<< <i>Tyler - A couple of F-VF 01-S qtrs and lots of keys. Excellent. Think this Mike from the Bay Area is still acquiring barbers? Also, thanks for the history of the '06 qtr, it looks great in my raw set. Scott still has the 97-S. My other acquisition was the 1858 std half. That was a really nice group of raw coins and all the seated ones have been posted on the seated thread. >>
I don't think so, at least not through Ebay. There were two spells (back when most Ebay auctions were true auctions) when Mike would buy everything on Ebay for about six months then go quiet. I have really wanted to contact him again and see how he is doing.
I saw the seated postings. After Barbers I lean towards Seated coins, in the past, not enough to really collect them, but Seated coins are really starting to interest me now. I foolishly sold a super nice 1851 in PCGS VF20 with that perfect original darker tone that I had just acquired at Heritage.
Oh Well,
Tyler
Thanks Mike, it is good to read your posts as well. I would post more, but all I have is that confounded Dropbox thing-a-ma-jig and I can't post pics like I could in the past.
Hope you guys are right, I searched long and hard at the Central States show and only found 1 nice XF, but I guess the fact that I am a little new at this limits my knowledge of where to look and who to look for. At the show last week in St. Louis I went back and forth between two table trying to decide which of the only two XF's I could find might be one for my collection, then I was told by one of the dealers that almost all of the good Barber stuff was bought that morning by one person at the dealer only portion of the first day.
Luckily after not being able to decide between 2 coins I wasn't sure of, I walked past Teapartys table and they were putting out hands full of PCGS xf and AU's. One that I liked was the one I asked about in an earlier thread with the felt inside the holder. It was AU50, but I just couldn't get past the felt problem, did immediately see the XF45 I posted and had to have it, so all worked out well.
Vern, I will be in Chicago Friday morning and Saturday for the show, can't make the meeting Wednesday but sure hope you can introduce me to some of the BCCS members at the table. Will you be there Friday?
Any one else from this message board planning on the ANA show Friday?
Dave, After rushing through a quarter collection from about 2007-2010, I decided to start doing the half dollar set. I probably replaced between 1/2 and 2/3 of my quarters already. My goal with the halves was to take my time and find PQ coins and not regret any purchases later. I'm 4 years into it now, I have about 50 dates, and I'll probably take another 4 years to finish the set. There is only one coin in the set that I feel like I want to replace and I overpaid for.
Take your time and best of luck! Finding nothing at a show is better than buying a bad coin to fill a hole. I've taken those opportunities to expand my coin horizons.
paesan, thanks for the advice. It seems the XF are a little harder to find than I thought, either real high grade or vg-vf. I am also working on a raw vf set but I don't trust myself enough yet with silver coins. I've been collecting Flying Eagles and Indian head cent varieties for the past 12 years or so, do pretty well with them. My goal is to try and find one coin at each show, and like I said earlier I have a ton of commons to go so that shouldn't be too hard for a while.
My luck with submissions has been horrible , last time I sent coins in for grading was years ago when I was doing a Franklin FBL set. Bought all the coins all ready graded, sent two in that I cut out of mint sets, one came back AU, the other (CEANED), never submitted a coin since.
This is just my opinion on the problem of finding XF Barbers based on talking with some dealers - they believe that the market is split between those chasing Registry sets and those going after low grade sets. My guess is that they do not think there is much of a market for XF coins. This problem abounds with Walkers - the people with money want AU/MS coins and the unwashed masses look at VF or lower coins because the XFs are too much money in the earlier dates and in my opinion Walkers really do not look good until they are at least in AU grade so why buy an XF when the VF look similar. My guess is that if dealers knew there was (if there is) a stronger market for XF Barbers they would pursue them.
Needless to say, I could be wrong but when I started collecting Barbers I told a dealer exactly what grades I wanted and he went out of his way to try to find them. It took me only 23 months to finish the quarters in AU with a few XFs. I know some of it is luck but I've had similar results with the dimes (19 months) and the halves - longer but mostly because I couldn't find an 1896-O at the grade and price I wanted to pay.
My only point is that maybe if enough people asked their dealers to find XF material - they would be more active in finding them because they have a market.
In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king.
Interesting. I've never been insulted for being a VF collector until now. I've always known people have felt this way, but it still stings to hear it. Funny thing is I'll keep on collecting them. And Fine coins too if I like them.
Some of the most attractive Barbers I've seen were VF coins, I chose to do the raw set in that grade mainly because I felt the availability would be greater and I do trust my eye a little better when it comes to grading them. If I'm wrong on an XF or AU coin I'm out a whole lot more than if it was a VG/VF mistake, and to be truthful I have a better feeling of accomplishment with the raw VF set.
I guess" buying opinions is correct", but with the VF raws it's my own opinion that I'm trusting, real nice and fulfilling just to sit around and look at them. I'll work on the Slab XF coins, but that will be a slow and drawn out process, the VF's will provide the most fun and excitement in the long run. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy collecting both slab XF and VG/VF raw, I just feel I can compete better both financially and ability wise with the lower grade raw coins.
