...Back from a "small" health scare and happy to see all the wonderful Barbers. ...Vern's images are terrific. I've sorted through the old collection and have pulled out a few early "P's"; 2-4-6-8-0, some old, some new.
Not the best pictures but the start of a little proof set I'm wanting to put together with Barber 10c, 25c, 50c and Seated 10c, 25c, 50c, $1. Have my eyes on a nice looking seated quarter PR64 at a live auction tomorrow so hopefully will check off both quarters.
I feel similar to @BarberFanatic 's post above. I absolutely love the series but became frustrated anytime I found an example I love seeing it go through the roof price-wise. Same with the seated series. The common proofs are affordable in both series so that's why I'm going this route for now.
This one is a PCGS PR63CAC and is beautiful in hand.
@No Headlights said:
For me the only thing that upsets me is the love affair with AT coins, obviously not your 99 quarter Barber Fanatic. That’s very attractive. The problem exists mostly inMorgan dollars ( mostly obverse??????). I find it hard to believe all these coins have been in hiding for a hundred years waiting for them to come into vogue!! IMHO the AT bs is terrible for numismatics. Makes our TPG services lose credibility with knowledgeable collectors. Also we will lose some collectors when the bubble bursts. Just a small step above the television hucksters
Getting off my soap box now, I hate heights.
Well said.
It is common knowledge that hundreds of thousands of Morgan Dollars coins sat idly for decades in their original government-issued bags inside bank vaults. It is also common knowledge that when those bags were released for public dispersal, collectors noted that the coins that were in contact with the fabric of the bags developed some wild and very particular/peculiar toning. It's unlike what we find on any other coin series.
Ever since the toning craze hit (was it back in the mid 90's? I don't remember specifically), we've had opportunists trying to capitalize on it. We see the results of casual "coin doctors" on eBay and it's instantaneously obvious to the seasoned collector that their brand of toning is artificial.
However, we also have "expert" coin doctors who have the time, resources and wherewithal to experiment with an overabundance of available and relatively cheap source material so they can perfect their methods of imparting the same wild toning using the same textile compositions. If the expert coin docs know the specifics of what caused a particular type of market acceptable (and more importantly, third party grading company acceptable) toning, then it's only a matter of time before they can create the kinds of coins we are seeing permeate the Morgan Dollar niche of our hobby.
And as fastidious as PCGS and NGC are, there is only so much they are able do to try to weed out this material, especially when it is virtually indistinguishable from coins that developed the exact same type of toning "naturally".
Because of this, I consider Morgan Dollars to be the "Wild West" of our hobby and I simply ignore them. The only examples I have in my collection are a couple of raw coins that were given to me by my grandfather several decades ago before he passed away.
My current coin collecting interests are: (1) British coins 1838-1970 in XF-AU-UNC, (2) silver type coins in XF-AU with that classic medium gray coloration and exceptional eye appeal.
@PhilLynott said:
Not the best pictures but the start of a little proof set I'm wanting to put together with Barber 10c, 25c, 50c and Seated 10c, 25c, 50c, $1. Have my eyes on a nice looking seated quarter PR64 at a live auction tomorrow so hopefully will check off both quarters.
I feel similar to @BarberFanatic 's post above. I absolutely love the series but became frustrated anytime I found an example I love seeing it go through the roof price-wise. Same with the seated series. The common proofs are affordable in both series so that's why I'm going this route for now.
This one is a PCGS PR63CAC and is beautiful in hand.
I like your mini proof set idea, Phil. IMO, the 64 grade is the "sweet spot" for UNCs and Proofs. Typically you can get a really nice looking coin without having to pay the up-charge for a full fledged Gem. And in many cases, the difference between a 64 and a 65 is a matter of opinion only. Good luck with your auction tomorrow.
My current coin collecting interests are: (1) British coins 1838-1970 in XF-AU-UNC, (2) silver type coins in XF-AU with that classic medium gray coloration and exceptional eye appeal.
