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Which proof trade dollar type coin would you buy?
P0CKETCHANGE
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Assume you are looking for a single proof trade type coin with toning in the 64-65 grade range w/CAC approval, and that you have the budget to comfortably buy any of the coins below, which are priced within $1k (or ~15%) of each other. If you had to pick one of them, which one would you choose, and why?
Coin 1—1880 PR65 CAC
Coin 2—1881 PR64+ CAC
(there are no photos except the trueview for this coin)
Coin 3—1882 PR64CAM CAC
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Which proof trade dollar type coin would you buy?
This is a public poll: others will see what you voted for.
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I greatly prefer cameo proofs to non-cameo proofs and would, in most cases, take a 63 CAM over a 64 non-CAM.
Separately, given populations and availability, I might look for an acceptable 1878 or earlier proof trade dollar. I haven't done an exhaustive study but they seem to hold their value and move more quickly when selling than the later, proof only dates.
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
The tone pattern on coin number three is very common to high grade proofs of the era, giving it the appearance of a much higher graded coin.
Coin Photography
I am drawn toward coin 3 because I like the over appearance better than the other two. The trouble is it is almost impossible ot judge higher grade Proof coins from pictures. I learned that when I was building a set of the 1936 to '42 Proof sets.
Here is my Proof type coin. It is an NGC PR-64.
This is the Heritage "glamor shot."
This is my "flat look" shot. Both are accurate, depending upon the angle of the camera and your eyes.
Got mine wrong, sorry. #3 is preferred within 1 coming in 2nd
Thanks, good input. That's partly what I'm trying to figure out, i.e. how does the market perceive a true gem vs. a plus coin vs. a CAM. I think the 65 offers the most registry points, but it's also the most expensive by about a grand.
Good observation, I was thinking the same. The toning pattern in the non-trueview (non-axial?) suggests the coin may be pretty bright towards the centers, and I tend to prefer the fully saturated color shown on the 65.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
I cannot give you good advice off those pics - I don’t like any of them from the images but it’s totally possible they are great in hand. Proof trades in those grades are so common that I wouldn’t settle for less than the absolutely highest quality for the grade
Caveat, as long as there are no hairlines in the fields, then 3, a CAM will be more striking.
Thank you. What would you look for, specifically? Assume 64-65 grade range.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
I think I like the look (overall) of Coin 3 best.
At 64CAM I would expect some hairlines (some of which I can see, but the color would seem to be the most pleasing and the contrast of a Cameo typically helps these "pop" a little.
I'm not sure what the line from the D in DOLLAR through the Olive Branch is ....
Actually all of these coins should be expected to have hairlines and some mishandling, as that is a typical grade limiter for early proofs. I would think Coin 2 looks very similar to the one Bill posted.
“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
It’s all but guaranteed that a Proof 64 Trade dollar will exhibit some hairlines in the fields. And Proof 65 examples are very likely to, as well.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I will take door #3. I love the color.
Tough choice but overall I like the color and cameo of number 3.
Coin 3, but I would keep all of them in bed for eating crackers.
If you buy a proof, focus on the mirrors, I would most likely focus on an earlier date like a 73 or 75 with deep mirrors, they have parity price wise now but they shouldn't
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
There are duplicate coins listed so I don't really understand this "poll".
Official PCGS account of:
www.TallahasseeCoinClub.com
They all look great to me with the stunning imaging vs. the lackluster ones. A local shop had a raw proof Trade $1 and proof Morgan that came in this week with the hairlines in the fields and one had a light scratch. They must be tough to grade.
I simply love the first one. Marvelous dark tone. So completely original. Sweet coin.
I had a similar thought when picking one as my favorite
The ones that have two photos are the same coin where the first photo is the PCGS TrueView and the second is a normal photo that shows the coin without emphasizing color.
none
When the images of the same coin are so different from each other, which one would you use to make your decision? And if you choose the less attractive one, how can you compete with someone working with the more attractive image?
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I chose coin 2 because the rim seems to frame the rest of the coin well. Coin 1 is a very close second, however. The toning pattern on coin 3 leads me to believe it was dipped at one point.
Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
Life is roadblocks. Don't let nothing stop you, 'cause we ain't stopping. - DJ Khaled
I’d buy something like this. Rarer date, solid cameo contrast and flash that doesn’t look muddy
Ahh, always nice to see an old friend. I was shocked when it didn’t sell the first day that I put it out at a show.. somehow it lasted until the third. Probably didn’t help that I missed set up day because of a flight cancellation lol, but I considered that one to be a solid plus, as good of a 64 as one could hope for (imo).
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I bid on this one over the weekend, but it soared out of range and closed 64% above CAC CPG. I love the look.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
I like the color scheme of number one the best.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I chose #3. I like the eye appeal.
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
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Thanks for the fun.