@pursuitofliberty: great tale Todd; quite the saga! You’re right - sometimes these inanimate objects we call coins do have a way of finding us. I love the coin & am glad it found its way to you! I know you’ll really enjoy this one for some time.
Ken
Hanging with our youngest grandson in Houston on his bday. No red eye today but his Mom brewed a mean dark roast. I’m very pleased to post the last of the 3 Jett Collection Barber dimes:
Top notch, highly lustrous, exceptional example with stunning eye appeal. Pedigree is Lily Nicole, a set named after the collector’s granddaughter.
Having a cup and admiring this medal from the Civil War Token Society. My first literary award. I received this in recognition of my article on the historic Massachusetts for Justice medal. I wish I could be in Oklahoma City at the ANA Convention next week to receive it in person, but it is not to be. David Schenkman won first place, an amazing author and researcher, and I am truly honored to be mentioned in the same setting as he.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
What was your article about? @DCW It's always an honor to be recognized! Congrat's!!
.
Here's my contribution today. I have seen and been offered a couple 1819/8 Small 9's over the past couple of years, but none were quite compelling enough to dethrone this crusty girl.
Glad I found her when I did ... glad I still have her here with me.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
G'mornin Everyone... rethinking my Box of 20 this AM. Still a few coins I want ( Fugio Cent, 1795 Half, $3 Gold) but I'm considering selling off my California Fractional (not pictured) and one of my Hard Times tokens... hmmmm, decisions, decisions...
Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;
Going RD again on a warm Red Eye Saturday here in the SF Bay Area:
The Close 3 is the toughest of the variety pair alongside the more available Open 3. Current survival estimates place the Close 3 version at about 1:5 when compared to the Open 3. This particular coin has an impressive pedigree, owned by Alan Epstein some 30+ years ago & later acquired by Stewart Blay. Interestingly, Blay already owned a 66RD, but liked this example so much he acquired it to represent this slot in his Registry set.
A look at the photos explains why. The coin is an ultra lustrous full RD with minimal marks consistent with the grade & has exceptional eye appeal. Still housed in a OGH, it’s also favored with both the EEPS & CAC stickers of approval.
Posted this a few days ago on the new purchases thread, but every other coin is back in my SDB, so here ya go. Picked it up for type, and because it’s historic and cool. Already finished my Dunkin’….
Pumped to get this super early die state 14-106 in the mail this week. Thanks to @Davidk7 at peakrarities.
This doesn’t have any semblance of any die crack whatsoever. The first one starts from edge to R on the reverse. The earliest die state is probably R6?
The photos don’t show it but it has a bit of soft, purplish, muted luster. Not a lot but typical for a nice XF.
Pretty cool. I own very few Bust Halves but I do own an 1814 106A. I actually bought mine because of the cracks. The same month I bought that half I bought my circa 1870 1 and a half story A-Frame house. It was a dogfight to see which had the most cracks ; house or coin. James
@seatedlib3991 said:
Pretty cool. I own very few Bust Halves but I do own an 1814 106A. I actually bought mine because of the cracks. The same month I bought that half I bought my circa 1870 1 and a half story A-Frame house. It was a dogfight to see which had the most cracks ; house or coin. James
Cool! Do you have pictures of it?
Here’s mine. Just a nice little raw piece courtesy of @habaraca with all the cracks. The die is in such shambles, the coin rocks as if it were bent.
I have to admit, I’ve moved on to an energy drink after a couple espresso shots this am
@seatedlib3991 said:
Pretty cool. I own very few Bust Halves but I do own an 1814 106A. I actually bought mine because of the cracks. The same month I bought that half I bought my circa 1870 1 and a half story A-Frame house. It was a dogfight to see which had the most cracks ; house or coin. James
Cool! Do you have pictures of it?
Here’s mine. Just a nice little raw piece courtesy of @habaraca with all the cracks. The die is in such shambles, the coin rocks as if it were bent.
I have to admit, I’ve moved on to an energy drink after a couple espresso shots this am
Spend a little less on coins and get a manicure.........
Q: When does a collector become a numismatist?
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
New upgrade for a common date. It's off to PCGS for some new plastic and pics to work in my variety set so the sticker is kind of in the way.
The surfaces (other than the chops) are about as pristine and original as one could hope for. Deep color and plenty of luster. I really like this coin.
@seatedlib3991 said:
Pretty cool. I own very few Bust Halves but I do own an 1814 106A. I actually bought mine because of the cracks. The same month I bought that half I bought my circa 1870 1 and a half story A-Frame house. It was a dogfight to see which had the most cracks ; house or coin. James
Cool! Do you have pictures of it?
Here’s mine. Just a nice little raw piece courtesy of @habaraca with all the cracks. The die is in such shambles, the coin rocks as if it were bent.
