The “runner up” - I posted earlier, but have to show this one:
I first inquired about it almost a year before I pulled the trigger at the OKC show. It’s the copper version of the 1856 S-1 & one of only two known. Thanks to @renomedphys for making it available.
I bought a lot of middle tier Morgans to try and complete that set, but really the upgrade to my proof dimes this year was tangible going from a PR67 to a PR 68 in the 1937 slot.
Morgan set did go from 80 to 90% this year. Happy about that, but none of those coins was uniquely an acquisition so much as the above one was.
@asheland said:
Nothing over-the-top this year for me, mostly bullion bars, I got some cool bars this year, but as far as US coins. I guess these three are my best for the year…
Please don’t laugh
Absolutely love the clashed die, I have no idea why but the nickel three cent pieces have some of the strongest clashes I have seen on US coins.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
I actually just fired up a thread for the topic since I couldn’t find anything active and dont want to clog up this amazing eye candy thread.
Rather that hyjacking this thread, I'll post on the "Lincoln token" thread that has just been opened.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
This was my other big buy in 2025, an 1856 Flying Eagle Cent. This one is the most common variety, which was struck later than 1856, but I am not splitting hairs on this one. The grade is NGC PR-64 a Rick Snow sticker.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
@Copperindian said: @BillJones:
Hi Bill - your 1856 is the S-9 variety. Very nice piece!
Ken
Yea, the most common one, but the surfaces are mostly white, and that's why I bought it. It does not show in the photo, but the Proof surfaces are strong.
I have "tired kicked" this issue for years. I have seen a fair number of dark toned ones which hid same nasty problems not noted on the holder.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
@mrcommem said:
Finaly, but It took me more than 20 years to acquire this coin.
It's really cool to have any coin from Dahlonega, but this last year is always very special related to the rebel control and the rarity! Even more so, being the last coin minted at Dahlonega!
What a prize!!! Let alone the elevated grade!
Since I moved down south I picked up this Charlotte gold piece to add to my collection. I wonder how many have been missed since the “C” is so imbedded into the device.
I’m happy to add it as this is the 1st one in my collection.
Members I have done business with: Silverman68, jfoot13, GAB, ricman, Smittys, scrapman1077, RyGuy, Connecticoin, Meltdown, VikingDude, Peaceman, Patches and more.
Well... I'll have a "late addition" on "acquisitions" this year as my GF and I are closing on a house come December 29th. Not a coin, but it will definitely "house" my collection in the not-to-distant future...
Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;
@jfriedm56 said:
Was a great year of purchases this year. So many different coins added to enhance my collection. This Top Pop ranks among the best. Zack.
My best buy? My 1918/7-D buffalo. Paid 30 cents for it along with a few other then dateless coins. It was quite shocking to see
My best coin? This 1882 proof 3CN in PR66. I remember seeing it last year on eBay advertised only with trueviews and passed on it. I saw it again earlier this year with better photos from the new owner which won me over
This bearded goddess is a close second behind my 181.7 bust half I posted earlier for my best acquisition this year.
I regretted selling my PCGS AU53 several years ago and have been searching for a suitable late die state CAC approved example in an affordable grade ever since. I’m very pleased and fortunate to have acquired this one for my collection!
Not the best 55-DDO in the thread, but happy to have it in a rattler!
Nice coins - keep them coming! I really like the AU55 Hawaii 1c and the 1856 Flyers - - very nice!
"My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
I'm saddened that there is only one commemorative coin in this thread so let me add a second. Maybe there will be a third... Anyway, the coin is graded as MS66.
1852 trime, probably 'F' with better reverse than obverse. Purchased at the Harrisburg Coin Show in September.
Most of my acquisitions this year weren't terribly exciting. Mercury dimes, Franklin halves, a "No Cents" V nickel, and an 1896 Morgan dollar. Nothing to write home about. This 1852 silver trime is definitely the most interesting piece I acquired this year (though not the highest grade).
Unfortunately, I had difficulty photographing the specimen, thanks to the wrinkled cellophane. And the 2x2 is marked with a top-end retail price; I negotiated a better deal than what's written. I've strongly considered re-holdering this one. Probably not worthwhile to submit though, unless in a batch.
