The 1857 Flying Eagle Cents have always been special to me. I found this one many years ago at a local shop for only a few dollars. The dealer told me it was just a damaged coin. I felt it was a clashed die coin but had no idea it was so special. When I found it listed in the CHERRYPICKERS' GUIDE, I was hooked. This put me on a long path of collecting the clashed die FEs. At that time not many knew what they were and I was able to find many priced at just a few dollars each.
This coin started my hunt. It's the S-7. The obverse die from the Cent was clashed with the obverse die from the $20 gold piece. It brought $3100 at auction a while back. I was a bit sad to see it go.
Thank you for the replies! I expected to read a wide variety of interesting choices, including the reasons for them, and if anything, have enjoyed reading your answers even more than anticipated.
As I was writing my initial post to this thread I asked myself what my answer would be to the question I posed. And although a date quickly came to mind, I decided to give it additional thought, as I wanted to be certain of how I’d reply, if asked. That date turned out to be the inevitable answer.
This probably won’t be a surprise to some of you because I’ve already posted on this subject several times previously. The most significant year of coinage for me is 1909 because…
Famous coin dealer, B. Max Mehl, was my grandmother's uncle. Sadly, I never got to know him, as he passed away when I was only three years old. Still, my grandmother was delighted when she learned that beginning at a young age, I was a serious coin collector.
My grandmother was born in 1909 and when she got married in 1930, B. Max Mehl gave her a gem 1909-S Saint, along with a handwritten note of congratulations, as a wedding gift. The signed note, which also contains the name of his wife, Ethel - the same name as that of my grandmother - reads:
“May your life be as bright and full of solid happiness as is the enclosed.
Dec-30-1930“
When I was a teenager, my grandmother told me that she would give me the coin one day. Many years later, after she had passed away, her son/my uncle called and informed me he had the 1909-S Saint and note from B. Max Mehl, and would be passing them on to me. He also told me that at one time, my grandmother (who had apparently forgotten her promise to me) was going to have the coin made into a necklace. But he convinced her not to do so and to allow him to keep it for me. Whew!
For many years, I have had the coin in an NGC holder, with a label which includes my grandmother's name - Ethel Mae Mehl.
Hopefully, it goes without saying, that I will always treasure it and the handwritten note of congratulations to my grandmother, which accompanies it.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Thank you for the replies! I expected to read a wide variety of interesting choices, including the reasons for them, and if anything, have enjoyed reading your answers even more than anticipated.
As I was writing my initial post to this thread I asked myself what my answer would be to the question I posed. And although a date quickly came to mind, I decided to give it additional thought, as I wanted to be certain of how I’d reply, if asked. That date turned out to be the inevitable answer.
This probably won’t be a surprise to some of you because I’ve already posted on this subject several times previously. The most significant year of coinage for me is 1909 because…
Famous coin dealer, B. Max Mehl, was my grandmother's uncle. Sadly, I never got to know him, as he passed away when I was only three years old. Still, my grandmother was delighted when she learned that beginning at a young age, I was a serious coin collector.
My grandmother was born in 1909 and when she got married in 1930, B. Max Mehl gave her a gem 1909-S Saint, along with a handwritten note of congratulations, as a wedding gift. The signed note, which also contains the name of his wife, Ethel - the same name as that of my grandmother - reads:
“May your life be as bright and full of solid happiness as is the enclosed.
Dec-30-1930“
When I was a teenager, my grandmother told me that she would give me the coin one day. Many years later, after she had passed away, her son/my uncle called and informed me he had the 1909-S Saint and note from B. Max Mehl, and would be passing them on to me. He also told me that at one time, my grandmother (who had apparently forgotten her promise to me) was going to have the coin made into a necklace. But he convinced her not to do so and to allow him to keep it for me. Whew!
For many years, I have had the coin in an NGC holder, with a label which includes my grandmother's name - Ethel Mae Mehl.
Hopefully, it goes without saying, that I will always treasure it and the handwritten note of congratulations to my grandmother, which accompanies it.
Well that explains a lot about you and your passion for coins. 😉
This probably won’t be a surprise to some of you because I’ve already posted on this subject several times previously. The most significant year of coinage for me is 1909 because…
Famous coin dealer, B. Max Mehl, was my grandmother's uncle. Sadly, I never got to know him, as he passed away when I was only three years old. Still, my grandmother was delighted when she learned that beginning at a young age, I was a serious coin collector.
My grandmother was born in 1909 and when she got married in 1930, B. Max Mehl gave her a gem 1909-S Saint, along with a handwritten note of congratulations, as a wedding gift. The signed note, which also contains the name of his wife, Ethel - the same name as that of my grandmother....
A pioneer in marketing! A classic Mehl advert from 1909:
Also, in 1909, Max's wife Ethel was admitted to membership in the ANA:
1804 is my special year for coins. I remember looking at my Dad's 1965 Red Book and comparing all of the prices for coins listed. A 1909-S VDB was Lincoln cent $125 in good and a 1916-D Mercury dime was $82.50 in good. Then the super coins like a Type 2 Restrike 1804 dollar had sales prices at auction of $28,000 in 1960 and $29,000 in 1961. As a ten year old that was moon money! You could buy a house and a car and maybe even a boat. Not a mansion of course. I have watched coin prices over the last 60 years and am happy to see most rare coins finally get the respect they deserve. It has always been a treat to view 1804 dollars, 1913 nickels, 1894-S dimes, 1827 quarters, 1838-O half dollars and other rarities at coin conventions. Back to the year 1804. Most US coins dated 1804 are rare and expensive. The half cent is the most reasonable priced 1804 coin. In my decades of collecting I have only owned two 1804 coins.
