I knew this coin was considered rare but for a coin like this to realize over $2K was surprising (oct2007 an auction in europe one realized 1495 euro) Rare for me.
<< <i>TDN ... - you're being modest - keep them coming
Sold off all my ultra rarities. Not sure what I've still got with low surviving numbers... 1851/52 dollars [40-80]? 1873-CC seated dollar [100-120]? I wouldn't call those excessively rare. >>
TDN, no more 1870-S dollar?
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
Here's a bit more info on boiler78's pattern error gently taken from the www.coinraritiesonline.com web site archives.
1853 Cent J-151
PF65 [PCGS] Stunning 65% Off-Center Error
Struck on a thick planchet of copper-nickel, a typical Judd-151 is a low Rarity-6 pattern that is infrequently seen. As a one-of-a-kind 60% off-center error, all bets are off!
There is no precedent for such an error on a pattern coin. I have been a coin dealer since the late 1970s, and I look for the rare, the unusual, the historically significant and the esoteric - but I never have seen anything like this coin. Quoting from the ANR auction catalog (March 2005, lot # 1003), where it was sold for the first time since 1940:
"The coin itself is virtual perfection, probably Proof-65 or even higher. However, the coin itself constitutes only about 40% of the product. The rest is the raw planchet used to strike the coin, with planchet preparation marks, etc., still visible. This planchet seems to have been the matrix for the grading number assigned. Of course, a planchet for just about anything, including a gem Proof, is apt to be in a lower grade before the dies are impressed. As patterns such as this were struck one at a time (carefully according to conventional wisdom), and on a medal press, any that were imperfect were apt to be discovered and discarded. Obviously, this piece was not. The scenario is not known, but it may have been preserved as a curiosity by someone involved. For example, Chief Engraver James B. Longacre had numismatic interest and from time to time saved items that captured his fancy, including an 1848 CAL quarter eagle and some varieties of patterns. This piece does not relate its history, other than that we know it appeared once before in numismatic circles, in Barney Bluestone's sale of June 1940, Lot 508, where it was purchased for inclusion in the present collection, now an estate. Considering the entire range of patterns in the Judd book, over 1,800 varieties, we are not aware of a single other mint error that can hold a candle to the presently offered coin. We can readily imagine that for the pattern specialist this will be the coin of coins, the showpiece of showpieces. As to its value, this will be decided when the sale takes place. Estimates have ranged from a few thousand dollars upward, but to add another catch phrase to the mix, 'anything goes', and we'll all see what happens. 57.6 grains. From the Hogan Pond Collection. Purchased from Barney Bluestone's sale of June 1940, Lot 508."
Note that the coin also comes with a paper envelope and a small, cotton lined coin box (shown in our third photo) that are both probably circa 1940.
P.S. boiler78 I absolutely Love it, saw it at Smythe and am glad to know where it's hiding!
To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
<< <i>Branch Mint. The only official U.S. Mint is located in Philadelphia. All other locations are considered branches.
coindeuce, Thanks for decyphering BM! I know the whole branch mint deal, but as there's a big ol'e New Orlean's mint mark on the obverse... why the need to ad BM on the slab? >>
Apparently the TPG's feel the necessity to reinforce the idea that standard(?) U.S. Proof coinage was intended for striking only at Philadelphia, and by adding the "Branch Mint" nomenclature to a Proof coin struck elsewhere, the coin is noteworthy as an exceptionally occasional issue (ie., specimen or presentation).
<< <i>I purchased this in 1999 from the estate of a private collector, whom I believe had ties to J.J. Pittman. This is the first of the date for this denomination to be assigned the grade of MS-64 by P.C.G.S. This is the only example I have ever seen with fully Prooflike surfaces and cameo contrasting devices. I have examined every Mint state piece that I could find over the past seven years, and all others exhibited satin surfaces. I personally believe that this is a presentation piece. >>
A branch mint proof is known for both the half eagle and eagle. A half dollar, being the large silver coin for that year/mint, would not be too surprising.
This is an awesome aluminum piece with plain edge. Obviously cameo in appearance depsite the poor picture I am known for taking. PCGS pop 1/0. Very conservatively graded. Rarity R-7. The only one ever graded by PCGS over 10 years ago. NGC also graded this standard dime pattern as PR65, also the only one NGC ever graded over 10 years ago. There are less than 6 known. However, none other than this piece have ever been submitted to the grading services. This is a very rare pattern.
Silver 1781 John Howard Comitia Americana Medal for the battle of Cowpens. One of only 6 known. Lives in an NGC Multi holder grades MS 61. 2nd finest I believe, after tthe Washington/Webster example at the Massachusetts Historical Society. I have a few similar or better pieces, but I need to hunt them down.
