Need some ideas on suggesting a "well known" $50,000-$100,000 coin for a customer

CoinRaritiesOnline

Here is an enjoyable assignment we were given by a customer recently. He is a long time customer of ours.

He told me recently that he would like to buy a "special" and "well known" coin in the $50,000 to $100,000 range to someday give to his grandson. After I asked him to adopt me as a grandson (which he politely refused to do ), he asked me for suggestions.

Here are some of his guidelines:

a.) He leans toward nice choice mint state or proof coins, as opposed to well worn coins or circ proofs.

b.) PCGS or NGC, either CAC'd or CAC-able.

c.) Should be a US coin that is well known to even novice numismatists. In other words, he's not interested in a rare die variety of a colonial coin (drat!), or a gem mint state example of a rare date of Seated Quarter, or a rare but obscure pattern, for example.

I came up with some ideas, such as:

1. Pan Pac Octagonal Slug in MS64.
2. MS65 or 66 High Relief
3. MS63 Early $10.
4. PF65 $20 Lib.

I also thought of a Stella, but while his budget is robust, $100k would likely buy a "only" a slightly impaired proof.

I think this is a fun exersize, and I'd be interested in any and all ideas folks here might have.

llafoe

The Pan Pac and Stella immediately came to mind. If he's willing to spend $100K, I'd bet he'd spend a little more for a Stella.

CoinRaritiesOnline

<< <i>The Pan Pac and Stella immediately came to mind. If he's willing to spend $100K, I'd bet he'd spend a little more for a Stella. >>



Thanks for the feedback. I think $100k is pushing close to his limit though. IMO, a decent Stella would cost closer to $150k these days...

Coinosaurus

1955 doubled die in the highest grade you can get.

TheBigB

Since it is for his grandson whose future tastes we don't know, I vote for the high relief.

relicsncoins

I was going to say a 74 CC arrows dime. I guess I havn't looked at prices for these in a long time. AU58 is about the best you could do in that price range.

llafoe

If you sweet talk Bruce, you might be able to buy a nice Chain Cent for $50-100K!

19Lyds

One of a Kind and quite possibly struck on Jan 25th, 1971.

..

MidLifeCrisis

I think this is a key point:


<< <i>someday give to his grandson >>


I would strongly suggest a well-pedigreed, high grade, Noe-1 Large Planchet Pine Tree Shilling.

It's an amazing story coin.

messydesk

Using CoinValues magazine as a guide, Gobrecht dollar and Unc. 1870-CC Seated dollar are the first two I came up with.

LindeDad

I think you hit the nail on the head with your fist couple of choices.
1. Pan Pac Octagonal Slug in MS64.
2. MS65 or 66 High Relief
That big Octagnal would be my first choice too.

AnkurJ

It seems the value of the octagonal pan pac $50's has been going up at a steady rate. I would guess it is a safe investment for the long term, and is a beautiful coin overall that would be enjoyed for years to come.

I would definetely go with the octagonal $50 pan pac.

illini420

I'd go for one of the big key dates... High Relief is pretty cool, but how about a gem 3-leg Buffalo Nickel? Maybe a gem 1916-D Merc Dime?

seanq

I love the Gobrecht Dollar suggestion. It's too bad he shies away from circulated stuff because something like a 1793 Chain cent or 1792 Disme would come with some great history and (IMNSHO) would be more likely to spark an interest in continuing Grandpa's legacy than something like a Pan Pac octagonal.


Sean Reynolds

Sonorandesertrat

The Pan-Pac slug, hands down---it's gold, big, octagonal (not like other U.S. coins), the design is beautiful, and it has continuing collector interest.

RedTiger

I discourage folks from buying expensive coins for youngsters. A few lower value sentimental coins will have as much impact if the kid becomes a collector--read the many threads about someone having a coin from grand dad, perhaps a low value pocket piece. As for the expensive coins, most young people will not become coin collectors, most will be interested in cashing out. To get some perspective, think if your grandmother gave you some top Barbie collectibles. Would you be pleased as punch and treasure them, or mostly be interesting in the selling price?