I have to admit, I’ve moved on to an energy drink after a couple espresso shots this am
Spend a little less on coins and get a manicure.........
With all the fun discussing and showing the @pnies20 and his new Capped Bust Half 14-106 this morning, and then the discussion shifting to the 14-106a, here's mine.
Mine is pretty close to a terminal state, and I have not seen further deterioration (although I know of several equal in the late die state).
My images are not the greatest, and I do need to shoot her again. She has strong luster and deep lavender, blues and russet tones.
The coin has a pretty deep provenance of BHNC members as well. This is the ex Prouty, Brown, Hilgard specimen.
PCGS has her graded at AU53
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Thanks for the kind words @pursuitofliberty and @seatedlib3991…
That pine tree is very well and evenly struck, and the planchet is not “wavy” as is frequently seen.
Knowing me, this will start me on a hunt for a willow and oak tree to keep it company! Those are super hard to find nice.
@Pnies20 . That isn't even the "cool" part. WHO I bought the 1814 from is.
In Oct. of 1987 Bowers & Merena ran a 2 page ad in Coin World selling Bust Half Dollars.
I made a list of three coins that were graded XF, described as "meets crack criterea" (Had no ides what that meant), and were less than $200 Dollars. The rep. on the phone spent the better part of an hour describing each piece and offering his opinion on each coins merits.You would have thought i was picking between 3 1804 dollars.
I took his suggestion and took the 1814 Half. He told me to call back and ask for him if the coin didn't meet my standards. About an hour after i hung up i realized he said to ask for "James F. Ruddy." I about fell over when I realized the guy who put together the first edition of "Photograde" was the guy i tied up for about an hour.
As far as pictures go I would be happy to share them. Only problem is that I have never cracked the code on how to post pics. on CU. Let me know if you visit Coin Chat or MYCOLLECT. I can start a new thread and would be happy to post at either of those sites.
P.S. I still have my coin. In 1996 I used the free voucher from buying the PCGS guide to have it slabbed. They graded it VF-35. James
I offered to post @seatedlib3991 images of his 1814, as he wasn't able to do so.
These are the images he sent.
For reference, this is not an O-106 or 106a, and there are several distinguishing traits to see that. It is however another 'a' series Overton number. I'll leave to the sleuths to figure it out if they want too.
I think the story above in talking with someone for the better part of an hour and then hanging up a realizing who that was is quite the classic story however!
Thanks for the images James!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
@pursuitofliberty . Thank you for posting. Yes, I checked my journal and i list it as a 104A.
I should tell you about my 1807 Draped Half just because of the cool (but turns out to be fake) story that led me to get it.
A number of years ago i found this pamphlet by Walter Breen called Bristles And Barbs. I guess he had a bunch of these on various topics but this one titled something like "Never fight an army that just got paid" caught my attention.
Breen claimed that in the Spring of 1814 Andrew Jackson came up with a plan to defeat the British at New Orleans. His plan centered around paying his now mostly deserted soldiers and giving a bribe to the pirate Lafitte. It seems the British commander had issued an edict stating that anyone caught with American money on them would be shot. The problem was that there was no money. According to Breen they set up a plan to strike a bunch of American Half dollars to facilitate the plan. here is where it goes off the rails.
Breen claimed that in the spring of 1814 the dies needed to strike the coins were still being hardened. Low and behold, there on the shelf at the mint were these old style 1807 dies that had never been used because of the design change. According to him all the Draped Bust halves dated 1807 were actually struck in 1814. What is more, he claimed Jackson got thousands of his troops to come back to be paid but then posted the edict about shooting people to whip them into a frenzy. On top of that, he claimed the prate lafitte used the same ploy. long story short; Newly paid American army whips unpaid British army.
Honestly he had me at pirates. I bought an 1807 Draped Bust (which I still love), but now i know of his propencity to make things up. I still have your e-mail and will take pics, in the future if you wish to post. James Thanks again.
HI Guys - Just got back from my travels and missed out the last 2 weeks viewing this thread. Again, more WOW coins and conversation. FYI- For those going to Oklahoma ANA the following week, shall we coordinate a breakfast or lunch together if others are interested?
How were the Hexagenia hatches this year? I miss fishing in Vermont.
Pretty weak from what I saw, though I didn't go again and again and only hit two lakes. Did better a little earlier in the season fishing surface baitfish patterns for large smallmouths hunting in wolfpacks over the shallows.
Comments
@pursuitofliberty: great tale Todd; quite the saga! You’re right - sometimes these inanimate objects we call coins do have a way of finding us. I love the coin & am glad it found its way to you! I know you’ll really enjoy this one for some time.
Ken
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
Nickelodeon
@pursuitofliberty this is a tough room!
Happy Saturday morning everyone! Beautiful day outside for first weekend of August. A few cups of hot black coffee and then out to enjoy it.