Silver 1781 John Howard Comitia Americana Medal for the battle of Cowpens. One of only 6 known. Lives in an NGC Multi holder grades MS 61. 2nd finest I believe, after tthe Washington/Webster example at the Massachusetts Historical Society. I have a few similar or better pieces, but I need to hunt them down.q]
I''ve posted this one before. Storelli LXIII, 1777 Benjamin Franklin Jean Baptiste Nini Terra Cotta Medallion with spectacles, legends and framing. This entire design, including the shape, size and proportions of the bust of Franklin, and the legend missing Franklin's first initial "B" is completely different than the common fur cap design without spectacles.
I know of only 1 other example of this medallion, which perfectly matches it in design, and is equal in quality, and that one resides in the collection from the Chateau Chaumont in the Loire Valley, where these medallions were originally created, and where Franklin resided while in France. (George Fuld told me he may have seen another in a US collection some 50 years ago, but can't recall where or who.)
When one of the leading collectors and self-proclaimed experts on Franklin medallic pieces saw it, he condemned it as being "not enough like the common fur cap variety". I don't know whether he noticed the design is completely different, though it matches Storelli which has the other original piece pictured.
After condemning it, he then offered to buy it. For cheap. Strange. And no, he doesn't have one in his collection. Draw your own conclusions.
1715 Loius XIV "Avenger of Fraud" John Law Medal. Adams-1, Betts 125, 42 mm in diameter.
I know of only 2 other silver examples, one in the British Museum, the other from the John J. Ford collection. John W. Adams' monograph "The Medals concerning John Law and the Mississippi System" estimates that this medal is an R-6 (13-30 examples) in ALL compositions.
I have tried for a long time to add to my John Law collection, but never could find or afford any of the others. One medal does not constitute a collection, so I recently parted ways and consigned it to a major auction house.
I bet you never thought you would se a dateless Buffalo nickel on this thread, did you? Here is a 1913-S Type I (identifiable by the reverse type) with Two Feathers, one of 2 or 3 known:
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Comments
<< <i>TDN ... - you're being modest - keep them coming
Sold off all my ultra rarities.
TDN, no more 1870-S dollar?
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
<< <i>This thread sure puts the 1909-S VDB in it's place! >>
Absolutely! Not to mention the "rare" 1853 With Arrows dimes and quarters always seen on eBay!
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
Now, I know why MG doesn't need to 'collect' as much when he gets to 'image' some really cool coins.
Ed62, please!!! Not all at once, or I'll have a melted flat-panel.
Great coins all around, and TDN, if they locate the cornerstone, you deserve to wind up with that 70-S dollar.....now, that would be a "story" coin.
<< <i>. . . and TDN, if they locate the cornerstone, you deserve to wind up with that 70-S dollar.....now, that would be a "story" coin. >>
Youbetcha! I'll be happy buying the 1870-S quarter.
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
the 1807 O.115 is currently R8 with 3 known,
this is the discovery specimen and tied for finest (the third is punch-damaged and cleaned)
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
1853 Cent J-151
PF65 [PCGS] Stunning 65% Off-Center Error
Struck on a thick planchet of copper-nickel, a typical Judd-151 is a low Rarity-6 pattern that is infrequently seen. As a one-of-a-kind 60% off-center error, all bets are off!
There is no precedent for such an error on a pattern coin. I have been a coin dealer since the late 1970s, and I look for the rare, the unusual, the historically significant and the esoteric - but I never have seen anything like this coin. Quoting from the ANR auction catalog (March 2005, lot # 1003), where it was sold for the first time since 1940:
"The coin itself is virtual perfection, probably Proof-65 or even higher. However, the coin itself constitutes only about 40% of the product. The rest is the raw planchet used to strike the coin, with planchet preparation marks, etc., still visible. This planchet seems to have been the matrix for the grading number assigned. Of course, a planchet for just about anything, including a gem Proof, is apt to be in a lower grade before the dies are impressed. As patterns such as this were struck one at a time (carefully according to conventional wisdom), and on a medal press, any that were imperfect were apt to be discovered and discarded. Obviously, this piece was not. The scenario is not known, but it may have been preserved as a curiosity by someone involved. For example, Chief Engraver James B. Longacre had numismatic interest and from time to time saved items that captured his fancy, including an 1848 CAL quarter eagle and some varieties of patterns. This piece does not relate its history, other than that we know it appeared once before in numismatic circles, in Barney Bluestone's sale of June 1940, Lot 508, where it was purchased for inclusion in the present collection, now an estate. Considering the entire range of patterns in the Judd book, over 1,800 varieties, we are not aware of a single other mint error that can hold a candle to the presently offered coin. We can readily imagine that for the pattern specialist this will be the coin of coins, the showpiece of showpieces. As to its value, this will be decided when the sale takes place. Estimates have ranged from a few thousand dollars upward, but to add another catch phrase to the mix, 'anything goes', and we'll all see what happens. 57.6 grains. From the Hogan Pond Collection. Purchased from Barney Bluestone's sale of June 1940, Lot 508."
