Poll Part II: Which of these two expensive but available coins would you rather have?

RYK · October 17, 2008 12:49AM

These are the two coins, from Scotsman auctions, which inspired the earlier question. Assume that they are close in value. Which of these two expensive but available coins would you rather have for your collection? Does this illustration alter your opinion from the other poll?

(Note that Coin A is better imaged the Coin B. Coin B looks more natural, lustrous, etc. in hand.)

Coin A: 1793 "AMERICA" (S-3, R-3-). ANACS XF-40 details, reengraved-burnished.

Coin B: 1907 High Relief Flat Rim. PCGS MS-62.

ziggy29 · October 17, 2008 12:52AM

I don't suppose a problem-free Chain cent in F-15 to VF-20 would be a third option?

RYK · October 17, 2008 12:54AM

<< I don't suppose a problem-free Chain cent in F-15 to VF-20 would be a third option?

>>

I do not think that you can buy a problem-free Chain in VF-20 for the same price as the HR in this thread. In fact, I expect this Chain to sell for a higher price than the HR Saint.

STONE · October 17, 2008 12:55AM

Tough decision. The HR Saint looks like a 63 or 64, not a 62.
But on the other hand, the Chain Cent doesn't seem to have any corrosion either, which would be my largest stopped when acquiring one.

I'd still probably settle with the Chain Cent, despite the "Problem"

DennisH · October 17, 2008 12:55AM

I voted for the chain cent because I've always been astounded at how readily available HR Saints are in grades up to MS65 and beyond. Really nice Chain cents in higher grades, however, seem to be a much different matter.

Yes, I understand that the lure of a huge gold coin has far broader appeal, especially to people who know nothing about coins, and I may be "overthinking the room" here, but for me a high-end and original Chain cent is sexier.

Edited: Oops. I didn't realize that the chain cent was re-engraved.

That's a deal-breaker for me, so put me down for the Saint now.

abitofthisabitofthat · October 17, 2008 12:57AM

I can't live the "re-engraved" part of the Chain, so I guess that I get the High Relief. Thanks for great giveaway!

RYK · October 17, 2008 1:03AM

<< Tough decision. The HR Saint looks like a 63 or 64, not a 62.
But on the other hand, the Chain Cent doesn't seem to have any corrosion either, which would be my largest stopped when acquiring one.

I'd still probably settle with the Chain Cent, despite the "Problem" >>

The "burnishing" does not bother me. I would take that over corrosion or significant porosity. I cannot look at the Chain without seeing the re-engraving of the hair, and that would be a deal-killer for me.

PrivateCoinCollector · October 17, 2008 1:04AM

No change.

mgoodm3 · October 17, 2008 1:06AM

I am not much into "problem" coins - at least obvious ones such as re-engraving

Longacre · October 17, 2008 1:25AM

I don't like problem coins, so I will have to settle for the Saint. When will you be sending it to me?

BECOKA · October 17, 2008 1:41AM

In this case the saint hands down.

Where did that hands down phrase come from anyway?

Coxe · October 17, 2008 1:48AM

I do prefer a real coin. SGDEs aren't strictly bullion, but also not in the same league as a chain cent for history in your hands.

CoinJunkie · October 17, 2008 1:50AM

Tough choice, but I went with A. Older IS better...

Elcontador · October 17, 2008 1:55AM

I don't collect problem coins and I don't collect gold, so none of the above.

zeebob · October 17, 2008 2:03AM

<< I am not much into "problem" coins - at least obvious ones such as re-engraving >>

zeebob · October 17, 2008 2:04AM

<< Tough choice, but I went with A. Older IS better... >>

Tough choice, but I went with B. Golder IS better...

MidLifeCrisis · October 17, 2008 2:19AM

The fact that the Chain cent is such a problem coin changes everything. In this case, I'd choose the HR Saint.

Barry · October 17, 2008 2:21AM

I wouldn't want either. Get me a problem-free Chain Cent.

MikeInFL · October 17, 2008 2:40AM

As a copper guy, I'd lean towards the Chain. However the re-engraving is too bothersome, so I voted for the HR Saint.

ricko · October 17, 2008 3:29AM

Same answer... but the gold sure is pretty... Cheeers, RickO

STONE · October 17, 2008 3:32AM

WOW, I'm surprised to see this so 50/50.