This is the birth year for both my parents. I put together a year set for her when she was in her late 90s, and gave her this composite photo that was framed and hung on her wall.
I've always been attracted to the late 19th century coins, particularly the two cent,
three cent silver, three cent nickel. and half dime as well as the normal denominations; but, never had the interest in completing a series set. Focusing on the year my grandparents' on my father's side were born - 1871 - gave me an incentive for putting together a year set which could be of either mint state or proof coins.
They were born in America and their parents came from what is known today as Germany. Thus, 1871 has a double significance to me. It was the year Otto von Bismarck united Germany. Prior to that it was a conglomeration of many kingdoms and empires and often referred to as Germania, the Holy Roman Empire, Prussia or the Franks. My grandparents lived above us on the second floor of a two flat in Chicago. I knew them well, especially my grandmother who was spry right up to the end. She passed away just before her 104th birthday, out living her husband by 20 years.
My Franklin collection is all mint state with one exception. It's a well worn 1952-P that my best friend gave me. Thirty years ago he heard I had started a collection and proudly gave me my birth year 52. It's not MS or FBL nor does it have incredibly color. But it's special and I got a big smile when I showed it to him in my Capital display with the other 34 coins.
The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
My year of significance would be 1882. I've told this story before here on the boards so will keep it short. My Dad worked in a small National Bank and obtained over 200 Morgan Mint bags over 60 years ago during the Treasury release. They came to his bank and a large dealer then transported by armored truck (and our chevy station wagon) to his bank and room sized vault. I helped count several bags to confirm weight of a circulated and MS bags. I was 6 or 7 years old. All bags were weighed for tolerance. For my efforts the dealer gave me a coin that my father kept for many years. I probably would have played with it and ruined it.
Before he passed, my Dad gave me the coin when I was in my 20's. This started my fascination with collecting Morgans and today I have the complete BS collection. I can only image a bag full of these. Basically my Dad and I were the only people to have possessed this coin.
Anyway besides stimulating the start of my Morgan collection, this coin always reminds me of my Dad.
I found the below 1972 DDO-003 in circulation as a kid in 1979. I took it to Alamo Heights Coins in San Antonio, and the owner recommended I send it to ANACS to get it authenticated, which, with the help (and financial backing) of my mom in 1980, I did. I've been looking for that photo cert for a LONG time, and finally found it in a box on the floor of my garage just a few weeks ago.
This is the exact coin that got me interested in varieties. In 2013, as a side gig, I was hired by ANACS as the Texas Regional Rep and am still with them today. This coin first made me aware of ANACS, and what they did.
My plan is to get the coin re-certified and slabbed by ANACS (maybe with a custom label, if @ANACSPAUL approves), and frame it with the cert.
In 2015, a dealer friend of mine asked me to review and give a thumbs up/down on a 20+ roll hoard of 1971, 1972, and 1973 DDO Lincolns, and in return we would split the profits. He later retired and gave me the rest of the hoard. The rolls of 1972 Doubled die cents were dies 2 ,3, 4 (there were 12 of them mixed in with the die 7's!), 5, 7, and 8, and this has been funding my other hobbies since we first started getting them certified (by ANACS of course!) and selling them on eBay. Though we've sold out of some of the various dies, about 1/3 of it remains.
It's also the year my younger brother was born, as well as my wife's younger brother.
So, it's definitely 1972 for me!!
You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
I hope you don't mind me taking a tangent on the thread's purpose. I think a date for me is secondary to a design that exudes grace and simplicity!
For example, I just love the depiction of Liberty that appears on the large cents of 1794.
Or, the open fields on this half cent:
An similarly on this dime:
And a combo of petite Liberty with expansive fields on this large cent:
As others have said, there can be a historical anchor that drives interest and I do like to learn about what were the associated events of the year impressed on the coin. I hope I've not derailed Mark's thread, so please continue with the date theme. It's very interesting to read!
Seated Half Society member #38 "Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
@Catbert said:
I hope you don't mind me taking a tangent on the thread's purpose. I think a date for me is secondary to a design that exudes grace and simplicity!
For example, I just love the depiction of Liberty that appears on the large cents of 1794.
Or, the open fields on this half cent:
An similarly on this dime:
And a combo of petite Liberty with expansive fields on this large cent:
As others have said, there can be a historical anchor that drives interest and I do like to learn about what were the associated events of the year impressed on the coin. I hope I've not derailed Mark's thread, so please continue with the date theme. It's very interesting to read!
I don’t mind at all. And often, a “derailment” or detour on a connecting path can improve a thread.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I collect Latin America. For me 1732 the first milled coins of the New World. Up till then it was cobs (there are cobs dated 1732 but at some point they made milled coins in the same year). They are all very rare except for the 8 reales but the most expensive one is the 8 reales (dollar sized).
@JeffersonFrog said:
My favorite is 1939, for the silliest of reasons - 39 was my jersey number in peewee football. Has been my go-to number for a long time.
I REALLY paid up for this coin, at Winter FUN many years ago, but the smooth surfaces and sharp strike are unlike any other that I've ever seen. Especially, for an issue that has a notoriously weak strike and is normally moderately abraded. Miss Liberty looks as though she's ready to stride right off the planchet!! So, I simply HAD to have it. She's a 64 but I paid closer to 65 money. Values have increased a lot, since then, so I don't feel bad, at all. Other bidders, obviously, noticed her fine attributes. I, also, compared her to a lot of NGC 65s and she looks much better.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
Famous coin dealer, B. Max Mehl, was my grandmother's uncle. Sadly, I never got to know him, as he passed away when I was only three years old. Still, my grandmother was delighted when she learned that beginning at a young age, I was a serious coin collector.
My grandmother was born in 1909 and when she got married in 1930, B. Max Mehl gave her a gem 1909-S Saint, along with a handwritten note of congratulations, as a wedding gift. The signed note, which also contains the name of his wife, Ethel - the same name as that of my grandmother - reads:
“May your life be as bright and full of solid happiness as is the enclosed.
Dec-30-1930“
When I was a teenager, my grandmother told me that she would give me the coin one day. Many years later, after she had passed away, her son/my uncle called and informed me he had the 1909-S Saint and note from B. Max Mehl, and would be passing them on to me. He also told me that at one time, my grandmother (who had apparently forgotten her promise to me) was going to have the coin made into a necklace. But he convinced her not to do so and to allow him to keep it for me. Whew!
What a fun share. Thanks. Checking the archives I came across this thread posting from 8/1/2012 regarding the pronunciation of your grandmother's uncle's name "Mehl" as posted by forum member Dentuck:
"From Q. David Bowers's "Numismatic Insider" column at www.whitman.com:
He pronounced his name to rhyme with sale, as indicated by
his advertisements which encouraged people to get on his “Mehl-ing list.”
However, most everyone in his lifetime and afterward has used the
pronunciation mell."
Then forum member curly followed it up with this post:
"I'll bet you that Feld feller can tell you how it is pronounced."
1898 has always been my favorite. I've always been drawn to the proof coins of that year because of the outrageous cameo contrast and toning. Always imagined walking into a bank in 1898, and getting a full proof set including the gold.....Great year.
Following up on another archived posting, here is an excerpt from one of my own with a Max Mehl connection. The thread was titled,"Backstory regarding my 1850 $20 Double Eagle, "Almost equal to a Brilliant Proof" per Max Mehl:"
"While my script was not picked up for airing while the show [Hawaiii Five-0] was still active it may yet in some modified form see production. The stolen and subsequently recovered coins in the story as I drafted it featured a 1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial that had historically actually been stolen in 1928 and my own specimen of an 1850 Double Eagle purported to have likely been the first $20 gold piece minted in the United States.
In conjunction with a recent submission of the script I compiled the following “Backstory Regarding the 1850 $20 Double Eagle Gold Piece.”
Thanks and credit goes to many here on this board who have helped to put together the pieces of the backstory. When I first acquired the coin some two decades ago I knew only what was represented on the holder. Subsequently I learned that the coin had been featured in the original CoinFacts.com as a “Significant Example” of the 1850 Double Eagle with the note, “Proofs: Unique?” The late Karl Moulton who went by “firstmint” here on the forum added additional insight as did poster “yosclimber” who identified a 1949 auction record describing the coin. Former poster Roger Bourdette provided United States Mint records that helped to distinguish the coin from an 1850 double eagle proof that exists in a Paris museum. In addition Rick Snow was able to provide to Karl Moulton helpful information from an original 1870 auction catalog in his possession.
Forum member yosclimber deserves credit for connecting my coin to the Max Mehl auction.
Here is the just compiled “Backstory Regarding the 1850 $20 Double Eagle Gold Piece:
The subject 1850 $20 double eagle gold piece presently in the author’s possession has an interesting history. As referenced in the Script Narrative, it has been traced back to having been in the personal collection of its designer, James B. Longacre, the 4th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. As such it may have been the first $20 United States coin minted for general circulation. (The unique and priceless 1849 specimen in the Smithsonian was minted as a trial piece rather than for circulation.)
Based upon the similarity of auction descriptions and identification of its owners, including in particular a Dr. C.W. Green, the coin’s history is traced through three separate time periods to the present. It was initially identified in the 1870 Longacre Estate Auction as Lot 178 with a description as being a proof and one of the first minted. Specifically the auction description stated, “from the first dies used for the double eagle.” From an original auction catalogue in the possession of prominent coin dealer Rick Snow it was learned that the purchaser was Edward Cogan, a noted coin auctioneer and dealer at the time.
Numismatic legend and author Walter Breen wrote in his “Breen’s Encyclopedia of US and Colonial Proofs” that he was aware of a Dr. Green’s ownership of a purported proof $20 1850 double eagle.
In 1949 noted numismatist Max Mehl, and at the time the most prominent coin dealer in the United States, provided an auction description for an 1850 $20 double eagle that was both attributed to prior ownership by Dr. Green, and also of proof appearance. Identified as Lot 719 Max Mehl wrote in his auction description describing the coin, “The most beautiful specimen of this date $20.00 gold piece I have ever seen or that I can find record of. This coin was purchased by Dr. Green as a proof ….. The obverse is brilliant and equal to a brilliant proof. I classify it as a brilliant semi-proof, almost equal to a brilliant proof.”
1921 PL and I wish I could say DMPL Morgans are my favorite. Its the chase of a nice coin from a massive amount minted. I have stopped purchasing them and now I'm moving on to a box of 20.
