When it comes to gold coins, Mr. Hansen has the Midas touch. Everything he seems to touch lately is gold. It would be interesting to know how much D.L. Hansen Gold Collection weighs. We have on several occasions talked about Hansen not upgrading once, but something multiple times. For inexpensive coins, no big deal, but for Gold Proofs, well that can be another story. Many of us find satisfaction on just obtaining as nice example of the coins we collect, on the other hand, Mr. Hansen is never satisfied if there is a better example out there, and he likes it! I am going to show you three specimens of this gold coin that Mr. Hansen has purchased for his collection. You draw your own conclusion on how amazing and unique, this is.
1891 Liberty Half Eagle DCAM PR65 DCAM (2018)
Hansen’s first 1891 Half eagle Proof (as far as I know) for this slot was a very nice, appealing 65 DCAM. I think this is relevant to my posting and I am not trying to make a pitch or advertising, but the coin is presently available at David Lawrence Rare Coins. I don’t have any notes on this coin, but it is in my database from a couple years ago. DLRC describes the coin as Magnificent gem proof that boasts enchanting deep field reflectivity and crispy frosty devices. Astonishing eye appeal! The Hansen Collection holds a PR65+ DCAM example for the date. We know the listing is a little outdated because The Hansen Collection now holds a PR66 DCAM example for the date.
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1891 Liberty Half Eagle DCAM PR66+ DCAM (2019)
Hansen’s second 1891 Half Eagle Proof was a near Condition Census rarity PR65+ DCAM, POP 2/4. The coin was purchased less than a year ago in Stacks Bowers March 2018 Rarities Night in Baltimore. The coin is valued at $50,000 according to PCGS Value Guide. The coin was described as A gorgeous Gem in all regards, few survivors from this 53-piece mintage can compare in either aesthetic or technical merit. With only 30 to 40 examples known per PCGS CoinFacts, the Proof 1891 is rare at any level of preservation. For Set Registry collectors or connoisseurs of the most exquisite Proof gold coinage, this stunning specimen represents a significant bidding opportunity not to be overlooked. It is exquisite, but enough.
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1891 Liberty Half Eagle DCAM PR66 DCAM (2020)
D. L. Hansen Collection of Gold US Coins added its third 1891 Half Eagle Proof from the Heritage 2020 FUN US Coins Signature Auction in Orlando. This specimen is grade PR66 DCAM, POP 2/2. As nice as this coin is, there is room for Mr. Hansen upgrade at least one more time. I am not saying that jokingly, there is that possibility.
The Heritage sale describes the coin as The present coin is a spectacular Premium Gem proof, with pinpoint definition on all the design elements and deeply reflective fields that contrast profoundly with the frosty devices. A dramatic gold-on-black cameo flash occurs when this coin is tilted in the light. The impeccably preserved yellow-gold surfaces have the textured orange-peel look of the best 19th century proofs. Eye appeal is truly outstanding. This coin is part of an assembled 1891 gold proof set, with the other coins from the set offered in the appropriate sections of this catalog.
The coin is from The Sakura Collection. The coin realized $66,000 with PCGS valuing the coin at $72,500. The coin is beautiful, and can be easily seen why Mr. Hansen had to have this golden lady.
1891 Liberty Half Eagle, PR66 Deep Cameo, CAC Approved Only 53 Examples Struck, PCGS POP 2/2 Certification #38305775, PCGS #98486 PCGS Price Guide: $72,500 / Heritage 2020 FUN: $66,000 Provenance: The Sakura Collection
Heritage Description: The mintage of proof Liberty half eagles fell to just 53 pieces in 1891, a significant drop from the 88 specimens struck the year before. A single die pair was used to strike the proofs. The obverse die has the date positioned higher and further right than on the die used for business strikes. The reverse die displays distinctive die polish at the bottom of the clear stripes of the shield and a reflective polished area under WE in the motto, making it easy to differentiate between proofs and prooflike business strikes. The issue has a good survival rate and John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 25 to 35 examples in all grades. Most proof half eagles of this era were initially sold as part of complete proof sets, as wealthy collectors preferred to update their gold collections by purchasing a proof set from the Philadelphia Mint every year. In the case of the 1891 proofs, the sets were soon broken up by dealers and collectors who targeted the low-mintage double eagle (only 52 proofs and 1,390 business strikes were struck). A partial set appeared as early as lot 1256 of the Peter Mougey Collection (Thomas Elder, 9/1910), "1891. $10, $5, $2 1/2. Rare set of three." The lot realized $22 for the coins with a face value of $17.50. Low premiums were the norm for proof gold coins in those days, but the situation is much different today. We can find no recent sales of an 1891 proof half eagle in PR66 Deep Cameo, but the PR65★ Ultra Cameo NGC specimen in lot 4382 of the ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2015) realized $35,250.
Given the comparisons with Eliasberg, what do people think about 1-to-1 comparisons of Hansen and Eliasberg coins? This way we can compare the coins in addition to the grades.
Here's an interesting coin. Both of these coins were PCGS MS67 CAC, however the Hansen coin has been upgraded to PCGS MS68.
1905-S Barber Half Dollar - PCGS MS68 - Hansen
This coin was PCGS MS67 CAC in 2013. The cert number has been upgraded to PCGS MS68. The strange thing is that while PCGS says the cert number is active, CAC says it is inactive, though it still shows as CAC approved at MS67. I wonder if it will be CAC approved at MS68 after the website is sorted out.
CoinFacts Provenance: Purchased directly from the San Francisco Mint, November 1905 by J. M. Clapp - John H. Clapp - Clapp Estate 1942 - Louis E. Eliasberg - Bowers & Merena 5/1997:2105, $23,100 - John C. Hugon Collection - Heritage 1/2005:4240, $32,200 - “Perfection” Collection (PCGS Set Registry)
The question still remains with most coins: would you rather own a non cac coin that is one grade higher than a cac coin which is one grade lower? If you are a registry person and only care about points the it is option one.
However we can see the cac premiums are steadily increasing. At point upgrading many coins will not be worthwhile. Cac coins are much rarer than people believe. The cac pops are perhaps off by maybe 10-20%. Cac coins are cracked, upgraded all the time. Some tags are not returned to cac, making the pops too high.
So why does Hansen want to upgrade? He already has the top set so there is no need.
He has the coin marked as Cac but it it not. Upgrading seems foolish. Most in the know people are aware of the upgrade so why bother?
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I have always stated it is very hard to build a top all cac set. It gets even harder with all these upgrades. Sure it has been done by Laura, Bruce a few others.
@Perfection said:
The question still remains with most coins: would you rather own a non cac coin that is one grade higher than a cac coin which is one grade lower?
Aside from characteristics of the individual coin and can be very important, it may come down to preferences for grade, registry points and price.
He has the coin marked as Cac but it it not.
I would actually give him a break on that, unless you know something other than what's been published on the Registry Set and Cert Verification. If the coin just upgraded, it could be that he listed it as CAC with its old grade, PCGS MS67 CAC, and CAC sometimes takes a while to recertify at the new grade. We've seen this with a few coins, including one where Bruce listed a coin as CAC but the new cert hadn't shown up in the CAC database yet. We've also seen green beans upgrade by a full point and get a green bean again. The CAC database also seems to have a problem with this coin as it thinks an active PCGS cert number is inactive.
I have always stated it is very hard to build a top all cac set. It gets even harder with all these upgrades. Sure it has been done by Laura, Bruce a few others.
It sure is difficult. If you want an all CAC set, sometimes you need to downgrade, which Bruce indicated he has done.
@Currin said: Hansen-Eliasberg Challenge II – Part IV-a
Hansen WOW Coins
The Spectacular Naftzger 1821 Half Eagle Tied for Finest Certified of the Design Type 1821 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. Bass Dannreuther-1. Rarity-6+. Mint State-66+ (PCGS) PCGS Price Guide: $675,000 / Stacks-Bowers Auction 5/2016: $564,000
Ex: Abe Kosoff; “a well known Texas numismatist,” probably Robert Schermerhorn; R.E. “Ted” Naftzger, Jr. Collection; Paramount’s fixed price list of the R.E. Naftzger, Jr. Collection of Early U.S. Half Eagles, 1981; Paramount (David Akers), by sale, April 1982 - D. Brent Pogue Collection - Stack's/Bowers & Sotheby's 5/2016:4036, $564,000
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. The Finest Known Mint State 1826 Half Eagle From the Stickney, Dunham, and Eliasberg Collections 1826 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. Bass Dannreuther-1. Rarity-5. Mint State-66+ (PCGS) PCGS Price Guide: $575,000 / Stacks-Bowers Auction 5/2016: $446,500
Ex: Matthew A. Stickney Collection, before 1854; Miss Cornelia A. Stickney and Miss Lucy W. Stickney, by descent, 1895; Henry Chapman’s sale of the Matthew A. Stickney Collection, June 1907, lot 668; William Forrester Dunham Collection; Chester F. Dunham, by descent, 1936; B. Max Mehl’s sale of the William F. Dunham Collection, June 1941, lot 2099; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection; New Netherlands Coin Company’s 49th sale, June 1957, lot 381; Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Alex Shuford Collection, May 1968, lot 1958; David Akers, by sale, May 1996 - D. Brent Pogue Collection - Stack's/Bowers & Sotheby's 5/2016:4036, $446,500
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Extremely Rare 1829 Large Planchet Half Eagle Finest Known, The Eliasberg Coin 1829 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. Large Diameter. BD-1. Rarity-7, Mint State-66+ (PCGS) PCGS Price Guide: $850,000 / Stacks-Bowers Auction 5/2016: $$763,750
Ex: Harlan P. Smith Collection - S.H. & H. Chapman 5/1906:218, $240 - J.M Clapp Collection - John H. Clapp Collection, sold intact in 1942 - Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection - Bowers & Ruddy 10/1982:387, $82,500 - Marvin Browder Collection - RARCOA, sold privately in 9/1987 - D. Brent Pogue Collection - Stack's/Bowers & Sotheby's 5/2016:4036, $763,750
Mr. Perfection stated it is better to own a CAC coin in the lower grade than a non CAC coin
in the higher grade.
