Buy unopened 1975 proof sets. Hard to believe the mint had a run of only two coins before they discovered the error.
Burn the note and wait to hear from a lucky B&M dealer.
Folks have been examining 1975 Proof sets for decades. I'll bet every set still in dealers' stocks have been examined at least a dozen times each! Those coins are still out there, held by non collectors and SAH buyers who have no idea the no-S exists. Eventually, those sets will be sold on to the market and will make headlines with each new find.
@topstuf said:
How many of you (us) loupe every coin in our collection when we look at them?
Naked eye, 12 inch distance and who cares?
Some things are too much.
Er...one? I'd like to tell you how I really look at my coins but that would confirm I'm crazy!
@wondercoin said:
“But I assume that the majority of all roosevelts is not graded incl. proof sets and thats different for high grade 18th century coins.”
But, the vast majority of Roosie collectors who have a budget of, say, $25-$100 a coin really don’t have the luxury to pay attention to that fact.
Astute Roosie collectors (as young as teenagers) have paid $5-$10 a coin plus a grading fee and ended up grading, and selling an “end product” for $5,000 -$10,000 (or keeping the coin for their collection). These teenagers and sharp collectors on a budget (maybe 99% of them) can not consider “high grade 18th century coins” - right?
The opportunities for a seasoned Roosie collector with $50 -$100 in his pocket at a coin show are nearly endless. For $1 or $2 plus a $16 grading fee one can potentially make a $10,000 coin. I know someone who recently turned $9 plus a grading fee into nearly $40,000.00 (different modern series than Roosies, but same idea). How much does a collector need to bring to a typical coin show to score a good deal on a “high grade 18th century coin”?
Wondercoin
Love this scenario if I'm on the discovering/slabbing end of it. I wouldn't be a buyer of same but I'd sure love to make something along these lines!
Currin. I will enter a coin I have been diligently looking for. The 1819 $5 Gold BD-2. One of the basic set coins. I will enter it tomorrow. Look forward to your Thoughts. DellLoy Hansen
@DLHansen said:
Currin. I will enter a coin I have been diligently looking for. The 1819 $5 Gold BD-2. One of the basic set coins. I will enter it tomorrow. Look forward to your Thoughts. DellLoy Hansen
Sounds like a great pickup. The BD-2 is definitely the rarer of the 1819s. If it is the coin that I am thinking of... WOW!
1855-D $5 Liberty. Medium D. PCGS graded MS-62 Pop 1; finest graded at PCGS. Only 4 graded in total
This is a description of this coin from an Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins Auction in May of 2006. From the best of my knowledge, the description is still true more than 13 years later. This coin upgrades “The Collection” basic set. Previously, The Collection had an 1855-D Large D (normal coin PCGS #8263) graded AU53 in the set. This coin is more than an upgrade; it is an addition to the Major Varieties Set. I have mention on several occasions, the progress that is being made. The PCGS Registry Set for Pre-1965 Major Varieties requires 439 coins in addition and to the basic coins. By my most recent assessment, it appears to me that Hansen has purchase almost 90% of the required Major Varieties US Coins. In comparison, Eliasberg collected only approx. 65% of the Major Varieties by current PCGS standards. I know the coins for Major Varieties have evolved over the years, but in my assessment, I believe Eliasberg was missing some of the key coins. I plan to share more in the future on the Major Varieties.
I don’t know for sure if anyone has completed the Liberty Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1839-1908) Set. PCGS describes the set as: The basic set of this series is a monumental accomplishment and this variety set is that and more. If you’re going to tackle this long and challenging collection, though, why not go all the way? There are coins from seven different Mints as a starter, plus the ultra-ultra-rare 1854-S $5 and much more. Then add Tall Dates and Small Dates and over-mintmarks and other varieties and you’ll have a lifetime of enjoyment from a single series! Harry Bass is given registry credit for completing 99.09% of the 220 required coins. He was missing the 1853-D Medium D. I am not sure the coin was required in his day. If it was, I am curious why he did not obtain a specimen. The other missing coin is the 1854-S. We all know 1854-S coin was a gouging hole in Bass’ half eagle set.
1855-D $5 Medium D, MS62, PGGS POP 1/0
The description given for this coin by Ira & Larry Goldberg is: Lovely rich orange-gold toning on both sides. Wonderful eye appeal. 22,432 mintage. Pop 1; finest graded at PCGS. Only 4 graded in total. Always frosty for the issue, as seen here, the bright orange gold surface is nearly gem quality with only a few tiny bagmarks. Mathematically exact standards would seen in the sharp centers, but this date is noteworthy for its "average" to soft detail in the key high points, such as the hair below Liberty's ear; on the reverse, the soft detail softens even further as though either the dies were worn or their spacing did not impart the requisite force to insure that the planchet would fill the recesses completely. All the same this is a very attractive of a scarce year, one that will go down in the record books. The coin realized $16,100 in 2006.
Prior to the Ira & Larry Goldberg in 2006, I believe the coin appeared in the Heritage 2003, (FUN) Signature Sale in Orlando, FL. The coin carried a different certification and appeared in a different PCGS holder. On the holder, the coin was pedigreed to “Ashland City”. The coin was the same PCGS grade, and presented as Finest Known 1855-D Medium D Half Eagle, MS62. This is the description from 16 years ago: The 1855-D is a very scarce and underrated issue in the series of Dahlonega Fives. Only 95-105 pieces are believed known in all grades and just a couple or three Uncirculated pieces are believed extant today. However, we must interject here that what is known and reported about this issue has been for the Large D variant. Nothing is mentioned in Akers, Breen, or Winter about a second die variety and so we conclude that the Condition Census information listed in Winter (63, 61, 58 multiples) is for the Large D variety. Likewise, we assume the Medium D is considerably rarer than its Large D counterpart. This is the finest example known and certified by either of the major services, and it may stand as the finest known for quite some time until this variety's absolute and condition rarity is fully known. The centers are weakly defined, as always on this issue, but the surfaces are thickly frosted and covered with rich reddish patina. There are no major marks or impairments of any kind on either side of this exceptional coin. In 2003, the coin realized $14,950.
I have not been able to find out much information on the coin after these two decade old sales. The coin remains the finest graded for the variety. I believe Mr. Hansen purchased the coin privately, but cannot be certain of the details. PCGS coin value places a price tag of $30,000 on the coin. This is another nice half eagle addition to The Hansen Collection.