With that, I vote for the Pan-Pacific. In another thread about dream coins for young collectors it was right up there. On the off chance the kid does become a collector it will be a nice coin to have.

BaseballAbs

link
This is what I would suggest, Nothing better or more classic than this in my oppinion.

kranky

While my own personal choice would be an 1848 CAL $2.50, I think under the criteria outlined it should be the Pan-Pac.

llafoe

"Should be a US coin that is well known to even novice numismatists."

I think the UHR is the best fit under this criteria...

Baley

I like the Pan Pac $50 idea but without knowing more, I'd go with something big with a 1700's date.

On that budget(!), might you be able to find a small eagle dollar, say a 1797, in MS60-62? or a heraldic eagle dollar from 1799 in 61-63?

an early eagle might also be a good choice. stuff like this never goes out of style.

jesbroken

Do you know whether his grandson is a coin collector or is even interested in coins? Something that would grab my attention, regardless, would be the 1852 U.S. Assay Office(Private Gold Co.) Fifty Dollar, 900 Thous. Octagonal Gold piece. They have sold this year MS61 up in the $78k to $150k range and are quite beautiful. JMO
Jim

Lakesammman

"Should be a US coin that is well known to even novice numismatists."

Good suggestions but pretty obscure to the average collector.

I'd vote for a high grade key date in a well known series - 1877 IHC, 1916-D dime, 09-S VDB, etc.

Not as sexy as a Stella or PanPac but fits the criteria.

PQueue

Toss-up for me between the MS63 Early $10 or PF65 $20 Lib. Either one in an original state is tough, a 1799 $10 with full luster would be a treasure.

tradedollarnut

My first thought was a Gobrecht as well.... but .... how about something like a complete Peace Dollar set in gem, but missing ONE coin. Let the grandson have the pleasure of going out and finding that last coin for the set.

Edited to add that a 1796 quarter or 1799 dollar would be nice too.

OKbustchaser

How old is the grandson? Born during the 20th century, but still young enough to enjoy a naked boob?

If so, how about a FH 1916 type 1 SLQ? Lowest mintage of any (non-gold) regular denomination 20th century coin and woo-hoo NAKED BOOBY! Ought to be able to find a MS 66 or so in that price range--probably even in the lower portion of the range.

joebb21

Gold always has more shine then silver
bigger is cooler
high grade is more appealing than lower
I think a unique design has a real cool factor as well

A $50 is a great idea and a stella also fits most conditions Ive set.
Maybe a nice Early $10?


55 dd and 16d I would pass on as they really are alot more common than people realize

keyman64

1916-D Merc Dime in MS66FB CAC...PCGS Says $60,000
1942/1 Merc Dime in MS66FB CAC...PCGS just raised their price on this to $75,000

1794 Dime in MS65
1796 Quarter...low MS might be possible?
GOBRECHT DOLLAR in MS63 or MS64
1876-CC Trade Dollar in MS65
1795 $5 in low MS (either design)
1907 $20 High Relief in MS
$4 Stella

If he can get away from the MS/PR hangup:
1793 "AMERI" Chain Cent in EF40...about $86,000
1794 $1 in VG-8
1796 $2.5 Stars in XF-AU
1795 $10 XF-AU

tradedollarnut

1876-CC Trade Dollar in MS65

NFS and if it was it'd be a lot more than that!

AuroraBorealis

Find a condition rarity (high end and PQ) in a denomination that floats his boat with exceptional eye appeal...Something big say at least half dollar size that will be very enjoyable to look at...Cool stuff keeps it`s value...

AB

STONE

1895 Proof Morgan. A nice Cam/DCam in 65 would be lovely!

Bochiman

<< <i>"Should be a US coin that is well known to even novice numismatists."

Good suggestions but pretty obscure to the average collector.

I'd vote for a high grade key date in a well known series - 1877 IHC, 1916-D dime, 09-S VDB, etc.