However I tried to down grade a $100,000 coin and PCGS wanted 1% or $ 1,000 to do it.
I chose to wait.
@RedCopper said:
Mr. Perfection stated it is better to own a CAC coin in the lower grade than a non CAC coin
in the higher grade.
However I tried to down grade a $100,000 coin and PCGS wanted 1% or $ 1,000 to do it.
I chose to wait.
@RedCopper said:
Mr. Perfection stated it is better to own a CAC coin in the lower grade than a non CAC coin
in the higher grade.
However I tried to down grade a $100,000 coin and PCGS wanted 1% or $ 1,000 to do it.
I chose to wait.
Smart strategy IMHO.
P.S. Is there a 1% surcharge on guarantee submissions.
That's the game. Pay to play. Just how it is.
I would 100% do it.
Same with NGC crosses. As stated before PCGS is usually worth more for the exact same coin.
@Perfection said:
The question still remains with most coins: would you rather own a non cac coin that is one grade higher than a cac coin which is one grade lower? If you are a registry person and only care about points the it is option one.
However we can see the cac premiums are steadily increasing. At point upgrading many coins will not be worthwhile. Cac coins are much rarer than people believe. The cac pops are perhaps off by maybe 10-20%. Cac coins are cracked, upgraded all the time. Some tags are not returned to cac, making the pops too high.
So why does Hansen want to upgrade? He already has the top set so there is no need.
He has the coin marked as Cac but it it not. Upgrading seems foolish. Most in the know people are aware of the upgrade so why bother?
,
I have always stated it is very hard to build a top all cac set. It gets even harder with all these upgrades. Sure it has been done by Laura, Bruce a few others.
I don’t see it so black & white. A 65 CAC isn’t ALWAYS better than a non-CAC 66. I don’t mind CAC and of course there are some advantages to seeking out stickered coins, but I’ve found collecting to be much more refreshing when I don’t require a sticker. It’s a nice to have. ONLY collecting CAC’d coins must be a tiring pursuit.
You are viewing the completion of the fourth grouping in the challenge. Last week we looked at a date run of Fat Heads. We saw both great collections having several great high end specimens. Therefore, the first coin was determined to be a tie. For this week, I am judging the results as the grades that appear in the registry sets. This is for fun only, and not intended for a scientific or precise game. So, let’s take it for what it is. Hansen won this week 3-1 and with last week’s coin added in, Part IV challenge result was 3-1-1.
The first coin we see today is the 1829 Small Planchet Half Eagle. Technical, do anyone know if this coin is still consider a “Fat Head”. I am asking because I just do not know. Mr. Winter listed 1813-1834 Half Eagles as “Fat Heads”. The D.L. Hansen Collection has the finest known certified 1829 Small and Large Planchet Half Eagles. Yes, that is right, BOTH! The Small Planchet is a PCGS MS65+ POP 1/0. Add to it the 1829 Large Planchet from last week and you have a monster pair. The remainder three coins are about uncirculated branch mint specimens.
Both the southern mints Charlotte, NC and Dahlonega, SC have their 1838 specimens represented. The collections split the challenge with Eliasberg winning the 1838-C specimen and Hansen the 1838-D. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, these south mints became occupied and generally speaking closed their doors to producing any additional US issues. The 1861-C is represented in this challenged. Hansen won the 1861-C challenge barely. All six of the southern minted coins (3 Hansen and 3 Eliasberg) in this week’s challenge are in the AU50 to AU58 range. Hansen won 2-1 according to this registry grades, but I know the results could be jeopardized. If you have data that can change these results, let me know.
The total value for Hansen’s five coins (including the 1829 Large Planchet from last week) is $1,861,500. The two 1829 specimens contributed the majority of this week’s value. The result is 3-1-1 win by Hansen. This increases Hansen’s overall lead.
1829 Small Planchet Half Eagle:First year of type and a great rarity in all grades. One of the few coins on this list I’ve never handled.
Hansen Coin: 1829 Small Planchet Half Eagle MS65+ PCGS POP 1/0
Eliasberg Coin: 1829 Small Planchet Half Eagle est. VF35
Hansen Won (1-0-1) with carryover from last week.
1838-C Half Eagle:First-year-of-issue from the brand new Charlotte Mint and a scarce one-year type to boot.
Hansen Coin: 1838-C Half Eagle PCGS AU53 PCGS POP 5/8
Eliasberg Coin: 1838-C Half Eagle est. AU55 PCGS POP 3/5
Eliasberg Won (1-1-1)
1838-D Half Eagle:A Wow coin for the exact same reasons as its counterpart the 1838-C half eagle.
Hansen Coin: 1838-D Half Eagle PCGS AU58 PCGS POP 26/11
Eliasberg Coin: 1838-D Half Eagle est. AU55 POP 16/37
Hansen Won (2-1-1)
1861-C Half Eagle:The final coin struck at this mint and an issue with plausible Civil War associations.
Hansen Coin: 1861-C Half Eagle PCGS AU55 PCGS POP 14/13
Eliasberg Coin: 1861-C Half Eagle Est. AU50 POP 22/40
Hansen Won (3-1-1)
None of Eliasberg’s four specimens this week was that impressive. The registry listed a VF35, AU50 and two AU55s. On the other hand, three of Hansen’s coins were not much more impressive, AU53, AU55 and AU58, but Hansen’s 1829 Small Planchet Half Eagle was the monster of the week.
Fourth stage appears to be following the pattern that we have seen in earlier stages. The D.L. Hansen Collection extends it lead over the Louis Eliasberg Collection to 11-6-3. It will be fascinating to watch as we have 30 more gold coins to compare. These will be the five coins that we will look at next week.
1861-D Half Eagle:The last Dahlonega half eagle and another coin with strong demand from Civil War collectors. 1864-S Half Eagle:The rarest collectible San Francisco half eagle and the rarest business strike Civil War gold coin. 1870-CC Half Eagle:The first year of issue for Carson City half eagles. Available in low grade, rare in higher grades. 1875 Half Eagle:Just 200 business strikes were made and likely under 10 exist. The rarest collectible Liberty Head half eagle. 1887 Half Eagle:A rare Proof-only issue with just 87 coins struck in total. An overlooked date.
Hansen WOW Coins
Beautiful Gem 1829 Small Diameter Half Eagle (Gold Shield) Finest Known, from the Cleneay and Reed Collections Reduced Diameter, Bass Dannreuther-2, Rarity-7. Mint State-65+ Certification #31530060, PCGS #519945, POP 1/0 PCGS Price Guide Value $950,000, Stacks-Bowers Auction 5/2016: $881,250
Provenance: Thomas Cleneay Collection, before 1887; Thomas Cleneay Estate; Henry and S. Hudson Chapman’s sale of the Thomas Cleneay Collection, December 1890, lot 574; Byron Reed Collection; City of Omaha, by descent, 1891; Christie’s/Spink America’s sale of the Byron Reed Collection, October 1996, lot 118; Paul Nugget, by sale, February 2001; Stacks-Bowers Auction 5/2016: $881,250- The D. Brent Pogue Collection
David Akers Comments: In 1829, the design of the Half Eagle was completely reworked by William Kneass. There are a lot more differences between this 1829 variety and the previous one than just a date size difference and this is the reason I have opted for distinguishing them as Large Planchet and Small Planchet types rather than as Large Date and Small Date varieties as has historically been the case. The Small Planchet is less rare than the Large Planchet type but it is still a great rarity, more rare in fact than the 1815, 1828 or 1819. There are 10-12 known specimens at the present time.