Provenance: Ashland City Collection
In an Eliasberg comparison, the PCGS registry indicates that he did not own a 1855-D Medium D specimen. His example was the 1855-D Large D, estimated grade AU58. The coin was purchased at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale by Jack Hancock and Bob Harwell for $2,090. Lot #474.
1855-D $5 Medium D, MS62 (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #98263 / PCGS Serial #08384688 / POP 1/0
Kudos to @DLHansen on an outstanding purchase. There is some discussion among Dahlonega specialists whether the ‘55 Large D or Medium D is the rarer variety; regardless, any 1855-D $5 above AU 55 and with nice eye appeal is a very rare find. As a Dahlonega enthusiast, all I can say is, WOW!
Very nice coin. The understanding of the medium and large D varieties is all out of whack and even has been adjusted a few times by DW. A simple review of coinfacts before it was adulterated would have shown nearly all images examples as medium D. The large D is the much rarer of the two. The major grading companies have been inconsistent on designating these varieties.
He was missing the 1853-D Medium D. I am not sure the coin was required in his day. If it was, I am curious why he did not obtain a specimen.
I just happened to notice that the 1853-D Medium D $5 is no longer in the registry set for the Dahlonega Complete Set with Major Varieties. It was on the list a week ago?? If that’s the case, it looks like he needs only the 1840-D (Small D) $5 to complete that registry set.
The Finest Collectible 1819 Normal Reverse Half Eagle One of Perhaps Just Four Known From These Dies 1819 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. Bass Dannreuther-2. Rarity-7. Normal Reverse. MS61 (PCGS)
5th coin in Last Box of 20…… Present Box Value = $2,182,800
With only fifteen coins to go in the Eliasberg Quest, at this point, each additional coin is getting harder and more difficult to find. Mr. Hansen informed us that the 1819 half eagle is one that “I have been diligently looking for”. As with many of us that have assembled a set of coins know first hand, that sometimes we cannot get the coin that we want to complete the set. For the 1819 half eagle, this is not the case for Mr. Hansen. The new addition is from the Pogue Collection, and any coin from that collection is a “Masterpiece”.
If you are familiar with the early half eagle series, and this date, you know there are two major varieties, the normal date and the overdate. This is a case where the normal date is more difficult to find than the overdate. The new Hansen purchase is the only collectable specimen that is in mint condition, graded at PCGS MS61. By some accounts, this specimen is “roughly tied” with the impounded Bass coin for finest known. David Akers provides this information: This is another of the many famous rarities of this type. However, contrary to the comments made by some cataloguers, it is less rare as a date than the 1815 with possibly 15-18 specimens known in all grades. Unlike the 1815, however, it is not the case with the 1819 that most known specimens are uncirculated as a number of the existing examples are in the VF to EF range. There are two major varieties of this date, one with "normal dies" and the other with the 5D over 50 reverse of 1818. The two varieties are of comparable rarity and neither would bring a premium over the other.
The 1819 half eagle has a trifecta of varieties. The first two are the well-known major varieties, and the third a more recent discovered, third die state variety. All three varieties are now recognized by John Dannreuther and he confirmed the new variety on March 19, 2014. Let’s take a quick look at them.
Bass-Dannreuther 1. 1819 Wide Date, 5D over 50
By most accounts, the number of known specimens is between 17-19. There are two, maybe three coins that could be graded gems. First being the MS65 PCGS graded Garrett-Pogue Specimen. By some accounts, there is an ungraded specimen in Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation Collection that may be a MS65. There could be a third, the Virgil Brand specimen sold by Bowers and Merena in 1983. Hansen does not have a specimen of the 1819 BD-1 half eagle. If the Pogue specimen was to come available, it would be interesting to see if Mr. Hansen has any desire to purchase. The Pogue specimen sold in 2016 for record breaking $423,000.
Bass-Dannreuther 2. 1819 Close Date, Normal Reverse
Some accounts give seven as number of known specimens. That may be a stretch. In the Pogue sale, the listing indicated “perhaps” only four known. Whether the number is four or seven, the coin is pretty rare. The Pogue-Hansen Specimen may be the finest. The only specimen that may come close to this coin is the King Farouk / Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Specimen. The coin is normally considered and referenced as an AU58, but you know how grades go.
Bass-Dannreuther 3. 1819 Wide Date, Normal Reverse (1 Known)
This is an impaired unique coin. The coin sold in Heritage’s 2014 ANA US Coins Signature Auction. The coin has AU details, but listed by NGC as plugged and whizzed. This is the description given for this unique coin: Recently, in March 2014, a new third variety was discovered by Mark Borckardt, or perhaps it is the old third variety noted in the Adams notebook. This new variety combines the Wide Date obverse of BD-1, with an entirely new and previously unreported reverse die. NGC has described the coin as plugged and whizzed, although the damage is not obvious. The reverse die makes no other appearances in the entire half eagle series, and is known only on this unique 1819 half eagle that is now called BD-3. John Dannreuther examined images and confirmed the new variety on March 19, 2014. This example has light greenish-yellow surfaces with hints of orange toning about the peripheries. The surfaces are lightly polished, but lack the distinctive appearance of whizzing. Minor marks are noted on each side, including disturbances at the upper obverse and lower reverse that NCS describes with the "plugged" label. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. I have no idea if Mr. Hansen has any desired for this coin. The overall appearance of the coin is very good. As we know, Mr. Hansen does not reject coins because they may be impaired. Also, he needs the Bass impaired 1870-S Gold Three Dollar to complete the quest.
1819 $5 BD-2 MS61, Green-Pogue-Hansen Specimen, Pop 1/0
I have used up a lot of space and have not talked much about the new coin. Really the coin speaks for itself. PCGS POP 1/0, Ex: Pogue, one of maybe 4 known, a quest countdown coin, what could be better? Although I feel we could end here, I really must share this magnificent description from the Pogue Sale: One of the classic rarities of the series, the finest collectible example of the 1819 Normal Reverse half eagle may seem to be a bit of a letdown, graded only MS-61. It is, however, the only Mint State coin certified by PCGS and roughly tied with the impounded Bass coin for finest known honors. The surfaces are attractive medium yellow gold with traces of coppery highlights around design elements, particularly prominent on the reverse. The reverse is more lustrous than the obverse, offering a surfeit of cartwheel luster. The obverse is likewise lustrous, but more subtly so, with cartwheel encircling the inside of the rims. Fully struck on both sides, this coin shows no areas of weakness among the designs. The obverse shows a significant population of hairlines, but no bad marks. We note a tiny nick on the raised rim above star 5, a thin curved scratch above star 12, and a short horizontal scratch high on Liberty’s throat. The reverse is lightly hairlined but more lively, with the appearance of a higher grade. A tiny nick is unobtrusive above the top of the wing at right, and a short scratch below the tip of the beak is scarcely noticeable. The dies are perfect, unclashed and uncracked.