The Morgan in this image intrigues me because it has squared rims. I just don't think I'm lucky enough to crack a PR from a slab.
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7
Famous coin dealer, B. Max Mehl, was my grandmother's uncle. Sadly, I never got to know him, as he passed away when I was only three years old. Still, my grandmother was delighted when she learned that beginning at a young age, I was a serious coin collector.
My grandmother was born in 1909 and when she got married in 1930, B. Max Mehl gave her a gem 1909-S Saint, along with a handwritten note of congratulations, as a wedding gift. The signed note, which also contains the name of his wife, Ethel - the same name as that of my grandmother - reads:
“May your life be as bright and full of solid happiness as is the enclosed.
Dec-30-1930“
When I was a teenager, my grandmother told me that she would give me the coin one day. Many years later, after she had passed away, her son/my uncle called and informed me he had the 1909-S Saint and note from B. Max Mehl, and would be passing them on to me. He also told me that at one time, my grandmother (who had apparently forgotten her promise to me) was going to have the coin made into a necklace. But he convinced her not to do so and to allow him to keep it for me. Whew!
What a fun share. Thanks. Checking the archives I came across this thread posting from 8/1/2012 regarding the pronunciation of your grandmother's uncle's name "Mehl" as posted by forum member Dentuck:
"From Q. David Bowers's "Numismatic Insider" column at www.whitman.com:
He pronounced his name to rhyme with sale, as indicated by
his advertisements which encouraged people to get on his “Mehl-ing list.”
However, most everyone in his lifetime and afterward has used the
pronunciation mell."
Then forum member curly followed it up with this post:
"I'll bet you that Feld feller can tell you how it is pronounced."
Now the rest of us know the inside story as well.
Thank you for that. I don’t know how B. Max Mehl pronounced his name. But I never heard it pronounced anything other than “mell” from my family members who’ve spoken it over the years.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
@Early_Milled_Latin_America said:
I collect Latin America. For me 1732 the first milled coins of the New World. Up till then it was cobs (there are cobs dated 1732 but at some point they made milled coins in the same year). They are all very rare except for the 8 reales but the most expensive one is the 8 reales (dollar sized).
Here is a 1732 milled 8 reales (not my coin). There are about 100 known (some are sea salvaged). But I am sure there are some at the bottom of the sea somewhere out there since some boats sank carrying coins back to the old world (thing is you have to locate them and the cost of that would be a lot of money):
1) Last year of the "wheat" reverse.
2) My birth year (1958).
3) My birth place (Denver).
4) My cousin is depicted on the coin (Abraham Lincoln).
.
"4) My cousin is depicted on the coin (Abraham Lincoln)."
Your cousin is Abraham Lincoln!?
.
Yes. From me, go up 9 generations to a common ancestor Penelope Stout (the "First Lady of Monmouth County New Jersey").
And then from her go down 7 levels on a different branch and there is President Abraham Lincoln.
Also, on a third branch, go down 4 levels from Penelope Stout to Zebulon Pike. So Zebulon Pike (of Pike's Peak fame and the 1806 Southwest expedition) is also my cousin. That also makes Zebulon Pike and Abraham Lincoln cousins of each other.
A brief history of Penelope Stout (some details are sketchy and disputed):
Penelope VanPrincis and her husband took a ship from Holland to America. In 1634 the ship ran aground on the coast of New Jersey. Due to possible attack by hostile natives, most of the passengers and crew made haste (on foot) from the shipwreck to New Amsterdam (now New York City). The husband was too ill to travel on foot and had to stay behind on the beach. Penelope VanPrincis also stayed behind with him. The pair was subsequently attacked by Lenape natives. He was killed and she was brutally beaten, literally gutted, and left for dead. She crawled into the hollow of an old tree to die. A few days later an elderly native and his son came along and discovered her there. The son wanted to finish her off. But the elder native took her to their camp for healing. A few months later the elder native took Penelope VanPrincis to New Amsterdam, presumably expecting to "trade" her for something of value. After some time in New Amsterdam, Penelope VanPrincis married Richard Stout and became Penelope Stout. She had several Stout children and eventually lived to be 110 years old !
Penelope Stout came within inches and hours of death (literally). If she had died, I would not exist and neither would Zebulon Pike or Abraham Lincoln.
.
There are cast bronze medals depicting the tale of Penelope Stout:
.
And there have been numerous medals for Zebulon Pike and Pike's Peak:
1) Last year of the "wheat" reverse.
2) My birth year (1958).
3) My birth place (Denver).
4) My cousin is depicted on the coin (Abraham Lincoln).
.
"4) My cousin is depicted on the coin (Abraham Lincoln)."
Your cousin is Abraham Lincoln!?
.
Yes. From me, go up 8 generations to a common ancestor Penelope Stout (the "First Lady of Monmouth County New Jersey").
And then from her go down 7 levels on a different branch and there is President Abraham Lincoln.
Also, on a third branch, go down 4 levels from Penelope Stout to Zebulon Pike. So Zebulon Pike (of Pike's Peak fame and the 1806 Southwest expedition) is also my cousin. That also makes Zebulon Pike and Abraham Lincoln cousins of each other.....
.
Wow, what a story, what history! Thanks for sharing, you must be very proud. Congratulations!
I've lived in the Denver Metro for the last 50 years, mainly Arvada, Westminster, & Broomfield. Lot's of change over the years.