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. 1838-C Variety 1 Classic Five, AU53 Normal 5, First Charlotte Issue Breen-6517, Normal 5, Variety 1, R.4 Certification #30975659, PCGS #8177, POP 5/8 PCGS Price Guide Value $15,000
Doug Winter Comments: The 1838-C half eagle is among the most popular coins produced at this mint. It is the only Charlotte half eagle that employed William Kneass’ Classic Head design of 1834-1838 and its great popularity stems from the fact that it is a one-year type with first-year-of issue status. Unlike many first year coins that were saved as souvenirs (or that have misreported original mintage figures) and are, as a result, more common than on might expect, the 1838-C is an extremely rare coin in high grades. This is an interesting contrast to the 1838-D half eagle which is far more available in About Uncirculated and Uncirculated than in lower circulated grades. The 1838-C half eagle is usually found with a good deal of wear and is most often seen on the VF to EF grade range. It becomes scarce in properly graded EF45 and is very rare in any AU grade. This is among the rarest Charlotte half eagles in Uncirculated and I am aware of no more than two to four pieces that grade Mint State by today’s standards.
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. 1838-D Five Dollar, Luminous AU55 (Gold Shield) Remarkably Smooth and Sharp PCGS Secure. McCloskey 1-A, R.3 Certification #81206200, PCGS #8178, PCGS POP 26/11 PCGS Price Guide Value $25,000
Doug Winter Comments: The 1838-D half eagle is a very desirable issue. It is the first coin of this denomination struck at the Dahlonega Mint and the only Classic Head half eagle produced at this facility. It is less rare than one might believe but its popularity makes it one of the most highly valued Dahlonega half eagles. The 1838-D is one of the more available Dahlonega half eagles but its status as a one year type coin and as a first year of issue makes it extremely popular. It is fairly easy to locate in Very Fine and Extremely Fine and lower quality About Uncirculated pieces are available. It becomes very scarce in the higher About Uncirculated grades and extremely rare in full Mint State.
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. 1861-C $5 PCGS AU55 (Gold Shield) Civil War Rarity Certification #11605839, PCGS #8289, PCGS 14/13 PCGS Price Guide Value 21,500
Doug Winter Comments: The 1861-C half eagle is the final coin produced at the Charlotte Mint. Of the 6,879 pieces produced, it is believed that 887 were struck in May 1861 under the supervision of the Confederacy. On April 20, the Charlotte Mint was seized by rebel troops. Current mint employees were forced to pledge loyalty oaths to the Confederacy or lose their jobs. Due to its low mintage, its status as a last-year-of-issue and its association with Confederacy, the 1861-C is one of the more popular Charlotte half eagles. Although it is a scarce coin in all grades, its rarity has been somewhat overstated in EF. It is scarce in AU and rare in properly graded AU53 to AU55. The 1861-C is very rare in AU58 and exceedingly rare in full Mint State, with just two or three examples known to me, including a choice MS63 that ranks among the most important Charlotte half eagles in existence.
@Perfection said:
That's the game. Pay to play. Just how it is.
I would 100% do it.
Same with NGC crosses. As stated before PCGS is usually worth more for the exact same coin.
If you're selling, and there is an increase in sales price that is greater than the fees to realize the higher price that is one thing. If you are a collector wanting to hold onto to a coin, it is utterly absurd to pay four figures for fresh plastic.
Sorry for the most part I do not agree with that.
Things could change. Cac could close, grading could even get looser.
Many times it takes many many times to cross coins. One must start the game early.
What do think about upgrading and losing the Cac sticker? To me that is usually absurd.
Hansen now has a 68 that will not Cac. It is not on the cac pops. Maybe it will but doubtful.
Your coin is not the grade on holder,or,as many say it is week for the grade. I would downgrade and pay fast. The amount of fees are irrelevant to the total cost.
Unrelated: It seems that a very LARGE amount of pluses are being given out. In time this will water down their values. Does anyone notice the same thing?
Btw. I agree with Bruce. Give me all the Eliasburg coins at one grade yes.
Also hansen does have lots of great gold regardless of the grades on the holders.
@Perfection said:
Sorry for the most part I do not agree with that.
Things could change. Cac could close, grading could even get looser.
JA gives a month notice when he is closing for Christmas. He would likely give even more notice of a permanent closure. He isn't likely to shut his door over night. As for the multiple attempts argument, I don't buy this either. I'm sure if you sent a note under a $25 guarantee submission stating "this is over graded, I don't want a payout but I want it reslabbed at current grade - 1 interval" PCGS would be happy to oblige.
Many times it takes many many times to cross coins. One must start the game early.
What do think about upgrading and losing the Cac sticker? To me that is usually absurd.
If you collect plastic and stickers perhaps. If your focus is on the shiny metallic disk in the middle, it matters much less.
Hansen now has a 68 that will not Cac. It is not on the cac pops. Maybe it will but doubtful.
Your coin is not the grade on holder,or,as many say it is week for the grade. I would downgrade and pay fast. The amount of fees are irrelevant to the total cost.
@Perfection said:
Many times it takes many many times to cross coins. One must start the game early.
I've heard some coins with 30+ attempts. It was fun seeing those on CoinFacts but unfortunately we've lost like 95% of the CoinFacts photos now. It would be great to get them back one day, no dupes necessary.
What do think about upgrading and losing the Cac sticker? To me that is usually absurd.
How would you know if it will, or won't, CAC at a higher grade without trying it?
There have been coins posted here that have been green beaned at one level, upgraded a full point, and then green beaned again at the higher level. That would be a great result.
Hansen now has a 68 that will not Cac. It is not on the cac pops. Maybe it will but doubtful.
I don't know if the coin will CAC or not so it will be interesting to see what happens with the coin once CAC's website is sorted. As mentioned, the CAC website seems to not be able to handle PCGS upgrading the grade with the same cert number. It might be worth contacting JA just go get the PCGS cert handling straightened out.
I do want to mention that when I posted the coins, I had no idea that the Eliasberg coin was yours. I saw a slab photo and PCGS Cert Verification doesn't mention your provenance, just that the coin is in a private registry set. Only after posting and looking up the CoinFacts condition census did I see that it was yours. Your coin does have a nice look to it.
Also hansen does have lots of great gold regardless of the grades on the holders.
@Boosibri said:
Hansen could do so much better on the 38-C, 38-D and 61-C. That 38-C is stripped to death.
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I can relate to this comment.
I anticipate at some point in the future these coins will be replaced when the right replacements becomes available. D.L Hansen Collection of US Issues (I believe to be) is the 6275 piece U.S. Coins Complete Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes and Proof (1792-present). This collection can never be completed, but from my observation, at some point, Mr. Hansen will get as close to completion as possible. He is approx. 425 coins remaining, 93.2% complete. Last time that I looked (a couple months ago), the collection needed roughly 75 to 80 modern varieties pieces. Mostly satin Presidential Dollars. I asked John Brush, why you don’t complete this due to them being rather inexpensive pieces, and he simply replied, “It is not our focus right now”.
The three coins you referenced 38-C, 38-D and 61-C; PCGS higher POPs are 8, 11, and 13. So, they can be upgraded when a specimen comes available that fits the plan. From my observation, the focus is on the basic rarities and upgrades when they come available. I have not tried to determined how many upgrades that were procured in 2019, but I can tell you, the number is massive.
Since we are talking about half eagles, I did look at the Hansen’s U.S. $5 Gold Complete Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1795-1929). In this set that requires 274 coins, Mr. Hansen upgraded approx. 50 of them (18.25%) in 2019. There are seven specimens that are circulated graded EF45 or less. This represents about 2.5% of the Half Eagle Basic Circulation Strikes set. There are 52 specimens; including three mentioned here that are AU50 to AU58+. A hand full of the AUs are top pops, but the remainder I would feel are subjects for upgrading. It does not surprise me when “non condition census” and “non BU” coins are upgraded. We have seen Mr. Hansen replace condition census coins, including PCGS POP 1/1 specimens. This is a little more surprising and amazing to me.
So I close to say, if Mr. Hansen continues on his pace, it is a good chance at least one or more of these three coins will be replaced in 2020.
@Boosibri said:
He should buy the 38-C $5 from Doug Winter!
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The coin is a very intriguing specimen. If I was to place a wager, I would give odds that an offer has been made to Mr. Hansen. If you recall a statement that I made in the last posting a couple hours ago, rings true.
So, they can be upgraded when a specimen comes available that fits the plan.
@Boosibri said:
He should buy the 38-C $5 from Doug Winter!
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The coin is a very intriguing specimen. If I was to place a wager, I would give odds that an offer has been made to Mr. Hansen. If you recall a statement that I made in the last posting a couple hours ago, rings true.
So, they can be upgraded when a specimen comes available that fits the plan.
I would assume that DLH is aware of the coin. He could have other coins he wants more. Never know.
Several top people have told me my 1905 is the finest looking by far.
Cac does not usually sticker coins at the new higher grades. Sure it happens but perhaps one in a hundred. For the most part the grade and Cac matter more than what you think of the coin.
@MathandBikes said:
Are there any plans to start showcasing pieces of this set at various shows?
I’ve never traveled outside of the state for a show but I know if Hansen’s set (some part of it at least) was being shown then I’d likely purchase my first flight for a coin show.
We've actually done a few displays of sets at recent national shows. Our next planned display will be at the DLRC Booth at the ANA World's Fair of Money in Pittsburgh. At last year's ANA in Chicago, we displayed the #1 rated Proof Trade Dollar Set including the finest known 1884 and 1885 Proof issues.
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
What actions suggest that he actually wants the best? Many actions would suggest he wants an expansive set, not the best individual coins.
Well Hansen did spend more than $500k on two uber common ultra high grade Mercury Dimes this year.
And passed in actually irreplaceable coins in the same timeframe if I recall. Same goes for the 38-O 50c recently sold.
So, the collection is incredibly expansive. It's not possible to own the finest graded of everything, but within reason, we do our best at that.
As for the 38-O, we were the underbidder. But, yes we are working on another example.
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
@RedCopper said:
Perhaps Mr. Hansen would like to have a Barber Dime Showdown ?
I’ll lay my Barber dimes down next to his set and we’ll invite the public and Currin to view the coins
Perhaps even RSD will attend
That should give Currin something to write about
Shoot me an email at john@davidlawrence.com.
This would be a fun project to work on and we could possibly do it at the ANA show in Pittsburgh if you're game...or in Baltimore in the Fall.
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
@RedCopper said:
Generally Speaking
Tyrant continually exhibits his coins
at the Long Beach for the public to see
Hansen really only exhibits his coins
On the PCGS message boards and the PCGS Set Registry web site.
Like I said before , perhaps it is time for Hansen to exhibit some of his sets at major shows and invite people with same sets to exhibit
their sets.
Well, this isn't exactly correct. We've displayed quite a few coins at the past ANA Shows and the 2018 FUN Show.
Seated Dollars, Proof Trade Dollars, and some highlights from the gold and Barber Quarters (finest known 1901-S 25c PCGS/CAC MS68+).
We're working on some more displays in the near future, but it takes time and logistics to work these things out!
Thanks
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
@Srotag said:
I much preferred the OGH-55CAC to the 62+ at FUN (that's why I bought it ), especially at 40% of the price. The 55 may someday be a 58, but never an MS coin. I think the same could be said of the 62+
BTW, the HA auction record of the 62+ indicates "This Owner is proactively entertaining offers". Why is Hanson offering the coin for sale thru HA immediately after winning it at auction? Usually that is an indication that the HA wholesale dept bought the coin. Are we sure Hanson bought it?
Yes, I can confirm he purchased the coin. If it is offered for sale, it because the coin realized less than he thought it would. He has multiple coins and maybe more that one duplicate. If coin is immediately being offered, tells me that Hansen does not have an emotional attachment to coin. Same as the 1856-S Half Eagle that he purchased and sold it the next morning for a profit.
As has been posted to this thread, already, just because a coin shows as “This Owner is proactively entertaining offers” doesn’t necessarily mean the owner knowingly chose to show the coin as being available for sale.
Mark is correct. The coins are not being offered for sale via Heritage. It's simply a silly setting that we haven't turned off on his account.
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
Sorry for the recent bursts in posts today.
As some of you know, we've dealt with several major ailments in my family in the past several months that have forced me to reply less here and on Hansen topics to focus on DLRC-related and family-related issues. We're hopefully on our way out of these issues and I'm attempting to catch up with Currin and with projects related to the Hansen Collection.
I heard some rumors at the FUN show that we were no longer buying, but I can assure you that it's not true.
While there are less coins for us to pursue in filling holes, we are concentrating more on pieces of need that make "sense" for us to add to the primary collection and to finish and develop some of the 2nd and 3rd sets. I'll do my best to keep up here in the coming weeks and please don't hesitate to throw any questions to me and I'll do my best to try to answer.
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:
Sorry for the recent bursts in posts today.
As some of you know, we've dealt with several major ailments in my family in the past several months that have forced me to reply less here and on Hansen topics to focus on DLRC-related and family-related issues. We're hopefully on our way out of these issues and I'm attempting to catch up with Currin and with projects related to the Hansen Collection.
I heard some rumors at the FUN show that we were no longer buying, but I can assure you that it's not true.
While there are less coins for us to pursue in filling holes, we are concentrating more on pieces of need that make "sense" for us to add to the primary collection and to finish and develop some of the 2nd and 3rd sets. I'll do my best to keep up here in the coming weeks and please don't hesitate to throw any questions to me and I'll do my best to try to answer.
John,
I understand the goal of the primary collection. What is the idea or goal behind having a 2nd or 3rd set in multiple series? Thanks
@MathandBikes said:
Are there any plans to start showcasing pieces of this set at various shows?
I’ve never traveled outside of the state for a show but I know if Hansen’s set (some part of it at least) was being shown then I’d likely purchase my first flight for a coin show.
We've actually done a few displays of sets at recent national shows. Our next planned display will be at the DLRC Booth at the ANA World's Fair of Money in Pittsburgh. At last year's ANA in Chicago, we displayed the #1 rated Proof Trade Dollar Set including the finest known 1884 and 1885 Proof issues.
One reason a person has multiple sets or partial sets (myself 2-3). is that over the years we upgrade or find better eye appeal coins. We either sell the dupes or keep them and they can lead to another set. For example I have about 20 Proof Morgan dupes.
For most part they are amazing for eye appeal. Many are better looking than what are in my two sets but they grade lower. I could look for the seven I need for set three but I don't.
DLH seems to add to the dupes to make more sets.
It is really great hearing from John. Family is first, so do what you need to do. Glad to have you back in the saddle.
After several weeks of gold, I am changing up a little on this posting. Silver and everyone’s favorite, Silver Dollars. These dollars caught my attention a couple weeks ago. With posting all that darn gold, I just have not fitted these into my postings. The first is a Morgan Dollar purchased in a Heritage Auction at the FUN show. The other is a PCGS POP 1/0 Peace Dollar that Mr. Hansen acquired in a Great Collections Auction. So, take a look.
1902-O Morgan Dollar, MS67+
I would describe the D.L. Hansen Collection of Morgan Dollars as a work in progress. The collection has a super strong Morgan Dollars Prooflike Basic Set, The #1 All-Time Set in the PCGS Registry. The GPA for the set is 66.67. For the highly competitive basic set, his set is just #6 on the current list. Just give him a little more time and we will see what comes about. This 1902-O Morgan Dollar, MS67+ will help.
Q. David Bowers comments: Although 1902-O dollars seeped out over a period of years from storage in the Treasury Building in Washington, D.C., especially in the late 1950s and very early 1960s (before autumn 1962), the date was not considered common until a vast torrent of hundreds of thousands emerged from a sealed vault in the Philadelphia Mint in October 1962 and ensuing months. Earlier, the 1902-O was considered to be a rarity in Mint State, and for a period of years it was priced higher than, for ex-ample, the 1884-S. Today, the 1902-O is slightly scarce in worn grades. However, it sells for little more than a common date. The depressed valuation for circulated coins is due to the widespread availability of Uncirculated pieces. In Uncirculated grades the 1902-O is very common. Most are in lower levels, but enough MS-64 and MS-65 coins exist that little effort is required to locate a specimen. The striking quality of 1902-O dollars is usually poor, with flatness at the centers, particularly the reverse. Lustre ranges from dull to "greasy" on most pieces. There are exceptions, as might be expected from such a large coinage, and diligent cherry-picking may yield a sharply struck, lustrous coin at, who knows, perhaps for not much more money than a flat strike.
1902-O Silver Dollar, MS67+, CAC Tied for the Finest Certified, PCGS POP 5/0 Certification #38000369, PCGS #7280 PCGS Price Guide: $65,000 / Heritage 2020 FUN: $33,600
Heritage description: Given conditions at the New Orleans Mint and within the Treasury's storage vaults, it is nothing short of a miracle that a high-end Superb Gem 1902-O dollar can exist. Only a handful of such pieces are indicated in the population reports. The 1902-O was never known for high quality. It was a "Creole" date liberated from Treasury storage in October 1962, when a profusion of Mint State examples entered the market. Most were flatly struck and bagmarked. Somehow, the present coin was carefully preserved. Brilliant and frosted surfaces are the antithesis of a normal 1902-O, which typically lacks any semblance of eye appeal. Vibrant silver luster fills both sides, and the smooth surfaces are free of contact. The strike is needle-sharp except above Liberty's ear, where its O-mint legacy reveals itself and the strike is not quite full. Eye appeal is extraordinary, as expected for the Plus-Graded and CAC-endorsed Superb Gem level.
1923 Peace Dollar MS67+
The D.L. Hansen Collection of Peace Dollars is an entirely different story. For the faithful viewers, you will recall the first coins posted from 2020 FUN US Coins Signature Auction in Orlando were Peace Dollars. Mr. Hansen purchased a few high end graded specimens. Two of the coins went directly into his Top Set, 1921 High Relief and 1922-D Peace Dollars. The third coin, 1923-D Peace Dollar was placed in his second set, Diana's Set of Peace Dollars. The coins were from the Illinois Collection of Peace Dollars. In 2020, the D.L. Hansen Collection of Peace Dollars has become closer to the retired PCGS Hall of Fame All-Time top set, California 1. With several coins purchased in 2019 from the Linda Gail Collection, The Peace Collection has become a real keeper. Hopefully, the collection can added some more upgrades to the Morgan Collection.