Hanging with our youngest grandson in Houston on his bday. No red eye today but his Mom brewed a mean dark roast. I’m very pleased to post the last of the 3 Jett Collection Barber dimes:
Top notch, highly lustrous, exceptional example with stunning eye appeal. Pedigree is Lily Nicole, a set named after the collector’s granddaughter.
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
Nickelodeon
Having a cup and admiring this medal from the Civil War Token Society. My first literary award. I received this in recognition of my article on the historic Massachusetts for Justice medal. I wish I could be in Oklahoma City at the ANA Convention next week to receive it in person, but it is not to be. David Schenkman won first place, an amazing author and researcher, and I am truly honored to be mentioned in the same setting as he.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Gorgeous Princess!! @Inspired70
Fantastic Dime!! @Copperindian
What was your article about? @DCW It's always an honor to be recognized! Congrat's!!
.
Here's my contribution today. I have seen and been offered a couple 1819/8 Small 9's over the past couple of years, but none were quite compelling enough to dethrone this crusty girl.
Glad I found her when I did ... glad I still have her here with me.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
I understand hair in curlers on a dog. We own little wigs with feet called Silky terriers.
But human feet on a dog?!
I need to make some coffee.
The feet come with the flip flops
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
G'mornin Everyone... rethinking my Box of 20 this AM. Still a few coins I want ( Fugio Cent, 1795 Half, $3 Gold) but I'm considering selling off my California Fractional (not pictured) and one of my Hard Times tokens... hmmmm, decisions, decisions...
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.
Arrived today
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Going RD again on a warm Red Eye Saturday here in the SF Bay Area:
The Close 3 is the toughest of the variety pair alongside the more available Open 3. Current survival estimates place the Close 3 version at about 1:5 when compared to the Open 3. This particular coin has an impressive pedigree, owned by Alan Epstein some 30+ years ago & later acquired by Stewart Blay. Interestingly, Blay already owned a 66RD, but liked this example so much he acquired it to represent this slot in his Registry set.
A look at the photos explains why. The coin is an ultra lustrous full RD with minimal marks consistent with the grade & has exceptional eye appeal. Still housed in a OGH, it’s also favored with both the EEPS & CAC stickers of approval.
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
Nickelodeon
Posted this a few days ago on the new purchases thread, but every other coin is back in my SDB, so here ya go. Picked it up for type, and because it’s historic and cool. Already finished my Dunkin’….
Got my cat mug
And my Pilgrim
Heading down to Champlain for some sailing in just a little bit!
Happy Sat Gents! Here's a few old favs!
Happy Saturday!
Cheap thrills today. Some bi-centennials from my type set….and of course, coffee!
@GuzziSport . You should find an excuse to post that on a regular basis. Do they usually show the tree detail that well? James
Spending time with some of the certified LC's not in my albums...
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.
@Eldorado9: whoa, feeling dizzy & dazzled!
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
Nickelodeon
@lkenefic: Nice! Thanks for breaking out the harem!
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
Nickelodeon
My, my ... good stuff this morning!
@Copperindian That's a fabulous cent (and pedigree)!
@GuzziSport Oh man, so happy for you on that one. What a coin!!
@Eldorado9 Eye candy! As always!!
Why do I suddenly have a craving for chocolate with my coffee today? Anyone?? @lkenefic
.
Nothing really new ... saving up for OKC. 10 more days!!
Haven't shown this in a while. This is a TrueView image, but it is a fairly accurate depiction.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Ooops! I forgot my newest!!
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.
Pumped to get this super early die state 14-106 in the mail this week. Thanks to @Davidk7 at peakrarities.
This doesn’t have any semblance of any die crack whatsoever. The first one starts from edge to R on the reverse. The earliest die state is probably R6?
The photos don’t show it but it has a bit of soft, purplish, muted luster. Not a lot but typical for a nice XF.
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
Pretty cool. I own very few Bust Halves but I do own an 1814 106A. I actually bought mine because of the cracks. The same month I bought that half I bought my circa 1870 1 and a half story A-Frame house. It was a dogfight to see which had the most cracks ; house or coin. James
Cool! Do you have pictures of it?
Here’s mine. Just a nice little raw piece courtesy of @habaraca with all the cracks. The die is in such shambles, the coin rocks as if it were bent.
I have to admit, I’ve moved on to an energy drink after a couple espresso shots this am
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
Happy Saturday to the US Coin Forum.
This is an EBay 1951 Proof Set sold last month.
All five coins in the proof set are likely Cameos. Whoever put this set together has an eye for quality.
The cent and the nickel were graded on 8-7-2025. They both graded PF66CAM. Trueview photos of these two coins have posted.
The three silver coins are also at our host and are being graded. Looking forward to seeing how they grade.
Spend a little less on coins and get a manicure.........
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
How were the Hexagenia hatches this year? I miss fishing in Vermont.