<< <i>Interesting. I've never been insulted for being a VF collector until now. I've always known people have felt this way, but it still stings to hear it. Funny thing is I'll keep on collecting them. And Fine coins too if I like them. >>
VF coins are the best. Especially choice VF. You are getting an almost XF at lower prices. I don't know who degraded the VF collector, but who cares? Most collectors don't like Barbers, so the more that don't like Barbers, or Barbers in VF grades, the better IMO.
Justin - I won't speak for Mowgli, but I don't think it was meant that way ..
But I do disagree with the point made by Mowgli
I think it is more economics within the series meaning it was cost-prohibitive until very recently to slab the vast majority of Barbers that weren't AU+ (unless it was a key or high level semi-key) ..and even then, lower graded coins were submitted for authenticating rather than grading per se .. Almost any collector knows an AG/G when they see one and do you really need a TPG to tell you if it is G4 or G6?
IMO if you buy coins, you can find them much easier at most any grade level you want .. If you are doing a registry or only want PCGS graded coins, well , that is what is restricting the availability. Until 5 years ago, they just weren't sent in .. And even now that the trend and economics have changed recently, you are still eliminating more than 50% of all possibilities because they aren't slabbed, or more specifically, PCGS graded
My opinion and observation only .. I have said it before, , I buy coins I like - slabs are truly secondary .. Only important if/when time comes to sell
Paeasan - I don't collect at all grade levels but your point is well taken .. All the AG/G/VG Barber/Wash/Merc/Roos/Morgans/Peace/Walkers etc. when I buy junk silver collections are quickly cherried for DDO Washington's or other varieties and then either go straight to the silver vault or are eventually sold back
Edit: I also agree with Dave, Justin, Tyler that some of the most attractive coins are graded 30-35 (or ungraded in are in that same range) .. I have had several killer choice VF Barbers (and any other series for that matter) .. There is something about that level of wear, when the coin remains mostly natural silver/dirty graphite grey with dirty surfaces and hints of luster that get the pheromones hopping
2nd edit - For Paesan - This post is only 25,597 words shy of the allotted quota
<< <i>This is just my opinion on the problem of finding XF Barbers based on talking with some dealers - they believe that the market is split between those chasing Registry sets and those going after low grade sets. My guess is that they do not think there is much of a market for XF coins. This problem abounds with Walkers - the people with money want AU/MS coins and the unwashed masses look at VF or lower coins because the XFs are too much money in the earlier dates and in my opinion Walkers really do not look good until they are at least in AU grade so why buy an XF when the VF look similar. My guess is that if dealers knew there was (if there is) a stronger market for XF Barbers they would pursue them.
Needless to say, I could be wrong but when I started collecting Barbers I told a dealer exactly what grades I wanted and he went out of his way to try to find them. It took me only 23 months to finish the quarters in AU with a few XFs. I know some of it is luck but I've had similar results with the dimes (19 months) and the halves - longer but mostly because I couldn't find an 1896-O at the grade and price I wanted to pay.
My only point is that maybe if enough people asked their dealers to find XF material - they would be more active in finding them because they have a market. >>
Well I think I can blast your theory out of the water! If I need a coin for 1 of the sets I am working on I am all but the higher buyer. I have completed my goal up to VF-35...a set in every grade from 12-45. I still haven't been able to finish the 40 or 45 sets. The competition is out there. I have passed on 2 examples of the same date because I just wouldn't land on the moon!
<< <i>Justin - I won't speak for Mowgli, but I don't think it was meant that way ..
But I do disagree with the point made by Mowgli
I think it is more economics within the series meaning it was cost-prohibitive until very recently to slab the vast majority of Barbers that weren't AU+ (unless it was a key or high level semi-key) ..and even then, lower graded coins were submitted for authenticating rather than grading per se .. Almost any collector knows an AG/G when they see one and do you really need a TPG to tell you if it is G4 or G6?
IMO if you buy coins, you can find them much easier at most any grade level you want .. If you are doing a registry or only want PCGS graded coins, well , that is what is restricting the availability. Until 5 years ago, they just weren't sent in .. And even now that the trend and economics have changed recently, you are still eliminating more than 50% of all possibilities because they aren't slabbed, or more specifically, PCGS graded
My opinion and observation only .. I have said it before, , I buy coins I like - slabs are truly secondary .. Only important if/when time comes to sell
Paeasan - I don't collect at all grade levels but your point is well taken .. All the AG/G/VG Barber/Wash/Merc/Roos/Morgans/Peace/Walkers etc. when I buy junk silver collections are quickly cherried for DDO Washington's or other varieties and then either go straight to the silver vault or are eventually sold back
Edit: I also agree with Dave, Justin, Tyler that some of the most attractive coins are graded 30-35 (or ungraded in are in that same range) .. I have had several killer choice VF Barbers (and any other series for that matter) .. There is something about that level of wear, when the coin remains mostly natural silver/dirty graphite grey with dirty surfaces and hints of luster that get the pheromones hopping
2nd edit - For Paesan - This post is only 25,597 words shy of the allotted quota >>
Scott....without editing out all that doesn't apply to my response(gotta hit the hay) The available graded coins in F and better are drying up quickly! I rarely am able to buy a coin on ebay these days and really not a lot of new stuff showing up!
