A couple new additions compliments of JJT (since I was submitting a large batch couldn't help myself - had to pick a couple newps up) and Walt K - Any guesses on the grades of these? PS - Trying to get the images cropped smaller but so far no luck ....
Mike that is a Beeeeautuful MS64 97-S . No question it's an irrational investment to pay $15k for the (current) pop 1 AU 58.. And as Liz said this morning.. There's no way to make a coin a certain grade.. You can't make a VF20, nor can you make an AU58.. You can "try" but there is no sure fire method to make the grade you're after.
And log potato, when the ANACS 97-S comes back, I can pm u if u like
Combination of poor photography and inconsistency in grading/subtle differences in grade levels:
1896-O: VF-30 1903-S graded twice actually: Originally graded AU55 (21618524) then regraded to AU53 after was cracked out for a Capitol Holder Date Type Set (19081494) 1915: AU50
I agree on the 1908-S Quarter in 45 .. It is really nice .. The VF-35 I have does not have a lot less detail and the look is super original .... Brian Greer about 6 months ago for $280 (which I realize is low so I thought I got a steal actually)... But proportionally, $1k for XF45 seems high
<< <i>Also, are 1908-S quarters so rare that they bring $1000 in XF45? Granted it was a very nice 45. >>
That's quite a multiple of the PCGS price guide for sure, but whose to judge what someones willing to pay. I think a lot of the semi-key Barber quarters aren't even close in the guides currently. I see auction closing on eBay of the 96-O and 97-S quite high recently. Nice semi-keys seem to come along less frequently then the big 3 the last few years (to me anyway).
I'm posting it again, because I have yet to see a coin rival mine on this forum. Ken's coin is very nice, but for the lowest pop PCGS coin, you just don't see them like this one. Some of you might get annoyed with it, but I love this coin!
LogPotato--love your 02-S. Very nice. But here's one that I actually kept in my pocket for several months to help me to remain grounded in my profession...I know, I know, lots of questions...but simply it gave me something else to focus on. I was surprised that it was even graded by PCGS and shocked that it didn't come back as altered, thumbed, cleaned, etc...because I handled it or fumbled it every day for about three months. It's not an 02-S but an 05-S at VF-20...the first Barber Half Dollar that I ever owned...
Perhaps if I hand't handled it so much it might have been more than your VF-25... but no worries...I'm pleased since it was my first purchase...and one of the first I submitted as a novice to PCGS.
Thanks for posting the 1904 Half - its a pleasure to see the coin again.
Sam, Nice pair of 1908 coins...
Justin... I like the 02-S Half... quite a bit - its a perfect circulated cameo ... I have had a few in my collecting career - and I am very pleased with the one I picked up not too long ago in PCGS 45. I miss my AU 58 but the newp is better suited to the lower graded set.
My old coin: [
My raw Dansco Coin [ now PCGS F-12 ]
My newp: PCGS 45
.... and a duplicate PCGS VF 30...
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Man alive, things are moving fast on this thread lately. Re the 02-s half, I like the ones posted, and Log, you got a beaut. A nice dusty old dark grey cameo for sure. I wonder why this date issue has the fewest overall coins graded at PCGS and can't help but think there are a few more out there that will come to light once the prices push up a bit, especially in the fine to XF40 range. In AU and MS maybe it's true nature is very scarce. (No one on earth is talking about the 03-s half which is just as scarce in AU , by the pop numbers.)
On the 08-s quarter, this was long my favorite undiscovered date, but I think there are 6 for sale on eBay now in VF to XF. I haven't seen a nice AU in a while. I've got to stay away from quarters. They are a lot of fun, with all those tough dates, it becomes addicting. That 03-s quarter posted on the last page is torture when I'm on the wagon like this!
We're all born MS70. I'm about a Fine 15 right now.
LogPotato I blame Arnie Heller for that...he perverted my mind for XF-45's...super dude and he has a keen eye for "eye appeal". Thanks for the comments...I think Arnie would be pleased.
They most certainly are - Perfect tone, surfaces and overall look .. 10 bell coins .. Don't we want them all to look like that?
What boggles my mind is PCGS probably has a pop of around 10-15 coins in XF45 for the 01-S, 03-S et.al. (just pulling those numbers out of air to make a point without taking the time to look it up) .. .. And PCGS has plus grades for all grades 40 and up (except 60 and 61) .. If the 01-S and 03-S shown here are not "+" coins, what else would be?
Shows how difficult it is to get the coveted "+" grade ..
In fact, I still have yet to see an XF 40/45 + graded Barber .. A few AU58+ but as far as XF40-AU55, they don't seem to be out there ...at all .. Any input?
Scott, I think the PCGS + rating is fairly new and many of us collectors haven't reconciled to that yet. It's like the CAC (green bean) rating...where does it end? Is it better to have a "green bean" coin with a PCGS + rating? Perhaps that would be the best of both worlds to ensure that we stay in line with the market...but it involves cost for shipment and grading...and where does it end? After the the "green bean" rating and the PCGS + I'm sure someone will come up with a "blue bean" rating or a PCGS + STAR. I have to admit, as a novice collector, in some instances, I was collecting the "plastic" and not the "coin". But now that I've been around for five years or so...I'm more selective. Who knows...in my quest I just may consider submitting for a + and a "green bean"...but I'm not sure that in the end that it really matters...if you have a great coin...I think most will realize that.
I have only succumbed to the PCGS registry in the past 3 months after collecting coins for 20 years .. And really, only to make more contacts to fill in some "holes" . .. Over the past 3-4 months, I have sent in two sizable submissions to PCGS through JJT with Liz as I had accumulated a large number of coins over the years: Barber Halves, Quarters and various other coins (WL Halves, Morgan & Peace Dollars and some seated coinage) .. Approximately 30-40% of the coins on my registry sets are raw coins that came back recently graded.
I was merely taking the time to inquire about it since I had read about it on the PCGS site and have yet to see any graded as such ... Figured Mike or some of the other vets may have a word about it .. just trying to spark a conversation more than anything as I have no personal interest other than curiosity.
Although I am not necessarily a fan of all the attributions (as I think it is all just money - causing crack outs, resubmissions, etc.). Speaking of money, Liz C and I were chatting over coffee and the genius in her for starting the whole EM Registry concept has led to a major economical influx for PCGS and the hobby as a whole. Prior to the EMRS, there was much less interest in the F-XF grades .. pop reports for coins graded under AU have exponentially risen. These coins, previously ungraded due to lack of interest or lack of financial sense to grade coins under a certain tier, are now being submitted at a pretty high clip.
The whole economy has changed as demonstrated by the 97-S AU58 that sold at Heritage this weekend. The prices for the AU58 coins have gone way up, and as they go up, they drag the lower graded coins up. The biggest benefactor is PCGS.
I have yet to send anything to John Albanese. I recognize the usefulness of CAC, as enabling those "investors" who buy sight unseen to have more confidence in what they buy. I believe true collectors who do not buy sight unseen (at least not regularly), are buying coins for the passion and love of collecting. I know I would not want to purchase a coin without seeing it in advance, even if I know it is a coin I need . The downside of CAC I believe may be felt in the future more so than today. I believe there is potential that ultimately coins without the bean, will be looked at in a similar light that many view ANACS (or even NGC for certain series) coins today. The spread/disparity in realized monies is widening between CAC and "non-CAC" coins in many cases. However, that all being said, I have noticed that the true collectors; the devoted, passionate and shrewd collectors, as this forum is full of, are able to recognize a quality coin when they see one. they do not need the assistance of CAC (or even PCGS) .. While this analogy may not be totally relevant, it comes to my mind ... When I was in high school, we could not use our calculators in our algebra class as the math teacher was fearful we would lose the basic skills ot multiplication tables or long division and become reliant upon calculators to do the brunt work ... Will collectors become reliant upon PCGS (or CAC) to evaluate their coins in the future and not use the best tool on the planet, their brains? IDNK
Scott, You're very eloquent in your diatribe..."green beans" to verify the coin for new buyers...the PCGS+ for those that are uncertain...but it all comes down to marketing...and I agree with you. The more we can certify or verify our investment...the greater the return...at least that's what it seems like. I know there are a good many collectors out there that will buy the coin vs. the plastic...but when it comes down to it...it's the certification for resale that matters. Even though I love to collect coins that have that certain "eye appeal" I know that in the end I have to consider my "investment"...as we all do. Well said...and thank you for your comments. Cheers, Dave
I love your XF's ... I need to see your Registry again... are all the coins imaged ? Nice job BTW, nice presentation. Although I like my 1901-S in 45 - your's is a superior coin.