Ron Guth Comments: The 1923 Peace Dollar is the second most common date of the type, second only to the 1922. Collectors will have no problem finding a nice example of this date, as tens of thousands have been certified in MS-63 and MS-64. In fact, for type purposes, the 1923 Peace Dollar is one of the easiest dates top find in top condition. MS-66 examples are affordable compared to other dates. Though pricey, an MS-67 1923 Peace Dollar can be found with relative ease. Most 1923 Peace Dollars exhibit a strong strike and decent eye appeal. Luster ranges from frosty white to a hard, metallic sheen.
This 1923 Peace Dollar MS67+ that now in the D.L. Hansen collection is a breakaway coin. There was a group of 87 PCGS finest certified MS67 coins. This coin is the first to be upgrade to MS67+. With 87 waiting in the shallows, I very doubt this Hansen coin will setting alone on top for very long. Presently, Hansen has a PCGS Pop 1/0 specimen and inch a little closer to the top. The coin sold for $38,250 with buyer’s fee.
1923 Peace Dollar MS67+, PCGS POP 1/0 Certification #38330760, PCGS #7360 PCGS Price Guide: $55,000 / GreatCollections Auction : $38,250
After reading some recent comments and JB’s responses, i.e. So, the collection is incredibly expansive. It's not possible to own the finest graded of everything, but within reason, we do our best at that., it appear to me that some people are judging the collection by what it does’t have, instead by the incredible coins the collection does have. Seem a little upside down to me.
I find DL's pursuit to be quite vain, to be honest. To spend this much money on a coin collection, only to flaunt it in a popular coin forum, is questionable to me. He is not furthering the numismatic community with his egotistical pursuit, and instead is just using this as a means to get more famous. Hopefully I am wrong, but these are my humble thoughts on the matter.
@1987WheatCent said:
I find DL's pursuit to be quite vain, to be honest. To spend this much money on a coin collection, only to flaunt it in a popular coin forum, is questionable to me. He is not furthering the numismatic community with his egotistical pursuit, and instead is just using this as a means to get more famous. Hopefully I am wrong, but these are my humble thoughts on the matter.
Couldn't disagree more. First of all he does not "flaunt" it in this forum---in fact he rarely posts on this forum. He does use the registry just like thousands of other collectors. Honestly, I would hate if Mr. Hansen was buying all these coins secretly and the collecting community had no idea where they were, who had them, etc. In fact, but for the registry there are some coins we would never know existed except for Mr. Hansen's openness.
@1987WheatCent said:
I find DL's pursuit to be quite vain, to be honest. To spend this much money on a coin collection, only to flaunt it in a popular coin forum, is questionable to me. He is not furthering the numismatic community with his egotistical pursuit, and instead is just using this as a means to get more famous. Hopefully I am wrong, but these are my humble thoughts on the matter.
Couldn't disagree more. First of all he does not "flaunt" it in this forum---in fact he rarely posts on this forum. He does use the registry just like thousands of other collectors. Honestly, I would hate if Mr. Hansen was buying all these coins secretly and the collecting community had no idea where they were, who had them, etc. In fact, but for the registry there are some coins we would never know existed except for Mr. Hansen's openness.
Thank you for your thoughts, @Gazes . While I understand your point of view, I disagree. Think of it like this - wouldn't we all love to live in a world where people climbed Everest for the challenge of it, and did not proceed to post about it online or tell anyone about it? This is akin to that situation; it would be best if people did not pursue such vain endeavors.
Comments
Proof Half Eagle Upgrade
Gold, Gold, and more Gold.
When it comes to gold coins, Mr. Hansen has the Midas touch. Everything he seems to touch lately is gold. It would be interesting to know how much D.L. Hansen Gold Collection weighs. We have on several occasions talked about Hansen not upgrading once, but something multiple times. For inexpensive coins, no big deal, but for Gold Proofs, well that can be another story. Many of us find satisfaction on just obtaining as nice example of the coins we collect, on the other hand, Mr. Hansen is never satisfied if there is a better example out there, and he likes it! I am going to show you three specimens of this gold coin that Mr. Hansen has purchased for his collection. You draw your own conclusion on how amazing and unique, this is.
1891 Liberty Half Eagle DCAM PR65 DCAM (2018)
Hansen’s first 1891 Half eagle Proof (as far as I know) for this slot was a very nice, appealing 65 DCAM. I think this is relevant to my posting and I am not trying to make a pitch or advertising, but the coin is presently available at David Lawrence Rare Coins. I don’t have any notes on this coin, but it is in my database from a couple years ago. DLRC describes the coin as Magnificent gem proof that boasts enchanting deep field reflectivity and crispy frosty devices. Astonishing eye appeal! The Hansen Collection holds a PR65+ DCAM example for the date. We know the listing is a little outdated because The Hansen Collection now holds a PR66 DCAM example for the date.
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1891 Liberty Half Eagle DCAM PR66+ DCAM (2019)
Hansen’s second 1891 Half Eagle Proof was a near Condition Census rarity PR65+ DCAM, POP 2/4. The coin was purchased less than a year ago in Stacks Bowers March 2018 Rarities Night in Baltimore. The coin is valued at $50,000 according to PCGS Value Guide. The coin was described as A gorgeous Gem in all regards, few survivors from this 53-piece mintage can compare in either aesthetic or technical merit. With only 30 to 40 examples known per PCGS CoinFacts, the Proof 1891 is rare at any level of preservation. For Set Registry collectors or connoisseurs of the most exquisite Proof gold coinage, this stunning specimen represents a significant bidding opportunity not to be overlooked. It is exquisite, but enough.
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1891 Liberty Half Eagle DCAM PR66 DCAM (2020)
D. L. Hansen Collection of Gold US Coins added its third 1891 Half Eagle Proof from the Heritage 2020 FUN US Coins Signature Auction in Orlando. This specimen is grade PR66 DCAM, POP 2/2. As nice as this coin is, there is room for Mr. Hansen upgrade at least one more time. I am not saying that jokingly, there is that possibility.
The Heritage sale describes the coin as The present coin is a spectacular Premium Gem proof, with pinpoint definition on all the design elements and deeply reflective fields that contrast profoundly with the frosty devices. A dramatic gold-on-black cameo flash occurs when this coin is tilted in the light. The impeccably preserved yellow-gold surfaces have the textured orange-peel look of the best 19th century proofs. Eye appeal is truly outstanding. This coin is part of an assembled 1891 gold proof set, with the other coins from the set offered in the appropriate sections of this catalog.
The coin is from The Sakura Collection. The coin realized $66,000 with PCGS valuing the coin at $72,500. The coin is beautiful, and can be easily seen why Mr. Hansen had to have this golden lady.
1891 Liberty Half Eagle, PR66 Deep Cameo, CAC Approved
Only 53 Examples Struck, PCGS POP 2/2
Certification #38305775, PCGS #98486
PCGS Price Guide: $72,500 / Heritage 2020 FUN: $66,000
Provenance: The Sakura Collection
Heritage Description: The mintage of proof Liberty half eagles fell to just 53 pieces in 1891, a significant drop from the 88 specimens struck the year before. A single die pair was used to strike the proofs. The obverse die has the date positioned higher and further right than on the die used for business strikes. The reverse die displays distinctive die polish at the bottom of the clear stripes of the shield and a reflective polished area under WE in the motto, making it easy to differentiate between proofs and prooflike business strikes. The issue has a good survival rate and John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 25 to 35 examples in all grades. Most proof half eagles of this era were initially sold as part of complete proof sets, as wealthy collectors preferred to update their gold collections by purchasing a proof set from the Philadelphia Mint every year. In the case of the 1891 proofs, the sets were soon broken up by dealers and collectors who targeted the low-mintage double eagle (only 52 proofs and 1,390 business strikes were struck). A partial set appeared as early as lot 1256 of the Peter Mougey Collection (Thomas Elder, 9/1910), "1891. $10, $5, $2 1/2. Rare set of three." The lot realized $22 for the coins with a face value of $17.50. Low premiums were the norm for proof gold coins in those days, but the situation is much different today. We can find no recent sales of an 1891 proof half eagle in PR66 Deep Cameo, but the PR65★ Ultra Cameo NGC specimen in lot 4382 of the ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2015) realized $35,250.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Wow
Thanks for posting @Currin ! Those proof half eagles are amazing!
Given the comparisons with Eliasberg, what do people think about 1-to-1 comparisons of Hansen and Eliasberg coins? This way we can compare the coins in addition to the grades.