And still, I've never been to the D-Mint. Unreal, but it's on the list! Sort of like if someone lived here for 50 years and never went to the Mountains...
As an aside, have you ever checked to see if you have a connection to Kevin Bacon?
Thank you for the replies! I expected to read a wide variety of interesting choices, including the reasons for them, and if anything, have enjoyed reading your answers even more than anticipated.
As I was writing my initial post to this thread I asked myself what my answer would be to the question I posed. And although a date quickly came to mind, I decided to give it additional thought, as I wanted to be certain of how I’d reply, if asked. That date turned out to be the inevitable answer.
This probably won’t be a surprise to some of you because I’ve already posted on this subject several times previously. The most significant year of coinage for me is 1909 because…
Famous coin dealer, B. Max Mehl, was my grandmother's uncle. Sadly, I never got to know him, as he passed away when I was only three years old. Still, my grandmother was delighted when she learned that beginning at a young age, I was a serious coin collector.
My grandmother was born in 1909 and when she got married in 1930, B. Max Mehl gave her a gem 1909-S Saint, along with a handwritten note of congratulations, as a wedding gift. The signed note, which also contains the name of his wife, Ethel - the same name as that of my grandmother - reads:
“May your life be as bright and full of solid happiness as is the enclosed.
Dec-30-1930“
When I was a teenager, my grandmother told me that she would give me the coin one day. Many years later, after she had passed away, her son/my uncle called and informed me he had the 1909-S Saint and note from B. Max Mehl, and would be passing them on to me. He also told me that at one time, my grandmother (who had apparently forgotten her promise to me) was going to have the coin made into a necklace. But he convinced her not to do so and to allow him to keep it for me. Whew!
For many years, I have had the coin in an NGC holder, with a label which includes my grandmother's name - Ethel Mae Mehl.
Hopefully, it goes without saying, that I will always treasure it and the handwritten note of congratulations to my grandmother, which accompanies it.
I like the year 1793, although I don’t have anything from that year… Yet
1909 is a cool year, these are a few pieces from my collection that you may appreciate…
1) Last year of the "wheat" reverse.
2) My birth year (1958).
3) My birth place (Denver).
4) My cousin is depicted on the coin (Abraham Lincoln).
.
"4) My cousin is depicted on the coin (Abraham Lincoln)."
Your cousin is Abraham Lincoln!?
.
Yes. From me, go up 8 generations to a common ancestor Penelope Stout (the "First Lady of Monmouth County New Jersey").
And then from her go down 7 levels on a different branch and there is President Abraham Lincoln.
Also, on a third branch, go down 4 levels from Penelope Stout to Zebulon Pike. So Zebulon Pike (of Pike's Peak fame and the 1806 Southwest expedition) is also my cousin. That also makes Zebulon Pike and Abraham Lincoln cousins of each other.....
.
Wow, what a story, what history! Thanks for sharing, you must be very proud. Congratulations!
I've lived in the Denver Metro for the last 50 years, mainly Arvada, Westminster, & Broomfield. Lot's of change over the years.
And still, I've never been to the D-Mint. Unreal, but it's on the list! Sort of like if someone lived here for 50 years and never went to the Mountains...
As an aside, have you ever checked to see if you have a connection to Kevin Bacon?
.
I grew up near Golden, up on Lookout Mountain near Buffalo Bill's grave and museum. Yes, it is a lot different now (more people). It was a great time and place to be a kid. We had an entire mountain valley (Apex Gulch) as our own playground.
Sometimes the ANA or a local coin club will have an organized special tour of the Denver Mint. I think the ANA Summer Seminar has one, but I don't know if it is a special production floor tour, or just the standard public tour.
My wife did all the genealogy (she likes it as a hobby). I will ask her about Kevin Bacon
1) Last year of the "wheat" reverse.
2) My birth year (1958).
3) My birth place (Denver).
4) My cousin is depicted on the coin (Abraham Lincoln).
It was late at night, I kept looking at your exceptional coin and kept rubbing my eyes as I was seeing double vision. I've finally said, "I've got to go to bed."
Next day I looked at your coin again. Still had the double vision and finally asked myself "Is there a Double Die 1958 D ?"
Comments
The 1857 Flying Eagle Cents have always been special to me. I found this one many years ago at a local shop for only a few dollars. The dealer told me it was just a damaged coin. I felt it was a clashed die coin but had no idea it was so special. When I found it listed in the CHERRYPICKERS' GUIDE, I was hooked. This put me on a long path of collecting the clashed die FEs. At that time not many knew what they were and I was able to find many priced at just a few dollars each.
This coin started my hunt. It's the S-7. The obverse die from the Cent was clashed with the obverse die from the $20 gold piece. It brought $3100 at auction a while back. I was a bit sad to see it go.
Thank you for the replies! I expected to read a wide variety of interesting choices, including the reasons for them, and if anything, have enjoyed reading your answers even more than anticipated.
As I was writing my initial post to this thread I asked myself what my answer would be to the question I posed. And although a date quickly came to mind, I decided to give it additional thought, as I wanted to be certain of how I’d reply, if asked. That date turned out to be the inevitable answer.
This probably won’t be a surprise to some of you because I’ve already posted on this subject several times previously. The most significant year of coinage for me is 1909 because…
Famous coin dealer, B. Max Mehl, was my grandmother's uncle. Sadly, I never got to know him, as he passed away when I was only three years old. Still, my grandmother was delighted when she learned that beginning at a young age, I was a serious coin collector.