The coin sold for $141,000 in 2016 in The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part III Sale. PCGS values the coin at $140,000. We do not know what Mr. Hansen offered in the private transaction. In any case, this is a great addition to the “Great Collection”, that is getting better at each update.
Provenance: Peter Mougey Collection; Peter Mougey Estate, 1908; Thomas Elder’s sale of the Peter Mougey Collection, September 1910, lot 1070; William H. Woodin Collection; Waldo C. Newcomer Collection, by sale, early 1920s; Col. Edward Howland Robinson Green Collection, by sale, via B. Max Mehl, 1931; Stack’s, by sale, 1943; Henry P. Graves Collection; Gwendolen Graves Fullerton, by descent, 1953; Stack’s sale of the Davis-Graves Collection, April 1954, lot 1449; Stack’s sale of the Dr. Clifford Smith Collection, May 1955, lot 1682; Stack’s 1976 American Numismatic Association sale, August 1976, lot 2936; Paramount International Coin Corporation’s Rare Coin List No. 15, April-May 1977, page 80; Superior Galleries’ “Connoisseur’s Collection” sale of January 1989, lot 354, via David Akers; Stacks Bowers, Feb 9, 2016 of The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part III, unknown buyer; D.L. Hansen Collection by private transaction, Sept., 2019.
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, according to information provided by PCGS Registry, he did not acquired the 1819 “Normal Die” half eagle specimen. His example for this coin was an estimated grade AU58 Wide Date, 5D over 50 specimen. Ex. Smith Collection; Chapman (1906); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $37,400. Lot #374.
1819 Normal Reverse Half Eagle PCGS Coin #519918 / PCGS Serial #32189880 / POP 1/1 Ex: Mougey - Newcomer - Green - Graves – Pogue
There are 15 remaining coins in the Eliasberg Quest. The 11 coins that are not listed in “U.S. Coins Complete Basic, Circulation Strikes Set” are Bold below. The remaining 4 coins plus the 1875 $10 in Business Strike is needed to complete the registry set. Hansen has a proof specimen 1875 $10 which meets the Eliasberg set definition (either business strike or proof counts), therefor is not shown on this list.
Top 10 1870-S Half Dime (Unique Coin in Tom Bender PCGS Registry Collection) 1873-CC "No Arrows" Dime (Unique Coin in an anonymous collection) 1870-S Three Dollar Only (Unique Coin owned by the Bass Foundation displayed at the ANA) 1866 "No Motto" Dollar Proof Only (2 Minted, Unique Private Coin in Simpson Collection)
1822 Half Eagle (Survival 3, Unique Private Owned Coin in the Pogue Collection) 1933 Double Eagle (Known Survival 16, Unique Legally Owned Coin - anonymous collection)
1854-S Half Eagle (Survival 4, Two known in private: 1-Pogue AU58+; 2- XF45 sold July 2018)
1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle (Survival 7, Only 2 maybe 3 examples could be privately purchased) 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Proof Only (5 Minted, 3 private owned) 1838-0 Half Dollar BM Only (Survival 9, six known for private purchase)
Next 5 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8) 1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9) 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24) 1839 Gobrecht Original Dollar (Survival 60-75)
1798 Quarter Eagle (Survival 80)
Note: DLH was a partner in the purchase of the 1854-S XF45 Half Eagle being that he's a partner with DLRC, but after purchasing the coin, DLRC reported the specimen was sold to an undisclosed client.
Just ran across this Eliasberg coin. It's one of the first 10 Morgan Dollars struck at the San Francisco Mint and a presentation piece. It could be something for Dell Loy to be on the look out for:
This is pedigreed to J. Gus. Burt, Emanuel Wertman, and Eliasberg. In the 1910 Wertman sale, it sold for just $1.10!
It's an interesting coin, but Eliasberg owned a lot of different coins, including colonial, foreign and ancient coins. https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/12308934/#Comment_12308934
I'm not sure the "complete US coins" quest should get redirected to obtaining everything that Eliasberg once owned....
It's true Eliasberg had a large variety of holdings as he even had a gold Confederate cent, Humbert slug, and a set of gold Lincoln medals! However, this particular coin is a Morgan Dollar presentation strike, so it's much closer to the current US coin focus, perhaps even more so than pattern coins.
@Zoins said:
Just ran across this Eliasberg coin. It's one of the first 10 Morgan Dollars struck at the San Francisco Mint and a presentation piece. It could be something for Dell Loy to be on the look out for:
This is pedigreed to J. Gus. Burt, Emanuel Wertman, and Eliasberg. In the 1910 Wertman sale, it sold for just $1.10!
I had no idea that existed. WOW.
Learn about our world's shared history told through the first millennium of coinage: Colosseo Collection
@Stooge said:
Can't believe he is down to just 15 coins.
He have added 9 countdown coins since Jan 1. This is a rate of about 1 per month. I don’t think the rate is sustainable. He may have a few more that can be picked up by “diligently looking for”. Any thoughts on the number he will reach?
I think it is about that time again that I start from page 1. See you in a month!
@Currin I really hope your plan is to turn this into a book some day. Your efforts and information are amazing. The greatest collection of all time is being documented in the greatest thread of all time.
He have added 9 countdown coins since Jan 1. This is a rate of about 1 per month. I don’t think the rate is sustainable. He may have a few more that can be picked up by “diligently looking for”. Any thoughts on the number he will reach?
As you say the rate is not sustainable. The bottom five or six on the list might be done in a couple years, after that it will get very tough without overpaying. The folks holding the unique coins are well aware of the dynamics.
@JFK_Collector said:
Curious how NGC graded that coin with graffiti that visible. I could understand if it was in a Genuine holder.
There are a number of these in PCGS holders as well...I just recently was offered one in a PCGS Coffin-Style Holder actually.