Here's an interesting coin. Both of these coins were PCGS MS67 CAC, however the Hansen coin has been upgraded to PCGS MS68.
1905-S Barber Half Dollar - PCGS MS68 - Hansen
This coin was PCGS MS67 CAC in 2013. The cert number has been upgraded to PCGS MS68. The strange thing is that while PCGS says the cert number is active, CAC says it is inactive, though it still shows as CAC approved at MS67. I wonder if it will be CAC approved at MS68 after the website is sorted out.
1905-S Barber Half Dollar, PCGS MS68
PCGS Certification #05976619 POP 1/0
PCGS Price Guide: n/a / Stack's 2013 Americana: $20,562.50
1905-S Barber Half Dollar - PCGS MS67 CAC - Clapp-Eliasberg-Perfection
This is the Eliasberg coin. It was POP 3/0 but is now POP 2/1 since the Hansen coin has upgraded.
1905-S Barber Half Dollar, PCGS MS67 CAC
PCGS Certification #25638239 POP 2/1
PCGS Price Guide: $24,000.00
The question still remains with most coins: would you rather own a non cac coin that is one grade higher than a cac coin which is one grade lower? If you are a registry person and only care about points the it is option one.
However we can see the cac premiums are steadily increasing. At point upgrading many coins will not be worthwhile. Cac coins are much rarer than people believe. The cac pops are perhaps off by maybe 10-20%. Cac coins are cracked, upgraded all the time. Some tags are not returned to cac, making the pops too high.
So why does Hansen want to upgrade? He already has the top set so there is no need.
He has the coin marked as Cac but it it not. Upgrading seems foolish. Most in the know people are aware of the upgrade so why bother?
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I have always stated it is very hard to build a top all cac set. It gets even harder with all these upgrades. Sure it has been done by Laura, Bruce a few others.
Aside from characteristics of the individual coin and can be very important, it may come down to preferences for grade, registry points and price.
I would actually give him a break on that, unless you know something other than what's been published on the Registry Set and Cert Verification. If the coin just upgraded, it could be that he listed it as CAC with its old grade, PCGS MS67 CAC, and CAC sometimes takes a while to recertify at the new grade. We've seen this with a few coins, including one where Bruce listed a coin as CAC but the new cert hadn't shown up in the CAC database yet. We've also seen green beans upgrade by a full point and get a green bean again. The CAC database also seems to have a problem with this coin as it thinks an active PCGS cert number is inactive.
It sure is difficult. If you want an all CAC set, sometimes you need to downgrade, which Bruce indicated he has done.
Is it just me, or did the 1829 get “fatter”? 🧐😂
Oh, I see it is a large planchet version so maybe my eyes aren’t wrong.
It's not just you. Miss Liberty apparently ages the same way that I do.
Mr. Perfection stated it is better to own a CAC coin in the lower grade than a non CAC coin
in the higher grade.
However I tried to down grade a $100,000 coin and PCGS wanted 1% or $ 1,000 to do it.
I chose to wait.
Smart strategy IMHO.
P.S. Is there a 1% surcharge on guarantee submissions.
That's the game. Pay to play. Just how it is.
I would 100% do it.
Same with NGC crosses. As stated before PCGS is usually worth more for the exact same coin.
I don’t see it so black & white. A 65 CAC isn’t ALWAYS better than a non-CAC 66. I don’t mind CAC and of course there are some advantages to seeking out stickered coins, but I’ve found collecting to be much more refreshing when I don’t require a sticker. It’s a nice to have. ONLY collecting CAC’d coins must be a tiring pursuit.
Hansen-Eliasberg Challenge II – Part IV-b
You are viewing the completion of the fourth grouping in the challenge. Last week we looked at a date run of Fat Heads. We saw both great collections having several great high end specimens. Therefore, the first coin was determined to be a tie. For this week, I am judging the results as the grades that appear in the registry sets. This is for fun only, and not intended for a scientific or precise game. So, let’s take it for what it is. Hansen won this week 3-1 and with last week’s coin added in, Part IV challenge result was 3-1-1.
The first coin we see today is the 1829 Small Planchet Half Eagle. Technical, do anyone know if this coin is still consider a “Fat Head”. I am asking because I just do not know. Mr. Winter listed 1813-1834 Half Eagles as “Fat Heads”. The D.L. Hansen Collection has the finest known certified 1829 Small and Large Planchet Half Eagles. Yes, that is right, BOTH! The Small Planchet is a PCGS MS65+ POP 1/0. Add to it the 1829 Large Planchet from last week and you have a monster pair. The remainder three coins are about uncirculated branch mint specimens.
Both the southern mints Charlotte, NC and Dahlonega, SC have their 1838 specimens represented. The collections split the challenge with Eliasberg winning the 1838-C specimen and Hansen the 1838-D. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, these south mints became occupied and generally speaking closed their doors to producing any additional US issues. The 1861-C is represented in this challenged. Hansen won the 1861-C challenge barely. All six of the southern minted coins (3 Hansen and 3 Eliasberg) in this week’s challenge are in the AU50 to AU58 range. Hansen won 2-1 according to this registry grades, but I know the results could be jeopardized. If you have data that can change these results, let me know.
The total value for Hansen’s five coins (including the 1829 Large Planchet from last week) is $1,861,500. The two 1829 specimens contributed the majority of this week’s value. The result is 3-1-1 win by Hansen. This increases Hansen’s overall lead.
1829 Small Planchet Half Eagle: First year of type and a great rarity in all grades. One of the few coins on this list I’ve never handled.
Hansen Coin: 1829 Small Planchet Half Eagle MS65+ PCGS POP 1/0
Eliasberg Coin: 1829 Small Planchet Half Eagle est. VF35
Hansen Won (1-0-1) with carryover from last week.
1838-C Half Eagle: First-year-of-issue from the brand new Charlotte Mint and a scarce one-year type to boot.
Hansen Coin: 1838-C Half Eagle PCGS AU53 PCGS POP 5/8
Eliasberg Coin: 1838-C Half Eagle est. AU55 PCGS POP 3/5
Eliasberg Won (1-1-1)
1838-D Half Eagle: A Wow coin for the exact same reasons as its counterpart the 1838-C half eagle.
Hansen Coin: 1838-D Half Eagle PCGS AU58 PCGS POP 26/11
Eliasberg Coin: 1838-D Half Eagle est. AU55 POP 16/37
Hansen Won (2-1-1)
1861-C Half Eagle: The final coin struck at this mint and an issue with plausible Civil War associations.
Hansen Coin: 1861-C Half Eagle PCGS AU55 PCGS POP 14/13
Eliasberg Coin: 1861-C Half Eagle Est. AU50 POP 22/40
Hansen Won (3-1-1)
None of Eliasberg’s four specimens this week was that impressive. The registry listed a VF35, AU50 and two AU55s. On the other hand, three of Hansen’s coins were not much more impressive, AU53, AU55 and AU58, but Hansen’s 1829 Small Planchet Half Eagle was the monster of the week.
Fourth stage appears to be following the pattern that we have seen in earlier stages. The D.L. Hansen Collection extends it lead over the Louis Eliasberg Collection to 11-6-3. It will be fascinating to watch as we have 30 more gold coins to compare. These will be the five coins that we will look at next week.
1861-D Half Eagle: The last Dahlonega half eagle and another coin with strong demand from Civil War collectors.
1864-S Half Eagle: The rarest collectible San Francisco half eagle and the rarest business strike Civil War gold coin.
1870-CC Half Eagle: The first year of issue for Carson City half eagles. Available in low grade, rare in higher grades.
1875 Half Eagle: Just 200 business strikes were made and likely under 10 exist. The rarest collectible Liberty Head half eagle.
1887 Half Eagle: A rare Proof-only issue with just 87 coins struck in total. An overlooked date.
Hansen WOW Coins
Beautiful Gem 1829 Small Diameter Half Eagle (Gold Shield)
Finest Known, from the Cleneay and Reed Collections
Reduced Diameter, Bass Dannreuther-2, Rarity-7. Mint State-65+
Certification #31530060, PCGS #519945, POP 1/0
PCGS Price Guide Value $950,000, Stacks-Bowers Auction 5/2016: $881,250
Provenance: Thomas Cleneay Collection, before 1887; Thomas Cleneay Estate; Henry and S. Hudson Chapman’s sale of the Thomas Cleneay Collection, December 1890, lot 574; Byron Reed Collection; City of Omaha, by descent, 1891; Christie’s/Spink America’s sale of the Byron Reed Collection, October 1996, lot 118; Paul Nugget, by sale, February 2001; Stacks-Bowers Auction 5/2016: $881,250- The D. Brent Pogue Collection
David Akers Comments: In 1829, the design of the Half Eagle was completely reworked by William Kneass. There are a lot more differences between this 1829 variety and the previous one than just a date size difference and this is the reason I have opted for distinguishing them as Large Planchet and Small Planchet types rather than as Large Date and Small Date varieties as has historically been the case. The Small Planchet is less rare than the Large Planchet type but it is still a great rarity, more rare in fact than the 1815, 1828 or 1819. There are 10-12 known specimens at the present time.
