When I first brought this into the Long Beach show raw maybe 8-10 years ago,
David Hall said this is a Moose! For a 44-S. He handed it over to the people working there and said....get this graded.
It was my first experience/home run buying raw on eBay ( entire pds mints)
BTW, Shorty after these were in the $3k range as I remember, now steady drop to about $500
.
.
I remember Moose being used back in the day but in my neck of the woods the term used more often was Honker, especially Big Ol' (F'ing) Honker -- same idea, different beast. Here's one that's a winner by 2 full pts:
I’m sorry but I see more pictures of actual moose in the wild than “Moose” coins. Lots of pretty coins but I think overall many are off the mark in matching the coins with the term.
Well...I do not have any moose coins (in the traditional sense of the term). I do like that Franklin posted by @Skyman. I do recall when 'moose' was a more commonly used term, referring to coins with tarnish. And @TommyType, PM me whatever you deleted... I bet it was a good chuckle. My coins, while in no way of moose caliber, may earn the zoological appellation of 'antelope'... sleek, and good looking. So, enjoy your 'mooseness', and I will enjoy my coins....Lots of room for all of us....Cheers, RickO
@Boosibri said:
I’m sorry but I see more pictures of actual moose in the wild than “Moose” coins. Lots of pretty coins but I think overall many are off the mark in matching the coins with the term.
I still don't think I understand the term. Is a moose a coin with a hammered strike or a coin with vivid color or a coin that's technically superior for it's grade? Would any CAC gold sticker coin be considered a moose? So many questions...
Or is a moose like pornography...you can't define it but you know it when you see it?
@Boosibri said:
I’m sorry but I see more pictures of actual moose in the wild than “Moose” coins. Lots of pretty coins but I think overall many are off the mark in matching the coins with the term.
@Boosibri said:
I’m sorry but I see more pictures of actual moose in the wild than “Moose” coins. Lots of pretty coins but I think overall many are off the mark in matching the coins with the term.
Except for yours of course. Those are amazing.
To my definition there are several in this thread and I didn’t mean to just imply mine. I just mean that I think the term is potentially being misapplied to nice coins that are pretty and attractively toned versus absolute monster coins which stand so far out from the rest that you take a pause to appreciate. This doesn’t mean condition census pieces but ones which are set above the rest because of their special “PQ” appeal.
@Boosibri said:
I’m sorry but I see more pictures of actual moose in the wild than “Moose” coins. Lots of pretty coins but I think overall many are off the mark in matching the coins with the term.
Except for yours of course. Those are amazing.
To my definition there are several in this thread and I didn’t mean to just imply mine. I just mean that I think the term is potentially being misapplied to nice coins that are pretty and attractively toned versus absolute monster coins which stand so far out from the rest that you take a pause to appreciate. This doesn’t mean condition census pieces but ones which are set above the rest because of their special “PQ” appeal.
There is only one coin known as THE Moose. That is Aurora Borealis's 1881-S Morgan dollar. Since I have not seen him around these parts in a while, I will post the images here. I think everyone can agree on this one...................
@Boosibri said:
I’m sorry but I see more pictures of actual moose in the wild than “Moose” coins. Lots of pretty coins but I think overall many are off the mark in matching the coins with the term.
I still don't think I understand the term. Is a moose a coin with a hammered strike or a coin with vivid color or a coin that's technically superior for it's grade? Would any CAC gold sticker coin be considered a moose? So many questions...
Or is a moose like pornography...you can't define it but you know it when you see it?
Nice coins posted in the thread though.
In order to qualify as a "Moose", above all else, a coin should be of superb/amazing quality. And if it's also gorgeously toned and/or incredibly lustrous and/or exceptionally well struck, so much the better. Personally, other than perhaps in very rare instances, I would not apply the term to coins of less than "gem"/"superb" quality.
Not surprisingly, based on many of the entries in this thread, I feel that the word has been misunderstood, misused and, abused.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
If I bought a coin for $200, and wanted $225, I'd
say something like "I want Two and a Squirt"
on it.
Or, if a coin was offered at $575, I might say
"I'd pay five and a squirt"
Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
@Boosibri said:
I’m sorry but I see more pictures of actual moose in the wild than “Moose” coins. Lots of pretty coins but I think overall many are off the mark in matching the coins with the term.