Note that the coin also comes with a paper envelope and a small, cotton lined coin box (shown in our third photo) that are both probably circa 1940.
P.S. boiler78 I absolutely Love it, saw it at Smythe and am glad to know where it's hiding!
Feel like I'm sluming in this thread with just a poor lil ex Garrett pedigree 1863 P64 J-338
<< <i>Branch Mint. The only official U.S. Mint is located in Philadelphia. All other locations are considered branches.
coindeuce, Thanks for decyphering BM! I know the whole branch mint deal, but as there's a big ol'e New Orlean's mint mark on the obverse... why the need to ad BM on the slab? >>
Apparently the TPG's feel the necessity to reinforce the idea that standard(?) U.S. Proof coinage was intended for striking only at Philadelphia, and by adding the "Branch Mint" nomenclature to a Proof coin struck elsewhere, the coin is noteworthy as an exceptionally occasional issue (ie., specimen or presentation).
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.americanlegacycoins.com
<< <i>I purchased this in 1999 from the estate of a private collector, whom I believe had ties to J.J. Pittman. This is the first of the date for this denomination to be assigned the grade of MS-64 by P.C.G.S. This is the only example I have ever seen with fully Prooflike surfaces and cameo contrasting devices. I have examined every Mint state piece that I could find over the past seven years, and all others exhibited satin surfaces. I personally believe that this is a presentation piece. >>
A branch mint proof is known for both the half eagle and eagle. A half dollar, being the large silver coin for that year/mint, would not be too surprising.
Ed. S.
(EJS)
<< <i>This is my rarest: census is not certain but thought to be around 15-20 out there.
mgoodm3,
Beauty coin!
What makes this a rare coin?
Thanks in advance,
Ray
Silver 1781 John Howard Comitia Americana Medal for the battle of Cowpens. One of only 6 known. Lives in an NGC Multi holder grades MS 61. 2nd finest I believe, after tthe Washington/Webster example at the Massachusetts Historical Society. I have a few similar or better pieces, but I need to hunt them down.
<< <i>Sorry, its a medal, not a coin.
Silver 1781 John Howard Comitia Americana Medal for the battle of Cowpens. One of only 6 known. Lives in an NGC Multi holder grades MS 61. 2nd finest I believe, after tthe Washington/Webster example at the Massachusetts Historical Society. I have a few similar or better pieces, but I need to hunt them down.q]
Sweet
.
CoinsAreFun Toned Silver Eagle Proof Album
.
Gallery Mint Museum, Ron Landis& Joe Rust, The beginnings of the Golden Dollar
.
More CoinsAreFun Pictorials NGC
This is an awesome thread.
I know of only 1 other example of this medallion, which perfectly matches it in design, and is equal in quality, and that one resides in the collection from the Chateau Chaumont in the Loire Valley, where these medallions were originally created, and where Franklin resided while in France. (George Fuld told me he may have seen another in a US collection some 50 years ago, but can't recall where or who.)
When one of the leading collectors and self-proclaimed experts on Franklin medallic pieces saw it, he condemned it as being "not enough like the common fur cap variety". I don't know whether he noticed the design is completely different, though it matches Storelli which has the other original piece pictured.
After condemning it, he then offered to buy it. For cheap. Strange. And no, he doesn't have one in his collection. Draw your own conclusions.
1715 Loius XIV "Avenger of Fraud" John Law Medal. Adams-1, Betts 125, 42 mm in diameter.
I know of only 2 other silver examples, one in the British Museum, the other from the John J. Ford collection. John W. Adams' monograph "The Medals concerning John Law and the Mississippi System" estimates that this medal is an R-6 (13-30 examples) in ALL compositions.
I have tried for a long time to add to my John Law collection, but never could find or afford any of the others. One medal does not constitute a collection, so I recently parted ways and consigned it to a major auction house.
Thought I would share a picture of it anyway.
I am not kidding,
G99G
I collect 20-slab, blue plastic PCGS coin boxes. To me, every empty box is like a beating heart
People come up sometimes, and ask me, G99G, are you kidding? And I answer them no, I am NOT KIDDING.
Every empty box?
C'mon!
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor