OK… success. This coin, IMO, is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in this collection. I mentioned in the first post we found 45 more commemoratives on 3, black coin boards. This is one of them.
Maybe it’s not the strongest strike, and it almost looks like a little “rub” above Dollar on the obv. But this one jumped-out at me when I saw it in the coin board. The picture does not show it well, but the area behind the sun rays on the reverse is toned a little differently – with more color. (You have to play with the angle a little to make it stand out.)
Anyway – as I said. Maybe I’m off/wrong with my personal assessment – but to me, this one is a knock-out!
You do an awesome job responding to each's post. WAY beyond the norm!
Thanks for posting all the pictures of your family's FANTASTIC coins, some of them are stunning!..and the log book that your grandfather wrote, man that was neat to look back in the numismatic history of a great collector.
Sounds like your continuously getting good advice so I won't offer any, BUT keep up the good work and wish you and your family the best with all this....................wes
@ Elite CNC Routing & Woodworks on Facebook. Check out my work. Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
That Oregon looks lightly cleaned to me. That's hairlines you are seeing, I think. That Hudson, on the other hand, is great. Not a perfect strike, but then again how many of them have one? Few! Great coin!
Thanks so much for your input and research on Mr. Mehl!!! What I find so outstanding about the people (besides the vultures) on this forum is that they have integrity, and a sincere willingness to help. We cousins certainly appreciate it because our Grandfather wouldn’t have it any other way. Moreover, I don't recall him ever associating with anyone who didn't exhibit those characteristics. He, without a doubt, expected them from us. So again thank you.
As a matter of fact, I read several comments that were made throughout both threads. It was indirectly mentioned that we (cousins/family) seem to get along. To answer that, our Grandparents absolutely insisted on it when we were young. I remember a summer visit when we were all arguing about where we were going first - whether it be Sitting Bull Falls, Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, New Cave, etc. Their expectation of us was that we have unanimous decision, and that we work it out amongst ourselves.
Nonetheless, Grammy got so upset that; one, they made the decision for us, and two; we didn’t get to do ANYTHING that day. From that point forward, we kinda allowed Mark (Darth5oh) to be the cousin spokesman. It’s fitting that he is the steward of the collection, and I think most of you reading can bear witness to his level headedness, impartiality, and genuine integrity.
It may sound like I'm sucking up, but you here on the forum can attest to this arduous task. He's handled the whole ordeal with kid gloves, always keeping in mind what our Grandparents would have expected from all of us.
You have been a great help to him. As for the rest us (cousins - maybe you too), we're really enjoying the ride.
Wes – thanks. I decided when I started this thread, I wasn’t going to let it run me into the ground like the first one did! lol! So I’m going a little slower, and trying to answer everyone as best I can. Honestly – it’s been much more enjoyable!
Tonedbuff/Mirabela – thanks for the coin opinion/analysis! (I’m still taking notes in my spreadsheet beside each coin.)
Dan – yes, we have 2 Bay Bridges. My plan was keep going in order alphabetically. But what the heck, I can take a request every once in a while! (Of course – before you can view the coins, you must sit through my stories!)
WinPitcher – thanks. And I think Jim was referring to a conversation we had about the first thread, and some warnings I got to watch out for “circling coin dealers”…
OK - thanks for those comments Jim - it's jogging my memory for sure! As pointed out – discipline was certainly a high priority, and arguments were just not allowed – especially at the dinner table. (This was passed down to my father, where both my brother and sister will attest.)
This ‘story’ happened 30+ years ago, so it may be embellished a bit.
Most of the cousins (can’t recall how many) sat down to yet another feast Grammy prepared for us during our visits. After the prayer and Grampy’s quick thank-you/respectful kiss he gave Grammy each and every evening - we “dug in”. Our eating quickly turned to silliness. I believe we were chewing our food, and showing each other our mouthfuls of mush. (Something to do with a popular doll back then, “Baby Alive”, who drooled baby food down it’s chin in a TV commercial.) Several of us entered into that uncontrollable giggle-zone – the kind you get in the worst possible places…a quiet classroom, a church, a library, or Grammy and Grampy’s dinner table. I’m not even sure how many of us grandkids were involved, and thus sentenced – but I seem to remember at least Jim and I being “excused” from dinner. Truth be told – I don’t know if we were allowed back to finish or not. (I’m going to say we were.) But it’s certainly possible the hunger pains later that evening cured any additional nonsense.
Another story I’d like to share is again about of discipline. This involves not us grandkids, but their two sons (our fathers) John and Bob. My father, carrying a small willow branch, told this story at my grandmother’s funeral. (I hope I can do it justice.)
It seems an argument/fight broke out between these two brothers (who were about 2-3 years apart) – maybe somewhere between 8-12 years of age. But the age and reason for the “fight” doesn’t matter. What matters is the form of punishment used against these mischief-makers back then. (This would have taken place in the mid-1940s roughly.)
It seems that if your parents were Grammy & Grampy and you got in trouble, you were forced to march-out to a large willow tree and select a whipping switch – your own “instrument of obedience” if you will. And it seems a mutual decision was made (probably both knowing of her even temper) that Grammy would, and should be elected to the position of “Pain Administrator” Now… it was quickly learned by both Bob and John (after the 2nd or 3rd trip to the tree) that there was indeed a “perfect” switch. One just the right size – not too thin which would sting like an angry hornet – but at the same time not too thick - which could leave you sitting on painful welts. So, this selection process became an art-form for these two boys, because the correct selection meant minimizing the degree of sting and welt.
Back to the story... Both were in trouble, so both marched-off to the willow tree. As they were standing there – knowing what must be done, looking for their own perfect “instrument” - both caught sight of the SAME perfect “gem”. Both reached, both got a hold of, and both yelled, “mine!” Indeed, another raging fight ensued over the switch that was to be used against them! I am not positive – but I think at that point – Grammy marched out to that willow tree and selected her own “instrument” that day, and carried out her duties on both of them!
The story was extremely funny – but at the end of it… My father walked up to Grammy’s casket – and laid that small willow branch next to her. Wow… my eyes are tearing as I write this.
I have no problems listening to stories like that before getting to the coins. I absolutely love those Bay Bridge commems, especially the second. I have always wanted one, but seeing yours is almost as good.
The Bay Bridge on the two BB commems sure looks familiar to me. Since 2-20-2007 I have crossed that bridge 14 times (7 round trips) going to court for a trial in SF. $4.00 a trip in bridge tolls to cross same. Going accross the upper deck on a clear, sunny day is very nice. The SF Bay Area is a very beautiful place, so beautiful it is even worthwhile living here notwithstanding the high cost of living and the crazy politics of the region (Every time I go to SF I feel like wearing a "Flower In My Hair").
I digress. Still enjoying this thread tremendously. More proof pics please (especially the 36, 37s, 38, 39, 40, 41s, 42, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 and 64 and the SMS 65, 66 & 67 [I am assuming/hoping these are present, though I recall 36-42, 50 and 54 being mentioned/pictured before]). Really, really interested in seeing if any of the proofs from these years are Cameo or Deep Cameo coins.
I digress further. Also really starting to like the early commems as a result of the pics posted [The Spanish Trial is the bomb man, the bomb].
Keep it up Darth5oh and Cousin2 [are the other Cousins going to post?, If so when and hello/welcome in advance].
Ok, I'll take that as my cue -- cousin #3 here! I've been lurking and enjoying the thread very much, and seeing my eldest brother Jim jump in (AKA Cousin #2) finally inspired me to get my own account and join the shenanigans! I can just hear Grampy now - "boys, there'll be none of that foolishness!" I'm the youngest of the 6, where Mark (aka Darth) and Jim are the oldest siblings on each side (each the eldest of three siblings), so very fitting that they've been taking the lead. We all really appreciate Mark for leading the charge, putting in *all* the work to catalogue, photograph, network, and get schooled on Grampy's collection, and for inviting us all to join in with him to enjoy the journey! On our side Jim has been very active in the dialogue with Mark and been our de facto spokesperson -- it's like a fast paced ping-pong match with the rest of us cousins doing our best to keep up! For my part I've really enjoyed how this has unfolded and love the fact that it's helped us reconnect and brought us closer. I credit Mark with that based on how he's handled this whole thing. THE GEEK! Hats off!
I've enjoyed reading everyones great advice on these boards and am learning a lot. Ditto the thanks that Jim and Mark have expressed to all of you on this board. Ok, back to youngest cousin lurker mode, but I'll chime in again I'm sure.
Keep the great feedback!
Best, -Bob
P.S. My screenname is a little reference from the early Carlsbad days that Jim and Mark will likely remember...
That was a touching moment at Grammy's funeral for sure. Can't wait for the archeologists in 3010 to try and figure out why there was a petrified switch put Grammy's casket.
Need the gold guys for the 2.5... I've never been able to grade gold. They wear different, and are all around difficult to grade unless you really specialize...
What tonedbuff said about grading gold coins is right on the money. Plus the "incluse" gold coins (coins such as your 2 1/2 gold quarter eagle where the design goes into the coin blank [called a planchet] rather than outward, as is the case for the vast majority of coins) are apparently even trickier to grade.
It's too bad that none of you inherited your grandfather's collecting gene. Unfortunately, as my kids can attest, it is all too uncommon for a collector to have offspring with the same interest in collecting. But maybe the gene is recessive and will emerge in someone when all your family reads this thread!
Hey Darth (and family!) - as to the '25-D Quarter Eagle - fairly common date, nice shape, not a super-gem but it might be AU-58 or MS (perhaps 63.) It's very difficult to tell on these incuse pieces from an image. The best way is to "roll" the coin in your hands, bouncing light off of it, and looking for any noticeable break in the reflection of the luster, across the high points (indians cheek.) If there is a break in the luster, probably AU-58.
Just a nice gold coin - you're correct to wonder about authenticity, since indian 2-1/2s are commonly faked, but this one looks to be genuine. At least from my view in the cheap seats.
Take care!
Edit to say: from the image alone, I don't see any obvious friction, and I believe the coin probably grades MS-63, or better. Certainly not any worse than MS-63, if there is no friction of the high points.
'25-D Quarter Eagle - fairly common date, nice shape, not a super-gem but it might be AU-58 or MS (perhaps 63.)
Darth et al - just a note to let you know that an AU-58 and an MS-63 can be quite similar. The AU-58 can actually look more attractive, but it would have slight evidence of wear on the very highest points. If it is reasonably nice, it would be more desirable than an MS-60, which can be beat up. The MS-63 might have the same number and types of dings as the AU-58, but without the slight wear. Just a note on grading to help get you up to speed.
Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally
I have mentioned this before but I will do so again. My father in law is 88 years old, born in 1919. When he was 6 years old (1925) his aunt gave him a mint fresh $2.50 gold piece (a 1925D). He has had it ever since (82 years now, probably a record for one person owning one coin). I saw it a few years ago. It was stored in an old envelope. I bought a Capital Holder for him and I put the coin in the holder to keep it safe from scratches. It looks really nice. He told me that he wants the coin to go to my wife after he is gone. From there it will probably pass down to one of our sons. Pretty neat IMHO.
Robec – your guess is certainly better than mine - just posting what we have.
Grabba – I certainly don’t want this thread to turn into “Entertainment Tonight.” I assure you the additional posts from Jim, and now Bob are in no way an orchestrated plan. Emails between us are many – there is genuine excitement! My dad’s following the thread too.
Tonedbuff/Tbar – thanks for the grades – again!
Barndog – doing my best! Nice to see you drop in – and thanks again for helping me (us) in the beginning…
Mark – thanks for the comments on the gold. I know we’ll have to get those (few) gold pieces looked at by someone who knows.
And… well… yeah... I figured there might be some “disagreement” for our current position on selling the collection. I’m just very happy that at this point, three of us aren’t yelling “sell!” while the other three are saying “over my dead body!” I certainly know “sellers regret.” Case in point: my first car – a 1967 Mustang Fastback. Dayam!
But… in the end, you can’t take your possessions with you. We cousins have not really seen or spoken with each other for over a decade. The last time we were all together (I believe at my grandmother’s funeral in Carlsbad) was again many years of being separated. (We’re all in different cities/states.) But it was like stepping right back into another summer – we all just “clicked.” We were re-living events in that Carlsbad house that happened years ago, like it was yesterday!
My grandparent’s collection IS going to get us all back together for some type of reunion. At this point in my life – that one event will be worth much more than that box of coins – whether we sell them or not. As Dennis Miller used to say… “That’s just my opinion… I could be wrong…”
Jmski52 and Originalisbest – Thanks again! More information on the ’25 gold piece than I could have imagined. This thread (for us) really rocks!
SanctionII – wow. Great story on your father-in-law! Pretty neat? You bet! OK – I got one for you… “I AM SUBMITTING MY REQUEST FOR A PICTURE OF THAT 1925D $2.50 GOLD PIECE”
OK – next coin(s)… Grade ‘em up, if you please! Thanks!
Grabba – I certainly don’t want this thread to turn into “Entertainment Tonight.” I assure you the additional posts from Jim, and now Bob are in no way an orchestrated plan. Emails between us are many – there is genuine excitement! My dad’s following the thread too.
>>
I hope you didn't take my comment the wrong way. I meant it as sincerely as possible. I enjoy the comments from all the different members of your family as each one adds a little more to every story.
I'm not sure how much more I would post as I see a number of 2nd wave negative/realistic comments creeping in... get the collection organized and graded and up for sale (otherwise its treading water), as that's what I seem to understand will happen.
I have read and appreciated everything you've presented and dealt with and I love your threads. Let's see the outcome...
Ed to add: I think PCGS would be the natural grader given your presentation to its forum. I'm sure Ron is looking forward to the challenge of whether or not he intends to name this unique collection, again, given its presentation here.
One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by inferiors. – Plato
Darth5oh. Sorry, I can not post a pic of the coin. First I do not have it (it is tucked away 450+ miles away from me). Second, I am a dinosaur when it comes to computers and digital pics.
I just had a thought about Grandfather's collection and the family reunion it is spawning. I could see a this type of story (an extended family whose contact with each other has lessened over the years is reunited and brought closer together due to something that happens which has a connection to a beloved ancester) being one which could be made into a commercially successful movie (a "chick flick").
Who would be the leading man reprising the role of Darth5oh? Keanu Reeves, maybe? Who would be the female lead? Sandra Bullock?, Jennifer Anniston? Who would be grandfather and grandmother?
Thanks for returning, Darth, and welcome to the cousins.
The proof sets are great, just going by memory here, but the standouts for me are the Hudson, (never struck up), the Oregon, if not cleaned, which it doesn't appear to be to me, the connecticut and the second Elgin. If i get a minute i'll go back through the pics and see if anything else jumps out.
Virginia's MS63 and MS65. That first looks great but for the one really big ding on the obverse... too bad, it had 65+ potential. Again, nice coins, with that same original look that these all have. What a great matched set for a big investor to buy!
Grabba – no, no. Just wanting to make sure we (newbies) play by the rules over here!
Laurent – My plan is to keep posting pictures as long as people are interested in seeing them , or until I run out. Thanks for the compliments on the two threads!
SanctionII – Back in high-school I was told I resembled Robby Benson – I’ll see if he’s available…
Zenny – thanks for the comments on the commemoratives. More to come…
Tonedbuff – spreadsheet updated….
Here’s a quick (poor quality) pic I may have displayed on the last thread. The interesting thing (to me) is the green bag is marked, “Carlsbad National Bank”. Kinda cool…
Rolls! Don't tease, carefully unwrap those bad boys and get some pics! From those on the end, are they uncirculated rolls, or circulated? Are those on the end nicely toned from having that nice sulfur filled paper on them for years??? Rolls are way too much fun, when original, which these should be. There can be some real prizes in rolls of quarters and halves. I see a roll of quarters that says 30's and 40's, which get my interest... plus that roll of halves marked 1916 to 1947! My god man, what is in there? Franklin rolls in Unc can also yield some nice treasures. MORE, MORE, MORE
I liked the movie where he played a small town high school basketball player who had flare like Pistol Pete Maravich. He went to a big college on a scholarship (the movie was shot on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. [Moby Gym is the campus arena] and among the extras who played in the movie was Bobby Anderson, a former University Of Colorado Buffalo football player and NFL player who beat up Robbie Benson in practice pretty good in the movie). The coach did not like him and during the season was cruel to him in an effort to force him to quit and renounce his scholarship. Robbie Benson's character refused to quit, took the punishment and won a crucial game at the end of the movie. The coach had a change of heart and approached Robbie Benson in an attempt to patch things. Robbie Besnons' response to the coach was classic. The coach had told him the same thing earlier in the movie and Robbie Benson turned it around and gave the same line to the coach. It was "Up yours with a red hot poker".
Robbie Benson played in the practices and games himself in the movie. He has some serious hoop skills and in fact played like Pistol Pete.
I digress, back to the coins. Keep the pics coming.
Tonedbuff - my father told me those rolls are not "original". I think that green bag was full of the “loose change” and it was separated/segregated back into the paper rolls maybe 10 years ago. I can check the contents some time later!
SanctionII – the movie was, “One on One" Good flick...
A huge thank you for the great thread and the heart warming stories of your parents and grandparents. You have brought warmth and humanity through family and passion to a world often filled with crime and greed. And you have brought together this board in a "brotherhood" through our passion of coins.
THANK YOU!!
I have been following your story from day one back in January and I appreciate all of the pictures and your input on the board. There is a lot of time dedicated to the pics and cataloging the collection. WOW as we say in my business.
I do have a question about the bust halves you have. You posted a 1835 half, if you have a picture of the 1832 half I would love to see it. I am a collector of that year. Thanks in advance.
I look forward to seeing more pictures and posts. God Bless you all.
Shame about that Maine: really clean obverse, but something bad done to the reverse... cleaned, scratched... I don't know. Likely body bag candidate from PCGS or NGC.
About the Maine; actually I don't think that's a sign of cleaning. It looks very much to me as though the lines are raised on the surface of the coin, and sneaking behind the wreath. In other words, a bit of wayward die polish gone amuck, and on the coin as part of the manufacturing process. The remainder of the surfaces appear fine and unmolested, which leads me to think "die polish". Seeing the coin in hand would be best (as usual.)
Thanks all for those nice comments esp. Rodius & Sanction II (God Bless you too!). We are in fact planning a trip to meet again - hopefully before summer ends. Those will be some great pics & laughs!!!
I've thought about the second mortgage idea myself. ) It will all be as it should be in the end, and like Mark said, "We cannot take them with us."
This has turned out to be a fantastic journey down cousin memory lane for me. Mark should I tell the world about the ride (more like flight) on the LTD hood??? Probably not. But I still wonder why the wind shield wipers didn't break?
Ok so I just sat and read this thread from start to finish. There is only one thing I can say.
I hope that one day my grandchildren or even great grandchildren get to go through my coins and enjoy what you guys are experiencing. It is something very special indeed. Dusty is looking down upon this all with an ear to ear grin, I'm sure of it.
Comments
Maybe it’s not the strongest strike, and it almost looks like a little “rub” above Dollar on the obv. But this one jumped-out at me when I saw it in the coin board. The picture does not show it well, but the area behind the sun rays on the reverse is toned a little differently – with more color. (You have to play with the angle a little to make it stand out.)
Anyway – as I said. Maybe I’m off/wrong with my personal assessment – but to me, this one is a knock-out!
You do an awesome job responding to each's post. WAY beyond the norm!
Thanks for posting all the pictures of your family's FANTASTIC coins, some of them are stunning!..and the log book that your grandfather wrote, man that was neat to look back in the numismatic history of a great collector.
Sounds like your continuously getting good advice so I won't offer any, BUT keep up the good work and wish you and your family the best with all this....................wes
Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
Thanks so much for your input and research on Mr. Mehl!!! What I find so outstanding about the people (besides the vultures) on this forum is that they have integrity, and a sincere willingness to help. We cousins certainly appreciate it because our Grandfather wouldn’t have it any other way. Moreover, I don't recall him ever associating with anyone who didn't exhibit those characteristics. He, without a doubt, expected them from us. So again thank you.
As a matter of fact, I read several comments that were made throughout both threads. It was indirectly mentioned that we (cousins/family) seem to get along. To answer that, our Grandparents absolutely insisted on it when we were young. I remember a summer visit when we were all arguing about where we were going first - whether it be Sitting Bull Falls, Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, New Cave, etc. Their expectation of us was that we have unanimous decision, and that we work it out amongst ourselves.
Nonetheless, Grammy got so upset that; one, they made the decision for us, and two; we didn’t get to do ANYTHING that day. From that point forward, we kinda allowed Mark (Darth5oh) to be the cousin spokesman. It’s fitting that he is the steward of the collection, and I think most of you reading can bear witness to his level headedness, impartiality, and genuine integrity.
It may sound like I'm sucking up, but you here on the forum can attest to this arduous task. He's handled the whole ordeal with kid gloves, always keeping in mind what our Grandparents would have expected from all of us.
You have been a great help to him. As for the rest us (cousins - maybe you too), we're really enjoying the ride.
Sincerely,
JIM
Mark thanks for posting the coins and related stuff. Love it!
Cousin#2 welcome to the boards!
Steve
Tonedbuff/Mirabela – thanks for the coin opinion/analysis! (I’m still taking notes in my spreadsheet beside each coin.)
