1951 Franklin half, early strike off die #6, graded PR66DCAM
ultimatecameo
Posts: 244
I haven’t seen a 1951 this nice in a PCGS holder in years1 It is not a “discovery” coin, but purchased already graded some years ago. The coin was as pristine as when it was first encapsulated. This die variety is responsible for one of my fondest cameo memories…
MY LONG-WINDED STORY BEHIND MY FIRST 1951 GEM ULTRA OFF THIS TOP DIE:
It was the early 1980’s, and I was attending a Long Beach Coin Show. I had only been dealing in 1950-1970 cameo proof coinage for a few years. At that time, gem cameo ‘51’s typically traded in the $300 range. I was running the tables looking for exceptional cameo’s, and there in a small white “Capitol” holder was a 1951 proof Franklin I had never seen the likes of – far deeper and more cameo than any ’51 I had ever seen until that day. The coin was huge. The devices were far frostier than I imagined a ’51 could ever be, and the mirrored fields far deeper. The dealer who owned the coin was not at his table, so I waited. And waited. And….I finally left to return every 10 minutes to see if he had returned. I did not want to miss out on this coin!
He finally returned. I thought he might be asking $300 for the coin, maybe $100 more - $400 tops. After all, $300 was the going rate for the “typical” ’51, though this example could hardly be called typical, so he might tack on another $100, was my line of reasoning. I kind of fell over when he said, without hesitation, “One thousand”. $1,000. A “Cleveland”. And no counter-offers.
That was over THREE TIMES more than any ’51 I had ever sold to that point! I had to think about it. It was the end of the day, so I told him I would get back to him next day.
That evening I had a Clint Eastwood epiphany….. “Well punk. You saw that ’51 in that case. Do you think there is another coin on the ENTIRE floor that offers the rarity, quality, and eye-appeal of that monster ’51 for $1,000? Well do ya punk?” my Clint Eastwood dream voiced growled.
“HECK, NO!” I shouted out.
So I got there first thing in the morning and bought the coin. And I was surprised at how easily I sold it.
That first 1951 would certainly be a DCAM/ULTRA today, and would at a minimum grade Proof 65.
As a final “bow” to this story, three years later a dealer I had a long relationship with stumbled across another gem example off this top die. The coin had a couple more hairlines than the first coin, but was still at least Proof 65 quality. The asking price: $2,500. More than double what I sold the last example for!
I whined a little about the price but ended up buying that one also.
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Comments
Russ, NCNE
U.S. Type Set
Russ -
So you think Jack is a better looking dude than Ben?
<< <i>Russ -
So you think Jack is a better looking dude than Ben? >>
No contest. They were both studs, though.
Russ, NCNE
<< <i>
<< <i>Russ -
So you think Jack is a better looking dude than Ben? >>
No contest. They were both studs, though.
Russ, NCNE >>
I think Ole ben had a hell of a time in France...no contest from Jack
If any of you know of a good book on Ben - I mean - the REAL Ben, not just the two-dimensional one in the history books, but the man and all his many rainbow facets - please let me know!
My how things have changed in 25 years. Today, it is almost impossible to find these coins - at any price?
Got any more stories?
“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!
A great story and a picture of a 1951 Frankie that is of higher quality than any I have seen.
I seem to recall reading somewhere that years ago you happened across a SMS set (1967 I think) that had been assembled by a dealer so that all 5 coins were Cameos. The appearance of these coins got your attention and caused you to chose 1950-70 proof and SMS coins as an area to specialize in.
Is the above a true story? If so, what ever happened to the SMS set that caught your eye? Further, if so, many collectors should probably send the dealer who assembled the SMS set a note of thanks.
SanctionII -
Of course that story regarding the SMS is true! I don't remember the dealer, just the set. The half was the highlight. If there was a superb cameo Lincoln in there, I probably wouldn't have appreciated its rarity at the time.
PCGS and NGC getting involved has really helped the series, as more collectors now appreciate the rarity of some of these coins, when they read through the pop. reports. Back then, I would tell collectors a coin was really rare in cameo, but other dealers might give them contrary information (without any evidence to back it up). That was frustrating. Which is why I approached Mr. DH in late 1991 proposing a CAM/DCAM designation.
<< <i>SanctionII -
Of course that story regarding the SMS is true! I don't remember the dealer, just the set. The half was the highlight. If there was a superb cameo Lincoln in there, I probably wouldn't have appreciated its rarity at the time.
PCGS and NGC getting involved has really helped the series, as more collectors now appreciate the rarity of some of these coins, when they read through the pop. reports. Back then, I would tell collectors a coin was really rare in cameo, but other dealers might give them contrary information (without any evidence to back it up). That was frustrating. Which is why I approached Mr. DH in late 1991 proposing a CAM/DCAM designation. >>
Thank you for your part in getting the cameo designation recognized ultimatecameo. They are certainly a favorite of mine.
Here I fixed your http://www.celticradio.net/ link for you.
Chance favors the prepared mind.
no. but it is the same die. Probably the two best PCGS 1951's I've handled this decade. Same die. Virtual twins.
Ike Specialist
Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986
your not sayin' yours is better then that monster R.T's got for sale @ 18k R U ?
I look at his and dream I could own it .........., it has to be without peers .........
if only I had 18,000.00 dollars just laying around