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
@Currin said: Count Down 15 in Eliasberg Quest The Finest Collectible 1819 Normal Reverse Half Eagle
While certainly not the most expensive coin I've been able to place in the collection, it was certainly one of my favorites. There is a finer (PCGS MS66+) version of the 5D/50 variety that was also in the Pogue sale and is an impressive looking coin, but the normal reverse is a bit rarer and is certainly a special addition!
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
I have a one day stop in Utah coming up this week if anyone would like to see any pictures of coins or would like me to ask any questions to Mr. Hansen...
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
@JFK_Collector said: Curious how NGC graded that coin with graffiti that visible. I could understand if it was in a Genuine holder.
There are a number of these in PCGS holders as well...I just recently was offered one in a PCGS Coffin-Style Holder actually.
IMO, your reply is a typical deflection that we see all the time. Joe did this, what do you think? Well, bill also did it.
I have not seen the damaged (?) coin. If you care to respond, do you agree with the way it is graded? Do you think there is a valid reason many coins with "problems" are straight graded? As an important dealer (I think you also owned a TPGS at one time) it should be very helpful for all of us to explain coins as this.
I have heard that the lower a grade and the older the coin, the more defects are ignored. Is this true? I also have observed that some defects are not as bad as others and for each type of problem (scratches for example) they come in various amounts of severity. Is that the case with this coin. Is the "problem" minor?
An image of the coin would be helpful if you have time to educate us.
There are a number of these in PCGS holders as well...I just recently was offered one in a PCGS Coffin-Style Holder actually.
IMO, your reply is a typical deflection that we see all the time. Joe did this, what do you think? Well, bill also did it.
I have not seen the damaged (?) coin. If you care to respond, do you agree with the way it is graded? Do you think there is a valid reason many coins with "problems" are straight graded? As an important dealer (I think you also owned a TPGS at one time) it should be very helpful for all of us to explain coins as this.
I have heard that the lower a grade and the older the coin, the more defects are ignored. Is this true? I also have observed that some defects are not as bad as others and for each type of problem (scratches for example) they come in various amounts of severity. Is that the case with this coin. Is the "problem" minor?
An image of the coin would be helpful if you have time to educate us.
I don't have a dog in this fight, so it doesn't affect me and I don't have a passionate opinion on this.
However, I didn't see the value as far as the price that the seller was asking. It's certainly a historic piece but falls outside of the realm of the kind of collections that we build. Do I think it's graffiti? Yes, of course it is. I haven't done enough research on the coin to know the story as to how/when the inscription was made, so my opinion isn't an educated one. That being said, I'd rather see this type of coin in a holder designating it as a Specimen of Some type without a grade (or with a details grade). I think that the term "Presentation Piece" works just fine, but in the word so Henry Jones, Jr. "this belongs in a museum!"
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
@JBatDavidLawrence said:
I have a one day stop in Utah coming up this week if anyone would like to see any pictures of coins or would like me to ask any questions to Mr. Hansen...
I would be curious to learn how Hansen is cataloguing and documenting his own collection. I'd also be curious to hear what storage methods he prefers. Also, has he ever answered the question as to why he has duplicate sets for some series?
There are a number of these in PCGS holders as well...I just recently was offered one in a PCGS Coffin-Style Holder actually.
IMO, your reply is a typical deflection that we see all the time. Joe did this, what do you think? Well, bill also did it.
I have not seen the damaged (?) coin. If you care to respond, do you agree with the way it is graded? Do you think there is a valid reason many coins with "problems" are straight graded? As an important dealer (I think you also owned a TPGS at one time) it should be very helpful for all of us to explain coins as this.
I have heard that the lower a grade and the older the coin, the more defects are ignored. Is this true? I also have observed that some defects are not as bad as others and for each type of problem (scratches for example) they come in various amounts of severity. Is that the case with this coin. Is the "problem" minor?
An image of the coin would be helpful if you have time to educate us.
I don't have a dog in this fight, so it doesn't affect me and I don't have a passionate opinion on this.
However, I didn't see the value as far as the price that the seller was asking. It's certainly a historic piece but falls outside of the realm of the kind of collections that we build. Do I think it's graffiti? Yes, of course it is. I haven't done enough research on the coin to know the story as to how/when the inscription was made, so my opinion isn't an educated one. That being said, I'd rather see this type of coin in a holder designating it as a Specimen of Some type without a grade (or with a details grade). I think that the term "Presentation Piece" works just fine, but in the word so Henry Jones, Jr. "this belongs in a museum!"
THANKS for the reply, I found the coin. I personally consider it in the same category as a love token. It deserves a straight grade because of what it is. I would say the same thing about any nicely engraved coin with any message. A hand engraved coin is one thing. A crudely scratched up coin is another - graffiti. The only thing with a coin like this is to see other examples to make 100% sure the "style" of the work matched the other known specimens. The true artists who engrave knives, guns, and nickels could crank these things out like candy!
LOL. This is the 100th Morgan dollar struck April 17, 1878 & presented to the ice delivery man at the Mint.
Mr. Hansen added one coin and swapped seven. This was the first upgrade in about eight days. This is a long time for the rate this collection has been upgraded. We may be entering a slow period for numismatics. I am not an expert and do not claim to be one. Although, it appears to me, the period between the annual ANA show in August and the January FUN show is mostly drag. Last year about this time, Mr. Hansen announced to us that he was going to spend this period of time to “clean up” his sets. He especially mentioned his modern sets. If you view his modern sets from a year ago, compare to today, you will see a significant improvement. I wonder if he has any special plans for this fall.
I thought the 1900 Liberty Quarter Eagle was a common coin, more or less. I even have one which says a lot about the common date. David Akers describes them a little differently. More common than the preceding years, but still a rather scarce coin. As with all these late date Liberty Head quarter eagles, most known specimens are uncirculated or proof.
1900 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+ Pop 1, CAC, finest graded at PCGS
This coin has appeared in three Heritage Auctions from Nov 2013 to April 2018. The coin was previously an MS67 in PCGS Holder with CAC. The coin realized less in each of the auctions, $6,463 in 2013, $5,816 in 2014, and finally $4,320. In 2013 and 2014, PCGS has seen only nine at this grade level with none finer. By 2018, the population jumped to 17/0 in PCGS MS67. This may account for the decrease in value. The coin was recently upgraded, and now stands alone (as of today) as POP 1/0.