I still don't think I understand the term. Is a moose a coin with a hammered strike or a coin with vivid color or a coin that's technically superior for it's grade? Would any CAC gold sticker coin be considered a moose? So many questions...
Or is a moose like pornography...you can't define it but you know it when you see it?
Nice coins posted in the thread though.
In order to qualify as a "Moose", above all else, a coin should be of superb/amazing quality. And if it's also gorgeously toned and/or incredibly lustrous and/or exceptionally well struck, so much the better. Personally, other than perhaps in very rare instances, I would not apply the term to coins of less than "gem"/"superb" quality.
Not surprisingly, based on many of the entries in this thread, I feel that the word has been misunderstood, misused and, abused.
Such is the nature of the coin business when the TPGs are not there to set standards. Perhaps we should advocate for a "Moose" designation at PCGS? With a special label depicting a moose, if they really want to do it right.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
And, I forgot to add that
Colonel Jessup told me
that he had heard the term
first, from Fred Sweeny (Kansas City)
about 40 years ago.....
Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
To my definition there are several in this thread and I didn’t mean to just imply mine. I just mean that I think the term is potentially being misapplied to nice coins that are pretty and attractively toned versus absolute monster coins which stand so far out from the rest that you take a pause to appreciate. This doesn’t mean condition census pieces but ones which are set above the rest because of their special “PQ” appeal.
However a coin need not be toned to qualify as special or be thought of as a moose.
Back while I was still with ANACS in Colorado Springs, one day I shot a moose in my pajamas! How he got in my pajamas I'll never know!
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
If I bought a coin for $200, and wanted $225, I'd
say something like "I want Two and a Squirt"
on it.
Or, if a coin was offered at $575, I might say
"I'd pay five and a squirt"
I have never heard that one.
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
@cardinal said:
This one came from Great Britain, just a few years earlier:
a wonderful piece. whomever shot the image for that is a pro. some extreme level of sharpness (in a good way). so thanks for the large image.
is it a good candidate for a mineral oil soak to get rid of the grime in the low spots or do you think it is not an issue long-term?
some pretty diverse and major representation on the obv. oddly enough, reminds me of our educational notes.
The picture actually is a TrueView, but they just gave it a white background because the medal is not (as yet) been added into a registry set that is open to the public. At the extreme close-up, I can see those bits of grime, but in hand they disappear. (With my luck, if I soak the grime off, all of those areas would look unnaturally red! )>
@bolivarshagnasty said:
There is only one coin known as THE Moose. That is Aurora Borealis's 1881-S Morgan dollar. Since I have not seen him around these parts in a while, I will post the images here. I think everyone can agree on this one...................
I would not call this coin a moose
The coin itself is to common.
I would call this coin a monster toner .
I manage money. I earn money. I save money . I give away money. I collect money. I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
Comments
Anyone able to post a US-series moose in a new NGC holder?
When I first brought this into the Long Beach show raw maybe 8-10 years ago,


David Hall said this is a Moose! For a 44-S. He handed it over to the people working there and said....get this graded.
It was my first experience/home run buying raw on eBay ( entire pds mints)
BTW, Shorty after these were in the $3k range as I remember, now steady drop to about $500
.
.
.
CoinsAreFun Toned Silver Eagle Proof Album
.
Gallery Mint Museum, Ron Landis& Joe Rust, The beginnings of the Golden Dollar
.
More CoinsAreFun Pictorials NGC
Don't worry, you're not alone. Ricko feels left out as well.
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.With all the flow lines and die polish - I call this one Sexy
images.pcgs.com/TrueView/39486846_Max.jpg
My Washington Type B/C Set
Sort of? But not really. There are some out there just not in my hands.
I remember Moose being used back in the day but in my neck of the woods the term used more often was Honker, especially Big Ol' (F'ing) Honker -- same idea, different beast. Here's one that's a winner by 2 full pts:
White PL Moose
It's a moose!
What?
It just had to happen.
Moose and bonus Squirrel
I took this in October 1995 in Milan, NH

INYNWHWeTrust-TexasNationals,ajaan,blu62vette
coinJP, Outhaul ,illini420,MICHAELDIXON, Fade to Black,epcjimi1,19Lyds,SNMAN,JerseyJoe, bigjpst, DMWJR , lordmarcovan, Weiss,Mfriday4962,UtahCoin,Downtown1974,pitboss,RichieURich,Bullsitter,JDsCoins,toyz4geo,jshaulis, mustanggt, SNMAN, MWallace, ms71, lordmarcovan
I said the same thing when this intruder walked into my yard during our recent "Lockdown."
