@Copperindian said:
Having a stormy Red Eye Saturday here in the SF Bay Area. Today’s coin is special as it’s the last of the 3 collectible 1854-S mint gold coin denominations that complete my set from the first year of operation of the original SF Mint. I previously bought a $1 in PCGS 63 & a $10 in PCGS AU55 CAC. This sweet $20 PCGS AU50 CAC is also my first buy from Doug Winter:
Per Doug, this piece is an original & not from a shipwreck (the S.S. Yankee Blade). These are tough to find in this condition (in fact, all 3 of the 1854-S coins were heavily used in commerce). None of the 3 are an easy buy - estimates are the $10 is most “available”, followed equally by the $1 & $20.
What about the $2.5 & $5? The former is prohibitively rare with about 12 examples accounted for out of a minuscule mintage of 246(!) coins. A NGC AU50 example sold in auction about 6 months ago for $408,000!!!!!!!
The $5, though, is impossible. I believe there are only 3(!) examples accounted for from the original mintage of merely 264 pieces. The highest graded is a AU58+. Unfortunately, one of the 3 examples (XF45) was stolen in a home invasion robbery over 50 years ago. Its whereabouts today are still unknown.
There’s no definitive answer as to why so few of the $2.5 & $5 issues were minted. Acid involved in the refining process was in short supply back then, but that’s only a partial answer as numbers for the $1, $10 & $20 were greater. Speculation is those denominations had more practical use in commerce.
I believe that the limited mintages of 1854-S $2-1/2's and $5's were made so that depositors could be paid out for their settlement as much as possible in gold, but that after the first batch of each was made they decided that it was just simpler to keep a supply of Gold Dollars on hand for settlements.
Professional Numismatist, Retired. 55 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner of the PNG's 2026 Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
Happy Labor Day Weekend, everyone!
We all work hard for these trinkets. Enjoy the day. Im heading in to work some more.
Here's a rare Bolen Storecard. Apparently the only one struck in brass.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
And yet the Entertainment Center wall is now transformed (still needs texture and paint) and the TV/Soundbar is hung and working perfectly. Just in time for CFB!
Different images of one of the show purchases, a beautiful 1834 O-116 in P61cac.
Thanks again to Darrell with the new GFRC for helping make sure this one was waiting for me at the ANA when I arrived.
.
Slightly different light
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
This 1952 PF68 CAM dime of mine (submitted by me as a raw coin years ago) is very nice, but the spot above FDR's head has bothered me (there is a long story about that spot).
The spot bothers me so much that I sent it back to our host for Restoration (to remove the spot) in July. The Order for this coin today shows it is now in QA, meaning that it will likely be shipped back to me this coming week.
Hopefully it will return to me without the spot.
Since the coin is now in QA I thought it warrants inclusion into this Fan Favorite Forum Thread (FFFT).
Happy Saturday all; today I’m opting for a Black Eye (an extra shot more than the Red Eye).
Just after the WFOM, I noticed this colorful CBH on Rarity 7’s website, so I dipped into their vault:
The O-103 is a R-1. I can’t resist a nice toner like this & think it’s also solid+ for the grade. And, the CAC sticker doesn’t hurt. A big THANKS to Noah & co for making this one (& 2 others) available!
Good morning Coffee with Coins group! Happy Saturday!!
Funny story @JWP . Thirty years ago, after passing a series of kidney stones and my Doctor, the Head of Urology for Kaiser in Fresno at the time (a truly funny and very helpful guy), after asking me a bunch of questions, told me I had a choice, I could give up coffee or I could give up soda (mostly I was a cola drinker when I had soda's), but I wasn't drinking both.
I didn't flinch. He smiled and said it was a much better choice, all things considered (especially I don't sweeten my coffee).
I'm still drinking coffee, of course and I could probably count the number of soda's I've had on both hands, and the number of cola's on one hand in the years since.
. @Inspired70 Love the Seated Dollar! Great look and yes, that feeling of deep fall colors indeed.
@Copperindian Now that's a very wholesome looking 1814 O-103. Congratulations! Good pick. I've always loved that coin DM when it comes late state like that (I currently have two). Just a "hot mess" from the clashes and and fatigued die, made cooler by the great graver mark on the reverse die. The die preparation for that one could have either used a little more, or maybe a lot less coffee!
@lermish Love that you're joining us regularly with the Trade Dollars. I especially like what I can see of the surfaces on your chop-marked AU55 example. She looks lovely. the 77/77 ain't too shabby either!
.
Okay, let's go with a new coin to help my morning cup along.
This is the one "crack monster" CBH I was able to secure at the ANA this Summer. I found some nice coins and interesting Die Marriages, but as a certified "crack addict" , I always appreciate finding and studying these.
