Percentage of Eliasberg coins that still carry the pedigree
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In reading QDB's book on the 1822 half eagle, I read about how Louis Eliasberg obtained the last few coins for his set. Certainly many of the best known coins will always carry the Eliasberg pedigree, but with all of the coins in his set (at least one of each of the US series), I wonder how many still carry the Eliasberg pedigree. Not sure how many of the coins were holdered with the Eliasberg pedigree on the slab, but I know of a few that were re-submitted and lost the pedigree.
What percentage of Eliasberg's coins are still traceable to him? 20 percent? More? Less? Maybe I am the only one that finds it interesting....
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
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Many are traceable. Most no longer carry the pedigree. It was a negative for awhile.
Pedigree 5%?
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
The only Eliasberg Walker that I ever recall seeing that still had the pedigree was the 1919 S but that was years ago and, personally, I did not like the coin, at all. It was a MS 65 that looked 63.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
What would be negative about the Eliasberg pedigree?
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
A better question would be what %
Of Eliasberg coins have been altered , or dipped ?
I think for some series, some of the Eliasberg coins have the reputation of being less than attractive.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
Before Eliasberg or after?
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
I have one, 1804 restrike cent.
rainbowroosie April 1, 2003
My suspicion is that is likelier than not that the lower graded coins survived with pedigree intact at a greater rate than the higher graded ones where the pedigree was lost due to crackouts.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
I have a 1722 Hibernia, Harp left MS 60 BN that I purchased directly from one of the Eliasberg auctions in 1996 or 1997, I forget which. It's pedigreed to Eliasberg and has never been touched since the auction.
Agreed. I have a slabbed Victoria Jubilee Head 1/2 Sovereign with the pedigree noted on the NGC slab. The coin is drecky, but I got a pedigree! I would never crack that, I would lose the small premium.
I'd vote that the percentage is higher than 20%, possibly much higher. We don't see them often because relative to the scope and size of the entire market they're veritable needles in a haystack. As a dealer I always found sub $2500ish Eliasberg coins to carry healthy premiums and sell quickly out of dealer stock.
Brett Charville --- I work at PCGS
Pretty cool that the new president takes the time to answer my question. And Brett your answer makes sense. I have owned 5 or 6 Eliasberg coins over the years and I can only think of one that I particularly liked.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
I agree! Good to see interaction with the President of PCGS.
@BrettPCGS Welcome to the forum! Thanks for responding
to the topic. Thanks for taking on what at times will prove
to be a thankless job, being PCGS president. Best wishes!!
This Eliasberg is for auction by HA. The current bid is $20, and the coin is in a PCGS OGH. I doubt there are many of those left. I have no direct knowledge, but I think a great many of the Eliasberg coins ended up in NGC holders. That may have changed over time. If you want an Eliasberg, this is your opportunity... good luck..
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I attended the sales as did Stewart and many other forum members. I would be interested in their thoughts and memories.
The collection was sold raw. The good old days!
Many coins were seriously undergraded in the catalogue. Remember; it included the Clapp Estate. Many coins sold for multiples of book. Many coins were then "improved".
Many coins were subsequently slabbed without the pedigree. Guessing well over half as the pedigree showed previous grade, picture/change, and price realized.
The coins that were slabbed with pedigree, at the time, were viewed as over graded. This included the bulk lots, some conserved early issues, rolls of 1883 nickels, etc.
I still like 5%. If not volume then value. -)
My 1866 Philly Mint Set