<< <i> I editing out all that doesn't apply to my response(gotta hit the hay) The available graded coins in F and better are drying up quickly! I rarely am able to buy a coin on ebay these days and really not a lot of new stuff showing up! >>
I have a bunch of Barber Halves for sale on eBay..... some of them new!
I wasn't intentionally insulting anyone for collecting VF Barbers. It was supposed to be a tongue in cheek relative to the people who collect at the higher levels. All of us live on a budget and we all have a preference for the grade of the coins we want to collect - sometimes they line up and sometimes they do not. VF Barbers are nice and as was mentioned are close to XFs in look but a lot cheaper - which does not contradict my point about what some Barber dealers perceive is the market for these coins.
As for SAM's remarks about availability of slabs with lower graded coins - I continue to live in a world where I believe anyone who collects circulated coins in the G-XF range doesn't need a slab unless there is a large discrepancy in prices for incremental increases in grade - the Registry sets notwithstanding.
I'm sorry that my "unwashed masses" comment took away from the point of my post. It was not an attack on VF coins but rather a proposed explanation for why XFs are so hard to find - some dealer think that people either want higher graded coins or lower graded coins.
In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king.
<< <i> I editing out all that doesn't apply to my response(gotta hit the hay) The available graded coins in F and better are drying up quickly! I rarely am able to buy a coin on ebay these days and really not a lot of new stuff showing up! >>
I have a bunch of Barber Halves for sale on eBay..... some of them new! >>
Yeah, I don't understand this post. Nothing in F or better? Come on dude. Either raise your price maximum in the search parameters, or shop somewhere else besides eBay. Try Heritage. Guarantee you'll find at least one in F or better.
Call me one of the unwashed, but that is a great 93-S.
That expression (reused above) is older than dirt (pun intended). I know it was not meant in any ill way. Just an expression ... a better term would have just been to delete the word "unwashed" as mentioned, it leaves a negative connotation.
If I had the time, opportunity and finances, I would have have done exactly what Darrell is accomplishing, a complete grading set in VF to AU. Years ago, I mentioned ( I must have plagiarized someone smarter than I ) ..." I never met a Barber I didn't like..."
As long as the rims are strong on both sides and some of Liberty is showing, and the reverse has E.P.U. showing, then what's not to love.
My first set of Halves back in the mid 1960's was a VG 10 set. I had more fun putting that raw set together than I think I ever had on any other set. Regardless of finances. I had a friend who was my mentor ( he is in the coin retail business today ) and he and I would scour all of Ohio going to coin shops ... and occasionally to some shows on weekends. ( How we maintained over a 3.0 GPA is amazing ).
Tastes mature, finances increase over time and the love you have for your first set of Barber Halves never diminishes. Many move on to other series ( I certainly did ) but sooner or later, you find yourself back looking at that 1913 Half and studying the Reverse, muttering...is that an impression of a removed mint mark ?
As David Hall keeps saying.... " Have fun with your coins ! "
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Nice coin stman - I saw that coin on CRO website when the early bird came out .. I knew it wouldn't last long .. priced decently too .. Great acquisition
That is the type of coin that separates those who think they want original vs. those who really do want original
<< <i>Hey I'm in with this nasty thing....................
>>
I know you said that tongue in cheek, but it's worth noting what a special '93-S that is. Very tough indeed -- great coin. Not surprising it came from the early bird CRO message -- one day I'll subscribe to it, when I have spare money to spend on such things... right now it would be too painful!
Edit also to say, that on Tom Bush's site, he speaks of the particular toughness, of nice '93-S halves.
Mike - You're dry humor has me cracking up lately ..
Edit: Hey Jim - how have you been? You must be looking at craigslist again Just because I drive to rest areas 100 miles south of me in Connecticut, doesn't mean I'll go anywhere
Jeez... takes right over ... Captures the 4,000 th post. Slams TDN... Doesn't even have the common courtesy of leaving an image ... IDK, Scotty... IDK.
ATS: My Barber Thread has had 190,139 Hits. I have no idea how many posts however. Both TPG's log their info differently.
I hate to say it, but it seems as if I have carried that Thread ... hoping amongst all hope that someone would step up and keep posting on a regular basis.
Guess once I get my Nickels' images, I'll post those as well.
Ok- just three to whet your whistle !
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Nice looking and very interesting set of coins you have there, the 89 is just beautifully colored. I notice a lot of die cracks, not familiar at all with the series, is that common for the nickels. I love collecting die cracks in the Indian cent series, they are very easy to find and quite a few make up some of the Snow varieties I collect. I have to limit myself to the halves for a while, so the quarters and nickels will have to wait for a bit, looking forward to your other pics.
Those are beautiful nickels Mike... very interesting Coins... Love them!! And I was not slamming TDN.. If anything I was complementing him But I was not going to allow him to invade this thread once every 10,000 posts if I could help it
<< <i>Hey I'm in with this nasty thing....................
