Which would you rather own?

rhedden · June 23, 2008 7:48AM

Assuming equal monetary value, which of the following U.S. coins would you rather own:

1) 1793 Chain Cent, a low-mid grade example, perhaps with the usual minor problems, but a nice coin nonetheless.

2) 1796 quarter, also low-mid grade, and assume the exact same fair market value as the chain cent to keep the playing field level.

What I am asking is which coin you consider to be the more historic, attractive, desirable numismatic property, assuming an equal amount of money invested in either. Assume the commonest variety for either coin.

TomB · June 23, 2008 7:50AM

In my experience the Chain cent would be the tougher coin, but I like the design of the quarter more.

ColonialCoinUnion · June 23, 2008 7:55AM

Chain.

coindeuce · June 23, 2008 7:56AM

In the years ending the 18th century, a quarter dollar would have represented a week's wages for the majority of common citizens. A cent would more likely have been carried on a regular basis by a common citizen. Easier to relate to the latter.

Nic · June 23, 2008 7:58AM

Chain. K

MidLifeCrisis · June 23, 2008 8:04AM

Chain Cent...easy choice for me. It's historically significant, copper, a coin for the common man, and cool!

ColonialCoinUnion · June 23, 2008 8:38AM

It's much harder to find a nice looking Chain Cent.

veryfine · June 23, 2008 8:40AM

I like them both, but the 1796 quarter is a far second from the chain cent.
Both the chain cent and the 1796 quarter are historically significant and rare coins, but the chain cent is such an odd novelty. It is humorous, frightening, silly, yet strangely magnetic. Despite the amateurish engraving, resulting in one of the most warped portrait renditions in numismatic history, I would Love to own one in almost any state of preservation.
I doubt I ever will, unless I find one with a metal detector or win the lottery.

Broadstruck · June 23, 2008 8:45AM

<< <i>In my experience the Chain cent would be the tougher coin, but I like the design of the quarter more. >>

RYK · June 23, 2008 8:46AM

I am going with the quarter. I have already done the Chain thing.

ricko · June 23, 2008 8:59AM

The Chain cent has been calling to me..... I know, see a shrink...

Cheers, Ricko

curly · June 23, 2008 9:02AM

I voted for the chain cent just because it's so cool and that's a good lookin' babe on the obverse.

droopyd · June 23, 2008 9:07AM

i caN haZ b0th?

doh · June 23, 2008 9:10AM

I believe the Chain Cent is the far more historical coin, but all things being equal I would take the quarter just because I really dig Bust Quarters...personal preference I suppose.

GFourDriver · June 23, 2008 9:27AM

Both, because they are both out of my league right now and since we are going with fantisizing, might as well have the whipped cream AND the cherry on top.

tjkillian · June 23, 2008 9:33AM

The quarter, it is silver and represents a quarter of a day's wage for a common laborer.

Besides, I've done the Chain cent and mine was too low grade for me to appreciate. (PO-01)

coinbuf · June 23, 2008 9:45AM

Chain for me, why you ask? Simple I'm a copper geek.

charley · June 23, 2008 9:47AM

I would have to put my Chain around the Quarter. Respectfully, John Curlis

BECOKA · June 23, 2008 10:07AM

Feels like the chain cent has a little more pizzaz to me.

rhedden · June 25, 2008 12:52AM

Well, looks like the Chain cent is the winner, with the current score being 41-28 in its favor. Personally, I'd take the 1796 quarter, just because I like old silver; but this thread clearly shows that the Chain commands a lot of respect in the collecting community.

NumisOxide · June 25, 2008 12:58AM

Chain

Which would you rather own?

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