@PhilLynott said:
Not the best pictures but the start of a little proof set I'm wanting to put together with Barber 10c, 25c, 50c and Seated 10c, 25c, 50c, $1. Have my eyes on a nice looking seated quarter PR64 at a live auction tomorrow so hopefully will check off both quarters.
I feel similar to @BarberFanatic 's post above. I absolutely love the series but became frustrated anytime I found an example I love seeing it go through the roof price-wise. Same with the seated series. The common proofs are affordable in both series so that's why I'm going this route for now.
This one is a PCGS PR63CAC and is beautiful in hand.
I like your mini proof set idea, Phil. IMO, the 64 grade is the "sweet spot" for UNCs and Proofs. Typically you can get a really nice looking coin without having to pay the up-charge for a full fledged Gem. And in many cases, the difference between a 64 and a 65 is a matter of opinion only. Good luck with your auction tomorrow.
Thanks!
I agree and I'm finding the 64 sweet spot for many different series rings true. For proofs especially since this PR63 looks like a 67DMPL does to me!
About the name "Barbernut"- shouldn't it be "BarberHALFnut"? Your current name would lead people to believe you collect the dimes and quarters as well....
About the name "Barbernut"- shouldn't it be "BarberHALFnut"? Your current name would lead people to believe you collect the dimes and quarters as well....
I'm catching up on the thread today. Just wanted to chime in on the 03 quarters. I've found that from 03 to 06, nice examples are tough in AU. I bought my Joe W. a few years back, and the one time that I sent ten coins for plus grades, it was the only one to get the +. Pop 1, I believe.
Paesan
I had a few coins grade yesterday- they came with free TrueView Images. They're in shipment now, so I'll post a few pictures over the weekend. For now I'll post one with Phil's image, an 1892 25C AU 58:
This is a Type I with a nice die chip at the bottom of the bust.
Here's my 1892 25C AU 58 Type II:
I've had the Type II for a few years. Now I have a matching pair of 58's!
Although I am most thankful for family, friends, and a great country to live in, I am also thankful I found this '97 O Barber Half that graded AU 58 by our hosts:
As I recall it replaced an ugly VF 35 in my set. I looked for an XF to AU coin for several years without any luck. An AU '97 O Half is a TOUGH coin to find!
The '97-O half you have is very nice Jeff. Unquestionably, the quality and grade for such a tough half you have acquired makes your specimen very special! It is screaming a higher grade.
For me, the 1899-S is the lowest PCGS population of all the quarters at 160 (the 1898-S is second at 167). For VF30, it used to be only two (tohmba was the other) but recently became a population of 3. Out of those 3, I have the only one that is CAC green sticker certified. The '99-S quarter is really tougher than most people understand. My favorite... even more than my higher graded specimens and I am thankful for it:
Any other favorites out there? or perhaps really cool acquisitions in 2017 you can share as a recap?
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
You like all that crap on the coin???? The 93-O in my VF35 set is a classic example of a coin that would be much nicer if the submitter had just removed the crap with a cotton swab and acetone!
@paesan said:
Jeff, You're the king! I'd love to see you get that in a 58 holder without the acetone treatment.
Good luck!!!
Darrell, I didn't say I like it. It's just that fewer and fewer coins can be found in their natural state as the acetone freaks go for the grade. Actually, I'm not even sure that is real toning. In fact, the coin reminds me of a joke, but it's a little off color!
Miss Liberty does look like she got a little sh*t faced on my raw '13 Quarter. Looking at the coin more closely I can see some green PVC lurking; it's going to have a date with the acetone bath.
From the picture of that 13 it doesn't look like toning. If that stuff doesn't come off I have my doubts if it will straight grade.
Lenny....acetone does nothing to impair the originality of a coin! I personally believe it is the best thing you can do to a silver coin. Worst case scenario is it does nothing, best case scenario is it removes something from the coin that over time could cause damage!
Edit to add...acetone is not dip and does not alter the surfaces of a coin, but I'm sure you know this! All it does is remove dirt,glue,PVC, etc!
