Great analysis Sam (CladKing). IMO, the current interest in the WI Leaves is coming from modern coin collectors and not the classis coin collectors. Ebay is still the leading marketplace for the varities. Prices have trended down over the last 4 years but the PCGS/NGC pops have not swelled during that same time period. Considering the state of the US Economy, most of the non gold/silver/platinum coins have a similar decline in realized values to that of the Leaves. It is my opinion that the circulated WI quarters are holding up or appreciating in value on Ebay while the high MS 66 - MS 68(NGC) coins have dropped in value since 2006 for Ebay sold auctions. The higher MS examples were the center of alot of hype. The interest in the circulated coins indicates to me that the Leaves are building a broader collector base at entry level prices. The future interest should continue. Thanks again Sam, Mark.
I sold an ICG AU-58 low leaf on Ebay for around $70 a couple of years ago. Not sure what they sell for now, but I'm sure they still bring a nice premium, especially if you got yours in change like I did .
You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
I've been a bit fascinated by the ire the High Leaf/Low Leaf phenomenon has stirred.
On the face of it, it seems a classic cause for hobby excitement: a dramatic, visible phenomenon in a common issue, available in circulation. The fact that there were two contemporaneous aberrations, and not just one. The speculations early on about the cause, which seemed manifestly purposive. The mystery of who-dun-it and how. The Soviet-like disclaimers and partial explanations by the Mint that were implausible in their face. There clearly remains a story that has yet to be told.
It does seem to me that this story is as riveting as any numismatics has yet produced.
Perhaps it was because the phenomenon seemed to be abducted early on by dealers, whose excitement may have appeared to be self-serving hyping to some.
I agree that the future monetary value of these issues will depend altogether on whether anyone in the future cares about such esoteria like we do.
But if there is a future for numismatics, this seems to be as compelling an issue as there has ever been.
Comments
<< <i>...this thread reminded me of this video
or this song
"Keep your malarkey filter in good operating order" -Walter Breen
Box of 20
On the face of it, it seems a classic cause for hobby excitement: a dramatic, visible phenomenon in a common issue, available in circulation. The fact that there were two contemporaneous aberrations, and not just one. The speculations early on about the cause, which seemed manifestly purposive. The mystery of who-dun-it and how. The Soviet-like disclaimers and partial explanations by the Mint that were implausible in their face. There clearly remains a story that has yet to be told.
It does seem to me that this story is as riveting as any numismatics has yet produced.
Perhaps it was because the phenomenon seemed to be abducted early on by dealers, whose excitement may have appeared to be self-serving hyping to some.
I agree that the future monetary value of these issues will depend altogether on whether anyone in the future cares about such esoteria like we do.
But if there is a future for numismatics, this seems to be as compelling an issue as there has ever been.
Here's a warning parable for coin collectors...