My grandmother was born in 1909 and when she got married in 1930, B. Max Mehl gave her a gem 1909-S Saint, along with a handwritten note of congratulations, as a wedding gift. The signed note, which also contains the name of his wife, Ethel - the same name as that of my grandmother - reads:
“May your life be as bright and full of solid happiness as is the enclosed.
Dec-30-1930“
When I was a teenager, my grandmother told me that she would give me the coin one day. Many years later, after she had passed away, her son/my uncle called and informed me he had the 1909-S Saint and note from B. Max Mehl, and would be passing them on to me. He also told me that at one time, my grandmother (who had apparently forgotten her promise to me) was going to have the coin made into a necklace.
But he convinced her not to do so and to allow him to keep it for me. Whew!
For many years, I have had the coin in an NGC holder, with a label which includes my grandmother's name - Ethel Mae Mehl.
Hopefully, it goes without saying, that I will always treasure it and the handwritten note of congratulations to my grandmother, which accompanies it.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Mark, that’s a great story about your treasured 1909 coin, and your relation to the pioneering genius of the numismatic trade, B Max Mehl.
30+ years coin shop experience (ret.) Coins, bullion, currency, scrap & interesting folks. Loved every minute!
Well that explains a lot about you and your passion for coins. 😉
Thank you for sharing your story.😎
A pioneer in marketing! A classic Mehl advert from 1909:
Also, in 1909, Max's wife Ethel was admitted to membership in the ANA:
1804 is my special year for coins. I remember looking at my Dad's 1965 Red Book and comparing all of the prices for coins listed. A 1909-S VDB was Lincoln cent $125 in good and a 1916-D Mercury dime was $82.50 in good. Then the super coins like a Type 2 Restrike 1804 dollar had sales prices at auction of $28,000 in 1960 and $29,000 in 1961. As a ten year old that was moon money! You could buy a house and a car and maybe even a boat. Not a mansion of course. I have watched coin prices over the last 60 years and am happy to see most rare coins finally get the respect they deserve. It has always been a treat to view 1804 dollars, 1913 nickels, 1894-S dimes, 1827 quarters, 1838-O half dollars and other rarities at coin conventions. Back to the year 1804. Most US coins dated 1804 are rare and expensive. The half cent is the most reasonable priced 1804 coin. In my decades of collecting I have only owned two 1804 coins.
This is the birth year for both my parents. I put together a year set for her when she was in her late 90s, and gave her this composite photo that was framed and hung on her wall.
I put together a separate set for myself.
I've always been attracted to the late 19th century coins, particularly the two cent,
three cent silver, three cent nickel. and half dime as well as the normal denominations; but, never had the interest in completing a series set. Focusing on the year my grandparents' on my father's side were born - 1871 - gave me an incentive for putting together a year set which could be of either mint state or proof coins.
They were born in America and their parents came from what is known today as Germany. Thus, 1871 has a double significance to me. It was the year Otto von Bismarck united Germany. Prior to that it was a conglomeration of many kingdoms and empires and often referred to as Germania, the Holy Roman Empire, Prussia or the Franks. My grandparents lived above us on the second floor of a two flat in Chicago. I knew them well, especially my grandmother who was spry right up to the end. She passed away just before her 104th birthday, out living her husband by 20 years.
My Franklin collection is all mint state with one exception. It's a well worn 1952-P that my best friend gave me. Thirty years ago he heard I had started a collection and proudly gave me my birth year 52. It's not MS or FBL nor does it have incredibly color. But it's special and I got a big smile when I showed it to him in my Capital display with the other 34 coins.
My year of significance would be 1882. I've told this story before here on the boards so will keep it short. My Dad worked in a small National Bank and obtained over 200 Morgan Mint bags over 60 years ago during the Treasury release. They came to his bank and a large dealer then transported by armored truck (and our chevy station wagon) to his bank and room sized vault. I helped count several bags to confirm weight of a circulated and MS bags. I was 6 or 7 years old. All bags were weighed for tolerance. For my efforts the dealer gave me a coin that my father kept for many years. I probably would have played with it and ruined it.
Before he passed, my Dad gave me the coin when I was in my 20's. This started my fascination with collecting Morgans and today I have the complete BS collection. I can only image a bag full of these. Basically my Dad and I were the only people to have possessed this coin.
Anyway besides stimulating the start of my Morgan collection, this coin always reminds me of my Dad.
1972.
I found the below 1972 DDO-003 in circulation as a kid in 1979. I took it to Alamo Heights Coins in San Antonio, and the owner recommended I send it to ANACS to get it authenticated, which, with the help (and financial backing) of my mom in 1980, I did. I've been looking for that photo cert for a LONG time, and finally found it in a box on the floor of my garage just a few weeks ago.
This is the exact coin that got me interested in varieties. In 2013, as a side gig, I was hired by ANACS as the Texas Regional Rep and am still with them today. This coin first made me aware of ANACS, and what they did.
My plan is to get the coin re-certified and slabbed by ANACS (maybe with a custom label, if @ANACSPAUL approves), and frame it with the cert.