Darrell, If I take a perfectly original coin with no dirt or PVC or other goop and put acetone on it, you're saying it won't affect the patina to come out brighter?
Paesan
Darrell - Glad to see the pics of your 35 set. Nice collection, hope to see your other collections soon.
Jeff - My guess is your raw '13 has been to the grading room before. Nice pick up on the '96-O dime (my favorite date).
Tim - I agree with Jeff, looks like a die chip on your 14-S MM.
Pics for this AM, newp into Milo's collection, PC58:
And to belatedly answer Tim's question about which coin I'm most thankful for (there are many), I'm going to go with a non-barber that I was lucky enough to acquire from an old friend many years ago (RIP Clayton). He was a retired farmer who became a weekend dealer here in northern Illinois. A lot of collectors here in Illinois remember Clayt fondly. Back to the coin. A thief had been hitting a couple the local shows and had been successful from more than one dealer. After a short period of time, he tried to sell a couple of his acquistions at a different show to a different dealer, who happened to remember that Clayton had lost an 09-S Indian cent. Many of the coins were recovered and I saw this one right after Clayt got it back, and it has been with me ever since (April 1998). It's a PC64RB:
Vern l It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
@paesan said:
Darrell, If I take a perfectly original coin with no dirt or PVC or other goop and put acetone on it, you're saying it won't affect the patina to come out brighter?
Paesan
Vern, '09-S Indian... not too often in today's market are coins like that still around. Thanks for sharing what your are thankful for... those one of a kind connections with a cool backstory for a coin you have previously acquired.
Anyone else have a cool coin story combined with that special acquisition in your collection?
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
Comments
Vern:
Could you check that S on the '08S, looks like there is something north of the S to the eagle's tail.
RPM?
BHNC #203
...Back from a "small" health scare and happy to see all the wonderful Barbers. ...Vern's images are terrific. I've sorted through the old collection and have pulled out a few early "P's"; 2-4-6-8-0, some old, some new.
Not the best pictures but the start of a little proof set I'm wanting to put together with Barber 10c, 25c, 50c and Seated 10c, 25c, 50c, $1. Have my eyes on a nice looking seated quarter PR64 at a live auction tomorrow so hopefully will check off both quarters.
I feel similar to @BarberFanatic 's post above. I absolutely love the series but became frustrated anytime I found an example I love seeing it go through the roof price-wise. Same with the seated series. The common proofs are affordable in both series so that's why I'm going this route for now.
This one is a PCGS PR63CAC and is beautiful in hand.
Well said.
It is common knowledge that hundreds of thousands of Morgan Dollars coins sat idly for decades in their original government-issued bags inside bank vaults. It is also common knowledge that when those bags were released for public dispersal, collectors noted that the coins that were in contact with the fabric of the bags developed some wild and very particular/peculiar toning. It's unlike what we find on any other coin series.
Ever since the toning craze hit (was it back in the mid 90's? I don't remember specifically), we've had opportunists trying to capitalize on it. We see the results of casual "coin doctors" on eBay and it's instantaneously obvious to the seasoned collector that their brand of toning is artificial.
However, we also have "expert" coin doctors who have the time, resources and wherewithal to experiment with an overabundance of available and relatively cheap source material so they can perfect their methods of imparting the same wild toning using the same textile compositions. If the expert coin docs know the specifics of what caused a particular type of market acceptable (and more importantly, third party grading company acceptable) toning, then it's only a matter of time before they can create the kinds of coins we are seeing permeate the Morgan Dollar niche of our hobby.
And as fastidious as PCGS and NGC are, there is only so much they are able do to try to weed out this material, especially when it is virtually indistinguishable from coins that developed the exact same type of toning "naturally".
Because of this, I consider Morgan Dollars to be the "Wild West" of our hobby and I simply ignore them. The only examples I have in my collection are a couple of raw coins that were given to me by my grandfather several decades ago before he passed away.
