Without a doubt one of the coolest exonumia items I've ever had the opportunity to purchase...
1892 Buffalo Bill's Wild West Company – Obverse Medal Die Adjustment Trial Strike
A unique test strike struck on a thick oversize brass planchet for a prize medal William Fredrick Cody had commissioned London die-sinkers Baddeley & Reynolds to design. This was during one of the overseas tours with Annie Oakley and a full ensemble who performed for Queen Victoria. All of the finalized 38mm diameter prize medals were struck in bronze.
To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
<< <i>This is mine, it's historically significant, but deviates from my collection greatly. I'm honored to have won it at auction. Except it's not a coin. But it still has the shank. Unfortunately due to Stacks' new website I can't look up the variety.
>>
Excuse my ignorance...what is it? >>
As rawmorgan said, this is a clothing button that was issued to celebrate the inauguration of George Washington as President of the United States in 1789. I can't seem to match this piece with the heraldic eagle varieties that are listed in American Political Badges and Medalets 1789 - 1892 by Edmund B. Sullivan It is close to GW 1789-4, but the star about the eagle is odd, and it has some additional wording. >>
I think that GW 1789-4 (Cobb 4) is correct, and that there is a bit of old damage that coincides with the star. See more information about George Washington inaugural buttons at Harold Cobb's George Washington Inaugural Button Collection
I suppose I ought to post one of my own instead of just commenting on someone else's. So many possibilities... here's one that I haven't posted in a while.
Julian SC-1, Adams Academy gold medal. One of 16 struck by the US Mint... how many have survived 130 years of melting? Unpictured in Julian, with only a partial description extracted from Mint records. Carl Carlson found zero auction appearances when he researched sales of Mint medals in the early 1980s, and I haven't found any records since then either. (If anyone ever finds another, I'd be interested to hear where it is, even if it isn't for sale.)
Snagged on eBay from a seller who decided it was brass. Whee!
<< <i>I suppose I ought to post one of my own instead of just commenting on someone else's. So many possibilities... here's one that I haven't posted in a while.
Julian SC-1, Adams Academy gold medal. One of 16 struck by the US Mint... how many have survived 130 years of melting? Unpictured in Julian, with only a partial description extracted from Mint records. Carl Carlson found zero auction appearances when he researched sales of Mint medals in the early 1980s, and I haven't found any records since then either. (If anyone ever finds another, I'd be interested to hear where it is, even if it isn't for sale.)
Snagged on eBay from a seller who decided it was brass. Whee!
>>
This is an amazing piece. Just truly spectacular. Out of everything posted here, this is one of my favorites. I commend you in the hard work you seem to put forth in researching these rare mint products that just don't receive the respect they deserve. You're collection must be insane. I hope to accomplish the equivalent in my collection of modern mint medals (if there is such a thing!) Thank you for sharing!
crap i don't even have trophies to speak of...much less any trophy coins
closet i ever came to a trophy was...least valuable player award in the us navy 7th fleet's comphibron 7 golf tourney for....181 strokes in 18 what can i say it was all the free beer one could drink while playing
1st time golfing and won an award...i was stoked after i got over the hangover....
everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see
Tough to say but this is a contender. 1786 Vermont Ryder 10. Finest known for the variety and overall one of the few Native Vermonts from the Rupert Mint showing Red with claims to being mint state.
<< <i>I absolutey agree with DW's assesment of the $50 Octagonal Pan Pac. That to me is the absolute pinnacle in USCoins.
No 1913 Nickel, no 1804 $1, well that $10,000,000 1794 Silver $1 might edge out the Pan Pac by a hair.
For the money I like the big $50 Octagonal. >>
Me too. Ignoring the value issue, I would rather own the Octagonal and get to look at it every day. >>
The big Pan-Pac's seem like one of the "safest buys" in 5-6 figure coins, especially the octagonal. The desire for this coin is very broad. It is indeed a trophy coin.
I didn't see every post in this thread, but I think some other coins that fit the description of "trophy" are: 1776 Continental dollar 1792 half disme 1796 quarter dollar 1895 proof silver dollar
I don't own any of those, so no pics unfortunately. None of them are obscenely rare. All are expensive and all are popular. Almost every collector wants one.