The coin was sold in Sunday night’s David Lawrence Auction. The coin sold for $9,900. DLRC described the coin as The finest example of this date that has been graded by PCGS, the fields and devices are utterly perfect. CAC approved for quality. PCGS+ grade for premium quality at the top end of the assigned grade. The coin was described in 2013 as This turn-of-the-century Superb Gem quarter eagle boasts sparkling luster over pristine orange-reddish surfaces that generate enormous eye appeal. The strike is full throughout both sides, and the eye appeal is absolutely top-notch. A later Heritage description adds a little extra: This turn-of-the-century Superb Gem quarter eagle boasts frosty, vibrant luster over wheat-gold surfaces that generate enormous eye appeal. The strike is full, and close study with a loupe fails to reveal a single notable abrasion. The 1900 quarter eagle is rarely available this fine, and the only piece graded numerically higher is in an NGC holder and is not CAC-approved. PCGS coin value currently places a price tag of $7,500 on the coin.
The coin has appeared in four recent auctions with no mention of pedigree. I can only figure the coin to be an orphan that has been bounced around from home to home. Not anymore, the specimen now resides in The Great Collection!
Provenance: Unknown
In an Eliasberg comparison, the PCGS registry indicates that he did not own a 1900 mint state quarter eagle specimen. His example was a Gem Proof, sold at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale for $7,700. In addition to this MS67+ specimen, The Hansen Collection also has a 1900 Proof Quarter Eagle, PR68+ DCAM. Enough said about the comparison.
1900 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+ (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #7852 / PCGS Serial #25382885 / POP 1/0
Comments
Burn the note and wait to hear from a lucky B&M dealer.
Folks have been examining 1975 Proof sets for decades. I'll bet every set still in dealers' stocks have been examined at least a dozen times each! Those coins are still out there, held by non collectors and SAH buyers who have no idea the no-S exists. Eventually, those sets will be sold on to the market and will make headlines with each new find.
Er...one? I'd like to tell you how I really look at my coins but that would confirm I'm crazy!
Love this scenario if I'm on the discovering/slabbing end of it. I wouldn't be a buyer of same but I'd sure love to make something along these lines!
Currin. I will enter a coin I have been diligently looking for. The 1819 $5 Gold BD-2. One of the basic set coins. I will enter it tomorrow. Look forward to your Thoughts. DellLoy Hansen
Sounds like a great pickup. The BD-2 is definitely the rarer of the 1819s. If it is the coin that I am thinking of... WOW!
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
1855-D $5 Liberty. Medium D. PCGS graded MS-62
Pop 1; finest graded at PCGS. Only 4 graded in total
This is a description of this coin from an Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins Auction in May of 2006. From the best of my knowledge, the description is still true more than 13 years later. This coin upgrades “The Collection” basic set. Previously, The Collection had an 1855-D Large D (normal coin PCGS #8263) graded AU53 in the set. This coin is more than an upgrade; it is an addition to the Major Varieties Set. I have mention on several occasions, the progress that is being made. The PCGS Registry Set for Pre-1965 Major Varieties requires 439 coins in addition and to the basic coins. By my most recent assessment, it appears to me that Hansen has purchase almost 90% of the required Major Varieties US Coins. In comparison, Eliasberg collected only approx. 65% of the Major Varieties by current PCGS standards. I know the coins for Major Varieties have evolved over the years, but in my assessment, I believe Eliasberg was missing some of the key coins. I plan to share more in the future on the Major Varieties.
I don’t know for sure if anyone has completed the Liberty Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1839-1908) Set. PCGS describes the set as: The basic set of this series is a monumental accomplishment and this variety set is that and more. If you’re going to tackle this long and challenging collection, though, why not go all the way? There are coins from seven different Mints as a starter, plus the ultra-ultra-rare 1854-S $5 and much more. Then add Tall Dates and Small Dates and over-mintmarks and other varieties and you’ll have a lifetime of enjoyment from a single series! Harry Bass is given registry credit for completing 99.09% of the 220 required coins. He was missing the 1853-D Medium D. I am not sure the coin was required in his day. If it was, I am curious why he did not obtain a specimen. The other missing coin is the 1854-S. We all know 1854-S coin was a gouging hole in Bass’ half eagle set.
1855-D $5 Medium D, MS62, PGGS POP 1/0
The description given for this coin by Ira & Larry Goldberg is: Lovely rich orange-gold toning on both sides. Wonderful eye appeal. 22,432 mintage. Pop 1; finest graded at PCGS. Only 4 graded in total. Always frosty for the issue, as seen here, the bright orange gold surface is nearly gem quality with only a few tiny bagmarks. Mathematically exact standards would seen in the sharp centers, but this date is noteworthy for its "average" to soft detail in the key high points, such as the hair below Liberty's ear; on the reverse, the soft detail softens even further as though either the dies were worn or their spacing did not impart the requisite force to insure that the planchet would fill the recesses completely. All the same this is a very attractive of a scarce year, one that will go down in the record books. The coin realized $16,100 in 2006.
Prior to the Ira & Larry Goldberg in 2006, I believe the coin appeared in the Heritage 2003, (FUN) Signature Sale in Orlando, FL. The coin carried a different certification and appeared in a different PCGS holder. On the holder, the coin was pedigreed to “Ashland City”. The coin was the same PCGS grade, and presented as Finest Known 1855-D Medium D Half Eagle, MS62. This is the description from 16 years ago: The 1855-D is a very scarce and underrated issue in the series of Dahlonega Fives. Only 95-105 pieces are believed known in all grades and just a couple or three Uncirculated pieces are believed extant today. However, we must interject here that what is known and reported about this issue has been for the Large D variant. Nothing is mentioned in Akers, Breen, or Winter about a second die variety and so we conclude that the Condition Census information listed in Winter (63, 61, 58 multiples) is for the Large D variety. Likewise, we assume the Medium D is considerably rarer than its Large D counterpart. This is the finest example known and certified by either of the major services, and it may stand as the finest known for quite some time until this variety's absolute and condition rarity is fully known. The centers are weakly defined, as always on this issue, but the surfaces are thickly frosted and covered with rich reddish patina. There are no major marks or impairments of any kind on either side of this exceptional coin. In 2003, the coin realized $14,950.