I like your mini proof set idea, Phil. IMO, the 64 grade is the "sweet spot" for UNCs and Proofs. Typically you can get a really nice looking coin without having to pay the up-charge for a full fledged Gem. And in many cases, the difference between a 64 and a 65 is a matter of opinion only. Good luck with your auction tomorrow.
Thanks!
I agree and I'm finding the 64 sweet spot for many different series rings true. For proofs especially since this PR63 looks like a 67DMPL does to me!
Yes! Wasn't for sure what it would look like! Got rid of a headlight in my XF40 set!
Sweet goodness Darrell! nice '97-O
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
I be Darrell AKA Barbernut!
Ugghhh. What happens when your mind is elsewhere.
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
I saw that on eBay. I knew it wasn't going to last long. As well as the 1910 P.
Darrell
Congrats on a nice 97-O and losing a headlight.
Darrell- that's a beautiful '97 O Half.
About the name "Barbernut"- shouldn't it be "BarberHALFnut"? Your current name would lead people to believe you collect the dimes and quarters as well....
That's just too clunky Jeff!
I'm catching up on the thread today. Just wanted to chime in on the 03 quarters. I've found that from 03 to 06, nice examples are tough in AU. I bought my Joe W. a few years back, and the one time that I sent ten coins for plus grades, it was the only one to get the +. Pop 1, I believe.
Paesan
BOO!
I had a few coins grade yesterday- they came with free TrueView Images. They're in shipment now, so I'll post a few pictures over the weekend. For now I'll post one with Phil's image, an 1892 25C AU 58:
This is a Type I with a nice die chip at the bottom of the bust.
Here's my 1892 25C AU 58 Type II:
I've had the Type II for a few years. Now I have a matching pair of 58's!
Jeff, both are very nice. The color on your Type 2 is very warm and inviting. Nice!
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
Frank - The next time Dan and I get together, I will take a close look at the MM on his 08-S qtr.
Craig - Glad the small scare was just small.
PhilL - Nice start on your Barber/Seated proof set.
Cary - Wild West is a good way of putting it.
Darrell - Stellar pick-up on that 97-O.
Jeff - Congrats on the '92 Type 1.
Pics for this PM, newp from Baltimore. I really like the rev die cracks and "wings" on the letters, PC58:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
What coins in your collections are you most thankful for?
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
Although I am most thankful for family, friends, and a great country to live in, I am also thankful I found this '97 O Barber Half that graded AU 58 by our hosts:
As I recall it replaced an ugly VF 35 in my set. I looked for an XF to AU coin for several years without any luck. An AU '97 O Half is a TOUGH coin to find!
The '97-O half you have is very nice Jeff. Unquestionably, the quality and grade for such a tough half you have acquired makes your specimen very special! It is screaming a higher grade.
For me, the 1899-S is the lowest PCGS population of all the quarters at 160 (the 1898-S is second at 167). For VF30, it used to be only two (tohmba was the other) but recently became a population of 3. Out of those 3, I have the only one that is CAC green sticker certified. The '99-S quarter is really tougher than most people understand. My favorite... even more than my higher graded specimens and I am thankful for it:
Any other favorites out there? or perhaps really cool acquisitions in 2017 you can share as a recap?
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
Finally took pictures of another of my sets! I decided to do my 35 set 1st since it was the 1st I finished. Don't think you will see any headlights here...maybe a fog light or 2!
https://pcgs.com/SetRegistry/half-dollars/barber-half-dollars-major-sets/barber-half-dollars-basic-set-circulation-strikes-1892-1915/album/118979
Darrell- your set looks great! You know how to find the good ones.
I had another raw quarter arrive in the mail today from eBay; a 1913:
I presume the dark toned areas come from areas of light wear? I'm hoping this will come back from the grading room in a 58 holder.
It's a wonder this one didn't find it's way to the grading room previously?
Jeff, That is one weirdly toned quarter!
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
Thanks Jeff!
That quarter looks scary! Hopefully acetone will take that crap off!
I haven't put it in the acetone yet- we'll see what happens......
Jeff, You're the king! I'd love to see you get that in a 58 holder without the acetone treatment.
Good luck!!!