Dan – yes, we have 2 Bay Bridges. My plan was keep going in order alphabetically. But what the heck, I can take a request every once in a while! (Of course – before you can view the coins, you must sit through my stories!)
WinPitcher – thanks. And I think Jim was referring to a conversation we had about the first thread, and some warnings I got to watch out for “circling coin dealers”…
OK - thanks for those comments Jim - it's jogging my memory for sure! As pointed out – discipline was certainly a high priority, and arguments were just not allowed – especially at the dinner table. (This was passed down to my father, where both my brother and sister will attest.)
This ‘story’ happened 30+ years ago, so it may be embellished a bit.
Most of the cousins (can’t recall how many) sat down to yet another feast Grammy prepared for us during our visits. After the prayer and Grampy’s quick thank-you/respectful kiss he gave Grammy each and every evening - we “dug in”. Our eating quickly turned to silliness. I believe we were chewing our food, and showing each other our mouthfuls of mush. (Something to do with a popular doll back then, “Baby Alive”, who drooled baby food down it’s chin in a TV commercial.) Several of us entered into that uncontrollable giggle-zone – the kind you get in the worst possible places…a quiet classroom, a church, a library, or Grammy and Grampy’s dinner table. I’m not even sure how many of us grandkids were involved, and thus sentenced – but I seem to remember at least Jim and I being “excused” from dinner. Truth be told – I don’t know if we were allowed back to finish or not. (I’m going to say we were.) But it’s certainly possible the hunger pains later that evening cured any additional nonsense.
Another story I’d like to share is again about of discipline. This involves not us grandkids, but their two sons (our fathers) John and Bob. My father, carrying a small willow branch, told this story at my grandmother’s funeral. (I hope I can do it justice.)
It seems an argument/fight broke out between these two brothers (who were about 2-3 years apart) – maybe somewhere between 8-12 years of age. But the age and reason for the “fight” doesn’t matter. What matters is the form of punishment used against these mischief-makers back then. (This would have taken place in the mid-1940s roughly.)
It seems that if your parents were Grammy & Grampy and you got in trouble, you were forced to march-out to a large willow tree and select a whipping switch – your own “instrument of obedience” if you will. And it seems a mutual decision was made (probably both knowing of her even temper) that Grammy would, and should be elected to the position of “Pain Administrator” Now… it was quickly learned by both Bob and John (after the 2nd or 3rd trip to the tree) that there was indeed a “perfect” switch. One just the right size – not too thin which would sting like an angry hornet – but at the same time not too thick - which could leave you sitting on painful welts. So, this selection process became an art-form for these two boys, because the correct selection meant minimizing the degree of sting and welt.
Back to the story... Both were in trouble, so both marched-off to the willow tree. As they were standing there – knowing what must be done, looking for their own perfect “instrument” - both caught sight of the SAME perfect “gem”. Both reached, both got a hold of, and both yelled, “mine!” Indeed, another raging fight ensued over the switch that was to be used against them! I am not positive – but I think at that point – Grammy marched out to that willow tree and selected her own “instrument” that day, and carried out her duties on both of them!
The story was extremely funny – but at the end of it… My father walked up to Grammy’s casket – and laid that small willow branch next to her. Wow… my eyes are tearing as I write this.
Next coin…
I digress. Still enjoying this thread tremendously. More proof pics please (especially the 36, 37s, 38, 39, 40, 41s, 42, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 and 64 and the SMS 65, 66 & 67 [I am assuming/hoping these are present, though I recall 36-42, 50 and 54 being mentioned/pictured before]). Really, really interested in seeing if any of the proofs from these years are Cameo or Deep Cameo coins.
I digress further. Also really starting to like the early commems as a result of the pics posted [The Spanish Trial is the bomb man, the bomb].
Keep it up Darth5oh and Cousin2 [are the other Cousins going to post?, If so when and hello/welcome in advance].
I've enjoyed reading everyones great advice on these boards and am learning a lot. Ditto the thanks that Jim and Mark have expressed to all of you on this board. Ok, back to youngest cousin lurker mode, but I'll chime in again I'm sure.
Keep the great feedback!
Best,
-Bob
P.S. My screenname is a little reference from the early Carlsbad days that Jim and Mark will likely remember...
That was a touching moment at Grammy's funeral for sure. Can't wait for the archeologists in 3010 to try and figure out why there was a petrified switch put Grammy's casket.