>>
I know you said that tongue in cheek, but it's worth noting what a special '93-S that is. Very tough indeed -- great coin. Not surprising it came from the early bird CRO message -- one day I'll subscribe to it, when I have spare money to spend on such things... right now it would be too painful!
Edit also to say, that on Tom Bush's site, he speaks of the particular toughness, of nice '93-S halves. >>
Thanks for the good words. And to others as well. I looked through this whole thread last night and enjoyed it. Hence, I just had to post my 1893-S half. I would have bought the coin no matter what date it was. But being a tough date made it all the better. My kinda coin and look.
Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!
<< <i> I editing out all that doesn't apply to my response(gotta hit the hay) The available graded coins in F and better are drying up quickly! I rarely am able to buy a coin on ebay these days and really not a lot of new stuff showing up! >>
I have a bunch of Barber Halves for sale on eBay..... some of them new! >>
While you say new I still want to say fresh...as in new to the market! Nice original stuff just isn't out there right now. The 1894-S HCC sold a few days is a classic example...if it was a nice original coin it would have sold for double. Surprised it graded!
<< <i>Call me one of the unwashed, but that is a great 93-S.
That expression (reused above) is older than dirt (pun intended). I know it was not meant in any ill way. Just an expression ... a better term would have just been to delete the word "unwashed" as mentioned, it leaves a negative connotation.
If I had the time, opportunity and finances, I would have have done exactly what Darrell is accomplishing, a complete grading set in VF to AU. Years ago, I mentioned ( I must have plagiarized someone smarter than I ) ..." I never met a Barber I didn't like..."
As long as the rims are strong on both sides and some of Liberty is showing, and the reverse has E.P.U. showing, then what's not to love.
My first set of Halves back in the mid 1960's was a VG 10 set. I had more fun putting that raw set together than I think I ever had on any other set. Regardless of finances. I had a friend who was my mentor ( he is in the coin retail business today ) and he and I would scour all of Ohio going to coin shops ... and occasionally to some shows on weekends. ( How we maintained over a 3.0 GPA is amazing ).
Tastes mature, finances increase over time and the love you have for your first set of Barber Halves never diminishes. Many move on to other series ( I certainly did ) but sooner or later, you find yourself back looking at that 1913 Half and studying the Reverse, muttering...is that an impression of a removed mint mark ?
As David Hall keeps saying.... " Have fun with your coins ! " >>
I really like this post Mike! Lottsa passion and I also like that 93-S!
<< <i>Hey I'm in with this nasty thing....................
>>
I know you said that tongue in cheek, but it's worth noting what a special '93-S that is. Very tough indeed -- great coin. Not surprising it came from the early bird CRO message -- one day I'll subscribe to it, when I have spare money to spend on such things... right now it would be too painful!
Edit also to say, that on Tom Bush's site, he speaks of the particular toughness, of nice '93-S halves. >>
Thanks for the good words. And to others as well. I looked through this whole thread last night and enjoyed it. Hence, I just had to post my 1893-S half. I would have bought the coin no matter what date it was. But being a tough date made it all the better. My kinda coin and look. >>
Well, here's a coin I bought just today over the counter at Harlan J Berk. Not a lot of money, and so not a big deal, but the folks there always treat you as though you were. Doesn't matter if you're spending $5, $500 or 50k. This then could go equally well in the "nice experiences at your local B&M" thread.
The photo quality leaves something to be desired -- a combination of me shooting the mylar held in the air with one hand, while aiming with my phone's camera in the other. Background and type added in photoshop. Once my pic setup actually becomes a pic setup, I should manage a little better.
Scott - You are definitely bringing out your "A" material. Letterman is always looking for writers. Also, love your "We buy opinions". How true, how true.
Mowgli - Interesting thoughts, you got people fired up.
Justin - I'll take your VF's over most AU's or mint states for desirability.
Darrell - eBay has done their best to drive sellers away, no wonder you don't see much there.
stman - Congrats on the wonderfull 93-S.
Mike - Those are 3 neat V Nicks. My appetite is whetted. Great look on the MS65.
Original - Perfect VG, thanks for posting.
Pics for this AM, another perfect VG that belongs to a friend here in northern Illinois, PC10:
Vern l It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Vern.... Your friend has good tastes. That's as perfect a VG 10 as I have ever seen. It fits right into the description I gave for what I like in a VG 10.
Thanks for sharing it.
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Here's photos of my '93 S PCGS AU55, acquired from Darrell a little over a year ago. At the time I thought I was paying way up to get it, now I suspect Darrell wishes he had it back!
(Long time lurker here, don't usually have much to add, but decided to finally register).
I see that people have started discussing the news that Simpson is going to auction off his Sunnywood Morgan collection, but I haven't seen anyone mention that he's also selling off his Barber dime collection. Legend is selling the collection intact: 3.25 million with the 94S, 1.35 million without the 94S.
So, who here is ponying up for the collection?
I'm kind of disappointed that these aren't also being auctioned off. I usually focus on Barber halves, but may have been in interested in some of these. However, the entire collection in one lump payment is not feasible for me.
I had heard that the Simpson Morgan collection was going on the Market. Had not heard about the Barber Dime collection. Wonder which 94-S is in this set ? Possibly the most recent offering that Legend bought from DLRC of last year. If memory serves me correctly, it was a Branch PR 64 CAM.
