On this date, at this time I would have to say my 1950 CAM Proof Frankie. Why? Well because I like CAM/DCAM Frankies and because it took me over about 7 years to find it and acquire it.
Of course my answer today, right now, will probably change by tomorrow (or maybe even in 15 minutes).
I do not understand this thread. What is the circumstance in which we must give up the coins we already own? Do we get our monies back on what we paid for the coins or do we forfeit that too?
Mark - The only reason I'd be down to my last coin is I had to liquidate my collection to try and make ends meet for the family. That being the case, I'd keep this1887 Morgan. In my opinion the Morgan is one of (if not the) best conceived designs (both O and R) and, while not having much intrinsic value, has high collector value/impact - so, I would still own a significant remant. This particular Morgan was one I bought early on in collecting - so it would help me recall what once was. Finally, this is a nice example of a toned coined - one of my other interests in the hobby.
Better pictures?
There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation. One is by the sword. The other is by debt. –John Adams, 1826
I think this is a great post and gosh, I've seen some coins on here that were obviously so sentimental that it made me wish for something similarly in my life. So I didn't think I'd post anything (and I think coinguy should at least show us a pic of this single coin, and discuss what he thinks about it --share and share alike). But I do know, now thinking of this what is NOT going to stay with me, and that's most of my coins. I'm just not attached to them in that way, it's almost like a mental exercise or a spiritual growth, or something like that. But that's getting off the topic. If I had to present ONE coin that I'd keep, I'd probably have to really take a look at all of my coins, including the uncircs from childhood that I've saved (haven't looked at those in over 30+ years. OK so what is it that I can show now. I've shown it before, it's a new coin. It follows a beautifully toned 1921 Morgan (MS64), actually, charming aesthetics which I was fortunate enough to get from Anaconda. I didn't think I'd find one better, quite honestly, but then Mike Printz had a stupendous one on his site that I would say is not better than the other one, just different. The most amazing thing is that it is a cinch to photograph. And while my photos are not as good as Mr. Printz', it really brings out all the stuff you'd like to see when looking at a picture of it. I think it's because what is there is rather well evolved on this coin and encompases different kinds of colors that allow light to easily flow through them such that you get a good pic no matter what.
I got both these coins (and the latter one, the MS65 is the one I would keep) because it represents my father's birthday, whom I lost about one year ago. What a great man. My sense of ethics is so dwarfed by his very simple yet elite style where he cared more for principle than himself. In other words, he would stick his neck out for you, if that is what you needed, no matter who or what you were. It was the need of the other that he would see, particularly since he was secure enough in himself to do so. He taught me so much. And perhaps Freud would say buying the coins with his birthdate is not going to get him back, and my concious mind (at least) understands this, so consider the coins a tribute to this wonderful man whose hand I was privileged to hold during that very precious time. My love for him will never deminish. (you have to excuse me because I'm still recovering from this tragic and unexpected loss, but I'm seeing something I never saw before and I can't even define it yet).
This coin has panache, or better said in Italian, pennachio. it has character and it is a lustrous beauty.
My keeper would be my 1875 CC Seated Half Dollar. I found it in the basement of the shotgun shack I call home shortly after buying the house. ANACS graded it VF20. It is the coin that really started me in this hobby.
This would have to be my keeper. I love that it was minted near the time our country was founded and so early in the history of the U.S Mint. Also, the eye appeal of the design and the coin are such that I will have a difficult time ever parting with it.
1977 Philippines 5000 Piso gold coin (contains just a shade under of 2 troy ounces of pure gold) For personal reasons and also because I love massive gold coins.