JIM
That is a fickin' fantastic handle!!! You do remember!!! WOW...
Good to see you here on the Forum for sure.
Love,
JIM
SanctionII – OK! I... GET... THE... MESSAGE... lol! I’ll try to accommodate your request as soon as I can…
Hey Bob! Thanks! (And you lost me on the screen name. Please email the old-man with a clue…)
Random coin! (Coin Roulette) I hope this one is not fake!
Steve
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
Thanks for this thread.
<< <i>Bay bridge #1 MS64, #2 MS65 I'd say. Nice coins. The reverse on these often tones really dark, and these are both fairly nice and clean. >>
The 2 1/2 looks nice to me but these are hard to grade and I won't venture to guess.
The Oregon looks nice, but I agree that there seems evidence of light cleaning. 64-65 if not.
It's too bad that none of you inherited your grandfather's collecting gene. Unfortunately, as my kids can attest, it is all too uncommon for a collector to have offspring with the same interest in collecting.
I knew it would happen.
Just a nice gold coin - you're correct to wonder about authenticity, since indian 2-1/2s are commonly faked, but this one looks to be genuine. At least from my view in the cheap seats.
Take care!
Edit to say: from the image alone, I don't see any obvious friction, and I believe the coin probably grades MS-63, or better. Certainly not any worse than MS-63, if there is no friction of the high points.
Darth et al - just a note to let you know that an AU-58 and an MS-63 can be quite similar. The AU-58 can actually look more attractive, but it would have slight evidence of wear on the very highest points. If it is reasonably nice, it would be more desirable than an MS-60, which can be beat up. The MS-63 might have the same number and types of dings as the AU-58, but without the slight wear. Just a note on grading to help get you up to speed.
I knew it would happen.
I have mentioned this before but I will do so again. My father in law is 88 years old, born in 1919. When he was 6 years old (1925) his aunt gave him a mint fresh $2.50 gold piece (a 1925D). He has had it ever since (82 years now, probably a record for one person owning one coin). I saw it a few years ago. It was stored in an old envelope. I bought a Capital Holder for him and I put the coin in the holder to keep it safe from scratches. It looks really nice. He told me that he wants the coin to go to my wife after he is gone. From there it will probably pass down to one of our sons. Pretty neat IMHO.
Grabba – I certainly don’t want this thread to turn into “Entertainment Tonight.” I assure you the additional posts from Jim, and now Bob are in no way an orchestrated plan. Emails between us are many – there is genuine excitement! My dad’s following the thread too.
Tonedbuff/Tbar – thanks for the grades – again!
Barndog – doing my best! Nice to see you drop in – and thanks again for helping me (us) in the beginning…
Mark – thanks for the comments on the gold. I know we’ll have to get those (few) gold pieces looked at by someone who knows.
And… well… yeah... I figured there might be some “disagreement”
But… in the end, you can’t take your possessions with you. We cousins have not really seen or spoken with each other for over a decade. The last time we were all together (I believe at my grandmother’s funeral in Carlsbad) was again many years of being separated. (We’re all in different cities/states.) But it was like stepping right back into another summer – we all just “clicked.” We were re-living events in that Carlsbad house that happened years ago, like it was yesterday!
My grandparent’s collection IS going to get us all back together for some type of reunion. At this point in my life – that one event will be worth much more than that box of coins – whether we sell them or not. As Dennis Miller used to say… “That’s just my opinion… I could be wrong…”
Jmski52 and Originalisbest – Thanks again! More information on the ’25 gold piece than I could have imagined. This thread (for us) really rocks!
SanctionII – wow. Great story on your father-in-law! Pretty neat? You bet! OK – I got one for you… “I AM SUBMITTING MY REQUEST FOR A PICTURE OF THAT 1925D $2.50 GOLD PIECE”
OK – next coin(s)… Grade ‘em up, if you please! Thanks!
<< <i>
Grabba – I certainly don’t want this thread to turn into “Entertainment Tonight.” I assure you the additional posts from Jim, and now Bob are in no way an orchestrated plan. Emails between us are many – there is genuine excitement! My dad’s following the thread too.
>>
I hope you didn't take my comment the wrong way. I meant it as sincerely as possible. I enjoy the comments from all the different members of your family as each one adds a little more to every story.
Keep the coins coming.