She came from the crazy crush, almost "mosh-pit" like action in front of Sheridan's table 15 minutes after the Pittsburg ANA show opened to ANA Members on Tuesday.
And yes, I did use the advantage of my size and understanding of body dynamics and forceful communications to wedge my way in on this one.
This is the latest Die State, but not the latest Die Condition I have seen for this wonderful cracked Obverse Die. Sometimes called the O-104b, this has all the dynamics of Die State 104.4.
PCGS called her a AU58, and CAC gave her an emerald bean. I can agree with that, although she's not the strongest 58 in the box. Raw, I'd probably call her a 57.2 with relatively original surfaces and strong luster, very few marks, faint handling and friction, and a couple of small droplet stains.
A free-hand coffee image first and then some shots from the copy stand (for which I am still working on, as I regressed after the move a couple years ago - it's the space I'm using and the gear settings).
.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
My favorite thread, with all the Forum regulars.....Hmmm....I don't feel fully caffeinated quite yet. @pursuitofliberty love your 1818! Maybe my quarter and your half knew each other back in 1818 in Philly?
Ex James Stack, MS-66 CAC, was previously in "rattler" holder in MS-66.
@Eldorado9 They did know each other ... but just briefly. Someone pulled yours aside right from the start and sent her to a top ranked boarding school. Mine was a little more bohemian I guess, especially with all those cracks in her character , and so she bounced around a little until some nutty professor (probably) saved her from any further rough and tumble and gave her a proper chance.
At least for now, they each reside where they are supposed to be. It's funny how that happens sometimes, especially with inanimate objects that have had a historical life.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Giving Trader Joe's French Roast K-Cup a try while watching the Solheim Cup matches. . .
Here's an American made 250th Medallion
A Craig's List offering from a few months ago. . .seller said her grampa told her it was worth a lot of money. . .
I messaged her and suggested she get it graded / authenticated. . .she took the listing down a day later. . .
Purchased this raw on ebay in 2025, sent it in for grading. . .
Wow - each week, I look forward to see the coins shown on this thread. everyday, I get my coffee. Here is a new addition to my family - While I love early dimes, i still enjoy the gold coins especially the early ones! Enjoy -
First! I posted this yesterday on the NEWPs thread but here you go on my favorite thread… I’ve been looking for a nice Type 2 gold dollar but the color, surfaces and originality of this just blew me away. This little gal is a keeper.
Enjoy your Saturday!
Other passions include golf, Moto Guzzi motorcycles, and Euro motorcycles in general.
Chris
Giving Papa Nicholas' "Five Star Restuarant" a try this morning. . .Grocery Outlet near me has a good variety of PN K-Cups right now. . .less expensive alternative to the Peet's, Starbucks, and Kirkland brands I normally buy. . .PN is based in Naperville, IL. . .
WW II 75th Anny ASE
A Trio of Ike's from the Bicentennial 3 coin Set
It is really slow out there with finding new trade dollars and it is REALLY expensive out there for pioneer gold so I made a small addition to an esoteric side quest. I've decided to very slowly build an 1857 Mint Set in circulated grades to surround my 57-S gold set.
Time for Saturday AM coffee - today I’m going “Black Eye” again as I’m liking that extra espresso shot! I have a special coin today fresh from the post-WFOM auctions @ SB:
This represents an upgrade from my recently completed 1858 PR 1C 12 piece pattern short set. Essentially, it has 3 improved components: the “CAM” feature; better eye appeal; & the 6 leaf reverse design (usually there’s only 5). R-7.
Noteworthy, too are the pattern pedigrees - previous owners are the Lakesamm Collection (#4 all time) & boiler78 (#3 all time). Pretty fair company!
Good morning folks!
I'm having a little black on black this morning
Picked this at a local show Yesterday and let me tell ya, I saw a lot of dipped out coins, Capped bust, Walkers, Trade dollars, Seated libs, you name it but not this one
Now I have a better understanding of originality @pursuitofliberty ...
Professional Numismatist, Retired. 55 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner of the PNG's 2026 Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
@GuzziSport . I don't usually pay much attention to gold coins; can't afford and most seem to be a color copy of the next. I really admire the toning on your coin. I didn't know gold could gain such attractive toning. congrats, that is a wonderful piece to have. james
Comments
I had to come up with a handful of 2026 nickels for this from the waitstaff at the restaurant I go to. Its all good 👍
Found this at the farmer's market on Wednesday: not bad!
And the coin -- purchased in June, my second significant acquisition this year.
I believe that the limited mintages of 1854-S $2-1/2's and $5's were made so that depositors could be paid out for their settlement as much as possible in gold, but that after the first batch of each was made they decided that it was just simpler to keep a supply of Gold Dollars on hand for settlements.