I have not been able to find out much information on the coin after these two decade old sales. The coin remains the finest graded for the variety. I believe Mr. Hansen purchased the coin privately, but cannot be certain of the details. PCGS coin value places a price tag of $30,000 on the coin. This is another nice half eagle addition to The Hansen Collection.
Provenance: Ashland City Collection
In an Eliasberg comparison, the PCGS registry indicates that he did not own a 1855-D Medium D specimen. His example was the 1855-D Large D, estimated grade AU58. The coin was purchased at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale by Jack Hancock and Bob Harwell for $2,090. Lot #474.
1855-D $5 Medium D, MS62 (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #98263 / PCGS Serial #08384688 / POP 1/0
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Kudos to @DLHansen on an outstanding purchase. There is some discussion among Dahlonega specialists whether the ‘55 Large D or Medium D is the rarer variety; regardless, any 1855-D $5 above AU 55 and with nice eye appeal is a very rare find. As a Dahlonega enthusiast, all I can say is, WOW!
Very nice coin. The understanding of the medium and large D varieties is all out of whack and even has been adjusted a few times by DW. A simple review of coinfacts before it was adulterated would have shown nearly all images examples as medium D. The large D is the much rarer of the two. The major grading companies have been inconsistent on designating these varieties.
Latin American Collection
Speaking of Dahlonega,
@Currin said:
I just happened to notice that the 1853-D Medium D $5 is no longer in the registry set for the Dahlonega Complete Set with Major Varieties. It was on the list a week ago?? If that’s the case, it looks like he needs only the 1840-D (Small D) $5 to complete that registry set.
Still waiting on the 1819 $5.
Count Down 15 in Eliasberg Quest
The Finest Collectible 1819 Normal Reverse Half Eagle
One of Perhaps Just Four Known From These Dies
1819 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. Bass Dannreuther-2. Rarity-7. Normal Reverse. MS61 (PCGS)
5th coin in Last Box of 20…… Present Box Value = $2,182,800
With only fifteen coins to go in the Eliasberg Quest, at this point, each additional coin is getting harder and more difficult to find. Mr. Hansen informed us that the 1819 half eagle is one that “I have been diligently looking for”. As with many of us that have assembled a set of coins know first hand, that sometimes we cannot get the coin that we want to complete the set. For the 1819 half eagle, this is not the case for Mr. Hansen. The new addition is from the Pogue Collection, and any coin from that collection is a “Masterpiece”.
If you are familiar with the early half eagle series, and this date, you know there are two major varieties, the normal date and the overdate. This is a case where the normal date is more difficult to find than the overdate. The new Hansen purchase is the only collectable specimen that is in mint condition, graded at PCGS MS61. By some accounts, this specimen is “roughly tied” with the impounded Bass coin for finest known. David Akers provides this information: This is another of the many famous rarities of this type. However, contrary to the comments made by some cataloguers, it is less rare as a date than the 1815 with possibly 15-18 specimens known in all grades. Unlike the 1815, however, it is not the case with the 1819 that most known specimens are uncirculated as a number of the existing examples are in the VF to EF range. There are two major varieties of this date, one with "normal dies" and the other with the 5D over 50 reverse of 1818. The two varieties are of comparable rarity and neither would bring a premium over the other.
The 1819 half eagle has a trifecta of varieties. The first two are the well-known major varieties, and the third a more recent discovered, third die state variety. All three varieties are now recognized by John Dannreuther and he confirmed the new variety on March 19, 2014. Let’s take a quick look at them.
Bass-Dannreuther 1. 1819 Wide Date, 5D over 50
By most accounts, the number of known specimens is between 17-19. There are two, maybe three coins that could be graded gems. First being the MS65 PCGS graded Garrett-Pogue Specimen. By some accounts, there is an ungraded specimen in Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation Collection that may be a MS65. There could be a third, the Virgil Brand specimen sold by Bowers and Merena in 1983. Hansen does not have a specimen of the 1819 BD-1 half eagle. If the Pogue specimen was to come available, it would be interesting to see if Mr. Hansen has any desire to purchase. The Pogue specimen sold in 2016 for record breaking $423,000.
Bass-Dannreuther 2. 1819 Close Date, Normal Reverse
Some accounts give seven as number of known specimens. That may be a stretch. In the Pogue sale, the listing indicated “perhaps” only four known. Whether the number is four or seven, the coin is pretty rare. The Pogue-Hansen Specimen may be the finest. The only specimen that may come close to this coin is the King Farouk / Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Specimen. The coin is normally considered and referenced as an AU58, but you know how grades go.
Bass-Dannreuther 3. 1819 Wide Date, Normal Reverse (1 Known)
This is an impaired unique coin. The coin sold in Heritage’s 2014 ANA US Coins Signature Auction. The coin has AU details, but listed by NGC as plugged and whizzed. This is the description given for this unique coin: Recently, in March 2014, a new third variety was discovered by Mark Borckardt, or perhaps it is the old third variety noted in the Adams notebook. This new variety combines the Wide Date obverse of BD-1, with an entirely new and previously unreported reverse die. NGC has described the coin as plugged and whizzed, although the damage is not obvious. The reverse die makes no other appearances in the entire half eagle series, and is known only on this unique 1819 half eagle that is now called BD-3. John Dannreuther examined images and confirmed the new variety on March 19, 2014. This example has light greenish-yellow surfaces with hints of orange toning about the peripheries. The surfaces are lightly polished, but lack the distinctive appearance of whizzing. Minor marks are noted on each side, including disturbances at the upper obverse and lower reverse that NCS describes with the "plugged" label. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. I have no idea if Mr. Hansen has any desired for this coin. The overall appearance of the coin is very good. As we know, Mr. Hansen does not reject coins because they may be impaired. Also, he needs the Bass impaired 1870-S Gold Three Dollar to complete the quest.