I might add the 1955 DDO cent to the list too, I think it is more of a trophy coin than the 1909-s vdb.
I can fill in a couple of those, but my coins are not "trophy quality;" they are in VF.
1792 Half Disme
1796 Quarter
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
Somehow I missed this thread the first time around. There are some really great coins posted here. Here are two coins that I think qualify as trophy coins.
The first is a coin that a non-Dahlonega collector might aspire to acquire (hey, that rhymes!). It is the most desirable Dahlonega half eagle (being a Civil War year), is very rare, and is one that was minted under the authority of the Confederacy (in addition to the United States). I don't believe there is a way to positively determine whether the USA or CSA struck a particular piece (short of a unique provenance). This example is distinguished by being mint state, exhibiting very original surfaces, and was graded more than 10 years ago (some have suggested the grading is conservative by current standards). The images are courtesy of BluCC Photos.
The second is one of the most popular Lincoln cents (which I don't collect en masse), is probably the most famous double die coin, is a variety that is readily apparent without magnification, and is my birth year (which made it truly irresistable for me). The images are courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts.
This was the last coin I needed to complete my U.S. gold type set. The 1796 No Stars quarter eagle is viewed as the rarest coin in the U.S. gold type set from half cent through $20 gold
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
<< <i>Somehow I missed this thread the first time around. There are some really great coins posted here. Here are two coins that I think qualify as trophy coins.
The first is a coin that a non-Dahlonega collector might aspire to acquire (hey, that rhymes!). It is the most desirable Dahlonega half eagle (being a Civil War year), is very rare, and is one that was minted under the authority of the Confederacy (in addition to the United States). I don't believe there is a way to positively determine whether the USA or CSA struck a particular piece (short of a unique provenance). This example is distinguished by being mint state, exhibiting very original surfaces, and was graded more than 10 years ago (some have suggested the grading is conservative by current standards). The images are courtesy of BluCC Photos.
You have to love that one! I'd rather have an 1838-C half eagle at this point, but that one is still pretty cool.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
Here's another of my pieces that may qualify as a "Trophy Coin" -- in the sense that it is a mint state Dahlonega Mint half eagle, with a significant provenance. This piece was purchased from a close friend in 2003, who had obtained it, uncertified, in the Stack's portion of Auction '84. This piece was from the Arthur Montgomery Collection, former president of the Coca-Cola Company. He had commissioned an Atlanta firm to assemble the finest set of Dahlonega gold coins then attainable (circa late 1970s-early 1980s). This collection, disseminated some 30 years ago, still enjoys considerable renown among Dahlonega specialists. The images are courtesy of BluCC Photos.
This 1838-D half eagle is the plate coin in the newest edition of Doug Winter's book on the Dahlonega Mint.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
A few nice trophy coins in this thread. Here's one of mine. I would send it to our hosts but.......do they have the insight why it should grade MS68 and besides, they don't designate 6 step coins. With one of the earliest die states I've ever seen.
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
<< <i>This 1838-D half eagle is the plate coin in the newest edition of Doug Winter's book on the Dahlonega Mint.
>>
That's a very pretty 1838-D half eagle, Bill! I'm thinking it may have come from the North Georgia collection, which had a number of high grade 1838-Ds.
I'm really enjoying the variety of coins in this thread! Unfortunately, my collection is full of widgets and I don't own any trophy coins. Nonetheless, I can live vicariously through you guys and still dream.....
Seated Half Society member #38
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress, running like a water color in the rain...."
<< <i>This 1838-D half eagle is the plate coin in the newest edition of Doug Winter's book on the Dahlonega Mint.
>>
That's a very pretty 1838-D half eagle, Bill! I'm thinking it may have come from the North Georgia collection, which had a number of high grade 1838-Ds. >>
No, according to the posts here, it came from a New Hampshire family where it was stored in an attic. According to the family they had some family members who brought a group of coins with them when they moved up from the South.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
Here is another "trophy coin," an 1808 quarter eagle. This is generally viewed as the second rarest U.S. type coin, just behind the 1796 No Stars quarter eagle.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
This is my trophy. It is a family heirloom I received after my Grandmother from the Norwegian side of my family passed away. It is a 1733 Reisedaler mounted in a beer stein top that is dated 1769. Vikings and beer?!
