PR66 Seated Dollar and Heritage photos

coinaesthetics

I've been looking for (and expect to continue looking for some time) a good, original PR66 Seated Dollar, with year and motto not a concern. It's an expensive proposition that starts in the high teens and goes up to 40 or more. Not that this is the only valid standard, but it's statistically extremely tough to get both PCGS and CAC in this type. Then I actually saw one, an 1861, in the upcoming Heritage auction. Their photos of this coin dramatized an issue for me. I've gotten used to the vastly different photos Heritage has been showing for -- maybe the past three years or so? The "cut out" photos always have far more color, and the whole-slab photos, reflecting the plastic, appear darker and usually more realistic. But if you look at the two sets of shots of that 1861, they look like they were taken on different planets. Realizing that almost all photos viewed online are problematic, I still find myself wondering whether it's Heritage's photography department or I who've come down with glaucoma. Check out how the slab photo of the obverse of this highly graded coin makes it look weakly struck and unattractive, while the cut-out photo makes the obverse just look like a mess. Maybe even stranger, the reverse is attractively represented by both shots! (The reverses of the Seated Dollar typically are better preserved, but THIS much better in a PCGS PR66??) Any thoughts on either this photography issue or the daunting challenge of buying a nicely original PR66 Seated Dollar?

tradedollarnut

Why buy through auction and take such a chance? There are many dealers who will be happy to assist you - and provide a return priviledge

MrOrganic

<< <i>Why buy through auction and take such a chance? There are many dealers who will be happy to assist you - and provide a return priviledge >>



Agreed

coinaesthetics

Tradedollarnut -- I have occasionally flown to a city to view a "big" coin first-hand. And I'm not at all committed to auctions, buying as much or more from a few trusted dealers. Anyway, if you have (now or, probably, in the future) an attractively original PR66 Seated Dollar that you'd like to show me, I'd like to take a look. As it happens, I'm also looking for a type in your site name, though a bit more humble. Trade Dollar, say, about a 64, either MS or PR, preferably with nice color.

CoinZip

Good luck, the hunt is is suppose to be the fun part.

tradedollarnut

<< <i>Tradedollarnut -- I have occasionally flown to a city to view a "big" coin first-hand. And I'm not at all committed to auctions, buying as much or more from a few trusted dealers. Anyway, if you have (now or, probably, in the future) an attractively original PR66 Seated Dollar that you'd like to show me, I'd like to take a look. As it happens, I'm also looking for a type in your site name, though a bit more humble. Trade Dollar, say, about a 64, either MS or PR, preferably with nice color. >>



I am certain that Laura or any other top tier dealer could handle these for you. I'm not an active dealer - just a collector who dabbles in that side of the industry.

coinaesthetics

Yeah, I've always enjoyed the hunt. My searches for just the right PR66 in 1800s Morgan and Trade Dollar both stretched over some years. Each one ended in a PCGS with beautifully original, sunset-y toning. This Seated Dollar search is shaping up as even more challenging. But you're right, if it isn't fun, why the heck am I doing it?!

COALPORTER

Are you building a type set or something? If it were me, I would drop down a few grades and
find the best MS coins. Proofs at that level can be a shocker to resell, but MS will move out much
easier if you are ever forced to sell. I bet also, that allot of P66 coins used to reside in 64 or 65
holders anyway - so that is always disappointing to know.

roadrunner

With the right dealer you'll end up with the right 66 for a fair price. Going it alone dramatically increases your odds of getting the wrong 66 and paying way too much for it.
While a stickered coin will reduce those odds, having a top set of eyes working for you at the $15K and up price level is worth the extra 5%.

EVillageProwler

There are many ethical, skilled dealers who handle high-grade proof Seated and Morgan dollars, with eye appeal. They're not common, but not exactly rare either.

EVP