1819 $5 BD-2 MS61, Green-Pogue-Hansen Specimen, Pop 1/0
I have used up a lot of space and have not talked much about the new coin. Really the coin speaks for itself. PCGS POP 1/0, Ex: Pogue, one of maybe 4 known, a quest countdown coin, what could be better? Although I feel we could end here, I really must share this magnificent description from the Pogue Sale: One of the classic rarities of the series, the finest collectible example of the 1819 Normal Reverse half eagle may seem to be a bit of a letdown, graded only MS-61. It is, however, the only Mint State coin certified by PCGS and roughly tied with the impounded Bass coin for finest known honors. The surfaces are attractive medium yellow gold with traces of coppery highlights around design elements, particularly prominent on the reverse. The reverse is more lustrous than the obverse, offering a surfeit of cartwheel luster. The obverse is likewise lustrous, but more subtly so, with cartwheel encircling the inside of the rims. Fully struck on both sides, this coin shows no areas of weakness among the designs. The obverse shows a significant population of hairlines, but no bad marks. We note a tiny nick on the raised rim above star 5, a thin curved scratch above star 12, and a short horizontal scratch high on Liberty’s throat. The reverse is lightly hairlined but more lively, with the appearance of a higher grade. A tiny nick is unobtrusive above the top of the wing at right, and a short scratch below the tip of the beak is scarcely noticeable. The dies are perfect, unclashed and uncracked.
The coin sold for $141,000 in 2016 in The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part III Sale. PCGS values the coin at $140,000. We do not know what Mr. Hansen offered in the private transaction. In any case, this is a great addition to the “Great Collection”, that is getting better at each update.
Provenance: Peter Mougey Collection; Peter Mougey Estate, 1908; Thomas Elder’s sale of the Peter Mougey Collection, September 1910, lot 1070; William H. Woodin Collection; Waldo C. Newcomer Collection, by sale, early 1920s; Col. Edward Howland Robinson Green Collection, by sale, via B. Max Mehl, 1931; Stack’s, by sale, 1943; Henry P. Graves Collection; Gwendolen Graves Fullerton, by descent, 1953; Stack’s sale of the Davis-Graves Collection, April 1954, lot 1449; Stack’s sale of the Dr. Clifford Smith Collection, May 1955, lot 1682; Stack’s 1976 American Numismatic Association sale, August 1976, lot 2936; Paramount International Coin Corporation’s Rare Coin List No. 15, April-May 1977, page 80; Superior Galleries’ “Connoisseur’s Collection” sale of January 1989, lot 354, via David Akers; Stacks Bowers, Feb 9, 2016 of The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part III, unknown buyer; D.L. Hansen Collection by private transaction, Sept., 2019.
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, according to information provided by PCGS Registry, he did not acquired the 1819 “Normal Die” half eagle specimen. His example for this coin was an estimated grade AU58 Wide Date, 5D over 50 specimen. Ex. Smith Collection; Chapman (1906); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $37,400. Lot #374.
1819 Normal Reverse Half Eagle
PCGS Coin #519918 / PCGS Serial #32189880 / POP 1/1
Ex: Mougey - Newcomer - Green - Graves – Pogue
There are 15 remaining coins in the Eliasberg Quest. The 11 coins that are not listed in “U.S. Coins Complete Basic, Circulation Strikes Set” are Bold below. The remaining 4 coins plus the 1875 $10 in Business Strike is needed to complete the registry set. Hansen has a proof specimen 1875 $10 which meets the Eliasberg set definition (either business strike or proof counts), therefor is not shown on this list.
Top 10
1870-S Half Dime (Unique Coin in Tom Bender PCGS Registry Collection)
1873-CC "No Arrows" Dime (Unique Coin in an anonymous collection)
1870-S Three Dollar Only (Unique Coin owned by the Bass Foundation displayed at the ANA)
1866 "No Motto" Dollar Proof Only (2 Minted, Unique Private Coin in Simpson Collection)
1822 Half Eagle (Survival 3, Unique Private Owned Coin in the Pogue Collection)
1933 Double Eagle (Known Survival 16, Unique Legally Owned Coin - anonymous collection)
1854-S Half Eagle (Survival 4, Two known in private: 1-Pogue AU58+; 2- XF45 sold July 2018)
1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle (Survival 7, Only 2 maybe 3 examples could be privately purchased)
1913 Liberty Head Nickel Proof Only (5 Minted, 3 private owned)
1838-0 Half Dollar BM Only (Survival 9, six known for private purchase)
Next 5
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8)
1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9)
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24)
1839 Gobrecht Original Dollar (Survival 60-75)
1798 Quarter Eagle (Survival 80)
Note: DLH was a partner in the purchase of the 1854-S XF45 Half Eagle being that he's a partner with DLRC, but after purchasing the coin, DLRC reported the specimen was sold to an undisclosed client.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 1819 is a fantastic coin
Latin American Collection
What a coin and what a collection!
Gorgeous
That 1819 is a stunner! Can't believe he is down to just 15 coins.
Later, Paul.
Just ran across this Eliasberg coin. It's one of the first 10 Morgan Dollars struck at the San Francisco Mint and a presentation piece. It could be something for Dell Loy to be on the look out for:
This is pedigreed to J. Gus. Burt, Emanuel Wertman, and Eliasberg. In the 1910 Wertman sale, it sold for just $1.10!
It's an interesting coin, but Eliasberg owned a lot of different coins, including colonial, foreign and ancient coins.
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/12308934/#Comment_12308934
I'm not sure the "complete US coins" quest should get redirected to obtaining everything that Eliasberg once owned....
It's true Eliasberg had a large variety of holdings as he even had a gold Confederate cent, Humbert slug, and a set of gold Lincoln medals! However, this particular coin is a Morgan Dollar presentation strike, so it's much closer to the current US coin focus, perhaps even more so than pattern coins.
I had no idea that existed. WOW.
Curious how NGC graded that coin with graffiti that visible. I could understand if it was in a Genuine holder.
It’s clearly a special presentation piece made clear by the etching and the etching doesn’t detract in the way a large “X” would.
Latin American Collection
Understood, but is it still graffiti added to the coin after striking?
Normally graffiti is not finely engraved.
Don't you suspect it was done at the mint?
I believe that it is. However, due to the special circumstances, to many or most, it’s acceptable, and in fact, adds to the value of the coin.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
That doesn’t preclude it from being graffiti, since it still occurred after the coin was struck.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Isn't there a famous graded 1804 dollar....?
Aren't all graded 1804 dollars famous? 😉
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I was helping you make your point using the Dexter dollar and its "D" stamped on the cloud . You're welcome.
I knew that. Hence the 😉 but thank you, as well.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
My eyesight isn't that good, is your emoji winking or just smiling at me?
Both.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Nice exchange you two are having
Latin American Collection
Is a "CAL" dollar considered to have graffiti? "Cal" was added after it was struck...."at the mint!"
Edit to add...also a few of the commems...Grant with star, Alabama 2X2.
Those were not individually engraved after being struck, like the 1878-S dollars were.