LOL, I would say this is perfect timing, as there is a collector whose coffers are currently full after the sale of some high dollar sets.
.... It certainly isn't me !!
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Cavalier - Welcome to the mega-thread. At 1.35 million without the 94-S, Legend must think that the whole is worth more (far more), than the sum of its parts.
Pics for this AM, a coin of mine that came up in a phone conversation last night with a fellow forum member. One of my favorites, that I first bacame aware of here in the BST, PC64:
Vern l It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
You've shown that beauty before and every time I look at it I just love the surface quality and luster. Top notch coin.
I was looking at my Quarter photo album this weekend and I gazed on my old 13-S ( ex: ICG 58 / PCGS 55 ) and remembered that the sinister claw and arrow feathers were very weak. Your 64 is a bit stronger; I guess I should do some digging and see what the other higher grades ( XF40 - MS 67 ) look like.
I was so thrilled to locate an AU 58 (at that time) I paid no mind to any striking deficiencies the coin may have had. I am sure our friend Glen M is enjoying the coin. I will edit this to include the image once I am off the iPad.
Nothing new to report. The CD with the V Nickel images is in the mail. I should be posting by next weekend.
Today would have been my Mom's 93rd Birthday. Happy Birthday Ann !
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Comments
<< <i>Tyler - A couple of F-VF 01-S qtrs and lots of keys. Excellent. Think this Mike from the Bay Area is still acquiring barbers?
Also, thanks for the history of the '06 qtr, it looks great in my raw set. Scott still has the 97-S. My other acquisition was the 1858 std half. That was a really nice group of raw coins and all the seated ones have been posted on the seated thread.
>>
I don't think so, at least not through Ebay. There were two spells (back when most Ebay auctions were true auctions) when Mike would buy everything on Ebay for about six months then go quiet. I have really wanted to contact him again and see how he is doing.
I saw the seated postings. After Barbers I lean towards Seated coins, in the past, not enough to really collect them, but Seated coins are really starting to interest me now. I foolishly sold a super nice 1851 in PCGS VF20 with that perfect original darker tone that I had just acquired at Heritage.
Oh Well,
Tyler
Thanks Mike, it is good to read your posts as well. I would post more, but all I have is that confounded Dropbox thing-a-ma-jig and I can't post pics like I could in the past.
Dave - Thanks. And you'll find plenty of barber halves to acquire.
Mike - Look forward to seeing pics of your V Nickels.
Tyler - Think this bay area Mike ever sells anything?
Pics for this PM, one of Paesan's Stash that I don't believe I've posted, PC50:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Luckily after not being able to decide between 2 coins I wasn't sure of, I walked past Teapartys table and they were putting out hands full of PCGS xf and AU's. One that I liked was the one I asked about in an earlier thread with the felt inside the holder. It was AU50, but I just couldn't get past the felt problem, did immediately see the XF45 I posted and had to have it, so all worked out well.
Vern, I will be in Chicago Friday morning and Saturday for the show, can't make the meeting Wednesday but sure hope you can introduce me to some of the BCCS members at the table. Will you be there Friday?
Any one else from this message board planning on the ANA show Friday?
NOBLE REGISTRY
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Take your time and best of luck! Finding nothing at a show is better than buying a bad coin to fill a hole. I've taken those opportunities to expand my coin horizons.
Paesan
My luck with submissions has been horrible , last time I sent coins in for grading was years ago when I was doing a Franklin FBL set. Bought all the coins all ready graded, sent two in that I cut out of mint sets, one came back AU, the other (CEANED), never submitted a coin since.
Vern, see you in Chicago.
NOBLE REGISTRY
Paesan
<< <i>Scott, Great post. What happened to the other 26,496 words? :-) >>
I am a multilingual man:
For example, I am fluent in Shorthand and Longwind
I am laying 4:1 odds TDN gets the 4000th post .. Action opens at 4:00pm EST . I take PayPal
Needless to say, I could be wrong but when I started collecting Barbers I told a dealer exactly what grades I wanted and he went out of his way to try to find them. It took me only 23 months to finish the quarters in AU with a few XFs. I know some of it is luck but I've had similar results with the dimes (19 months) and the halves - longer but mostly because I couldn't find an 1896-O at the grade and price I wanted to pay.
My only point is that maybe if enough people asked their dealers to find XF material - they would be more active in finding them because they have a market.
Paesan
I guess" buying opinions is correct", but with the VF raws it's my own opinion that I'm trusting, real nice and fulfilling just to sit around and look at them. I'll work on the Slab XF coins, but that will be a slow and drawn out process, the VF's will provide the most fun and excitement in the long run. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy collecting both slab XF and VG/VF raw, I just feel I can compete better both financially and ability wise with the lower grade raw coins.
NOBLE REGISTRY
<< <i>Interesting. I've never been insulted for being a VF collector until now. I've always known people have felt this way, but it still stings to hear it. Funny thing is I'll keep on collecting them. And Fine coins too if I like them. >>
VF coins are the best. Especially choice VF. You are getting an almost XF at lower prices. I don't know who degraded the VF collector, but who cares? Most collectors don't like Barbers, so the more that don't like Barbers, or Barbers in VF grades, the better IMO.