Scott,
Regarding the situation of the 1897-S in 58 - the market has not changed as much as I had expected. The big ticket items ...ie: 1897-O; 01-S and the 04-S in PCGS 58 have all sold over $15K and these are now old prices; and in a few cases sold in excess of $18K. Wait until the next round of key and semi key dates become available on a large venue as the Heritage Auctions circuit, I expect higher prices still.
I have discussed this issue before regarding the CAC Green Bean / Gold Bean vs the PCGS "+" Designation. I think most of us can tell if the coin is "just a certain grade" or is a "strong for the grade" coin. I find no fault what so ever in having these two attributes - and for the numismatic neophites the Stickers and the Plusses are a secure way of purchasing coins.
I recently read a very indetailed post ATS of a gentleman who purchased a very attractive 1919-S Walker in a PCGS 64 holder. It seemed that this is his third attempt at locating a nice coin for the grade. He has bid on these coins sight unseen from various auction companies. He was burned terribly on the first one and although certified, it really should have been placed in a GEN holder as an altered surfaced coin because the coin was stripped of all its luster from repeated dippings... he lost a small fortune on that coin ... [ yes it was in our host's holder]; this gentleman has vowed never to purchase another coin from that auction house.
His second coin was also another MS coin - and if memory serves me correctly, it was in a PCGS 63 holder - and was not all that attractive either - but decided to keep it until a finer example showed up. He sold the MS 63 for what he paid for it - and is thrilled with his newp - another in MS 64. I have to agree, its a nice coin from what I could tell from the auction house's images - but - again - he bought this coin sight unseen !!
I don't have to tell you how badly I felt for this collector - but all of his problems could have been avoided if he had just been in touch with another knowledgeable collector or dealer who would have previewed the coin for him. He has not received the last coin as yet, I only hope he's thrilled with it when he does. BTW - the last coin did not have a CAC sticker either.
Keep in mind that we all think we can grade coins ... and most of us can... up to a point. We do not have the luxury of inspecting hundreds of coins on a regular basis and unlike our dealer friends who do have that luxury, we have to rely on our instincts.
I certainly am not too smug in my numismatic prowess as I have only looked at coins as a hobbiest for 50 years - unlike many who have looked at coins 365 days a year and have developed a sophisitication in grading intuition.
I look forward to this year's ANA Summer Seminar as I have signed up for Grading Part II prior to my association with Glenn Holsonbake in the Coinage of Charles E. Barber course. These two weeks are going to be an experience I have looked forward to for many years. Unable to attend in the past due to other commitments, now that I am retired, I have the luxury of time to spend two weeks just devoted to nothing but coins.
Happy hunting everyone...
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Mike, I only have 40 of the 73 coins imaged right now but I sent the remainder out today to get photographed and will hopefully get them back by the end of the month. Since I don't have images (or those that I do have are generally very poor) for most of those coins I haven't shared them before...so I'm looking forward to getting them back and sharing with everybody. As I've been selling off most of my duplicates and other coins that didn't meet my primary collection objectives I discovered that I had a few VF's/XF's that I just can't part with because of eye appeal, etc...so I decided to start a new collection of VF's/XF's in the Everyman's Registry of Barber Halves...The Redfish Collection. Am not really shooting for a consistent grade...or to even complete it...just VF's/XF's that have the "look" or have a special appeal...something I'll work on for the next few years.
Great discussion on the CAC and + designation...I think it's something to consider particularly if one is thinking of marketing their collection...but boy, what an expense!
Scott, great looking 02-S--I'm not a terrific photographer either...that's why I have to pay to get good photos!
Gentlemen - What an attractive assortment of Barber Halves, pictured over the past couple of days. My fav is the 01-S, but there are several I wouldn't kick out of bed.
Also, a great discussion on certification game. I'm so glad I've started paying attention to this forum, and wish I'd have done so much sooner. My primary thought on certification is that it's amazing to me that the two major grading services are completely unregulated, and have such an influence on a great deal of wealth. I've examined examples of XF and AU 01-S and 13-S quarters, that a blind man would KNOW were harshly cleaned, and yet they are in graded slabs. Those coins are expensive enough that they can't have fallen through the cracks of an inexperienced grader doing 1000 Morgans per day. So why are they in graded holders? Somebody with lots of juice wanted it done. Unregulated. But I give kudos to the marketing departments of both major grading services. Registry sets, everyman sets, low ball sets, modern coin registries (How do you tell the difference between MS-69 and MS-70? The price! (from James Sego, CDN Monthly)). Great marketing. But even with its faults, certification of coins is a wonderful development.
This S-mint half came from Cary G (cratylus), last year.
Care to guess the grade?
Vern l It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Does anybody find it funny that heritage made absolutely no mention that the 97-S in 58 was a pop 1 coin. I had to go look as I figured maybe another 58 had been made! I was very surprised that coin didn't break the 20K mark.
I was going to say 45 as well .. Vern I looked at your new Redfish Collection of Halves and I love them all .. I also think the coins are all properly (and conservatively) graded as they all should be .. There is and should be a distinct difference between a 35 .. a 40 .. and a 45 .. I believe the biggest difference in the 40 and 45 coins is the bolder details along with the luster. If anything, a few of those may have just as easily been the next grade up: your 1904 looks like a 45 to me (I am guessing with the darker patina they netted it a 40 - the detail and look is almost identical to your 1906. The difference is the 1906 is a "brighter" patina which they seem to prefer (and I hate the word brighter as it inferences cleaning - I am half asleep and lacking proper vocabulary)
Your 1897 in XF40 has very similar tonal quality to the 97-S in ANACS 45 I sent to PCGS last week for cross. You do not see very many Barber Halves in grades below high AU with much color in PCGS holders (barring rim toning) .. I absolutely love that coin (courtesy of Dave, aka New Barber Guy) and am very much hoping PCGS does too Liz from JJT was on the fence (although she freely admitted the coin is awesome) .. She is as confused as many of us on what they think sometimes .. We shall see
<< <i>Does anybody find it funny that heritage made absolutely no mention that the 97-S in 58 was a pop 1 coin. I had to go look as I figured maybe another 58 had been made! I was very surprised that coin didn't break the 20K mark. >>
Darrell,
This is typical of them leaving money on the table. I thought that with any publicity on their part, the 1897-S would have brought in $22,500.
Maybe the consensus of Barber collectors' opinion won out... Why buy an AU 58 when you can buy a MS 64 for a fraction of the price ?
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
<< <i>Does anybody find it funny that heritage made absolutely no mention that the 97-S in 58 was a pop 1 coin. I had to go look as I figured maybe another 58 had been made! I was very surprised that coin didn't break the 20K mark. >>
Heritage hasn't jumped on board with the hype for AU58 coins as a result of the Everyman registry sets. In my opinion $15,000 for that cleaned example was a ludicrous price.
I know the new home of the 97-S in 58 but can't tell.
Seemed to be fair enough of a price, although I have to scratch my head a bit like some have stated when 63-64's go for less.
Working hard on the class coming up soon. Really excited and looking forward to Colorado, renewing friendships and 24/7 coins plus a whole week of Barbers with my friend Mike.
Just took this pic and thought it would be fun to share.
I still have a lot of work to do but the pics are slowly getting better. Critics welcomed.
Comments
And as Liz said this morning.. There's no way to make a coin a certain grade.. You can't make a VF20, nor can you make an AU58.. You can "try" but there is no sure fire method to make the grade you're after.
And log potato, when the ANACS 97-S comes back, I can pm u if u like
<< <i>...And log potato, when the ANACS 97-S comes back, I can pm u if u like >>
Absolutely, Sam, if you don't mind.
Doug
One group that I kept out of the auction last year...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
1896-O VF35
1903-S XF45
1915 XF40
Doug
Combination of poor photography and inconsistency in grading/subtle differences in grade levels:
1896-O: VF-30
1903-S graded twice actually: Originally graded AU55 (21618524) then regraded to AU53 after was cracked out for a Capitol Holder Date Type Set (19081494)
1915: AU50
Thanks, Sam.
I picked up a nice mid grade 1891 Nickel for my Grandmother's Birth Year set:
The holder needs some polishing...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
Mike - Nice 1891.
Acquired this one from Glenn (ponyexpress), last August at the Chicago ANA.
Also, are 1908-S quarters so rare that they bring $1000 in XF45? Granted it was a very nice 45.
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
I agree on the 1908-S Quarter in 45 .. It is really nice .. The VF-35 I have does not have a lot less detail and the look is super original .... Brian Greer about 6 months ago for $280 (which I realize is low so I thought I got a steal actually)... But proportionally, $1k for XF45 seems high
<< <i>Also, are 1908-S quarters so rare that they bring $1000 in XF45? Granted it was a very nice 45. >>
That's quite a multiple of the PCGS price guide for sure, but whose to judge what someones willing to pay. I think a lot of the semi-key Barber quarters aren't even close in the guides currently. I see auction closing on eBay of the 96-O and 97-S quite high recently. Nice semi-keys seem to come along less frequently then the big 3 the last few years (to me anyway).
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
I love that circulated cameo look, Justin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
Ok, who bought the Pop One 1897-S Half in PCGS 58 ??
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
No offense, but I am surprised it got a 20.
Love the 02-S that you have but I like them a little crusty....here's one that I have in my secondary collection...some have seen before:
There is a real common, with a very nice look.
jom
Jom,
Thanks for posting the 1904 Half - its a pleasure to see the coin again.
Sam, Nice pair of 1908 coins...
Justin... I like the 02-S Half... quite a bit - its a perfect circulated cameo ...
I have had a few in my collecting career - and I am very pleased with the
one I picked up not too long ago in PCGS 45. I miss my AU 58 but the newp
is better suited to the lower graded set.
My old coin:
[
My raw Dansco Coin [ now PCGS F-12 ]
My newp: PCGS 45
.... and a duplicate PCGS VF 30...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
Re the 02-s half, I like the ones posted, and Log, you got a beaut. A nice dusty old dark grey cameo for sure. I wonder why this date issue has the fewest overall coins graded at PCGS and can't help but think there are a few more out there that will come to light once the prices push up a bit, especially in the fine to XF40 range. In AU and MS maybe it's true nature is very scarce.
(No one on earth is talking about the 03-s half which is just as scarce in AU , by the pop numbers.)
On the 08-s quarter, this was long my favorite undiscovered date, but I think there are 6 for sale on eBay now in VF to XF. I haven't seen a nice AU in a while.
I've got to stay away from quarters. They are a lot of fun, with all those tough dates, it becomes addicting.
That 03-s quarter posted on the last page is torture when I'm on the wagon like this!
Love that 45 02-S...like it better than mine!
But to be fair, here's a pic of mine in XF-45:
It has more of a brown tint than a battleship gray...
What boggles my mind is PCGS probably has a pop of around 10-15 coins in XF45 for the 01-S, 03-S et.al. (just pulling those numbers out of air to make a point without taking the time to look it up) .. .. And PCGS has plus grades for all grades 40 and up (except 60 and 61) .. If the 01-S and 03-S shown here are not "+" coins, what else would be?
Shows how difficult it is to get the coveted "+" grade ..
In fact, I still have yet to see an XF 40/45 + graded Barber .. A few AU58+ but as far as XF40-AU55, they don't seem to be out there ...at all .. Any input?
I was merely taking the time to inquire about it since I had read about it on the PCGS site and have yet to see any graded as such ... Figured Mike or some of the other vets may have a word about it .. just trying to spark a conversation more than anything as I have no personal interest other than curiosity.
Although I am not necessarily a fan of all the attributions (as I think it is all just money - causing crack outs, resubmissions, etc.). Speaking of money, Liz C and I were chatting over coffee and the genius in her for starting the whole EM Registry concept has led to a major economical influx for PCGS and the hobby as a whole. Prior to the EMRS, there was much less interest in the F-XF grades .. pop reports for coins graded under AU have exponentially risen. These coins, previously ungraded due to lack of interest or lack of financial sense to grade coins under a certain tier, are now being submitted at a pretty high clip.
The whole economy has changed as demonstrated by the 97-S AU58 that sold at Heritage this weekend. The prices for the AU58 coins have gone way up, and as they go up, they drag the lower graded coins up. The biggest benefactor is PCGS.