Successful BST deals with mustangt and jesbroken. Now EVERYTHING is for sale.
Dave Wnuck. Redbook contributor; long time PNG Member; listed on the PCGS Board of Experts. PM me with your email address to receive my e-newsletter, and visit DaveWcoins.com Find me on eBay at davewcoins
Comments
1892 Buffalo Bill's Wild West Company – Obverse Medal Die Adjustment Trial Strike
A unique test strike struck on a thick oversize brass planchet for a prize medal William Fredrick Cody had commissioned London die-sinkers Baddeley & Reynolds to design. This was during one of the overseas tours with Annie Oakley and a full ensemble who performed for Queen Victoria. All of the finalized 38mm diameter prize medals were struck in bronze.
<< <i>
<< <i>I consider these my trophy coins.
WOW!!! Very nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >>
I'll say so!!!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
And this 21. Not much compared to these other true trophy, AMAZING pieces I see here on this thread.
I will never be able to replace it.
1846 tall date NGC MS66!
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>This is mine, it's historically significant, but deviates from my collection greatly.
I'm honored to have won it at auction.
Except it's not a coin.
But it still has the shank.
Unfortunately due to Stacks' new website I can't look up the variety.
Excuse my ignorance...what is it? >>
As rawmorgan said, this is a clothing button that was issued to celebrate the inauguration of George Washington as President of the United States in 1789. I can't seem to match this piece with the heraldic eagle varieties that are listed in American Political Badges and Medalets 1789 - 1892 by Edmund B. Sullivan It is close to GW 1789-4, but the star about the eagle is odd, and it has some additional wording. >>
I think that GW 1789-4 (Cobb 4) is correct, and that there is a bit of old damage that coincides with the star. See more information about George Washington inaugural buttons at Harold Cobb's George Washington Inaugural Button Collection
Julian SC-1, Adams Academy gold medal. One of 16 struck by the US Mint... how many have survived 130 years of melting? Unpictured in Julian, with only a partial description extracted from Mint records. Carl Carlson found zero auction appearances when he researched sales of Mint medals in the early 1980s, and I haven't found any records since then either. (If anyone ever finds another, I'd be interested to hear where it is, even if it isn't for sale.)
Snagged on eBay from a seller who decided it was brass. Whee!
<< <i>I suppose I ought to post one of my own instead of just commenting on someone else's. So many possibilities... here's one that I haven't posted in a while.
Julian SC-1, Adams Academy gold medal. One of 16 struck by the US Mint... how many have survived 130 years of melting? Unpictured in Julian, with only a partial description extracted from Mint records. Carl Carlson found zero auction appearances when he researched sales of Mint medals in the early 1980s, and I haven't found any records since then either. (If anyone ever finds another, I'd be interested to hear where it is, even if it isn't for sale.)
Snagged on eBay from a seller who decided it was brass. Whee!
This is an amazing piece. Just truly spectacular. Out of everything posted here, this is one of my favorites. I commend you in the hard work you seem to put forth in researching these rare mint products that just don't receive the respect they deserve. You're collection must be insane. I hope to accomplish the equivalent in my collection of modern mint medals (if there is such a thing!) Thank you for sharing!
Latin American Collection
closet i ever came to a trophy was...least valuable player award in the us navy 7th fleet's comphibron 7 golf tourney for....181 strokes in 18
what can i say it was all the free beer one could drink while playing
1st time golfing and won an award...i was stoked after i got over the hangover....
This is my trophy coin...PCGS AU55. I also have this coin as my computer screensaver.
<< <i>I absolutey agree with DW's assesment of the $50 Octagonal Pan Pac. That to me is the absolute pinnacle in USCoins.
No 1913 Nickel, no 1804 $1, well that $10,000,000 1794 Silver $1 might edge out the Pan Pac by a hair.
For the money I like the big $50 Octagonal. >>
Me too. Ignoring the value issue, I would rather own the Octagonal and get to look at it every day.
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
<< <i>
<< <i>I absolutey agree with DW's assesment of the $50 Octagonal Pan Pac. That to me is the absolute pinnacle in USCoins.
No 1913 Nickel, no 1804 $1, well that $10,000,000 1794 Silver $1 might edge out the Pan Pac by a hair.