Tyler
But I do disagree with the point made by Mowgli
I think it is more economics within the series meaning it was cost-prohibitive until very recently to slab the vast majority of Barbers that weren't AU+ (unless it was a key or high level semi-key) ..and even then, lower graded coins were submitted for authenticating rather than grading per se .. Almost any collector knows an AG/G when they see one and do you really need a TPG to tell you if it is G4 or G6?
IMO if you buy coins, you can find them much easier at most any grade level you want .. If you are doing a registry or only want PCGS graded coins, well , that is what is restricting the availability. Until 5 years ago, they just weren't sent in .. And even now that the trend and economics have changed recently, you are still eliminating more than 50% of all possibilities because they aren't slabbed, or more specifically, PCGS graded
My opinion and observation only .. I have said it before, , I buy coins I like - slabs are truly secondary .. Only important if/when time comes to sell
Paeasan - I don't collect at all grade levels but your point is well taken .. All the AG/G/VG Barber/Wash/Merc/Roos/Morgans/Peace/Walkers etc. when I buy junk silver collections are quickly cherried for DDO Washington's or other varieties and then either go straight to the silver vault or are eventually sold back
Edit: I also agree with Dave, Justin, Tyler that some of the most attractive coins are graded 30-35 (or ungraded in are in that same range) .. I have had several killer choice VF Barbers (and any other series for that matter) .. There is something about that level of wear, when the coin remains mostly natural silver/dirty graphite grey with dirty surfaces and hints of luster that get the pheromones hopping
2nd edit - For Paesan - This post is only 25,597 words shy of the allotted quota
<< <i>This is just my opinion on the problem of finding XF Barbers based on talking with some dealers - they believe that the market is split between those chasing Registry sets and those going after low grade sets. My guess is that they do not think there is much of a market for XF coins. This problem abounds with Walkers - the people with money want AU/MS coins and the unwashed masses look at VF or lower coins because the XFs are too much money in the earlier dates and in my opinion Walkers really do not look good until they are at least in AU grade so why buy an XF when the VF look similar. My guess is that if dealers knew there was (if there is) a stronger market for XF Barbers they would pursue them.
Needless to say, I could be wrong but when I started collecting Barbers I told a dealer exactly what grades I wanted and he went out of his way to try to find them. It took me only 23 months to finish the quarters in AU with a few XFs. I know some of it is luck but I've had similar results with the dimes (19 months) and the halves - longer but mostly because I couldn't find an 1896-O at the grade and price I wanted to pay.
My only point is that maybe if enough people asked their dealers to find XF material - they would be more active in finding them because they have a market. >>
Well I think I can blast your theory out of the water!
<< <i>Justin - I won't speak for Mowgli, but I don't think it was meant that way ..
But I do disagree with the point made by Mowgli
I think it is more economics within the series meaning it was cost-prohibitive until very recently to slab the vast majority of Barbers that weren't AU+ (unless it was a key or high level semi-key) ..and even then, lower graded coins were submitted for authenticating rather than grading per se .. Almost any collector knows an AG/G when they see one and do you really need a TPG to tell you if it is G4 or G6?
IMO if you buy coins, you can find them much easier at most any grade level you want .. If you are doing a registry or only want PCGS graded coins, well , that is what is restricting the availability. Until 5 years ago, they just weren't sent in .. And even now that the trend and economics have changed recently, you are still eliminating more than 50% of all possibilities because they aren't slabbed, or more specifically, PCGS graded
My opinion and observation only .. I have said it before, , I buy coins I like - slabs are truly secondary .. Only important if/when time comes to sell
Paeasan - I don't collect at all grade levels but your point is well taken .. All the AG/G/VG Barber/Wash/Merc/Roos/Morgans/Peace/Walkers etc. when I buy junk silver collections are quickly cherried for DDO Washington's or other varieties and then either go straight to the silver vault or are eventually sold back
Edit: I also agree with Dave, Justin, Tyler that some of the most attractive coins are graded 30-35 (or ungraded in are in that same range) .. I have had several killer choice VF Barbers (and any other series for that matter) .. There is something about that level of wear, when the coin remains mostly natural silver/dirty graphite grey with dirty surfaces and hints of luster that get the pheromones hopping
2nd edit - For Paesan - This post is only 25,597 words shy of the allotted quota >>
Scott....without editing out all that doesn't apply to my response(gotta hit the hay) The available graded coins in F and better are drying up quickly! I rarely am able to buy a coin on ebay these days and really not a lot of new stuff showing up!
<< <i> I editing out all that doesn't apply to my response(gotta hit the hay) The available graded coins in F and better are drying up quickly! I rarely am able to buy a coin on ebay these days and really not a lot of new stuff showing up! >>
I have a bunch of Barber Halves for sale on eBay..... some of them new!
As for SAM's remarks about availability of slabs with lower graded coins - I continue to live in a world where I believe anyone who collects circulated coins in the G-XF range doesn't need a slab unless there is a large discrepancy in prices for incremental increases in grade - the Registry sets notwithstanding.
