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Why I like circulated toned coins
Barberian
Posts: 4,059 ✭✭✭✭✭
Compare these two Texas commemoratives. One is NGC MS68, the other is probably XF40. Look at the difference in the clarity of the devices and the difference in 3-dimensional effect. The angel's wings, flags, and The Alamo are so much more distinct in the toned XF specimen.
Now if I was offered the opportunity to choose one or the other, I'd certainly choose the MS68. But then I'd sell it and buy the XF40 and about 10 other commemoratives with the same look.
Now if I was offered the opportunity to choose one or the other, I'd certainly choose the MS68. But then I'd sell it and buy the XF40 and about 10 other commemoratives with the same look.
3 rim nicks away from Good
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Comments
Don
I've been looking for a Texas like that for a while, let me know if you ever stumble across her sister.
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
-Randy Newman
<< <i>Very interesting contrast- I really think you have a point about the devices standing out on the circulated coin. >>
Check out the obverse star. The toning around the star really highlights it, and it is such an important component of the obverse design.
Ken
Lincoln set Colorless Set
<< <i>All of the coins shown are nice looking to a certain extent. Circulated coins just do not have flash though. Luster is "King" in this neck of the woods.
Ken >>
Bah! The "King" should be overthrown! This is America. We don't need no stinkin Kings!
Circulated coins have been validated and blessed by people and commerce. Uncirculated coins are just trinkets, wannabees, all flash and no substance. Comparing uncirculated coins to nice circulated coins is much like comparing Barney Fife's shiny deputy's badge to Wyatt Earp's worn crusty star. The ladies might like flash, but real men like crust!
Menomonee Falls Wisconsin USA
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistr...dset.aspx?s=68269&ac=1">Musky 1861 Mint Set
I'm sure there are 50 bright, shiny, uncirculated specimens for sale on EBay. The NGC MS68 is up for sale at Heritage Auctions.
U.S. Type Set
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
<< <i>While I certainly like the circulated Texas (and other coins), I do think it is an imperfect comparison given the size differential of the images... which will obviously show much more detail for the larger image. >>
I'll try to reduce the size of the XF40. There, I've reduced the obverse to about the same size and the complex reverse is even smaller for the XF40 specimen. The obverse star, reverse angel's wings, flag, and The Alamo stand out much better in the XF40 specimen. The toning highlights these and other devices so that they stand out more.
<< <i>I imagine it can be tough to find attractive circulated examples of some of these commems. >>
True, but that is part of the challenge in collecting them. They exist (though some are very rare), and I'd bet that if all the circ commem. collectors on this board pooled their coins together, we could come up with a complete set or be missing only one or two coins.
The point of the OP was to point out the special "look" and qualities that toned circulated coins possess that you just cannot find in uncirculated coins.
Jim
Menomonee Falls Wisconsin USA
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistr...dset.aspx?s=68269&ac=1">Musky 1861 Mint Set