Also worthy of note is this 1985 Mexican Silver Libertad (a higher mintage at 2,017,000):
So the 1802/1 is probably my most ‘eye candy’’ Purchase of 2025. I have another couple more that follow close behind, but I digress.
What I am so pleased with, in hand the ‘02/1 matches perfectly to the 1800 HE. Both coins are beautifully crusty, and both are AU58cac. I love it when coins matches like this but sadly this doesn’t always happen.
The ‘02/1 is a recent purchase and the 1800 almost two years ago and only used for illustrative purposes.
>
My first gold purchases of 2025 happened in late Sept. Then the floodgates opened up and it has been a wild 3 months. I can say 2025 was easily my best year ever collecting. I have been fortunate to add some incredible coins, many I have yet to post (some considered questionable by friends ). Here are the two that started it off.
The 1838-C is one of only 4 known to exist. The 1839-D was just a spear of the moment buy.
.
.
This is the rare K12b variety. The reverse die is the same die that struck all the gold pieces and all of the copper die trials. This is the only (genuine) 1861 $20 reverse die known (all strikes have the "V" in DENVER punched over an "N").
The obverse die is another matter. This K12b die has a rounded bust tip and the star is close to the tiara. ALL the 1861 $20 gold strikes and most of the copper die trials used the other die, which has a pointed bust tip and the star is far from the tiara. The obverse die for K12b is not known to have struck any gold. I have only ever seen two examples of the K12b (this being the nicer of the two). Both have planchet irregularities and edge scallops (as made, this one on the obverse at 10:00). What may appear to be hairlines is actually fine die polish lines. Not many Clark Gruber pieces are graded "PR" (proof).
@pcgscacgold said:
My first gold purchases of 2025 happened in late Sept. Then the floodgates opened up and it has been a wild 3 months. I can say 2025 was easily my best year ever collecting. I have been fortunate to add some incredible coins, many I have yet to post (some considered questionable by friends ). Here are the two that started it off.
The 1838-C is one of only 4 known to exist. The 1839-D was just a spear of the moment buy.
.
.
You have had a productive year, my friend.
I absolutely love both of these and would have brought ‘em home, given half a chance! I wasn’t even given half before you had them wrapped up. Good on you, I would have done same!😆
>
I can’t imagine a dumbass calling some of your coins questionable!😆😂😂
Here's what I got:
Yep, not a single coin this year.
Might have been the shift to collecting Coleman lanterns, maybe 2026 will have a resurgence in coins.
mikebyers.com Dealer in Major Mint Errors, Die Trials & Patterns - Author of NLG Best World Coin Book World's Greatest Mint Errors - Publisher & Editor of minterrornews.com.
This isn't necessarily an American coin but it is a very special coin in my collection. I acquired this February 01, 2025, and this Russian 5 Rouble actually happens to be my first ever gold coin, and hopefully there will be many more following it! Purchased it for $365, and gold value for it has risen to over $600 recently.
"Another day, another Collectors Universe forum scrolling session."
- Someone, probably
For me 2025 turned out to be a very big year for acquisitions. In turn, I parted ways with a number of coins to make things happen.
Here are a few very special pieces I was very fortunate to acquire this past year.
Comments
@BillJones you bet I would!
I actually just fired up a thread for the topic since I couldn’t find anything active and dont want to clog up this amazing eye candy thread.
The “runner up” - I posted earlier, but have to show this one:
I first inquired about it almost a year before I pulled the trigger at the OKC show. It’s the copper version of the 1856 S-1 & one of only two known. Thanks to @renomedphys for making it available.
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Copperindian II
Indy Eagles
Gold Rush
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
Nickelodeon
Early Walkers
Successful transactions: redraider, winesteven, renomedphys, splitaces, oreville, ajaan, Cent1225, onlyroosies, justindan, blitzdude, DesertMoon, johnnyb, Heubschgold, SunshineRareCoins, ParadimeCoins, ndeagles, Southern_Knights, pcgsregistrycollector
I bought a lot of middle tier Morgans to try and complete that set, but really the upgrade to my proof dimes this year was tangible going from a PR67 to a PR 68 in the 1937 slot.
