"Finest known" (and TPG population, for that matter) is a bit more slippery concept with ancients, because they're all as individual as snowflakes and keeping a meaningful census of all the near-infinite varieties is pretty much impossible, particularly as NGC does not use numerical Sheldon Scale grading on ancients and PCGS does not grade them.
That being said, I consider this one "finest known" until proven otherwise. It got a perfect grade from NGC Ancients (Ch MS, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5). The only way it could have done better was if it had gotten a star, too, and I don't know why it didn't- they've never "starred" one of my coins, even the few that deserved it.)
Never mind the technical grade- I have never seen another example of this type with such exquisite engraving style and portraiture. All the others I've seen have had much frumpier faces. The ancient celator who created these dies was a true master. (NGC also adds a "Fine Style" note on the labels of some ancients. I had a Nero dupondius get that once. This coin deserves such a designation, too, though they didn't put it on the label.)
On this next one, I can say this is one of the few coins that even a TrueView image doesn't do justice to.
Edit- whoops- make this one a "formerly finest known". (Or formerly finest graded, anyway.) As of last year when it graded (PR65 DCAM, Pop. 1), I believe it was the only DCAM in all grades at PCGS. They have since graded a PR67 DCAM and a PR68 DCAM, which must be a sight for sore eyes! It's still Pop. 1, but now there are two graded higher. And as of this post, it remains one of only three with the DCAM designation at PCGS.
You are right. No idea. Either way though your box of 20 is really coming along nicely. Amazing how one can still find really rare and beautiful coins for reasonable prices.
Comments
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
Boiler wins with that 1868 aluminum presentation set in the original case.
I gained 2 pounds just opening it.
Finest of two 1868 presentation sets
Being one of those "coins of the realm type" that 1868 set does it for me but this thread has brought out a lot of great coins.
Thanks to all who have posted
Really like that '68 Presentation set. Where could I read more about it's history?
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
1939 NGC PF67* CAMEO 10c - Tied for finest known with star designation for unusually strong cameo contrasts.
1939 PCGS PF65 CAMEO 50c - The coin is frostier in hand and does appear to me to have some contrasts on the sun in hand. Pop 1/0.
that 1842 is pretty nice, but it looks like the dog was chewing on that 1858-s. looks like that would be a hard sell.
Obviously you don't know the difficulty of that issue.
Latin American Collection
No Contest !!
Boiler wins with that 1868 aluminum presentation set in the original case.
Latin American Collection
That being said, I consider this one "finest known" until proven otherwise. It got a perfect grade from NGC Ancients (Ch MS, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5). The only way it could have done better was if it had gotten a star, too, and I don't know why it didn't- they've never "starred" one of my coins, even the few that deserved it.)
Never mind the technical grade- I have never seen another example of this type with such exquisite engraving style and portraiture. All the others I've seen have had much frumpier faces. The ancient celator who created these dies was a true master. (NGC also adds a "Fine Style" note on the labels of some ancients. I had a Nero dupondius get that once. This coin deserves such a designation, too, though they didn't put it on the label.)
Ancient Greece (Thessaly), silver "Rhodian Mercenaries" drachm struck by King Perseus of Macedon, ca. 175-170 BC
On this next one, I can say this is one of the few coins that even a TrueView image doesn't do justice to.
Edit- whoops- make this one a "formerly finest known". (Or formerly finest graded, anyway.) As of last year when it graded (PR65 DCAM, Pop. 1), I believe it was the only DCAM in all grades at PCGS. They have since graded a PR67 DCAM and a PR68 DCAM, which must be a sight for sore eyes! It's still Pop. 1, but now there are two graded higher. And as of this post, it remains one of only three with the DCAM designation at PCGS.
Great Britain: gilt proof halfpenny of George III, Soho Mint, 1806
In fact, not even Friday anymore.
Just remembered this SCD that's now in an NGC 62.
HK623
No Contest !!
Boiler wins with that 1868 aluminum presentation set in the original case.
yeah, that's simply amazing. i would love to see that in person. wow!!!!
Pop 1/0. PR 67 RB CAC. Only 1911 PR 67 graded in any color.
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase/2819
John, you are making me want to collect Swiss. I cannot start another set!
He probably didn't know this, but 'twas coinlieutenant who inspired me to not collect sets anymore, and to instead take up "Box of 20" collecting.
Some of those Swiss coins of his were seared onto my retinas years ago.
Speaking of stuff that has made a a stong impression, I'm quite partial to MidLifeCrisis' shipwreck-pedigreed French gold.
As to Boiler78, well... wow.
The only TPG graded coin from a matte proof mintage of 200.
You are right. No idea. Either way though your box of 20 is really coming along nicely.
Amazing how one can still find really rare and beautiful coins for reasonable prices.
John
siliconvalleycoins.com