I would keep my icon/sigline half eagle, for several reasons. One, it is arguably my most beautiful coin. Two, I think that 1812 is a very cool, historic year ("war of- " and all that). Three, there were only 3 denominations minted that year: the cent, half dollar, and half eagle (I have a couple of each of the others) Four, I also have an original copy of the director of the mint's report for coinage in 1812, (printed in 1813) which sets forth the quantities of each coin minted, and the starting and ending balances of gold, silver, and copper on hand. Five, this is my most expensive coin, and five-b, the coin that made my heart pound the hardest in the moments before and after I commited to buy it, and when i first held it in my hands, and again every time I see it. Six, very few collectors have an example of this type of coin, never mind this specific date. Six-b, it is my only coin that will never fail to get a "WOW" when presented at any coin shop or show or to another collector. And seven, on top of all that, This specimen also happens to be the scarcer of the two major varieties for the year. Suffice it to say that this half eagle is my favorite coin of all.
Oooooooooohhhhhhhh....... This is a good noodle scratcher. I seem to fall into the category of "not owning one single coin that's worth a lot, but the entire collection as a whole is worth a good amount". I mean, at this point in time my most valuable coin is my one ounce platinum maple leaf that I just picked up, and many people here have coins worth a great deal more than that one. So for me, I have to look through all my coins and try to find the one that is the most unique. In the end, here's what I decided on:
This is the ONLY non-bullion gold coin that I own, and it is also the first non-bullion gold coin that I have ever owned. Sure it's raw and has probably been "cleaned up" at one point in its life, but it still has a nice yellow color to it that photographs just can't do it justice. In addition, it was minted 100 years before I was born which is kind of neat. It was tough deciding between this one and the 1880-S Morgan Dollar I have with cartwheel luster and a look to it like it was just minted yesterday, but I have plenty of silver coinage and only one gold one.
I collect the elements on the periodic table, and some coins. I have a complete Roosevelt set, and am putting together a set of coins from 1880.
I had to think long and hard on this one. There are so many coins with stories behind them. In the end, I enjoy deep cameo proofs and also proof varieties. So after much debate, I would keep my 1990 no S Lincoln.
Sorry no pic - but you all know what they look like.
Good thread - I enjoyed it.
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
Tough one Mark. I guess it would be this one because I am a variety guy at heart. I love the thrill of the hunt. This coin also was the coin that got my blood flowing as a kid and I always searched for one. Never found one myself, but I have owned a few, with this being my nicest. Got this one from a nice guy too
Comments
Russ, NCNE
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/quarters/washington-quarters-major-sets/washington-quarters-date-set-circulation-strikes-1932-present/publishedset/209923
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/quarters/washington-quarters-major-sets/washington-quarters-date-set-circulation-strikes-1932-present/album/209923
Of course my answer today, right now, will probably change by tomorrow (or maybe even in 15 minutes).
That would have a bearing on my answer!
Better pictures?
–John Adams, 1826
I got both these coins (and the latter one, the MS65 is the one I would keep) because it represents my father's birthday, whom I lost about one year ago. What a great man. My sense of ethics is so dwarfed by his very simple yet elite style where he cared more for principle than himself. In other words, he would stick his neck out for you, if that is what you needed, no matter who or what you were. It was the need of the other that he would see, particularly since he was secure enough in himself to do so. He taught me so much. And perhaps Freud would say buying the coins with his birthdate is not going to get him back, and my concious mind (at least) understands this, so consider the coins a tribute to this wonderful man whose hand I was privileged to hold during that very precious time. My love for him will never deminish. (you have to excuse me because I'm still recovering from this tragic and unexpected loss, but I'm seeing something I never saw before and I can't even define it yet).
This coin has panache, or better said in Italian, pennachio. it has character and it is a lustrous beauty.
Collecting:
Conder tokens
19th & 20th Century coins from Great Britain and the Realm
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
This is the ONLY non-bullion gold coin that I own, and it is also the first non-bullion gold coin that I have ever owned. Sure it's raw and has probably been "cleaned up" at one point in its life, but it still has a nice yellow color to it that photographs just can't do it justice. In addition, it was minted 100 years before I was born which is kind of neat. It was tough deciding between this one and the 1880-S Morgan Dollar I have with cartwheel luster and a look to it like it was just minted yesterday, but I have plenty of silver coinage and only one gold one.
Sorry no pic - but you all know what they look like.
Good thread - I enjoyed it.
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!