Morgan set did go from 80 to 90% this year. Happy about that, but none of those coins was uniquely an acquisition so much as the above one was.
My PCGS profile
Absolutely love the clashed die, I have no idea why but the nickel three cent pieces have some of the strongest clashes I have seen on US coins.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Rather that hyjacking this thread, I'll post on the "Lincoln token" thread that has just been opened.
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
This was my other big buy in 2025, an 1856 Flying Eagle Cent. This one is the most common variety, which was struck later than 1856, but I am not splitting hairs on this one. The grade is NGC PR-64 a Rick Snow sticker.
Big congrats on this one! I am still trying to get one like it. I am at 30+ years.
My best, and only purchase of the year.
But I have a shot at an important new one for me in January.
@BillJones:
Hi Bill - your 1856 is the S-9 variety. Very nice piece!
Ken
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Copperindian II
Indy Eagles
Gold Rush
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
Nickelodeon
Early Walkers
Successful transactions: redraider, winesteven, renomedphys, splitaces, oreville, ajaan, Cent1225, onlyroosies, justindan, blitzdude, DesertMoon, johnnyb, Heubschgold, SunshineRareCoins, ParadimeCoins, ndeagles, Southern_Knights, pcgsregistrycollector
Yea, the most common one, but the surfaces are mostly white, and that's why I bought it. It does not show in the photo, but the Proof surfaces are strong.
I have "tired kicked" this issue for years. I have seen a fair number of dark toned ones which hid same nasty problems not noted on the holder.
What a unique beauty ! Love this coin !
Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici
BHNC #253
I like 👍
It's really cool to have any coin from Dahlonega, but this last year is always very special related to the rebel control and the rarity! Even more so, being the last coin minted at Dahlonega!
What a prize!!! Let alone the elevated grade!
Best included my Apafi Thaler from the Goodman Collection! 1680 AL with the portrait of Michael I Apafi!
Since I moved down south I picked up this Charlotte gold piece to add to my collection. I wonder how many have been missed since the “C” is so imbedded into the device.


I’m happy to add it as this is the 1st one in my collection.
Silverman68, jfoot13, GAB, ricman, Smittys, scrapman1077, RyGuy, Connecticoin, Meltdown, VikingDude, Peaceman, Patches and more.
Well... I'll have a "late addition" on "acquisitions" this year as my GF and I are closing on a house come December 29th. Not a coin, but it will definitely "house" my collection in the not-to-distant future...
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.
Amazing color and surfaces! Eye Candy!
Beautiful! Musta cost a "pretty penny"!
PCGS MS62....
That's a serious type piece! Beautiful! ...and Congrats!!
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.
Mudie’s “National Series” – The Flight of Napoleon from Elba (26 February 1815) Struck in 1820
My best buy? My 1918/7-D buffalo. Paid 30 cents for it along with a few other then dateless coins. It was quite shocking to see
My best coin? This 1882 proof 3CN in PR66. I remember seeing it last year on eBay advertised only with trueviews and passed on it. I saw it again earlier this year with better photos from the new owner which won me over
This bearded goddess is a close second behind my 181.7 bust half I posted earlier for my best acquisition this year.
I regretted selling my PCGS AU53 several years ago and have been searching for a suitable late die state CAC approved example in an affordable grade ever since. I’m very pleased and fortunate to have acquired this one for my collection!
Dave
Still time for 2025...
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.
So many sweet coins in this post


This would have to my best.
Mightyfine! Your '89 CC!
Not the best 55-DDO in the thread, but happy to have it in a rattler!
Nice coins - keep them coming! I really like the AU55 Hawaii 1c and the 1856 Flyers - - very nice!
This turned out to be a pleasant surprise at the Michigan State fall convention. I was eyeing one in xf45 online.
Throw a coin enough times, and suppose one day it lands on its edge.
With the current gold price this has become my favorite since I’m into it less than melt.
A bucket list coin, I have wanted an example for a long time - 1836 Gobrecht Original
Feeling Thankful,
Merry Christmas &
Happy New Year Collectors Universe
It's all about what the people want...
I always loved the reverses on these and the cc makes it all the more merrier
I'm saddened that there is only one commemorative coin in this thread so let me add a second. Maybe there will be a third...