I’m sorry but I see more pictures of actual moose in the wild than “Moose” coins. Lots of pretty coins but I think overall many are off the mark in matching the coins with the term.
Latin American Collection
Well...I do not have any moose coins (in the traditional sense of the term). I do like that Franklin posted by @Skyman. I do recall when 'moose' was a more commonly used term, referring to coins with tarnish. And @TommyType, PM me whatever you deleted... I bet it was a good chuckle.
My coins, while in no way of moose caliber, may earn the zoological appellation of 'antelope'... sleek, and good looking.
So, enjoy your 'mooseness', and I will enjoy my coins....Lots of room for all of us....Cheers, RickO
Same Coin
I still don't think I understand the term. Is a moose a coin with a hammered strike or a coin with vivid color or a coin that's technically superior for it's grade? Would any CAC gold sticker coin be considered a moose? So many questions...
Or is a moose like pornography...you can't define it but you know it when you see it?
Nice coins posted in the thread though.
Easier to find moose marbles than a moose.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
Except for yours of course. Those are amazing.
To my definition there are several in this thread and I didn’t mean to just imply mine. I just mean that I think the term is potentially being misapplied to nice coins that are pretty and attractively toned versus absolute monster coins which stand so far out from the rest that you take a pause to appreciate. This doesn’t mean condition census pieces but ones which are set above the rest because of their special “PQ” appeal.
Latin American Collection
I get it. I will leave it there.
Picked this up yesterday for hardly nothing. The toning was worth it!


"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.There is only one coin known as THE Moose. That is Aurora Borealis's 1881-S Morgan dollar. Since I have not seen him around these parts in a while, I will post the images here. I think everyone can agree on this one...................


Still waiting on that definition of squirt Fred!
In order to qualify as a "Moose", above all else, a coin should be of superb/amazing quality. And if it's also gorgeously toned and/or incredibly lustrous and/or exceptionally well struck, so much the better. Personally, other than perhaps in very rare instances, I would not apply the term to coins of less than "gem"/"superb" quality.
Not surprisingly, based on many of the entries in this thread, I feel that the word has been misunderstood, misused and, abused.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
"Squirt" meant 25 -
If I bought a coin for $200, and wanted $225, I'd
say something like "I want Two and a Squirt"
on it.
Or, if a coin was offered at $575, I might say
"I'd pay five and a squirt"
Such is the nature of the coin business when the TPGs are not there to set standards. Perhaps we should advocate for a "Moose" designation at PCGS? With a special label depicting a moose, if they really want to do it right.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
And, I forgot to add that
Colonel Jessup told me
that he had heard the term
first, from Fred Sweeny (Kansas City)
about 40 years ago.....
However a coin need not be toned to qualify as special or be thought of as a moose.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Back while I was still with ANACS in Colorado Springs, one day I shot a moose in my pajamas! How he got in my pajamas I'll never know!
Unfortunately I do not think any of the coins in my collection would be considered a "Moose".
Maybe two or three would be considered a "Mouse"
if anyone REALLY wanted to peel the moose onion, the archives has TONNES of Mooses threads.
Love it! I'll try it out on you at the next show.
This one came from Great Britain, just a few years earlier:
Many, many meese in this thread.
a wonderful piece. whomever shot the image for that is a pro. some extreme level of sharpness (in a good way). so thanks for the large image.
is it a good candidate for a mineral oil soak to get rid of the grime in the low spots or do you think it is not an issue long-term?
some pretty diverse and major representation on the obv. oddly enough, reminds me of our educational notes.
I have never heard that one.
Some may consider this a palmated cervid:
This thread should be poofed for slandering all the real moose.
(And the plural of moose is moose).
What is the plural of goose?
The picture actually is a TrueView, but they just gave it a white background because the medal is not (as yet) been added into a registry set that is open to the public. At the extreme close-up, I can see those bits of grime, but in hand they disappear. (With my luck, if I soak the grime off, all of those areas would look unnaturally red!
)>
The plural of goose is "geese"!
I wouldn’t mix your geese with your moose.
I would not call this coin a moose
The coin itself is to common.
I would call this coin a monster toner .
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
.
Does this one qualify as a moose ? 😄
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
I like this one too!
Nice
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.