High grade colonials - VF+

MidLifeCrisis

In another thread, a forum member posted a comment about high grade coins carrying a premium when they appear in auction catalogs. His definition of a high grade colonial was VF+.

I think this is an interesting point that illustrates one reason why colonials can be so different than other specialties...and why colonial collectors can be so different than other collectors.

What do you think?

ColonialCoinUnion

<< <i>In another thread, a forum member posted a comment about high grade coins carrying a premium when they appear in auction catalogs. His definition of a high grade colonial was VF+.

I think this is an interesting point that illustrates one reason why colonials can be so different than other specialties...and why colonial collectors can be so different than other collectors.

What do you think? >>



I think it depends on the colonial series, and on who is doing the grading.

MidLifeCrisis

That's it? One response?

Nobody else? Thoughts? Opinions? Stories?



Ahh...the loneliness of the colonial coin collector...

messydesk

OK, I'll respond. I have no colonials, although I feel the need to acquire two -- a Fugio and a Nova Constellatio. On both of those issues, it seems that the design is pleasingly complete and the planchet more often than no attractive at the VF+ grade. Below that grade, coins are frought with problems.

OK, so that's what I think. Does anyone that actually collects colonials concur with my non-expert observations?

Fletcher

VF30 is my favorite colonial grade ... if it is graded properly

Billet7

I agree that it depends on the types of coins you are talking about. I collected washingtons for a while, and I would not really consider an Washington Grate in XF a significant grade...since Grates are relatively plentiful. Now if we are talking about a bar cent, or Washington born Virginia...a VF would be the centerpiece of most collections. I guess it is just like any other series. Lack of availability will dictate what grades collectors will settle for. That and demand.

Did any of that make sense?...I might be tired.

MidLifeCrisis

Thanks for your responses.

Regarding Fugios and Nova Constellatios, generally I agree with you that VF is a good cut-off point if you're looking for nice strikes, color and planchets.

I guess I'm a snob though...because over the years I've gravitated toward XF as the minimum grade I shoot for (even though I have a couple of lower grade pieces).

SpaceMonkey

i enjoy all grades so long as they have "the look" which for me is defined by great color/contrast and well defined designs... so if a piece exhibits this in lower grades I am happy. But I do find that with colonials I tend to not be attracted to lower grade examples (VF and below)... particularly because some are already somewhat crude in their designs/strikes/etc that the heavy wear can make them a dark mush.

The CT below is an example from my collection that shows how i like them in VF... great color... nothing distracting... just a well worn story.








on the other hand... I love XF and up... this NJ is a super example of what I like about XF










-sm

novacaesarea

Hi Mid Life Crisis,

One of the things I really like about Colonials is that it requires a fair bit of time on the bourse floor and reading books, articles etc to get a feel for what a "nice" "high grade" coin is. As a a general rule, I always try to buy the nicest coin I can afford and rarely buy a coin I think i may have to upgrade. But to do that, you really have to know your types and varieties. For example, you can easily acquire a Maris 14-J or Maris 67-v New Jersey Copper in choice EF condition. But show me a problem free VF Maris 15-U and I would jump on it. Likewise a Chalmers Sixpence Short Worm can be obtained in a pretty nice grade, but try to find a long worm in greater than EF condition.

My point is two fold. First, in Colonials, "nice" or "high grade" depends on the coin and the variety. Second, what is great about Colonials is the process of learning what is nice and thus when to the seize the moment.

So net net, I have tried to assemble a collection of "nice" coins, but they range in grade from Good to Uncirculated.

Best,

novacaesarea

RYK

What he said. A Higley in VG may be considered nice, while a Virginia Halfpenny in AU is relatively low end. It really depends a lot on the individual issue (no matter who is doing the grading).

mrearlygold

I like em all! I missed buying a J Cut My Way Through higley that's holed, many moons ago ( anybody remember the auction? Hint: Stacks auction ) ( additional hint, in the catalogue it was speculated that an Indian made the hole and wore it because the hole was right near the pick ax which closely resembled a tomahawk.

Has that coin ever appeared at auction again? I surely would be happy to duke it out with anybody to see who gets it

On the other hand and other end of the spectrum, a mint state NJ is certainly amazing to me.