I made the mistake of selling a lower grade copy of this coin when owned it about 30 years ago. I won't make that same mistake again. This time this one will stay with me. In my opinion, the most beautifully designed coin.
If I could only have one coin, then I really wouldn't be engaged in collecting. If I could never sell it, then the value wouldn't mean anything. It would have to be something that had some sort of sentimental value for whatever reason, probably something I got as a gift when I was starting collecting. A few come to mind, including this one, which spent a lot of time in a grandparent's leather coin purse:
If the choice requires a coin from US collecting, 1861 CSA half dollar hands down. If from anywhere, probably the 1729 Madrid pattern pillar dollar, assuming it has been preserved at least somewhat properly.
Wow, a 14-year hiatus. That's some stamina to dig through the file cabinet to unearth this thread.
I'd second the Brasher Doubloon. A lot of coins demonstrate their importance as part of a larger set, but the Brasher is just so unique in terms of its production, early date, composition, and design that is transcends numismatics.
There have been a number of these "If you could only own one coin for the rest of your life ..." threads, but no one ever explains why could someone only own one coin for the rest of their life?
What is it that is that is preventing someone from buying another coin?
@LanLord said:
There have been a number of these "If you could only own one coin for the rest of your life ..." threads, but no one ever explains why could someone only own one coin for the rest of their life?
What is it that is that is preventing someone from buying another coin?
I need facts!
I'm assuming that the OP is really asking "What is the coin you aspire to own the most?" That's the context of my reply.
To your point though, it wouldn't be the ONLY coin I would ever buy but it would be a coin I would never sell once I owned it.
Comments
A Lydia Lion.
Not the rarest nor most expensive, but it's history is unbeatable
I'm imagining the effect on coin prices if every collector could only collect 1 coin. Some would go through the roof, many would be worth face value.
A Barber Half pattern:
Two in the Smithsonian, and a third is possibly still out there, somewhere...
ZeroHedge makes debut at White House press corps briefing
None. I'm out.
I would never put it all on one coin. Way too much risk.
I made the mistake of selling a lower grade copy of this coin when owned it about 30 years ago. I won't make that same mistake again. This time this one will stay with me. In my opinion, the most beautifully designed coin.
Donato


Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
If I could only have one coin, then I really wouldn't be engaged in collecting. If I could never sell it, then the value wouldn't mean anything. It would have to be something that had some sort of sentimental value for whatever reason, probably something I got as a gift when I was starting collecting. A few come to mind, including this one, which spent a lot of time in a grandparent's leather coin purse:
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
A Widow's mite. Not even the tax man finds it worthy of collecting
I like the way you think derryb, you're fast on your feet.
Charles III Album
Charles III Portrait Set
Charles IV Album
Charles IV Portrait Set
Spanish Colonial Pillar Set
I thought about what DerryB posted, but considering one could never sell it, it seemed stupid.
One version of the ultra-large Elizabeth gold was stolen and never recovered (presumably melted), no? If so, did they make another?
This was the first I thought of also but I don't have any place to keep it!
I just changed my mind.
Only one coin is easy. The one I forgot about: The 1870-S Half dime (in its original dark blue/black condition as found)..
If the choice requires a coin from US collecting, 1861 CSA half dollar hands down. If from anywhere, probably the 1729 Madrid pattern pillar dollar, assuming it has been preserved at least somewhat properly.
Only one?
One is the loneliest number no matter the value. I would liquidate and do a type set maybe?
A fantastic Gobrecht dollar.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
I already have mine. My pocket piece. I've been carrying it around for almost 20 years now, so we have a history. I'd miss it if it ever disappeared.
These images are a couple of years old, I should re-image it...
Another great selection.
I've always liked the no stars obverse and starry eagle flying reverse.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
This one!!! Sigh....
That is one amazing coin!
1793 Chain Cent in F12 or better...
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
Wow, a 14-year hiatus. That's some stamina to dig through the file cabinet to unearth this thread.
I'd second the Brasher Doubloon. A lot of coins demonstrate their importance as part of a larger set, but the Brasher is just so unique in terms of its production, early date, composition, and design that is transcends numismatics.
If I can keep one coin, I like to have this proof 1922 Peace dollar
If I couldn't sell it and value is not a consideration, and assuming there is one out there, then I'd pick any blast white Morgan CC in MS70.
There have been a number of these "If you could only own one coin for the rest of your life ..." threads, but no one ever explains why could someone only own one coin for the rest of their life?
What is it that is that is preventing someone from buying another coin?
I need facts!
I would be so bored with the same coin for life. I would rather just go play golf.
Hope you don't mind a coin from the darkside:
I'm assuming that the OP is really asking "What is the coin you aspire to own the most?" That's the context of my reply.
To your point though, it wouldn't be the ONLY coin I would ever buy but it would be a coin I would never sell once I owned it.
Hello
I won't say its name outright, but its initials are 1822 gold half eagle.
Collect raw morgans, walkers, mercs, SLQ, barber q. Looking at getting into earlier date coins pre 1900s.
I'm a Seated Dime guy:
MS67 CAC 1907 High Relief $20