Coins that bring back fond memories, even though they are not the exact same pieces.
BillJones
Posts: 35,058 ✭✭✭✭✭
The very first gold coins I ever saw were gold dollars. My mother's cleaning lady had three of them that she brought to show me. That was in the spring of 1960, and I was 11 years old. I couldn't get over how small they were.
One piece still sticks out in my mind. It was an 1853-D. I remember when I flipped it over and saw the "D" under the wreath. I noted that it came from a southern mint, Dahlonega, whose name I didn't know how to pronounce.
These pieces were family heirlooms, and the cleaning lady told me that she had once owned four gold dollars. Unfortunately she had once had money problems and had taken one to the bank to see what she could get for it ... She got a dollar.
I'm only guessing, but this lady was African-American, and there is a chance that one of her ancestors lived in Georgia and may have come by this piece perhaps when they were slaves. It's a possibility. I have read that slaves sometimes were paid when their masters loaned them out to other employers. Some slaves were said to have saved impressive sums of money that way ... in a few cases enough to buy their freedom.
Sometime later I heard that one of the men in town had offered her $50 for one coins. My guess is that was the one he wanted. That offer was not totally out of line at the time. The 13th edition of The Red Book placed values on the 1853-D gold dollar at $55 in Fine and $130 in Unc.
She did sell one of the coins to me ultimately, although it wasn't on that day. It was an 1854 Type II that graded VF-20, except for the fact that it had a weak date.
Today I own an 1853-D gold dollar that is in a PCGS AU-58. It is a very high end example for the grade. Looking at it still brings memories of first encounter with a U.S. gold piece.
I have some other interesting stories from the "old days" if there is interest.
Comments
Thank You for yet another great and informative story-information.
It is appreciated very much.
1849 $1 Liberty Head Gold Open Wreath is the only $1.00 piece I own.
It is high AU, and fun to show friends that one, as well as stepping up every denomination from the one dollar up to the Double Eagle.
Wonderful piece, Bill. Who doesn't love southern gold?
Keep the stories coming!
Lance.
Thank you for another interesting story.
Great story, Bill.
Thanks for sharing.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Thanks for the story , Bill. I enjoyed that and would love to read more.
Good story and very neat coin !
I would enjoy reading more.
Great story...if only these coins could talk!!! More please!!!
Thanks for the story Bill.... always enjoy these stories of collector experiences.... Those of us who have been doing it most of our lives have certainly collected a few.... many of these mark significant points in our lives. The coin's history becomes entwined with our personal history... Cheers, RickO