I have yet to send anything to John Albanese. I recognize the usefulness of CAC, as enabling those "investors" who buy sight unseen to have more confidence in what they buy. I believe true collectors who do not buy sight unseen (at least not regularly), are buying coins for the passion and love of collecting. I know I would not want to purchase a coin without seeing it in advance, even if I know it is a coin I need . The downside of CAC I believe may be felt in the future more so than today. I believe there is potential that ultimately coins without the bean, will be looked at in a similar light that many view ANACS (or even NGC for certain series) coins today. The spread/disparity in realized monies is widening between CAC and "non-CAC" coins in many cases. However, that all being said, I have noticed that the true collectors; the devoted, passionate and shrewd collectors, as this forum is full of, are able to recognize a quality coin when they see one. they do not need the assistance of CAC (or even PCGS) .. While this analogy may not be totally relevant, it comes to my mind ... When I was in high school, we could not use our calculators in our algebra class as the math teacher was fearful we would lose the basic skills ot multiplication tables or long division and become reliant upon calculators to do the brunt work ... Will collectors become reliant upon PCGS (or CAC) to evaluate their coins in the future and not use the best tool on the planet, their brains? IDNK
You're very eloquent in your diatribe..."green beans" to verify the coin for new buyers...the PCGS+ for those that are uncertain...but it all comes down to marketing...and I agree with you. The more we can certify or verify our investment...the greater the return...at least that's what it seems like. I know there are a good many collectors out there that will buy the coin vs. the plastic...but when it comes down to it...it's the certification for resale that matters. Even though I love to collect coins that have that certain "eye appeal" I know that in the end I have to consider my "investment"...as we all do. Well said...and thank you for your comments.
Cheers,
Dave
Dave,,
I love your XF's ... I need to see your Registry again...
are all the coins imaged ? Nice job BTW, nice presentation.
Although I like my 1901-S in 45 - your's is a superior coin.
Scott,
Regarding the situation of the 1897-S in 58 - the market has
not changed as much as I had expected. The big ticket items
...ie: 1897-O; 01-S and the 04-S in PCGS 58 have all sold over $15K
and these are now old prices; and in a few cases sold in excess of $18K.
Wait until the next round of key and semi key dates become available on
a large venue as the Heritage Auctions circuit, I expect higher prices still.
I have discussed this issue before regarding the CAC Green Bean / Gold Bean
vs the PCGS "+" Designation. I think most of us can tell if the coin is "just
a certain grade" or is a "strong for the grade" coin. I find no fault what so ever
in having these two attributes - and for the numismatic neophites the Stickers
and the Plusses are a secure way of purchasing coins.
I recently read a very indetailed post ATS of a gentleman who purchased a very
attractive 1919-S Walker in a PCGS 64 holder. It seemed that this is his third
attempt at locating a nice coin for the grade. He has bid on these coins sight
unseen from various auction companies. He was burned terribly on the first one
and although certified, it really should have been placed in a GEN holder as an
altered surfaced coin because the coin was stripped of all its luster from repeated
dippings... he lost a small fortune on that coin ... [ yes it was in our host's holder];
this gentleman has vowed never to purchase another coin from that auction house.
His second coin was also another MS coin - and if memory serves me correctly, it was
in a PCGS 63 holder - and was not all that attractive either - but decided to keep it
until a finer example showed up. He sold the MS 63 for what he paid for it - and is thrilled
with his newp - another in MS 64. I have to agree, its a nice coin from what I could tell
from the auction house's images - but - again - he bought this coin sight unseen !!
I don't have to tell you how badly I felt for this collector - but all of his problems could
have been avoided if he had just been in touch with another knowledgeable collector
or dealer who would have previewed the coin for him. He has not received the last coin
as yet, I only hope he's thrilled with it when he does. BTW - the last coin did not have a
CAC sticker either.
Keep in mind that we all think we can grade coins ... and most of us can... up to a point.
We do not have the luxury of inspecting hundreds of coins on a regular basis and unlike
our dealer friends who do have that luxury, we have to rely on our instincts.
I certainly am not too smug in my numismatic prowess as I have only looked at
coins as a hobbiest for 50 years - unlike many who have looked at coins 365 days
a year and have developed a sophisitication in grading intuition.
I look forward to this year's ANA Summer Seminar as I have signed up for Grading Part II
prior to my association with Glenn Holsonbake in the Coinage of Charles E. Barber course.
These two weeks are going to be an experience I have looked forward to for many years.
Unable to attend in the past due to other commitments, now that I am retired, I have the
luxury of time to spend two weeks just devoted to nothing but coins.