For the money I like the big $50 Octagonal. >>
Me too. Ignoring the value issue, I would rather own the Octagonal and get to look at it every day. >>
The big Pan-Pac's seem like one of the "safest buys" in 5-6 figure coins, especially the octagonal. The desire for this coin is very broad. It is indeed a trophy coin.
I didn't see every post in this thread, but I think some other coins that fit the description of "trophy" are:
1776 Continental dollar
1792 half disme
1796 quarter dollar
1895 proof silver dollar
I don't own any of those, so no pics unfortunately. None of them are obscenely rare. All are expensive and all are popular. Almost every collector wants one.
I might add the 1955 DDO cent to the list too, I think it is more of a trophy coin than the 1909-s vdb.
1792 Half Disme
1796 Quarter
JH
Proof Buffalo Registry Set
Capped Bust Quarters Registry Set
Proof Walking Liberty Halves Registry Set
The first is a coin that a non-Dahlonega collector might aspire to acquire (hey, that rhymes!). It is the most desirable Dahlonega half eagle (being a Civil War year), is very rare, and is one that was minted under the authority of the Confederacy (in addition to the United States). I don't believe there is a way to positively determine whether the USA or CSA struck a particular piece (short of a unique provenance). This example is distinguished by being mint state, exhibiting very original surfaces, and was graded more than 10 years ago (some have suggested the grading is conservative by current standards). The images are courtesy of BluCC Photos.
The second is one of the most popular Lincoln cents (which I don't collect en masse), is probably the most famous double die coin, is a variety that is readily apparent without magnification, and is my birth year (which made it truly irresistable for me). The images are courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts.
I love this board because of that.
Hoard the keys.
A PCGS MS66+FBL
Coin is a little lighter in hand.
I bought this raw 30 years ago from a small time dealer for $50.00.
Successful BST xactions w/PCcoins, Drunner, Manofcoins, Rampage, docg, Poppee, RobKool, and MichealDixon.
10-4,
My Instagram picturesErik
My registry sets
<< <i>Somehow I missed this thread the first time around. There are some really great coins posted here. Here are two coins that I think qualify as trophy coins.
The first is a coin that a non-Dahlonega collector might aspire to acquire (hey, that rhymes!). It is the most desirable Dahlonega half eagle (being a Civil War year), is very rare, and is one that was minted under the authority of the Confederacy (in addition to the United States). I don't believe there is a way to positively determine whether the USA or CSA struck a particular piece (short of a unique provenance). This example is distinguished by being mint state, exhibiting very original surfaces, and was graded more than 10 years ago (some have suggested the grading is conservative by current standards). The images are courtesy of BluCC Photos.
You have to love that one! I'd rather have an 1838-C half eagle at this point, but that one is still pretty cool.
The winner in this thread to me is Realone and his 1822 dime!
jom
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
Latin American Collection
<< <i>given Doug Winter's definition (in the OP's linked article), I don't own any trophy coins.
This thread took a different turn right out of the gate. Not a bad thing I guess.
Latin American Collection
<< <i>
I've gotta say, every time I see this coin posted on the forum, I can't help but stare for at least a couple minutes.
A truly great piece!
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
wrapped in $20 worth of plastic
dressed in priceless toning
Priceless to me
<< <i>This 1838-D half eagle is the plate coin in the newest edition of Doug Winter's book on the Dahlonega Mint.
That's a very pretty 1838-D half eagle, Bill! I'm thinking it may have come from the North Georgia collection, which had a number of high grade 1838-Ds.
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
<< <i>
<< <i>This 1838-D half eagle is the plate coin in the newest edition of Doug Winter's book on the Dahlonega Mint.
That's a very pretty 1838-D half eagle, Bill! I'm thinking it may have come from the North Georgia collection, which had a number of high grade 1838-Ds. >>
No, according to the posts here, it came from a New Hampshire family where it was stored in an attic. According to the family they had some family members who brought a group of coins with them when they moved up from the South.
<< <i>1799 AU Draped Bust Dollar (B-10, BB-163) - Blue Peripheral Target Toning
I love it!
Successful BST deals with mustangt and jesbroken. Now EVERYTHING is for sale.
--Severian the Lame