I'm sorry that my "unwashed masses" comment took away from the point of my post. It was not an attack on VF coins but rather a proposed explanation for why XFs are so hard to find - some dealer think that people either want higher graded coins or lower graded coins.
<< <i>
<< <i> I editing out all that doesn't apply to my response(gotta hit the hay) The available graded coins in F and better are drying up quickly! I rarely am able to buy a coin on ebay these days and really not a lot of new stuff showing up! >>
I have a bunch of Barber Halves for sale on eBay..... some of them new! >>
Yeah, I don't understand this post. Nothing in F or better? Come on dude. Either raise your price maximum in the search parameters, or shop somewhere else besides eBay. Try Heritage. Guarantee you'll find at least one in F or better.
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
Call me one of the unwashed, but that is a great 93-S.
That expression (reused above) is older than dirt (pun intended).
I know it was not meant in any ill way. Just an expression ... a better
term would have just been to delete the word "unwashed" as mentioned,
it leaves a negative connotation.
If I had the time, opportunity and finances, I would have have done
exactly what Darrell is accomplishing, a complete grading set in VF to AU.
Years ago, I mentioned ( I must have plagiarized someone smarter than I )
..." I never met a Barber I didn't like..."
As long as the rims are strong on both sides and some of Liberty is showing,
and the reverse has E.P.U. showing, then what's not to love.
My first set of Halves back in the mid 1960's was a VG 10 set. I had more fun
putting that raw set together than I think I ever had on any other set. Regardless
of finances. I had a friend who was my mentor ( he is in the coin retail business today )
and he and I would scour all of Ohio going to coin shops ... and occasionally to some
shows on weekends. ( How we maintained over a 3.0 GPA is amazing ).
Tastes mature, finances increase over time and the love you have for your first set
of Barber Halves never diminishes. Many move on to other series ( I certainly did )
but sooner or later, you find yourself back looking at that 1913 Half and studying the
Reverse, muttering...is that an impression of a removed mint mark ?
As David Hall keeps saying.... " Have fun with your coins ! "
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
That is the type of coin that separates those who think they want original vs. those who really do want original
<< <i>tough to find nice barbers in the northeast when Scott is willing to drive all over the get them.... >>
That'll happen when you own a Livery Company....
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
<< <i>Hey I'm in with this nasty thing....................
I know you said that tongue in cheek, but it's worth noting what a special '93-S that is. Very tough indeed -- great coin. Not surprising it came from the early bird CRO message -- one day I'll subscribe to it, when I have spare money to spend on such things... right now it would be too painful!
Edit also to say, that on Tom Bush's site, he speaks of the particular toughness, of nice '93-S halves.
Edit: Hey Jim - how have you been? You must be looking at craigslist again
Just because I drive to rest areas 100 miles south of me in Connecticut, doesn't mean I'll go anywhere
Take that TDN !
Slams TDN... Doesn't even have the common courtesy
of leaving an image ... IDK, Scotty... IDK.
ATS: My Barber Thread has had 190,139 Hits. I have
no idea how many posts however. Both TPG's log their
info differently.
I hate to say it, but it seems as if I have carried that
Thread ... hoping amongst all hope that someone would
step up and keep posting on a regular basis.
Guess once I get my Nickels' images, I'll post those as well.
Ok- just three to whet your whistle !
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
I have to limit myself to the halves for a while, so the quarters and nickels will have to wait for a bit, looking forward to your other pics.
NOBLE REGISTRY
And I was not slamming TDN.. If anything I was complementing him
But I was not going to allow him to invade this thread once every 10,000 posts if I could help it
I thought it was out of left field... My memory isn't as good
as it once was....
Glad you enjoyed the three images... Lots more coming !!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
<< <i>
<< <i>Hey I'm in with this nasty thing....................
I know you said that tongue in cheek, but it's worth noting what a special '93-S that is. Very tough indeed -- great coin. Not surprising it came from the early bird CRO message -- one day I'll subscribe to it, when I have spare money to spend on such things... right now it would be too painful!
Edit also to say, that on Tom Bush's site, he speaks of the particular toughness, of nice '93-S halves.
Thanks for the good words. And to others as well. I looked through this whole thread last night and enjoyed it. Hence, I just had to post my 1893-S half. I would have bought the coin no matter what date it was. But being a tough date made it all the better. My kinda coin and look.
<< <i>
<< <i> I editing out all that doesn't apply to my response(gotta hit the hay) The available graded coins in F and better are drying up quickly! I rarely am able to buy a coin on ebay these days and really not a lot of new stuff showing up! >>
I have a bunch of Barber Halves for sale on eBay..... some of them new! >>
While you say new I still want to say fresh...as in new to the market! Nice original stuff just isn't out there right now. The 1894-S HCC sold a few days is a classic example...if it was a nice original coin it would have sold for double. Surprised it graded!
<< <i>Call me one of the unwashed, but that is a great 93-S.
That expression (reused above) is older than dirt (pun intended).