Anyway, the coin is graded as MS66.
Okay, I'll bite.
1852 trime, probably 'F' with better reverse than obverse. Purchased at the Harrisburg Coin Show in September.
Most of my acquisitions this year weren't terribly exciting. Mercury dimes, Franklin halves, a "No Cents" V nickel, and an 1896 Morgan dollar. Nothing to write home about. This 1852 silver trime is definitely the most interesting piece I acquired this year (though not the highest grade).
Unfortunately, I had difficulty photographing the specimen, thanks to the wrinkled cellophane. And the 2x2 is marked with a top-end retail price; I negotiated a better deal than what's written. I've strongly considered re-holdering this one. Probably not worthwhile to submit though, unless in a batch.
Also worthy of note is this 1985 Mexican Silver Libertad (a higher mintage at 2,017,000):
Serving the greater Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill, PA area
https://zenithbullionconsulting.wordpress.com/
So the 1802/1 is probably my most ‘eye candy’’ Purchase of 2025. I have another couple more that follow close behind, but I digress.


What I am so pleased with, in hand the ‘02/1 matches perfectly to the 1800 HE. Both coins are beautifully crusty, and both are AU58cac. I love it when coins matches like this but sadly this doesn’t always happen.
The ‘02/1 is a recent purchase and the 1800 almost two years ago and only used for illustrative purposes.
>
My first gold purchases of 2025 happened in late Sept. Then the floodgates opened up and it has been a wild 3 months. I can say 2025 was easily my best year ever collecting. I have been fortunate to add some incredible coins, many I have yet to post (some considered questionable by friends
). Here are the two that started it off.
The 1838-C is one of only 4 known to exist. The 1839-D was just a spear of the moment buy.


.
.
Successful BST with drddm, BustDMs, Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino
$5 Type Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/type-sets/half-eagle-type-set-circulation-strikes-1795-1929/album/344192
CBH Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/everyman-collections/everyman-half-dollars/everyman-capped-bust-half-dollars-1807-1839/album/345572
1861 Clark Gruber $20 copper die trial.
This is the rare K12b variety. The reverse die is the same die that struck all the gold pieces and all of the copper die trials. This is the only (genuine) 1861 $20 reverse die known (all strikes have the "V" in DENVER punched over an "N").
The obverse die is another matter. This K12b die has a rounded bust tip and the star is close to the tiara. ALL the 1861 $20 gold strikes and most of the copper die trials used the other die, which has a pointed bust tip and the star is far from the tiara. The obverse die for K12b is not known to have struck any gold. I have only ever seen two examples of the K12b (this being the nicer of the two). Both have planchet irregularities and edge scallops (as made, this one on the obverse at 10:00). What may appear to be hairlines is actually fine die polish lines. Not many Clark Gruber pieces are graded "PR" (proof).
.
You have had a productive year, my friend.
I absolutely love both of these and would have brought ‘em home, given half a chance! I wasn’t even given half before you had them wrapped up. Good on you, I would have done same!😆
>
I can’t imagine a dumbass calling some of your coins questionable!😆😂😂
Here's what I got:


Yep, not a single coin this year.
Might have been the shift to collecting Coleman lanterns, maybe 2026 will have a resurgence in coins.
This isn't necessarily an American coin but it is a very special coin in my collection. I acquired this February 01, 2025, and this Russian 5 Rouble actually happens to be my first ever gold coin, and hopefully there will be many more following it! Purchased it for $365, and gold value for it has risen to over $600 recently.
"Another day, another Collectors Universe forum scrolling session."
- Someone, probably
I really like this one. Next is a nice Oak Tree shilling, maybe in 2026
Other passions include golf, Moto Guzzi motorcycles, and Euro motorcycles in general.
Chris
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
For me 2025 turned out to be a very big year for acquisitions. In turn, I parted ways with a number of coins to make things happen.
Here are a few very special pieces I was very fortunate to acquire this past year.
1942 proof Walkers are common enough, but this Proof-67 has uncommon eye appeal.
For the Darkside, this is my favorite. Not expensive, but I like the art nouveau design.
Awesome coin! I'd love to get my hands on one of the matte finish coins
^^^ WOW!!!^^^
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.