In 2015, a dealer friend of mine asked me to review and give a thumbs up/down on a 20+ roll hoard of 1971, 1972, and 1973 DDO Lincolns, and in return we would split the profits. He later retired and gave me the rest of the hoard. The rolls of 1972 Doubled die cents were dies 2 ,3, 4 (there were 12 of them mixed in with the die 7's!), 5, 7, and 8, and this has been funding my other hobbies since we first started getting them certified (by ANACS of course!) and selling them on eBay. Though we've sold out of some of the various dies, about 1/3 of it remains.
It's also the year my younger brother was born, as well as my wife's younger brother.
So, it's definitely 1972 for me!!
Nothing riveting.
1878p Morgan
1938d Buffalo
Both are almost perfect.
Beginning and end of an era.
BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out
I hope you don't mind me taking a tangent on the thread's purpose. I think a date for me is secondary to a design that exudes grace and simplicity!
For example, I just love the depiction of Liberty that appears on the large cents of 1794.
Or, the open fields on this half cent:
An similarly on this dime:
And a combo of petite Liberty with expansive fields on this large cent:
As others have said, there can be a historical anchor that drives interest and I do like to learn about what were the associated events of the year impressed on the coin. I hope I've not derailed Mark's thread, so please continue with the date theme. It's very interesting to read!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
More than likely 1942. It was the year of my first non-modern Proof, and it hooked me.
Coin Photographer.
I don’t mind at all. And often, a “derailment” or detour on a connecting path can improve a thread.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I collect Latin America. For me 1732 the first milled coins of the New World. Up till then it was cobs (there are cobs dated 1732 but at some point they made milled coins in the same year). They are all very rare except for the 8 reales but the most expensive one is the 8 reales (dollar sized).
Nice toning on that Jefferson.
I have a hard time deciding between 1856, 1907, and 1909. I think it hinges on the series you collect
Here's mine:
I REALLY paid up for this coin, at Winter FUN many years ago, but the smooth surfaces and sharp strike are unlike any other that I've ever seen. Especially, for an issue that has a notoriously weak strike and is normally moderately abraded. Miss Liberty looks as though she's ready to stride right off the planchet!! So, I simply HAD to have it. She's a 64 but I paid closer to 65 money. Values have increased a lot, since then, so I don't feel bad, at all. Other bidders, obviously, noticed her fine attributes.
I, also, compared her to a lot of NGC 65s and she looks much better. 
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 a fun share. Thanks. Checking the archives I came across this thread posting from 8/1/2012 regarding the pronunciation of your grandmother's uncle's name "Mehl" as posted by forum member Dentuck:
"From Q. David Bowers's "Numismatic Insider" column at www.whitman.com:
He pronounced his name to rhyme with sale, as indicated by
his advertisements which encouraged people to get on his “Mehl-ing list.”
However, most everyone in his lifetime and afterward has used the
pronunciation mell."
Then forum member curly followed it up with this post:
"I'll bet you that Feld feller can tell you how it is pronounced."
Now the rest of us know the inside story as well.
1898 has always been my favorite. I've always been drawn to the proof coins of that year because of the outrageous cameo contrast and toning. Always imagined walking into a bank in 1898, and getting a full proof set including the gold.....Great year.
Following up on another archived posting, here is an excerpt from one of my own with a Max Mehl connection. The thread was titled,"Backstory regarding my 1850 $20 Double Eagle, "Almost equal to a Brilliant Proof" per Max Mehl:"
"While my script was not picked up for airing while the show [Hawaiii Five-0] was still active it may yet in some modified form see production. The stolen and subsequently recovered coins in the story as I drafted it featured a 1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial that had historically actually been stolen in 1928 and my own specimen of an 1850 Double Eagle purported to have likely been the first $20 gold piece minted in the United States.
In conjunction with a recent submission of the script I compiled the following “Backstory Regarding the 1850 $20 Double Eagle Gold Piece.”
Thanks and credit goes to many here on this board who have helped to put together the pieces of the backstory. When I first acquired the coin some two decades ago I knew only what was represented on the holder. Subsequently I learned that the coin had been featured in the original CoinFacts.com as a “Significant Example” of the 1850 Double Eagle with the note, “Proofs: Unique?” The late Karl Moulton who went by “firstmint” here on the forum added additional insight as did poster “yosclimber” who identified a 1949 auction record describing the coin. Former poster Roger Bourdette provided United States Mint records that helped to distinguish the coin from an 1850 double eagle proof that exists in a Paris museum. In addition Rick Snow was able to provide to Karl Moulton helpful information from an original 1870 auction catalog in his possession.
Forum member yosclimber deserves credit for connecting my coin to the Max Mehl auction.
Here is the just compiled “Backstory Regarding the 1850 $20 Double Eagle Gold Piece:
The subject 1850 $20 double eagle gold piece presently in the author’s possession has an interesting history. As referenced in the Script Narrative, it has been traced back to having been in the personal collection of its designer, James B. Longacre, the 4th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. As such it may have been the first $20 United States coin minted for general circulation. (The unique and priceless 1849 specimen in the Smithsonian was minted as a trial piece rather than for circulation.)
Based upon the similarity of auction descriptions and identification of its owners, including in particular a Dr. C.W. Green, the coin’s history is traced through three separate time periods to the present. It was initially identified in the 1870 Longacre Estate Auction as Lot 178 with a description as being a proof and one of the first minted. Specifically the auction description stated, “from the first dies used for the double eagle.” From an original auction catalogue in the possession of prominent coin dealer Rick Snow it was learned that the purchaser was Edward Cogan, a noted coin auctioneer and dealer at the time.
