it solely in the past tense. He still is great.
And thank you Rainbow Roosie! That is a coin I'd expect you to love, too.
Thank you Oreville.
Regarding going to a coin show or two in the United States, I've been wanting to go to a few, just to see what they're like. I'm sure they're enormously different from the ones in Asia, especially the wee ones in the Philippines. But because I'm in Asia so much, when I'm in the states my family and business have to get my attention. If I was in town when there was a coin show nearby, I would attend. But so far, my timing's been bad.
Best wishes,
Just Having Fun
Ain't you ever right about the 1880 Shield Nickel business strike?! That is one murderously tough coin in uncirculated condition. For years after I had a high-grade unc at all the other slots, I had an AU58 for my 1880. And it wasn't for lack of looking either. I checked eBay, Teletrade, and the auction catalogs faithfully -- and just never found one.
Indeed, Warren Mills suggested that I buy any true 1880 Shield Nickel business strike I could find, uncirculated or otherwise. And he warned me -- along with Mr. Wondercoin -- to be careful because some of the coins slabbed as business strikes were really proofs, i.e., mistakes. Both suggestions were very good advice.
But I just never saw another 1880 Shield Nickel until the one I bought for my set in MS66. And when you look at that one, there's no question: It's clearly a true business strike.
Best wishes,
Just Having Fun
With respect to the 1880 shield nickel, I think it is equally true that some of the coins slabbed as proofs are actually business strikes. As there were only two obverse dies prepared that year (Breen-2515 and Breen-2516), and both dies were used to strike proofs (3200) as well as business strikes (16000), and the dies weren't used long enough to develop die cracks, and the die chip found at 7 o'clock on Breen-2515 also sppears on some no-questions proofs, and the proof collar was apparently used to strike all the coins, and proofs were struck in both early and later die states for at least one of the obverses .... well, it makes it very difficult even for a specialist to classify most of the coins accurately - ditto for the grading services, except for "no-questions" mirrored proofs and "no-questions" frosty business strikes, which are few and far between. Fortunately for you, you came across one of the latter !!! Indeed, strike may be the most reliable and important distinguishing factor.
As for the physical aspects of Wondercoin's process, you are quite mistaken there !!! The phone would ring in the evening, and I would take a deep breath and pick it up, prepared for a marathon of discussion that would inevitably last more than one hour. It was physically tiring, I can assure you, although perhaps not in the same sense as going to the gym !! Then he would give me homework too - asking me to write up an analysis of why each coin should be worth more, or less, etc. It was definitely a workout !!
Best,
Sunnywood
Sunnywood's Rainbow-Toned Morgans (Retired)
Sunnywood's Barber Quarters (Retired)
ps. only one hour?
Bruce Scher
Sunnywood: It was always (and still is) a great pleasure to speak with you concerning Shield Nickels. You are among the most knowledgeable experts for that series in the world. I learned a great deal from you and my questions were always motivated by a desire to soak up as much information from you as I possibly could, recognizing full well you were the "source" for accurate information on the series. Thank you again for taking all those late night calls, assisting with the "homework" projects and selling me the vast majority of your Shield nickel Proof and MS collections.
Bruce - I am "down the street from you" right now, but, I know you have run out of coins to sell for the time being, so today is a bad day for lunch
Wondercoin
"A bad day for lunch" .... LOL !!!! Bruce, now that you sold all that good stuff, you can't even get a date anymore !!
Wondercoin, thanks for the kind words. In truth, I enjoyed the conversations as well, even if we didn't always agree on valuations at first
Best,
Sunnywood
Sunnywood's Rainbow-Toned Morgans (Retired)
Sunnywood's Barber Quarters (Retired)
Thanks so much for your wonderful words. Much appreciated.
And I do intend to start selling off the US-Philippine coins I've been so lucky to accumulate. I have secured the www.PhilippineCoins.com website. As soon as I can hire someone to run that as a business, I will. I'm advertising for the person in the Philippine numismatic catalogs, and have feelers out in the US numismatic community as well.
I'll keep you posted if and when it happens.
Warm regards,
Just Having Fun
Normally, I prefer a 66 Deep Cameo to a 67 Cameo. The difference between a deep cameo and a regular cameo is much more dramatic and visually obvious than the difference between a Proof 67 and a proof 66.
Likewise, I prefer a proof 66 cameo to a proof 67 non-cameo. The difference in the cameo designation again denotes a much more dramatic visual difference.
For the closed 3, my PCGS Pr66 Cameo is a nice coin. But if a proof 67 cameo, or especially a proof 66 Deep cameo came along, I'd be all over it.
For the business strikes, the designation doesn't always make that much of a difference. So, for instance, in the Standing Liberty Series, you'll see that for the 1919 slot, I have a MS68 in my Registry Set rather than the 67 Full Heads that I've seen. It's not a smushed head coin, but rather an appealing well-struck coin that looks beautiful. But the 67 Full Head will score more points.
It's for reasons like this that I don't like the Registry Sets -- they put pressure on you to buy the plastic rather than the coin. To do it right, I had to make up my mind to firmly resist those pressures and go after the coins not the certs.
Warm regards from BAngkok,
Dan
So if there's