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Elusive & Expensive.....lethal combination to realize my dream.
Paradisefound
Posts: 8,588 ✭✭✭✭✭
These creatures captivated me early in my collecting period (7/2017)......reading all the threads entertained to no end 
Is the cretaria "detail cleaned" as important when you do not plan to resell it ever?
Such a little coin with so much "weight" 
$1500 AU raw "hardly a face left"
$2133 AU58
$3690 MS63 CAC
$4687 MS65
2
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Try to see a bunch in hand. A few major auctions lot viewing will do it. Pick the one you like. A CAC coin will help in the future. No less than 65 IMHO.
They are beautiful!
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
A couple of MS-62s sold for $1880 each, 2 years ago.
Be patient and you can get one for a reasonable price.
There are many available in auctions, so there's no rush.
https://www.pcgs.com/auctionprices/details/1915-s-panama-pacific-ms-2-50/7450
http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/7450
this is where the numbers don't dance for me : 4.18 grams > 0.147 oz = $9850 /oz base on today's spot
I know what you wrote, but virtually all coins purchased for collections are eventually sold. These have extremely high basal price levels, but also incremental price increases per grade. Given that, I would suggest to most folks to go MS65.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
You are right @yosclimber....I need at least one where I can see her face; MS64+ maybe
There are not many face details in the die, so even on one of the MS-67s on PCGS CoinFacts you don't see much there.
There may be other larger non-US coins with the hippocampus like @Stork's medals; perhaps some ancients.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocampus_(mythology)
On these wildwinds pages, click on "Browse the page with thumbnail images"
http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/phoenicia/tyre/t.html
http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/sicily/syracuse/i.html
http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/sicily/syracuse/dionysios_I/t.html
You can get one of these for under $100. (Sycracuse, Sicily, ca 390 BC)
I will hunt for MS65.....with some face and a lot of "scales"
I agree with @yosclimber regarding the relief of this design; it is quite shallow and there are precious few details in Columbia's face regardless of grade.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
be patient. the right one will come along. there are many from which to choose.
I have always been very fond of that coin. You have good taste, expensive but good. Best wishes on the "hunt". Keep us posted and take your time and get the "right" coin for you. Get the one that makes you happy and makes you proud when you post it as your newp. Then you will have to have the $50's.
no like
_> @yosclimber said:
I just posted this on a dark side thread. Some lovely hippocampi/oi (?) can be found when you expand to ancients, non US coins, and medals. The PanPac is on a short list of “when I win the lottery” coins given the cost.
We'll be in touch to see who got it first @Stork ?
Hey what happened to the scales? 
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/999904/why-nyinc-is-still-being-good-to-me-but-not-my-checkbook
3.5" medal, under $20, with 4 of them on one side. Scales included.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MYTHOLOGY-HIPPOCAMPUS-HORSES-BRONZE-MEDAL-BY-MIGUEL-T/192537419382
I better pass all the little ones for the BIG little ONE
Since you are looking for a "keeper":
If you see an AU that has the details you are looking for then snag it to save a few grand. Perhaps this will leave room for more keepers.
If this is a one and done, then go for the gem (MS65 or better).
Nice little gold coin.... I like the PanPacs... they are expensive though.... My preference runs to the big octagonal coin.... that is a 'win the lottery first' coin for me. Cheers, RickO
I needed one for my type set. Got this one for $1593.30. Reverse scrapes really don't bother me since the details are pretty good. She has a pretty good face.
Those are cool coins!
My YouTube Channel
And look at them. Beautiful coin with a lot of variation in eye appeal. CAC'ed won't hurt either.
That's one of the first counterfeit coins I got stuck with as a kid in the early 70's. A Mid-East variety.....
This is a coin that has long been very available and, In my opinion, relatively overvalued. I wouldn’t tell you not to buy it, but I would say that there is no rush at all. The price is simply unlikely to get away from you. Depending on your situation, you should probably wait until you can better afford a great one.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.