New upgrade for a common date. It's off to PCGS for some new plastic and pics to work in my variety set so the sticker is kind of in the way.
The surfaces (other than the chops) are about as pristine and original as one could hope for. Deep color and plenty of luster. I really like this coin.
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
You wanna go with me? We can make it a date.
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
I generally don't go wild over these common Buffalos yet this one whispered sweet nothings to me.
I love the smooth, lustrous lemon golden sheen.
peacockcoins
With all the fun discussing and showing the @pnies20 and his new Capped Bust Half 14-106 this morning, and then the discussion shifting to the 14-106a, here's mine.
Mine is pretty close to a terminal state, and I have not seen further deterioration (although I know of several equal in the late die state).
My images are not the greatest, and I do need to shoot her again. She has strong luster and deep lavender, blues and russet tones.
The coin has a pretty deep provenance of BHNC members as well. This is the ex Prouty, Brown, Hilgard specimen.
PCGS has her graded at AU53
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Thanks for the kind words @pursuitofliberty and @seatedlib3991…
That pine tree is very well and evenly struck, and the planchet is not “wavy” as is frequently seen.
Knowing me, this will start me on a hunt for a willow and oak tree to keep it company! Those are super hard to find nice.
@Pnies20 . That isn't even the "cool" part. WHO I bought the 1814 from is.
In Oct. of 1987 Bowers & Merena ran a 2 page ad in Coin World selling Bust Half Dollars.
I made a list of three coins that were graded XF, described as "meets crack criterea" (Had no ides what that meant), and were less than $200 Dollars. The rep. on the phone spent the better part of an hour describing each piece and offering his opinion on each coins merits.You would have thought i was picking between 3 1804 dollars.
I took his suggestion and took the 1814 Half. He told me to call back and ask for him if the coin didn't meet my standards. About an hour after i hung up i realized he said to ask for "James F. Ruddy." I about fell over when I realized the guy who put together the first edition of "Photograde" was the guy i tied up for about an hour.
As far as pictures go I would be happy to share them. Only problem is that I have never cracked the code on how to post pics. on CU. Let me know if you visit Coin Chat or MYCOLLECT. I can start a new thread and would be happy to post at either of those sites.
P.S. I still have my coin. In 1996 I used the free voucher from buying the PCGS guide to have it slabbed. They graded it VF-35. James
I offered to post @seatedlib3991 images of his 1814, as he wasn't able to do so.
These are the images he sent.
For reference, this is not an O-106 or 106a, and there are several distinguishing traits to see that. It is however another 'a' series Overton number. I'll leave to the sleuths to figure it out if they want too.
I think the story above in talking with someone for the better part of an hour and then hanging up a realizing who that was is quite the classic story however!
Thanks for the images James!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
@pursuitofliberty . Thank you for posting. Yes, I checked my journal and i list it as a 104A.
I should tell you about my 1807 Draped Half just because of the cool (but turns out to be fake) story that led me to get it.
A number of years ago i found this pamphlet by Walter Breen called Bristles And Barbs. I guess he had a bunch of these on various topics but this one titled something like "Never fight an army that just got paid" caught my attention.
Breen claimed that in the Spring of 1814 Andrew Jackson came up with a plan to defeat the British at New Orleans. His plan centered around paying his now mostly deserted soldiers and giving a bribe to the pirate Lafitte. It seems the British commander had issued an edict stating that anyone caught with American money on them would be shot. The problem was that there was no money. According to Breen they set up a plan to strike a bunch of American Half dollars to facilitate the plan. here is where it goes off the rails.
Breen claimed that in the spring of 1814 the dies needed to strike the coins were still being hardened. Low and behold, there on the shelf at the mint were these old style 1807 dies that had never been used because of the design change. According to him all the Draped Bust halves dated 1807 were actually struck in 1814. What is more, he claimed Jackson got thousands of his troops to come back to be paid but then posted the edict about shooting people to whip them into a frenzy. On top of that, he claimed the prate lafitte used the same ploy. long story short; Newly paid American army whips unpaid British army.
Honestly he had me at pirates. I bought an 1807 Draped Bust (which I still love), but now i know of his propencity to make things up. I still have your e-mail and will take pics, in the future if you wish to post. James Thanks again.
James, would love to post the images of your 1807 ... send them along whenever you get the chance.
That sounds like Breen. From the little I remember, what I've read and the stories I've heard, he was never one to leave the wool unspun, so to speak.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
HI Guys - Just got back from my travels and missed out the last 2 weeks viewing this thread. Again, more WOW coins and conversation. FYI- For those going to Oklahoma ANA the following week, shall we coordinate a breakfast or lunch together if others are interested?
Pretty weak from what I saw, though I didn't go again and again and only hit two lakes. Did better a little earlier in the season fishing surface baitfish patterns for large smallmouths hunting in wolfpacks over the shallows.