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1838-C Variety 1 Classic Five, AU53
Normal 5, First Charlotte Issue
Breen-6517, Normal 5, Variety 1, R.4
Certification #30975659, PCGS #8177, POP 5/8
PCGS Price Guide Value $15,000
Doug Winter Comments: The 1838-C half eagle is among the most popular coins produced at this mint. It is the only Charlotte half eagle that employed William Kneass’ Classic Head design of 1834-1838 and its great popularity stems from the fact that it is a one-year type with first-year-of issue status. Unlike many first year coins that were saved as souvenirs (or that have misreported original mintage figures) and are, as a result, more common than on might expect, the 1838-C is an extremely rare coin in high grades. This is an interesting contrast to the 1838-D half eagle which is far more available in About Uncirculated and Uncirculated than in lower circulated grades. The 1838-C half eagle is usually found with a good deal of wear and is most often seen on the VF to EF grade range. It becomes scarce in properly graded EF45 and is very rare in any AU grade. This is among the rarest Charlotte half eagles in Uncirculated and I am aware of no more than two to four pieces that grade Mint State by today’s standards.
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1838-D Five Dollar, Luminous AU55 (Gold Shield)
Remarkably Smooth and Sharp
PCGS Secure. McCloskey 1-A, R.3
Certification #81206200, PCGS #8178, PCGS POP 26/11
PCGS Price Guide Value $25,000
Doug Winter Comments: The 1838-D half eagle is a very desirable issue. It is the first coin of this denomination struck at the Dahlonega Mint and the only Classic Head half eagle produced at this facility. It is less rare than one might believe but its popularity makes it one of the most highly valued Dahlonega half eagles. The 1838-D is one of the more available Dahlonega half eagles but its status as a one year type coin and as a first year of issue makes it extremely popular. It is fairly easy to locate in Very Fine and Extremely Fine and lower quality About Uncirculated pieces are available. It becomes very scarce in the higher About Uncirculated grades and extremely rare in full Mint State.
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1861-C $5 PCGS AU55 (Gold Shield)
Civil War Rarity
Certification #11605839, PCGS #8289, PCGS 14/13
PCGS Price Guide Value 21,500
Doug Winter Comments: The 1861-C half eagle is the final coin produced at the Charlotte Mint. Of the 6,879 pieces produced, it is believed that 887 were struck in May 1861 under the supervision of the Confederacy. On April 20, the Charlotte Mint was seized by rebel troops. Current mint employees were forced to pledge loyalty oaths to the Confederacy or lose their jobs. Due to its low mintage, its status as a last-year-of-issue and its association with Confederacy, the 1861-C is one of the more popular Charlotte half eagles. Although it is a scarce coin in all grades, its rarity has been somewhat overstated in EF. It is scarce in AU and rare in properly graded AU53 to AU55. The 1861-C is very rare in AU58 and exceedingly rare in full Mint State, with just two or three examples known to me, including a choice MS63 that ranks among the most important Charlotte half eagles in existence.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Hansen could do so much better on the 38-C, 38-D and 61-C. That 38-C is stripped to death.
Latin American Collection
I would take the eliasberg coins sight unseen at one grade less estimated from the sale.
And win most every time...
If you're selling, and there is an increase in sales price that is greater than the fees to realize the higher price that is one thing. If you are a collector wanting to hold onto to a coin, it is utterly absurd to pay four figures for fresh plastic.
Sorry for the most part I do not agree with that.
Things could change. Cac could close, grading could even get looser.
Many times it takes many many times to cross coins. One must start the game early.
What do think about upgrading and losing the Cac sticker? To me that is usually absurd.
Hansen now has a 68 that will not Cac. It is not on the cac pops. Maybe it will but doubtful.
Your coin is not the grade on holder,or,as many say it is week for the grade. I would downgrade and pay fast. The amount of fees are irrelevant to the total cost.
Unrelated: It seems that a very LARGE amount of pluses are being given out. In time this will water down their values. Does anyone notice the same thing?
Btw. I agree with Bruce. Give me all the Eliasburg coins at one grade yes.
Also hansen does have lots of great gold regardless of the grades on the holders.
@Perfection
Would this be absurd?
Was:
MSxxCAC
CAC Pop 2/1
PCGS Pop 2/1
PG $18,000
Upgrade:
MSXX No CAC
PCGS Pop 1/1
PG $34,000
I think it depends on the coin. I realize Price Guides are just that.
End Systemic Elitism - It Takes All Of Us
JA gives a month notice when he is closing for Christmas. He would likely give even more notice of a permanent closure. He isn't likely to shut his door over night. As for the multiple attempts argument, I don't buy this either. I'm sure if you sent a note under a $25 guarantee submission stating "this is over graded, I don't want a payout but I want it reslabbed at current grade - 1 interval" PCGS would be happy to oblige.
If you collect plastic and stickers perhaps. If your focus is on the shiny metallic disk in the middle, it matters much less.
Fees are always relevant.
I've heard some coins with 30+ attempts. It was fun seeing those on CoinFacts but unfortunately we've lost like 95% of the CoinFacts photos now. It would be great to get them back one day, no dupes necessary.
How would you know if it will, or won't, CAC at a higher grade without trying it?
There have been coins posted here that have been green beaned at one level, upgraded a full point, and then green beaned again at the higher level. That would be a great result.
I don't know if the coin will CAC or not so it will be interesting to see what happens with the coin once CAC's website is sorted. As mentioned, the CAC website seems to not be able to handle PCGS upgrading the grade with the same cert number. It might be worth contacting JA just go get the PCGS cert handling straightened out.
I do want to mention that when I posted the coins, I had no idea that the Eliasberg coin was yours. I saw a slab photo and PCGS Cert Verification doesn't mention your provenance, just that the coin is in a private registry set. Only after posting and looking up the CoinFacts condition census did I see that it was yours. Your coin does have a nice look to it.
They are dazzling to look at.
.
I can relate to this comment.
I anticipate at some point in the future these coins will be replaced when the right replacements becomes available. D.L Hansen Collection of US Issues (I believe to be) is the 6275 piece U.S. Coins Complete Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes and Proof (1792-present). This collection can never be completed, but from my observation, at some point, Mr. Hansen will get as close to completion as possible. He is approx. 425 coins remaining, 93.2% complete. Last time that I looked (a couple months ago), the collection needed roughly 75 to 80 modern varieties pieces. Mostly satin Presidential Dollars. I asked John Brush, why you don’t complete this due to them being rather inexpensive pieces, and he simply replied, “It is not our focus right now”.
The three coins you referenced 38-C, 38-D and 61-C; PCGS higher POPs are 8, 11, and 13. So, they can be upgraded when a specimen comes available that fits the plan. From my observation, the focus is on the basic rarities and upgrades when they come available. I have not tried to determined how many upgrades that were procured in 2019, but I can tell you, the number is massive.
Since we are talking about half eagles, I did look at the Hansen’s U.S. $5 Gold Complete Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1795-1929). In this set that requires 274 coins, Mr. Hansen upgraded approx. 50 of them (18.25%) in 2019. There are seven specimens that are circulated graded EF45 or less. This represents about 2.5% of the Half Eagle Basic Circulation Strikes set. There are 52 specimens; including three mentioned here that are AU50 to AU58+. A hand full of the AUs are top pops, but the remainder I would feel are subjects for upgrading. It does not surprise me when “non condition census” and “non BU” coins are upgraded. We have seen Mr. Hansen replace condition census coins, including PCGS POP 1/1 specimens. This is a little more surprising and amazing to me.
So I close to say, if Mr. Hansen continues on his pace, it is a good chance at least one or more of these three coins will be replaced in 2020.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
He should buy the 38-C $5 from Doug Winter!
Latin American Collection
+1 that!!
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The coin is a very intriguing specimen. If I was to place a wager, I would give odds that an offer has been made to Mr. Hansen. If you recall a statement that I made in the last posting a couple hours ago, rings true.
So, they can be upgraded when a specimen comes available that fits the plan.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
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The coin is a very intriguing specimen. If I was to place a wager, I would give odds that an offer has been made to Mr. Hansen. If you recall a statement that I made in the last posting a couple hours ago, rings true.
So, they can be upgraded when a specimen comes available that fits the plan.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Link to the coin in discussion...
https://raregoldcoins.com/rare-gold-coin-inventory/just-added-500-1838-c-pcgs-ms63-cac
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I would assume that DLH is aware of the coin. He could have other coins he wants more. Never know.
Several top people have told me my 1905 is the finest looking by far.
Cac does not usually sticker coins at the new higher grades. Sure it happens but perhaps one in a hundred. For the most part the grade and Cac matter more than what you think of the coin.
We've actually done a few displays of sets at recent national shows. Our next planned display will be at the DLRC Booth at the ANA World's Fair of Money in Pittsburgh. At last year's ANA in Chicago, we displayed the #1 rated Proof Trade Dollar Set including the finest known 1884 and 1885 Proof issues.