To everyone else - my apologies for getting sidetracked.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Had they used the the kitchy "specimen" designation at the time, it might have fetched upwards of two bucks.
He have added 9 countdown coins since Jan 1. This is a rate of about 1 per month. I don’t think the rate is sustainable. He may have a few more that can be picked up by “diligently looking for”. Any thoughts on the number he will reach?
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I sold an 1839 original gobrecht to black cat a few months ago. Nice coin
I think it is about that time again that I start from page 1. See you in a month!
@Currin I really hope your plan is to turn this into a book some day. Your efforts and information are amazing. The greatest collection of all time is being documented in the greatest thread of all time.
I'd buy the book.
As you say the rate is not sustainable. The bottom five or six on the list might be done in a couple years, after that it will get very tough without overpaying. The folks holding the unique coins are well aware of the dynamics.
I see US Coins has a 1880 $4 Stella that would fit in this set.
There are a number of these in PCGS holders as well...I just recently was offered one in a PCGS Coffin-Style Holder actually.
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
While certainly not the most expensive coin I've been able to place in the collection, it was certainly one of my favorites. There is a finer (PCGS MS66+) version of the 5D/50 variety that was also in the Pogue sale and is an impressive looking coin, but the normal reverse is a bit rarer and is certainly a special addition!
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
I have a one day stop in Utah coming up this week if anyone would like to see any pictures of coins or would like me to ask any questions to Mr. Hansen...
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
IMO, your reply is a typical deflection that we see all the time. Joe did this, what do you think? Well, bill also did it.
I have not seen the damaged (?) coin. If you care to respond, do you agree with the way it is graded? Do you think there is a valid reason many coins with "problems" are straight graded? As an important dealer (I think you also owned a TPGS at one time) it should be very helpful for all of us to explain coins as this.
I have heard that the lower a grade and the older the coin, the more defects are ignored. Is this true? I also have observed that some defects are not as bad as others and for each type of problem (scratches for example) they come in various amounts of severity. Is that the case with this coin. Is the "problem" minor?
An image of the coin would be helpful if you have time to educate us.
I don't have a dog in this fight, so it doesn't affect me and I don't have a passionate opinion on this.
However, I didn't see the value as far as the price that the seller was asking. It's certainly a historic piece but falls outside of the realm of the kind of collections that we build. Do I think it's graffiti? Yes, of course it is. I haven't done enough research on the coin to know the story as to how/when the inscription was made, so my opinion isn't an educated one. That being said, I'd rather see this type of coin in a holder designating it as a Specimen of Some type without a grade (or with a details grade). I think that the term "Presentation Piece" works just fine, but in the word so Henry Jones, Jr. "this belongs in a museum!"
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
I would be curious to learn how Hansen is cataloguing and documenting his own collection. I'd also be curious to hear what storage methods he prefers. Also, has he ever answered the question as to why he has duplicate sets for some series?
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
THANKS for the reply, I found the coin. I personally consider it in the same category as a love token. It deserves a straight grade because of what it is. I would say the same thing about any nicely engraved coin with any message. A hand engraved coin is one thing. A crudely scratched up coin is another - graffiti. The only thing with a coin like this is to see other examples to make 100% sure the "style" of the work matched the other known specimens. The true artists who engrave knives, guns, and nickels could crank these things out like candy!
LOL. This is the 100th Morgan dollar struck April 17, 1878 & presented to the ice delivery man at the Mint.
A New Update; about time!
Mr. Hansen added one coin and swapped seven. This was the first upgrade in about eight days. This is a long time for the rate this collection has been upgraded. We may be entering a slow period for numismatics. I am not an expert and do not claim to be one. Although, it appears to me, the period between the annual ANA show in August and the January FUN show is mostly drag. Last year about this time, Mr. Hansen announced to us that he was going to spend this period of time to “clean up” his sets. He especially mentioned his modern sets. If you view his modern sets from a year ago, compare to today, you will see a significant improvement. I wonder if he has any special plans for this fall.
I thought the 1900 Liberty Quarter Eagle was a common coin, more or less. I even have one which says a lot about the common date. David Akers describes them a little differently. More common than the preceding years, but still a rather scarce coin. As with all these late date Liberty Head quarter eagles, most known specimens are uncirculated or proof.
1900 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+
Pop 1, CAC, finest graded at PCGS
This coin has appeared in three Heritage Auctions from Nov 2013 to April 2018. The coin was previously an MS67 in PCGS Holder with CAC. The coin realized less in each of the auctions, $6,463 in 2013, $5,816 in 2014, and finally $4,320. In 2013 and 2014, PCGS has seen only nine at this grade level with none finer. By 2018, the population jumped to 17/0 in PCGS MS67. This may account for the decrease in value. The coin was recently upgraded, and now stands alone (as of today) as POP 1/0.
The coin was sold in Sunday night’s David Lawrence Auction. The coin sold for $9,900. DLRC described the coin as The finest example of this date that has been graded by PCGS, the fields and devices are utterly perfect. CAC approved for quality. PCGS+ grade for premium quality at the top end of the assigned grade. The coin was described in 2013 as This turn-of-the-century Superb Gem quarter eagle boasts sparkling luster over pristine orange-reddish surfaces that generate enormous eye appeal. The strike is full throughout both sides, and the eye appeal is absolutely top-notch. A later Heritage description adds a little extra: This turn-of-the-century Superb Gem quarter eagle boasts frosty, vibrant luster over wheat-gold surfaces that generate enormous eye appeal. The strike is full, and close study with a loupe fails to reveal a single notable abrasion. The 1900 quarter eagle is rarely available this fine, and the only piece graded numerically higher is in an NGC holder and is not CAC-approved. PCGS coin value currently places a price tag of $7,500 on the coin.
The coin has appeared in four recent auctions with no mention of pedigree. I can only figure the coin to be an orphan that has been bounced around from home to home. Not anymore, the specimen now resides in The Great Collection!
Provenance: Unknown
In an Eliasberg comparison, the PCGS registry indicates that he did not own a 1900 mint state quarter eagle specimen. His example was a Gem Proof, sold at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale for $7,700. In addition to this MS67+ specimen, The Hansen Collection also has a 1900 Proof Quarter Eagle, PR68+ DCAM. Enough said about the comparison.
1900 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+ (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #7852 / PCGS Serial #25382885 / POP 1/0
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004