You like all that crap on the coin???? The 93-O in my VF35 set is a classic example of a coin that would be much nicer if the submitter had just removed the crap with a cotton swab and acetone!
I saw this 1914-S half dollar today... was seeing some sort of blob in the mint mark area. Any thoughts?
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
The blob looks like a die chip to me.
I picked up a hole filler last week for my Barber Dime set, 1896 O in F12:
Nothing special, but it puts my Everyman Complete Barber set over the 94% complete mark.
Darrell, I didn't say I like it. It's just that fewer and fewer coins can be found in their natural state as the acetone freaks go for the grade. Actually, I'm not even sure that is real toning. In fact, the coin reminds me of a joke, but it's a little off color!
Jeff, Great find in the wild, slab or not.
Miss Liberty does look like she got a little sh*t faced on my raw '13 Quarter. Looking at the coin more closely I can see some green PVC lurking; it's going to have a date with the acetone bath.
From the picture of that 13 it doesn't look like toning. If that stuff doesn't come off I have my doubts if it will straight grade.
Lenny....acetone does nothing to impair the originality of a coin! I personally believe it is the best thing you can do to a silver coin. Worst case scenario is it does nothing, best case scenario is it removes something from the coin that over time could cause damage!
Edit to add...acetone is not dip and does not alter the surfaces of a coin, but I'm sure you know this! All it does is remove dirt,glue,PVC, etc!
Darrell, If I take a perfectly original coin with no dirt or PVC or other goop and put acetone on it, you're saying it won't affect the patina to come out brighter?
Paesan
Darrell - Glad to see the pics of your 35 set. Nice collection, hope to see your other collections soon.
Jeff - My guess is your raw '13 has been to the grading room before. Nice pick up on the '96-O dime (my favorite date).
Tim - I agree with Jeff, looks like a die chip on your 14-S MM.
Pics for this AM, newp into Milo's collection, PC58:
And to belatedly answer Tim's question about which coin I'm most thankful for (there are many), I'm going to go with a non-barber that I was lucky enough to acquire from an old friend many years ago (RIP Clayton). He was a retired farmer who became a weekend dealer here in northern Illinois. A lot of collectors here in Illinois remember Clayt fondly. Back to the coin. A thief had been hitting a couple the local shows and had been successful from more than one dealer. After a short period of time, he tried to sell a couple of his acquistions at a different show to a different dealer, who happened to remember that Clayton had lost an 09-S Indian cent. Many of the coins were recovered and I saw this one right after Clayt got it back, and it has been with me ever since (April 1998). It's a PC64RB:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Yes!
Milo, Vern. Nice '94-P in 58. Love the color!
Vern, '09-S Indian... not too often in today's market are coins like that still around. Thanks for sharing what your are thankful for... those one of a kind connections with a cool backstory for a coin you have previously acquired.
Anyone else have a cool coin story combined with that special acquisition in your collection?
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
In an effort to bump the thread to the top here's a new raw purchase dime back from the grading room, a 1907 D in a PC 55 holder:
For whatever reason it's a tougher date to find than most would think.
@barberkeys Verne since you bugged me and for the rest of you fine Barberrites! Here is my XF45 set of barber Half's:
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/album/119049
Darrell - Thanks for putting the pics with your 45 set. Now, only a few more collections to go.
Pics for this AM, raw newp from Baltimore from my friend Keith. Anyone care to guess what our hosts will call it?
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Nice coin, Keith. XF 45.
1'm going to guess it will go in a 1909 S 50C Holder.
With an XF 40 on it.
Keith. That’s a beauty. Is it the low leaves variety
Most thankful for my 1896-S quarter PCGS XF-40 from Vern. That's how I met the Rock Star.
Verne, If that 09-S is graded like 09's are supposed to be graded it's a VF35.
Agree with Darrell, As much as it would be nice to have a 40, I believe it will grade 35 as well.
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
Very nice, my guess is 40.
*****
What?!?! No Barber quarters in the mail today!?!? ... "heavy sigh" ...