I know it was not meant in any ill way. Just an expression ... a better
term would have just been to delete the word "unwashed" as mentioned,
it leaves a negative connotation.
If I had the time, opportunity and finances, I would have have done
exactly what Darrell is accomplishing, a complete grading set in VF to AU.
Years ago, I mentioned ( I must have plagiarized someone smarter than I )
..." I never met a Barber I didn't like..."
As long as the rims are strong on both sides and some of Liberty is showing,
and the reverse has E.P.U. showing, then what's not to love.
My first set of Halves back in the mid 1960's was a VG 10 set. I had more fun
putting that raw set together than I think I ever had on any other set. Regardless
of finances. I had a friend who was my mentor ( he is in the coin retail business today )
and he and I would scour all of Ohio going to coin shops ... and occasionally to some
shows on weekends. ( How we maintained over a 3.0 GPA is amazing ).
Tastes mature, finances increase over time and the love you have for your first set
of Barber Halves never diminishes. Many move on to other series ( I certainly did )
but sooner or later, you find yourself back looking at that 1913 Half and studying the
Reverse, muttering...is that an impression of a removed mint mark ?
As David Hall keeps saying.... " Have fun with your coins ! " >>
I really like this post Mike! Lottsa passion and I also like that 93-S!
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Hey I'm in with this nasty thing....................
I know you said that tongue in cheek, but it's worth noting what a special '93-S that is. Very tough indeed -- great coin. Not surprising it came from the early bird CRO message -- one day I'll subscribe to it, when I have spare money to spend on such things... right now it would be too painful!
Edit also to say, that on Tom Bush's site, he speaks of the particular toughness, of nice '93-S halves.
Thanks for the good words. And to others as well. I looked through this whole thread last night and enjoyed it. Hence, I just had to post my 1893-S half. I would have bought the coin no matter what date it was. But being a tough date made it all the better. My kinda coin and look. >>
Well, again then... well done!
The photo quality leaves something to be desired -- a combination of me shooting the mylar held in the air with one hand, while aiming with my phone's camera in the other. Background and type added in photoshop.
Doug
Also, love your "We buy opinions". How true, how true.
Mowgli - Interesting thoughts, you got people fired up.
Justin - I'll take your VF's over most AU's or mint states for desirability.
Darrell - eBay has done their best to drive sellers away, no wonder you don't see much there.
stman - Congrats on the wonderfull 93-S.
Mike - Those are 3 neat V Nicks. My appetite is whetted. Great look on the MS65.
Original - Perfect VG, thanks for posting.
Pics for this AM, another perfect VG that belongs to a friend here in northern Illinois, PC10:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
It's not just ebay...there are very few showing up at shows, and the few really nice coins auctioned by heritage bring very strong prices.
Vern.... Your friend has good tastes. That's as perfect a VG 10 as I have ever seen.
It fits right into the description I gave for what I like in a VG 10.
Thanks for sharing it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
It's really a beautiful coin- thanks Darrell!!
Jeff - A good example of why it doesn't hurt to pay up for a tough coin that you like.
Pics for this AM, from Paesan's Stash, now PC53:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
I see that people have started discussing the news that Simpson is going to auction off his Sunnywood Morgan collection, but I haven't seen anyone mention that he's also selling off his Barber dime collection. Legend is selling the collection intact: 3.25 million with the 94S, 1.35 million without the 94S.
So, who here is ponying up for the collection?
I'm kind of disappointed that these aren't also being auctioned off. I usually focus on Barber halves, but may have been in interested in some of these. However, the entire collection in one lump payment is not feasible for me.
Cavalier -
Glad you could join us.
I had heard that the Simpson Morgan collection was going on the Market.
Had not heard about the Barber Dime collection. Wonder which 94-S is in
this set ? Possibly the most recent offering that Legend bought from DLRC
of last year. If memory serves me correctly, it was a Branch PR 64 CAM.
LOL, I would say this is perfect timing, as there is a collector whose coffers
are currently full after the sale of some high dollar sets.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
At 1.35 million without the 94-S, Legend must think that the whole is worth more (far more), than the sum of its parts.
Pics for this AM, a coin of mine that came up in a phone conversation last night with a fellow forum member.
One of my favorites, that I first bacame aware of here in the BST, PC64:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
You've shown that beauty before and every time I look at it I
just love the surface quality and luster. Top notch coin.
I was looking at my Quarter photo album this weekend and I
gazed on my old 13-S ( ex: ICG 58 / PCGS 55 ) and remembered
that the sinister claw and arrow feathers were very weak. Your 64
is a bit stronger; I guess I should do some digging and see what the
other higher grades ( XF40 - MS 67 ) look like.
I was so thrilled to locate an AU 58 (at that time) I paid no mind to
any striking deficiencies the coin may have had. I am sure our friend
Glen M is enjoying the coin. I will edit this to include the image once I
am off the iPad.
Nothing new to report. The CD with the V Nickel images is in the mail.
I should be posting by next weekend.
Today would have been my Mom's 93rd Birthday. Happy Birthday Ann !
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
I'm anxious to see what you come up with in Chicago, I'm sure you'll have a few nice ones to look at.
NOBLE REGISTRY