Numismatic legend and author Walter Breen wrote in his “Breen’s Encyclopedia of US and Colonial Proofs” that he was aware of a Dr. Green’s ownership of a purported proof $20 1850 double eagle.
In 1949 noted numismatist Max Mehl, and at the time the most prominent coin dealer in the United States, provided an auction description for an 1850 $20 double eagle that was both attributed to prior ownership by Dr. Green, and also of proof appearance. Identified as Lot 719 Max Mehl wrote in his auction description describing the coin, “The most beautiful specimen of this date $20.00 gold piece I have ever seen or that I can find record of. This coin was purchased by Dr. Green as a proof ….. The obverse is brilliant and equal to a brilliant proof. I classify it as a brilliant semi-proof, almost equal to a brilliant proof.”
Guess I will have to add 1850 as a favorite year.
OK, here is a photo of the subject 1850 coin:
1921 PL and I wish I could say DMPL Morgans are my favorite. Its the chase of a nice coin from a massive amount minted. I have stopped purchasing them and now I'm moving on to a box of 20.
The Morgan in this image intrigues me because it has squared rims. I just don't think I'm lucky enough to crack a PR from a slab.
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7
Thank you for that. I don’t know how B. Max Mehl pronounced his name. But I never heard it pronounced anything other than “mell” from my family members who’ve spoken it over the years.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
1958-D Lincoln cent:
1) Last year of the "wheat" reverse.
2) My birth year (1958).
3) My birth place (Denver).
4) My cousin is depicted on the coin (Abraham Lincoln).
Also this one because I designed it
And this one because it is my favorite:
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"4) My cousin is depicted on the coin (Abraham Lincoln)."
Your cousin is Abraham Lincoln!?
AD 69, Year of 4 emperors
My mothers birth year was 1921. For that reason I searched out the most beautiful buffalo nickel I could find in that date.
Thanks for looking😊
Here is a 1732 milled 8 reales (not my coin). There are about 100 known (some are sea salvaged). But I am sure there are some at the bottom of the sea somewhere out there since some boats sank carrying coins back to the old world (thing is you have to locate them and the cost of that would be a lot of money):
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Yes. From me, go up 9 generations to a common ancestor Penelope Stout (the "First Lady of Monmouth County New Jersey").
And then from her go down 7 levels on a different branch and there is President Abraham Lincoln.
Also, on a third branch, go down 4 levels from Penelope Stout to Zebulon Pike. So Zebulon Pike (of Pike's Peak fame and the 1806 Southwest expedition) is also my cousin. That also makes Zebulon Pike and Abraham Lincoln cousins of each other.
A brief history of Penelope Stout (some details are sketchy and disputed):
Penelope VanPrincis and her husband took a ship from Holland to America. In 1634 the ship ran aground on the coast of New Jersey. Due to possible attack by hostile natives, most of the passengers and crew made haste (on foot) from the shipwreck to New Amsterdam (now New York City). The husband was too ill to travel on foot and had to stay behind on the beach. Penelope VanPrincis also stayed behind with him. The pair was subsequently attacked by Lenape natives. He was killed and she was brutally beaten, literally gutted, and left for dead. She crawled into the hollow of an old tree to die. A few days later an elderly native and his son came along and discovered her there. The son wanted to finish her off. But the elder native took her to their camp for healing. A few months later the elder native took Penelope VanPrincis to New Amsterdam, presumably expecting to "trade" her for something of value. After some time in New Amsterdam, Penelope VanPrincis married Richard Stout and became Penelope Stout. She had several Stout children and eventually lived to be 110 years old !
Penelope Stout came within inches and hours of death (literally). If she had died, I would not exist and neither would Zebulon Pike or Abraham Lincoln.
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There are cast bronze medals depicting the tale of Penelope Stout:
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And there have been numerous medals for Zebulon Pike and Pike's Peak:
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Wow, what a story, what history! Thanks for sharing, you must be very proud. Congratulations!
I've lived in the Denver Metro for the last 50 years, mainly Arvada, Westminster, & Broomfield. Lot's of change over the years.
And still, I've never been to the D-Mint. Unreal, but it's on the list! Sort of like if someone lived here for 50 years and never went to the Mountains...
As an aside, have you ever checked to see if you have a connection to Kevin Bacon?
1907.
fka renman95, Sep 2005, 7,000 posts
Indeed, a cool year.
My YouTube Channel
I like the year 1793, although I don’t have anything from that year… Yet
1909 is a cool year, these are a few pieces from my collection that you may appreciate…
My YouTube Channel
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I grew up near Golden, up on Lookout Mountain near Buffalo Bill's grave and museum. Yes, it is a lot different now (more people). It was a great time and place to be a kid. We had an entire mountain valley (Apex Gulch) as our own playground.
Sometimes the ANA or a local coin club will have an organized special tour of the Denver Mint. I think the ANA Summer Seminar has one, but I don't know if it is a special production floor tour, or just the standard public tour.
My wife did all the genealogy (she likes it as a hobby). I will ask her about Kevin Bacon
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It was late at night, I kept looking at your exceptional coin and kept rubbing my eyes as I was seeing double vision. I've finally said, "I've got to go to bed."
Next day I looked at your coin again. Still had the double vision and finally asked myself "Is there a Double Die 1958 D ?"
You could have warned us!