Not as sexy as a Stella or PanPac but fits the criteria. >>



I'd agree with the above as I don't think most "novice collectors" know those....heck, I may not be "novice" anymore, but I really don't have a desire for the suggestions so far, other than key date coins.
Other may be something like a 1793 coin (first year type of thing) in higher grade or a nice early dollar.

Hawgstick

Go with the UHR and an 09 UHR......If hes lucky his grandchild was born in 09!

RYK

I like a 1795 $5 in AU-55/58.

claychaser

If he wants to adopt ME, I vote for a 1848-CAL quarter eagle! TrainNut also would not mind inheriting one.....

CaptHenway

<< <i>One of a Kind and quite possibly struck on Jan 25th, 1971.

.. >>



I think it has to be a coin that more than two people care about.....

keyman64

<< <i>55 dd and 16d I would pass on as they really are alot more common than people realize >>

Joebb21 - Price/Value/Worth is generally created by a couple of things: Scarcity and Demand....not just scarcity as you suggest. The demand for these 2 coins is always SUPER-HIGH and always has been. Long term(20-60 years), money would not be lost by any stretch of the imagination.

CaptHenway

<< <i>The Pan-Pac slug, hands down---it's gold, big, octagonal (not like other U.S. coins), the design is beautiful, and it has continuing collector interest. >>



I agree. 20-30 years from now this coin will still be in demand. It is magnificent!
TD

keyman64

Copper coins make me nervous. I know NOTHING about them....but if you got something really pretty and RED - it might be RED/BROWN in 20-60 years which would scare me...same thing with RED/BROWN....that might be BROWN in 20-60 years. I would stay away from RED or RED/BROWN coins just out of fear I think. Coins that can turn for the significant worse and destroy value would be scary.

CaptHenway

<< <i>

<< <i>The Pan-Pac slug, hands down---it's gold, big, octagonal (not like other U.S. coins), the design is beautiful, and it has continuing collector interest. >>



I agree. 20-30 years from now this coin will still be in demand. It is magnificent!
TD >>



Picture here:

Pan-Pac obverse

Hold cursor over U.S. Coins button.

Monstarcoins

For me its pretty simple. Your customer ask you to do this mission at the right time. Rarely is this example in this grade ever available for purchase. I think most would agree that this is one coin everybody knows about and would love to own.

shorecoll

The Pan Pac is certainly cool...I think MFH is auctioning his MS 1892-O Micro O half later this year (soon?)...that would be cool too.

PerryHall

<< <i>I think you hit the nail on the head with your fist couple of choices.
1. Pan Pac Octagonal Slug in MS64.
2. MS65 or 66 High Relief
That big Octagnal would be my first choice too.
>>

keyman64

<< <i>For me its pretty simple. Your customer ask you to do this mission at the right time. Rarely is this example in this grade ever available for purchase. I think most would agree that this is one coin everybody knows about and would love to own.
>>

CAC or not, I would hold out for an example that had fewer "Earth Tones"...after all, there are close to 19 in 66FB.

kiyote

I cast my lot with the Pan Pan Slugs-- it's the first coin a 10 year old gazes at in a Redbook and thinks: "I want one!"

OldEastside

The Pan Pac octagonal or even the round, I'd prefur the round myself. Its dolphin free.

Steve

SanctionII

Though not as well known as some of the other coins mentioned in this thread, if the grandchild has shown any interest at all in Lincoln Cents, grandfather could consider making an offer on a PCGS 1917 MS67RD DDO Lincoln Cent. There are only two of them graded.

dizzyfoxx

<< <i>link
This is what I would suggest, Nothing better or more classic than this in my oppinion. >>



100%

speety

I know you said MS - but I still would go towards a VF+ 1796 or 1797 half or a small eagle $10 in high AU...

I too like the Pan Pac as well...

ModCrewman

How about a 1969-S DDO Lincoln? That'd be a well-recognized coin.

tyler267

1867 Rays Proof Shield Nickel

TahoeDale

Shoot me a PM. I have several that fit your needs.