Happy Labor Day Weekend, everyone!
We all work hard for these trinkets. Enjoy the day. Im heading in to work some more.
Here's a rare Bolen Storecard. Apparently the only one struck in brass.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Happy Sat Gents.....Got a little Kona coffee and some quarters.
PF-68+ Cam, Ex. Newman
PF-66+ Dcam
PF-67+
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
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.
Good morning Coffee and Coins friends!
Two cups in, but I'm still "dragon butt"!
And yet the Entertainment Center wall is now transformed (still needs texture and paint) and the TV/Soundbar is hung and working perfectly. Just in time for CFB!
Different images of one of the show purchases, a beautiful 1834 O-116 in P61cac.
Thanks again to Darrell with the new GFRC for helping make sure this one was waiting for me at the ANA when I arrived.
.
Slightly different light
“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
Good morning fellow forumites.
This 1952 PF68 CAM dime of mine (submitted by me as a raw coin years ago) is very nice, but the spot above FDR's head has bothered me (there is a long story about that spot).
The spot bothers me so much that I sent it back to our host for Restoration (to remove the spot) in July. The Order for this coin today shows it is now in QA, meaning that it will likely be shipped back to me this coming week.
Hopefully it will return to me without the spot.
Since the coin is now in QA I thought it warrants inclusion into this Fan Favorite Forum Thread (FFFT).
The first box after hitting the banks this Saturday morning. A 2007-P Washington Dollar, Elongated Ray variety on an ender.
That’s me all over the place.
My 1952 PF68CAM dime has been Restored. Hopefully the spot has been at least minimized.
Happy Saturday my coin loving friends! Finally beginning to feel like Fall has arrived and love it!
Spending time with some Seated Dollars this morning. This one always makes me smile because of the originality and very appealing toning.
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Happy Saturday! I'm enjoying a couple of 1877 re-punched dates back from the sticker factory.
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
Happy Saturday all; today I’m opting for a Black Eye (an extra shot more than the Red Eye).
Just after the WFOM, I noticed this colorful CBH on Rarity 7’s website, so I dipped into their vault:
The O-103 is a R-1. I can’t resist a nice toner like this & think it’s also solid+ for the grade. And, the CAC sticker doesn’t hurt. A big THANKS to Noah & co for making this one (& 2 others) available!
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Copperindian II
Indy Eagles
Gold Rush
Bust Caps
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, BruceS
Good morning Coffee with Coins group! Happy Saturday!!
Funny story @JWP . Thirty years ago, after passing a series of kidney stones and my Doctor, the Head of Urology for Kaiser in Fresno at the time (a truly funny and very helpful guy), after asking me a bunch of questions, told me I had a choice, I could give up coffee or I could give up soda (mostly I was a cola drinker when I had soda's), but I wasn't drinking both.
I didn't flinch. He smiled and said it was a much better choice, all things considered (especially I don't sweeten my coffee).
I'm still drinking coffee, of course
and I could probably count the number of soda's I've had on both hands, and the number of cola's on one hand in the years since.
.
@Inspired70 Love the Seated Dollar! Great look and yes, that feeling of deep fall colors indeed.
@Copperindian Now that's a very wholesome looking 1814 O-103. Congratulations! Good pick. I've always loved that coin DM when it comes late state like that (I currently have two). Just a "hot mess" from the clashes and and fatigued die, made cooler by the great graver mark on the reverse die. The die preparation for that one could have either used a little more, or maybe a lot less coffee!
@lermish Love that you're joining us regularly with the Trade Dollars. I especially like what I can see of the surfaces on your chop-marked AU55 example. She looks lovely. the 77/77 ain't too shabby either!
.
Okay, let's go with a new coin to help my morning cup along.
This is the one "crack monster" CBH I was able to secure at the ANA this Summer. I found some nice coins and interesting Die Marriages, but as a certified "crack addict"
, I always appreciate finding and studying these.
She came from the crazy crush, almost "mosh-pit" like action in front of Sheridan's table 15 minutes after the Pittsburg ANA show opened to ANA Members on Tuesday.
And yes, I did use the advantage of my size and understanding of body dynamics and forceful communications to wedge my way in on this one.
This is the latest Die State, but not the latest Die Condition I have seen for this wonderful cracked Obverse Die. Sometimes called the O-104b, this has all the dynamics of Die State 104.4.
PCGS called her a AU58, and CAC gave her an emerald bean. I can agree with that, although she's not the strongest 58 in the box. Raw, I'd probably call her a 57.2 with relatively original surfaces and strong luster, very few marks, faint handling and friction, and a couple of small droplet stains.
A free-hand coffee image first and then some shots from the copy stand (for which I am still working on, as I regressed after the move a couple years ago - it's the space I'm using and the gear settings).
