Somewhere up there IGWT is having a good chuckle at my expense

RYK

I have been considering a numismatic side project which, if taken to its logical conclusion, involves me acquiring a key date shield nickel. If I were to buy a nice one, it would be the most expensive coin that I have ever acquired. As much as I teased departed friend and forum member IGWT/Lou about shield nickels (as he teased me about everything else), I know that if he were here, he would be having a great laugh over my dilemma. Of the fine forum members we have lost over the years, his passing still saddens me the most.

howards

I miss Lou too. He and I talked frequently. I am sorry we never got to meet in person.

I'm sure Lou would encourage you to buy a key date shield nickel with a nifty variety on it.

lkeigwin

If you must have the nickel IGWT would enjoy that very much, I'm sure. What's the dilemma?
Lance.

ColonialCoinUnion

<< <i>I have been considering a numismatic side project which, if taken to its logical conclusion, involves me acquiring a key date shield nickel. If I were to buy a nice one, it would be the most expensive coin that I have ever acquired. >>



Typically side projects do not involve purchasing "the most expensive coin that I have ever acquired". If they do, they are not called "side projects" any longer.

RYK

<< <i>

<< <i>I have been considering a numismatic side project which, if taken to its logical conclusion, involves me acquiring a key date shield nickel. If I were to buy a nice one, it would be the most expensive coin that I have ever acquired. >>



Typically side projects do not involve purchasing "the most expensive coin that I have ever acquired". If they do, they are not called "side projects" any longer. >>


Agreed, and that is why the side project will, if embarked upon, will not be completed to its logical conclusion. I was enjoying the irony that it all came down to the pesky, shield nickel and how much that would have delighted our departed friend.

oreville

Shield nickels have always bored me.

But Lou never did. Maine guys are never boring. I was indeed saddened when we lost him.

On August 15, 2009 while he was in Italy he sent me a picture of this lovely PR67 shield nickel in a PCGS rattler slab. Now, this coin I liked.

lordmarcovan

IGWT was a good guy.

Mark

Lou was a high quality who collected similar coins. I miss him almost every time I log in.

MrHalfDime

Lou was a real asset to the hobby, even though he chose to collect something outside of the 'mainstream'. His eye for quality coins, and his increasing knowledge of the minting process, made for some very interesting discussions. He is sadly missed at our local coin club, where he made several fascinating presentations on his favorite series. It was impossible not to share his intrigue and intense interest in his series. Lou's sense of humor would definitely have him chuckling over your dilemma, so I say you should pursue your side project and purchase that nickel.

Lakesammman

Interesting - can't wait to hear more details ......and LOVE the irony!

picture of this lovely PR67 shield nickel in a PCGS rattler slab

Skip the coin - let's see the slab!

commoncents05

1867 With Rays Proof?

-Paul

kryptonitecomics

Every time I gear up for the FUN show it hits me hard that he will not be at my table for the NGC luncheon

291fifth

As someone who collected MS Shield nickels very seriously back in the mid to late 1990's I have only one thing to say ... put your money back in your wallet and walk away.

Mowgli

<< <i>As someone who collected MS Shield nickels very seriously back in the mid to late 1990's I have only one thing to say ... put your money back in your wallet and walk away. >>



Great advice !!

Baley

1867 With Rays Proof?



that was my first thought as well

EagleEye

1880 Mint set?

RYK

<< <i>1880 Mint set? >>


Bingo!

Barry

Just wondering... Does 1880 have some special meaning to you, like the year your great-great-grandparents got off the boat?

RYK

To be honest, I was taking stock of my collection and realized that I had quite a few 1880 coins. I did some research and thought that it would be an interesting and fun side project. Most coins are inexpensive (relatively) but not very available, which fits what I am trying to do. Some coins (like the generic $5s and $10s and three of the Morgans) can be purchased instantaneously, whenever you want. The killer is the 1880 business strike nickel.

Barry

So why not buy a Proof?

JustMe2

I've been working on the same basic think for the last year or so. Doing the silver & copper in proof though. This may explain why I’m not winning that many bids on the gold...

Elcontador

Robert - Cheapest business strike dates in MS 66 are 1882 and 1883. I actually have a brilliant 1883 in MS 66. For some dates, PFs are not expensive. Personally, in your shoes, I'd opt for a nice type coin of this series.