Very cool

fc · October 17, 2008 3:54AM

i said chain. older is better in this case.

i do not mind the fact it has a few problems because my
eye does not immediately go to the problems. i would wager most
people on this forum could only guess where the problem areas are located.

the saint while pretty does nothing for me. i feel the design is over rated...
as in it is not the "finest or best" design to ever come from the mint. it is up
there but not the best.

ColonialCoinUnion · October 17, 2008 3:59AM

Re-engraving is death. B.

RYK · October 17, 2008 4:26AM

<< Re-engraving is death. B. >>

No, counterfeit is death. Re-engraving is having your eye poked out.

ksammut · October 17, 2008 4:37AM

<< In this case the saint hands down.

Where did that hands down phrase come from anyway? >>

The hands-down origin is from horse racing. A hands-down victory is one that is so assured that a jockey can drop his hands and relax his grip on the reins as he approaches the line.

Bochiman · October 17, 2008 4:39AM

Chain cent...in a heartbeat!
It has true meaning to this country. I don't like the re-engraving, but still better than a gold saint.

1798CentCollector · October 17, 2008 6:13AM

Re-engraving is mega-death - man inflicted damage is the worst. I know this wasn't an option, but neither. I couldn't bear to take the Saint over the copper, I'd wait for a eye-appealing Chain. If that kind of money is going to be committed, I rather commit it to an great looking original piece - even one with less detail..

If you refuse to accept that option, then B. I'd just turnaround and sell it and wait for a better chain with the proceeds

ColonialCoinUnion · October 17, 2008 6:22AM

<< 

<< Re-engraving is death. B. >>

No, counterfeit is death. Re-engraving is having your eye poked out.

>>

I thought tooling was having your eyes poked out. Maybe you're thinking of graffitiing?

tightbudget · October 17, 2008 6:25AM

I'd stick pick the High Relief. And on a side note, I'd call that High Relief a wire rim. I know flat rims still show minute traces of a wire rim, but I think that coin shows too much.

MrEureka · October 17, 2008 6:26AM

I'd go for the re-engraved Chain Cent. It would look good in an album, and even better in an overseas auction.

ColonialCoinUnion · October 17, 2008 6:34AM

<< I'd go for the re-engraved Chain Cent. It would look good in an album, and even better in an overseas auction.

>>

Ha!

coindudeonebay · October 17, 2008 6:41AM

How many times did Saint Guru vote?

CoinJunkie · October 17, 2008 6:56AM

<< 

<< Tough choice, but I went with A. Older IS better... >>

Tough choice, but I went with B. Golder IS better...

>>

Nice comeback!

CoinJunkie · October 17, 2008 7:02AM

<< i said chain. older is better in this case.

i do not mind the fact it has a few problems because my
eye does not immediately go to the problems. i would wager most
people on this forum could only guess where the problem areas are located.

the saint while pretty does nothing for me. i feel the design is over rated...
as in it is not the "finest or best" design to ever come from the mint. it is up
there but not the best. >>

on all of your points.

I've never been that enamored of Saints, preferring the design of the $10
Indian. One problem with the SG $20 is that the ones I can afford tend to be pretty
baggy. Also, the design almost looks more like a medal than a coin to me.
(putting on flame suit...)

onejinx · October 17, 2008 7:46AM

I thought the term "hands down" came from the boxing world

anablep · October 17, 2008 7:51AM

Still the saint for me...

Baley · October 17, 2008 7:53AM

I think I'd enjoy looking at Coin B more, and enjoy owning Coin A more

Coinosaurus · October 17, 2008 7:54AM

Gimme the Saint. I hate problem coins.

supergem · October 17, 2008 8:00AM

A problem coin will always be a problem coin. How about if we compare Gems?

What about this PCGS-MS65 Chain Cent from a Stacks auction,

Versus this PCGS-MS69 High Relief from a recent Heritage auction

Now which do you prefer? I pick the chain cent.

TomB · October 17, 2008 8:05AM

I don't like either of them; save your money and buy a nice coin.

RWB · October 17, 2008 8:06AM

The tooled and ruined 1793 cent is, to me, not worth much more than a tooled copper washer. The SG, while much more common, at least looks like a respectable collector's coin – at least from the photo.

mrearlygold · October 17, 2008 12:18PM

And the end result is?....................

Poll Part II: Which of these two expensive but available coins would you rather have?

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