.
“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: that’s one strong, lustrous lady Todd! Very nice!
Ken
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Copperindian II
Indy Eagles
Gold Rush
Bust Caps
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, BruceS
Guyana
Happy Saturday Everyone... taking a little break from grant writing to indulge in a little caffeine and coins...
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.
Machin mills
My favorite thread, with all the Forum regulars.....Hmmm....I don't feel fully caffeinated quite yet. @pursuitofliberty love your 1818! Maybe my quarter and your half knew each other back in 1818 in Philly?
Ex James Stack, MS-66 CAC, was previously in "rattler" holder in MS-66.
British 6 Pence
@Eldorado9 They did know each other ... but just briefly. Someone pulled yours aside right from the start and sent her to a top ranked boarding school. Mine was a little more bohemian I guess, especially with all those cracks in her character
, and so she bounced around a little until some nutty professor (probably) saved her from any further rough and tumble and gave her a proper chance.
At least for now, they each reside where they are supposed to be. It's funny how that happens sometimes, especially with inanimate objects that have had a historical life.
“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
Just got to the shop. Who knows what today will bring ? (
( That’s self promotion, and a forum violation, to some here ) Freddie?
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.
Giving Trader Joe's French Roast K-Cup a try while watching the Solheim Cup matches. . .
Here's an American made 250th Medallion
A Craig's List offering from a few months ago. . .seller said her grampa told her it was worth a lot of money. . .
I messaged her and suggested she get it graded / authenticated. . .she took the listing down a day later. . .
Purchased this raw on ebay in 2025, sent it in for grading. . .
Have a fine Saturday
Wow - each week, I look forward to see the coins shown on this thread. everyday, I get my coffee. Here is a new addition to my family - While I love early dimes, i still enjoy the gold coins especially the early ones! Enjoy -
I love those 1820 to 1824 Capped Bust quarters in any grades. Like that cameo look to it! Its a keeper in my books.
I saw that and got "i gotta have that" look came over me. Your right about that
Love the toning, luster and strike! Very few graded higher. they may not be as attractive.
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
First! I posted this yesterday on the NEWPs thread but here you go on my favorite thread… I’ve been looking for a nice Type 2 gold dollar but the color, surfaces and originality of this just blew me away. This little gal is a keeper.
Enjoy your Saturday!
Other passions include golf, Moto Guzzi motorcycles, and Euro motorcycles in general.
Chris
OK, now being nice to your waitress does have its perks. Like this morning 👍
Note: it won't be forgotten
Giving Papa Nicholas' "Five Star Restuarant" a try this morning. . .Grocery Outlet near me has a good variety of PN K-Cups right now. . .less expensive alternative to the Peet's, Starbucks, and Kirkland brands I normally buy. . .PN is based in Naperville, IL. . .
WW II 75th Anny ASE
A Trio of Ike's from the Bicentennial 3 coin Set
Have a fine weekend.
It is really slow out there with finding new trade dollars and it is REALLY expensive out there for pioneer gold so I made a small addition to an esoteric side quest. I've decided to very slowly build an 1857 Mint Set in circulated grades to surround my 57-S gold set.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/mint-sets/1857-mint-set-gold/alltimeset/418837
There were a few nice quarters at the recent Stacks auction but I only managed to take home one humble but honest specimen in G6 CAC.
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
MS64BN
MS63BN
Casual collector slowly building a collection....
Time for Saturday AM coffee - today I’m going “Black Eye” again as I’m liking that extra espresso shot! I have a special coin today fresh from the post-WFOM auctions @ SB:
This represents an upgrade from my recently completed 1858 PR 1C 12 piece pattern short set. Essentially, it has 3 improved components: the “CAM” feature; better eye appeal; & the 6 leaf reverse design (usually there’s only 5). R-7.
Noteworthy, too are the pattern pedigrees - previous owners are the Lakesamm Collection (#4 all time) & boiler78 (#3 all time). Pretty fair company!
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Copperindian II
Indy Eagles
Gold Rush
Bust Caps
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, BruceS
Good morning folks!
I'm having a little black on black this morning
Picked this at a local show Yesterday and let me tell ya, I saw a lot of dipped out coins, Capped bust, Walkers, Trade dollars, Seated libs, you name it but not this one
Now I have a better understanding of originality @pursuitofliberty ...
Good morning!
@Coinscratch: nice pickup! Originality? YES!
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Copperindian II
Indy Eagles
Gold Rush
Bust Caps
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, BruceS
@GuzziSport . I don't usually pay much attention to gold coins; can't afford and most seem to be a color copy of the next. I really admire the toning on your coin. I didn't know gold could gain such attractive toning. congrats, that is a wonderful piece to have. james