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
So, the collection is incredibly expansive. It's not possible to own the finest graded of everything, but within reason, we do our best at that.
As for the 38-O, we were the underbidder. But, yes we are working on another example.
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
Shoot me an email at john@davidlawrence.com.
This would be a fun project to work on and we could possibly do it at the ANA show in Pittsburgh if you're game...or in Baltimore in the Fall.
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
Well, this isn't exactly correct. We've displayed quite a few coins at the past ANA Shows and the 2018 FUN Show.
Seated Dollars, Proof Trade Dollars, and some highlights from the gold and Barber Quarters (finest known 1901-S 25c PCGS/CAC MS68+).
We're working on some more displays in the near future, but it takes time and logistics to work these things out!
Thanks
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
Mark is correct. The coins are not being offered for sale via Heritage. It's simply a silly setting that we haven't turned off on his account.
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
Sorry for the recent bursts in posts today.
As some of you know, we've dealt with several major ailments in my family in the past several months that have forced me to reply less here and on Hansen topics to focus on DLRC-related and family-related issues. We're hopefully on our way out of these issues and I'm attempting to catch up with Currin and with projects related to the Hansen Collection.
I heard some rumors at the FUN show that we were no longer buying, but I can assure you that it's not true.
While there are less coins for us to pursue in filling holes, we are concentrating more on pieces of need that make "sense" for us to add to the primary collection and to finish and develop some of the 2nd and 3rd sets. I'll do my best to keep up here in the coming weeks and please don't hesitate to throw any questions to me and I'll do my best to try to answer.
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
John,
I understand the goal of the primary collection. What is the idea or goal behind having a 2nd or 3rd set in multiple series? Thanks
Finest graded
One reason a person has multiple sets or partial sets (myself 2-3). is that over the years we upgrade or find better eye appeal coins. We either sell the dupes or keep them and they can lead to another set. For example I have about 20 Proof Morgan dupes.
For most part they are amazing for eye appeal. Many are better looking than what are in my two sets but they grade lower. I could look for the seven I need for set three but I don't.
DLH seems to add to the dupes to make more sets.
Silver Dollar Upgrades
It is really great hearing from John. Family is first, so do what you need to do. Glad to have you back in the saddle.
After several weeks of gold, I am changing up a little on this posting. Silver and everyone’s favorite, Silver Dollars. These dollars caught my attention a couple weeks ago. With posting all that darn gold, I just have not fitted these into my postings. The first is a Morgan Dollar purchased in a Heritage Auction at the FUN show. The other is a PCGS POP 1/0 Peace Dollar that Mr. Hansen acquired in a Great Collections Auction. So, take a look.
1902-O Morgan Dollar, MS67+
I would describe the D.L. Hansen Collection of Morgan Dollars as a work in progress. The collection has a super strong Morgan Dollars Prooflike Basic Set, The #1 All-Time Set in the PCGS Registry. The GPA for the set is 66.67. For the highly competitive basic set, his set is just #6 on the current list. Just give him a little more time and we will see what comes about. This 1902-O Morgan Dollar, MS67+ will help.
Q. David Bowers comments: Although 1902-O dollars seeped out over a period of years from storage in the Treasury Building in Washington, D.C., especially in the late 1950s and very early 1960s (before autumn 1962), the date was not considered common until a vast torrent of hundreds of thousands emerged from a sealed vault in the Philadelphia Mint in October 1962 and ensuing months. Earlier, the 1902-O was considered to be a rarity in Mint State, and for a period of years it was priced higher than, for ex-ample, the 1884-S. Today, the 1902-O is slightly scarce in worn grades. However, it sells for little more than a common date. The depressed valuation for circulated coins is due to the widespread availability of Uncirculated pieces. In Uncirculated grades the 1902-O is very common. Most are in lower levels, but enough MS-64 and MS-65 coins exist that little effort is required to locate a specimen. The striking quality of 1902-O dollars is usually poor, with flatness at the centers, particularly the reverse. Lustre ranges from dull to "greasy" on most pieces. There are exceptions, as might be expected from such a large coinage, and diligent cherry-picking may yield a sharply struck, lustrous coin at, who knows, perhaps for not much more money than a flat strike.
1902-O Silver Dollar, MS67+, CAC
Tied for the Finest Certified, PCGS POP 5/0
Certification #38000369, PCGS #7280
PCGS Price Guide: $65,000 / Heritage 2020 FUN: $33,600
Heritage description: Given conditions at the New Orleans Mint and within the Treasury's storage vaults, it is nothing short of a miracle that a high-end Superb Gem 1902-O dollar can exist. Only a handful of such pieces are indicated in the population reports. The 1902-O was never known for high quality. It was a "Creole" date liberated from Treasury storage in October 1962, when a profusion of Mint State examples entered the market. Most were flatly struck and bagmarked. Somehow, the present coin was carefully preserved. Brilliant and frosted surfaces are the antithesis of a normal 1902-O, which typically lacks any semblance of eye appeal. Vibrant silver luster fills both sides, and the smooth surfaces are free of contact. The strike is needle-sharp except above Liberty's ear, where its O-mint legacy reveals itself and the strike is not quite full. Eye appeal is extraordinary, as expected for the Plus-Graded and CAC-endorsed Superb Gem level.
1923 Peace Dollar MS67+
The D.L. Hansen Collection of Peace Dollars is an entirely different story. For the faithful viewers, you will recall the first coins posted from 2020 FUN US Coins Signature Auction in Orlando were Peace Dollars. Mr. Hansen purchased a few high end graded specimens. Two of the coins went directly into his Top Set, 1921 High Relief and 1922-D Peace Dollars. The third coin, 1923-D Peace Dollar was placed in his second set, Diana's Set of Peace Dollars. The coins were from the Illinois Collection of Peace Dollars. In 2020, the D.L. Hansen Collection of Peace Dollars has become closer to the retired PCGS Hall of Fame All-Time top set, California 1. With several coins purchased in 2019 from the Linda Gail Collection, The Peace Collection has become a real keeper. Hopefully, the collection can added some more upgrades to the Morgan Collection.
Ron Guth Comments: The 1923 Peace Dollar is the second most common date of the type, second only to the 1922. Collectors will have no problem finding a nice example of this date, as tens of thousands have been certified in MS-63 and MS-64. In fact, for type purposes, the 1923 Peace Dollar is one of the easiest dates top find in top condition. MS-66 examples are affordable compared to other dates. Though pricey, an MS-67 1923 Peace Dollar can be found with relative ease. Most 1923 Peace Dollars exhibit a strong strike and decent eye appeal. Luster ranges from frosty white to a hard, metallic sheen.
This 1923 Peace Dollar MS67+ that now in the D.L. Hansen collection is a breakaway coin. There was a group of 87 PCGS finest certified MS67 coins. This coin is the first to be upgrade to MS67+. With 87 waiting in the shallows, I very doubt this Hansen coin will setting alone on top for very long. Presently, Hansen has a PCGS Pop 1/0 specimen and inch a little closer to the top. The coin sold for $38,250 with buyer’s fee.
1923 Peace Dollar MS67+, PCGS POP 1/0
Certification #38330760, PCGS #7360
PCGS Price Guide: $55,000 / GreatCollections Auction : $38,250
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Nice coins.
Surprising to me to see how far removed the APR's are from the PCGS Price guide values
Latin American Collection
Or is it the other way around? 😉
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
After reading some recent comments and JB’s responses, i.e. So, the collection is incredibly expansive. It's not possible to own the finest graded of everything, but within reason, we do our best at that., it appear to me that some people are judging the collection by what it does’t have, instead by the incredible coins the collection does have. Seem a little upside down to me.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Bravo to the above post!
I'll 2nd that!
As much as I appreciate the thrill of the hunt, I do not agree with crossing/cracking out high end fatties for the sake of uniformity.
Professional Numismatist. "It's like God, Family, Country, except Sticker, Plastic, Coin."
That 67+ Peace is amazing.
I find DL's pursuit to be quite vain, to be honest. To spend this much money on a coin collection, only to flaunt it in a popular coin forum, is questionable to me. He is not furthering the numismatic community with his egotistical pursuit, and instead is just using this as a means to get more famous. Hopefully I am wrong, but these are my humble thoughts on the matter.
Couldn't disagree more. First of all he does not "flaunt" it in this forum---in fact he rarely posts on this forum. He does use the registry just like thousands of other collectors. Honestly, I would hate if Mr. Hansen was buying all these coins secretly and the collecting community had no idea where they were, who had them, etc. In fact, but for the registry there are some coins we would never know existed except for Mr. Hansen's openness.
Thank you for your thoughts, @Gazes . While I understand your point of view, I disagree. Think of it like this - wouldn't we all love to live in a world where people climbed Everest for the challenge of it, and did not proceed to post about it online or tell anyone about it? This is akin to that situation; it would be best if people did not pursue such vain endeavors.
Pfffft