I finally finished my Classic Head gold sets and my “box of 19.”
BillJones
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After a search that has lasted for a year and a half, I finally purchased an 1838 Classic Head quarter eagle that pleases me. This date proved to much harder to find than I thought it would be. A couple of the coins I found for over graded and therefore overpriced. I also rejected a few NGC graded coins because I decided complete this set with PCGS graded coins. At one point I asked a seller if he thought that an NGC coin he was offering would cross, and the answer was, “No.”
This coin completes my “box of 19.” That’s how many coins it takes to complete a "Red Book" collection of the Classic Head $2.50 and $5.00 gold pieces. They are a pair of short duration sets that some say contains “not great rarities” and is therefore easy to finish. I’ve learned that “easy to finish” is a very relative term, especially when you are looking for these coins in Choice AU and low end Mint State.
I think that the search has been made harder by the fact more collectors are chasing these coins. Time was not many people cared about any of them except for the Charlotte and Dahlonega issues.
This will be my first and probably only complete PCGS registry set. My gratification has been delayed on that score because the previous owner needs to take down his registry claim on the piece. It will be interesting to see how long that will take.
The PCGS is grade is MS-61, which I think is accurate. The surfaces are smooth, but the luster is muted. The piece has been lightened a bit, and but I don't find the "restoration" that was done on it objectionable. Still I doubt this this coin would be a "green bean."
Comments
no complaints about that here. nice score
Very nice. Send an email to PCGS with a picture of the front and back of the slab next to a piece of paper with your name and today's date and they will add it to your registry for you.
Congratulations on a great accomplishment! Wonderful feeling to finally have polished off a set, after years of work.
To Bill's point, in the higher grades, Classic Head $5s are RARER than earlier Bust Half $5s. The fact that there are more lower grade CHGs available, and more die marriages recognized as collectible in the Bust Half series, obfuscates this fact for most everyone.
(I just looked at your registry sets - your 1838 and 1838-C $5s are not showing?)
The 1834 plain 4, 1838 and 1838-C are NGC graded coins. The 1838-C was in the Stanley Elrod collection, and is probably among the top ten pieces.
Congrats, Bill. I agree with you. That coin looks very nice and smooth for a 61 and I have no problem with the color. I find it quite acceptable.
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My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Congrats - nice box
Lovely coin !
What are you going to work on now ?
Congrats Bill!
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Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Impressive! I love the look of those classic head gold coins. Well done, Bill.
Wow, what an accomplishment! Nice piece!
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Very nice Bill!
I sometimes wonder where my box of 20 various die marriages went. Most were pretty nice, some with die cracks. One day, I’ll page through some photos and recognize some of my set....
Enjoyed numismatic conversations with Eric P. Newman, Dave Akers, Jules Reiver, David Davis, Russ Logan, John McCloskey, Kirk Gorman, W. David Perkins...
Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on a great accomplishment, this set must be something to see complete.
When did you start and I bet there are a lot of stories along the way...Congrats!
May I see the other 18 coins?
Very impressive. I've been looking for just one sample each of the $2.5 and $5 for a type set, but haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet.
Thanks Paradisfound,
Started sometime early 2000-ish after photographing John McCloskeys Classic Gold collection. He put the bug in my ear....
I found a couple quick online pics on Heritage (lots I won). I had a couple that was slightly light, otherwise tried to get fairly original tone and good surfaces...for gold that is. The 1837 you see us one that is on the slightly bright side.
Enjoyed numismatic conversations with Eric P. Newman, Dave Akers, Jules Reiver, David Davis, Russ Logan, John McCloskey, Kirk Gorman, W. David Perkins...
This one had nice color/tone but slight left obverse field marking
Enjoyed numismatic conversations with Eric P. Newman, Dave Akers, Jules Reiver, David Davis, Russ Logan, John McCloskey, Kirk Gorman, W. David Perkins...
The 1834 Crosslet 4 is a really difficult and under appreciated issue.
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That might be a good idea. There are some "collector stories" connected with each piece.
I am also working on an exhibit that features these two sets. Since most people don't stand and read exhibits at coin conventions, (Heck, most people don't even look at them.) i might find a more interested audience here.
Over time I will start some strings about these coins.
Here is the True View, "glamor shot" of the 1838 quarter eagle I just purchased. This coin is the example that given for the MS-61 grade in "Coin Facts."
I love it Bill!
Best, SH
Congratulations Bill... nice coins... gold coins are my weakness... they always attract me... Cheers, RickO