I have read and appreciated everything you've presented and dealt with and I love your threads. Let's see the outcome...
Ed to add: I think PCGS would be the natural grader given your presentation to its forum. I'm sure Ron is looking forward to the challenge of whether or not he intends to name this unique collection, again, given its presentation here.
is that you end up being governed by inferiors. – Plato
I just had a thought about Grandfather's collection and the family reunion it is spawning. I could see a this type of story (an extended family whose contact with each other has lessened over the years is reunited and brought closer together due to something that happens which has a connection to a beloved ancester) being one which could be made into a commercially successful movie (a "chick flick").
Who would be the leading man reprising the role of Darth5oh? Keanu Reeves, maybe? Who would be the female lead? Sandra Bullock?, Jennifer Anniston? Who would be grandfather and grandmother?
The proof sets are great, just going by memory here, but the standouts for me are the Hudson, (never struck up), the Oregon, if not cleaned, which it doesn't appear to be to me, the connecticut and the second Elgin. If i get a minute i'll go back through the pics and see if anything else jumps out.
keep em coming...........
z
<< <i>Who would be grandfather and grandmother? >>
Russ and Laura.
Laurent – My plan is to keep posting pictures as long as people are interested in seeing them , or until I run out. Thanks for the compliments on the two threads!
SanctionII – Back in high-school I was told I resembled Robby Benson – I’ll see if he’s available…
Zenny – thanks for the comments on the commemoratives. More to come…
Tonedbuff – spreadsheet updated….
Here’s a quick (poor quality) pic I may have displayed on the last thread. The interesting thing (to me) is the green bag is marked, “Carlsbad National Bank”. Kinda cool…
Rolls are way too much fun, when original, which these should be. There can be some real prizes in rolls of quarters and halves. I see a roll of quarters that says 30's and 40's, which get my interest... plus that roll of halves marked 1916 to 1947! My god man, what is in there? Franklin rolls in Unc can also yield some nice treasures.
MORE, MORE, MORE
I liked the movie where he played a small town high school basketball player who had flare like Pistol Pete Maravich. He went to a big college on a scholarship (the movie was shot on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. [Moby Gym is the campus arena] and among the extras who played in the movie was Bobby Anderson, a former University Of Colorado Buffalo football player and NFL player who beat up Robbie Benson in practice pretty good in the movie). The coach did not like him and during the season was cruel to him in an effort to force him to quit and renounce his scholarship. Robbie Benson's character refused to quit, took the punishment and won a crucial game at the end of the movie. The coach had a change of heart and approached Robbie Benson in an attempt to patch things. Robbie Besnons' response to the coach was classic. The coach had told him the same thing earlier in the movie and Robbie Benson turned it around and gave the same line to the coach. It was "Up yours with a red hot poker".
Robbie Benson played in the practices and games himself in the movie. He has some serious hoop skills and in fact played like Pistol Pete.
I digress, back to the coins. Keep the pics coming.
SanctionII – the movie was, “One on One"
Here's a Maine: I think I see some cleaning...
A huge thank you for the great thread and the heart warming stories of your parents and grandparents. You have brought warmth and humanity through family and passion to a world often filled with crime and greed. And you have brought together this board in a "brotherhood" through our passion of coins.
THANK YOU!!
I have been following your story from day one back in January and I appreciate all of the pictures and your input on the board. There is a lot of time dedicated to the pics and cataloging the collection. WOW as we say in my business.
I do have a question about the bust halves you have. You posted a 1835 half, if you have a picture of the 1832 half I would love to see it. I am a collector of that year. Thanks in advance.
I look forward to seeing more pictures and posts. God Bless you all.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Julia Roberts as MRS Darth
Robert Duvall as grampa
Lauren Bacall as grammy
Nice stuff
Bring it !
Thanks all for those nice comments esp. Rodius & Sanction II (God Bless you too!). We are in fact planning a trip to meet again - hopefully before summer ends. Those will be some great pics & laughs!!!
I've thought about the second mortgage idea myself.
This has turned out to be a fantastic journey down cousin memory lane for me. Mark should I tell the world about the ride (more like flight) on the LTD hood??? Probably not.
The pics of Grampy's coins are fantastic...
JIM
I hope that one day my grandchildren or even great grandchildren get to go through my coins and enjoy what you guys are experiencing. It is something very special indeed. Dusty is looking down upon this all with an ear to ear grin, I'm sure of it.