Happy hunting everyone...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
1902 S in 40, crusty look as is the theme .. and of course, poor photography as is also my theme
I only have 40 of the 73 coins imaged right now but I sent the remainder out today to get photographed and will hopefully get them back by the end of the month. Since I don't have images (or those that I do have are generally very poor) for most of those coins I haven't shared them before...so I'm looking forward to getting them back and sharing with everybody. As I've been selling off most of my duplicates and other coins that didn't meet my primary collection objectives I discovered that I had a few VF's/XF's that I just can't part with because of eye appeal, etc...so I decided to start a new collection of VF's/XF's in the Everyman's Registry of Barber Halves...The Redfish Collection. Am not really shooting for a consistent grade...or to even complete it...just VF's/XF's that have the "look" or have a special appeal...something I'll work on for the next few years.
Great discussion on the CAC and + designation...I think it's something to consider particularly if one is thinking of marketing their collection...but boy, what an expense!
Scott, great looking 02-S--I'm not a terrific photographer either...that's why I have to pay to get good photos!
Joe, sent you a PM.
Also, a great discussion on certification game. I'm so glad I've started paying attention to this forum, and wish I'd have done so much sooner. My primary thought on certification is that it's amazing to me that the two major grading services are completely unregulated, and have such an influence on a great deal of wealth. I've examined examples of XF and AU 01-S and 13-S quarters, that a blind man would KNOW were harshly cleaned, and yet they are in graded slabs. Those coins are expensive enough that they can't have fallen through the cracks of an inexperienced grader doing 1000 Morgans per day. So why are they in graded holders? Somebody with lots of juice wanted it done. Unregulated. But I give kudos to the marketing departments of both major grading services. Registry sets, everyman sets, low ball sets, modern coin registries (How do you tell the difference between MS-69 and MS-70? The price! (from James Sego, CDN Monthly)). Great marketing. But even with its faults, certification of coins is a wonderful development.
This S-mint half came from Cary G (cratylus), last year.
Care to guess the grade?
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Your 1897 in XF40 has very similar tonal quality to the 97-S in ANACS 45 I sent to PCGS last week for cross. You do not see very many Barber Halves in grades below high AU with much color in PCGS holders (barring rim toning) .. I absolutely love that coin (courtesy of Dave, aka New Barber Guy) and am very much hoping PCGS does too
Liz from JJT was on the fence (although she freely admitted the coin is awesome) .. She is as confused as many of us on what they think sometimes .. We shall see
<< <i>Does anybody find it funny that heritage made absolutely no mention that the 97-S in 58 was a pop 1 coin. I had to go look as I figured maybe another 58 had been made! I was very surprised that coin didn't break the 20K mark. >>
Darrell,
This is typical of them leaving money on the table.
I thought that with any publicity on their part, the
1897-S would have brought in $22,500.
Maybe the consensus of Barber collectors' opinion
won out... Why buy an AU 58 when you can buy a
MS 64 for a fraction of the price ?
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Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
Verrrry nice 01-S...would put it at XF-45.
Scott,
Thanks for comments on the Redfish Collection...and good luck with your cross-overs!
<< <i>Does anybody find it funny that heritage made absolutely no mention that the 97-S in 58 was a pop 1 coin. I had to go look as I figured maybe another 58 had been made! I was very surprised that coin didn't break the 20K mark. >>
Heritage hasn't jumped on board with the hype for AU58 coins as a result of the Everyman registry sets. In my opinion $15,000 for that cleaned example was a ludicrous price.
Doug
Scott - Good luck on the submission.
Mike - Did the guy who won your 04-S last year, get this 97-S?
Darrell - My guess is that the only two people who would pay any amount for the only AU58 97-S knew about it. I'd bet Heritage made sure of it.
Doug - I agree 100%, but if that coin were a perfect original coin, that price would still be crazy.
The answer from PCGS on my 01-S:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Seemed to be fair enough of a price, although I have to scratch my head a bit like some have stated when 63-64's go for less.
Working hard on the class coming up soon. Really excited and looking forward to Colorado, renewing friendships and 24/7 coins plus a whole week of Barbers with my friend Mike.
Just took this pic and thought it would be fun to share.
I still have a lot of work to do but the pics are slowly getting better. Critics welcomed.
Website-Americana Rare Coin Inc