Options
Looking to write coin descriptions for US dealers
Dennis88
Posts: 5,797 ✭✭✭
As most people know, I live in the Netherlands and am an avid collector of US coins. Although I am only 20 years old, I have collected coins for at least 12 years, and focused my collection on US coins about 6 years ago.
One of my goals in life is to come over to the US and build a life there while working in the coin business. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to fullfill that dream, although I am visiting the US on average every 6 months now, whenever I can get the days off work. Last visit was the FUN show in Orlando last January, next visit will be the ANA show in LA combined with a week vacation in northern California.
Personal circumstances at home have delayed my coming over to the US for awhile, although I hope to take a big step at that in the next few years. For now, all I can do is study and research US coins, and of course collecting them. This has resulted in several well received articles published on the web, and lately in the Gobrecht Journal. Subjects ranged from generic gold, to patterns and liberty seated coinage.
For now, I would like to get more experience being a numismatic researcher. As a result, I am now writing some coin descriptions for Polaris coins, Brandon Kelley (Polariscoins.com). This is a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience which I will hopefully be able to use in the future.
However, these are only a limited number of coins. I would like to get some more experience by writing coin descriptions for other dealers. If any of you who also have a website or do ebay listings, and are interested in this, I would like to hear from you. This is a wonderful way of getting some experience which will hopefully turn in a US coin job in the next couple of years.
Below, I have added three descriptions I recently wrote. These are just examples of what I have recently done. If any of you would like to see more, please PM or e-mail me and I will provide some more descriptions. Any help is greatly appreciated, so if you know anyone who is interested, or if you are interested in this, please get in touch.
Here are the three examples:
1808/7 $5 PCGS MS-62 (BD-1, die state b/a, R-6) – A true rarity with approximately 20 to 30 pieces known, this uncirculated piece is a highlight among early half eagle varieties.
Two 1807 obverse dies were overdated in 1808 to strike this issue with approximately 55,578 (possibly more) pieces struck. Only slightly different, the BD-1 is the much scarcer of the two, identified by a small 1 in 1808 centered over a dentil. This however, is not the true key to identifying this variety, which was only struck for a very short period.
Although only just developed on this example, a die crack which runs from the top all the way through the portrait to the bottom, can be seen on the obverse. This was the reason this obverse die was soon retired, most likely after no more than 2,000 pieces minted. The die broke and shattered, a common problem among early dies, and was soon retired.
The reverse is also a leftover die first used to strike the 1807 half eagles of the BD-8 variety. Soon after the mintage of the 1808 half eagle started this die was lapped, removing previously developed die clashes, except for some areas within the shield.
Half eagles are the most common encountered denomination among early gold. Frequently used by banks of the time and largely exported, most of the remaining pieces that survived the melting pot show wear from circulation. As gold has been a precious metal for millennia, many pieces were melted and used in bullion or jewelry. The pieces that remain in high quality, such as this piece, are among the highlights of early American coinage.
A rare variety in all grades, the present uncirculated example is easily among the condition census of the variety. The strong strike on both the obverse and reverse is highlighted above lustrous fields with original red-yellow gold color. The important diagnostics are clearly visible on the obverse and reverse, leaving no question regarding the BD-1 variety. A true collector coin for the advanced specialist!
1883 1C PCGS MS-65RD – A true gem, this Indian Head Cent had the largest mintage of the 1880’s. Most of the 45,591,500 pieces however went into circulation, obtaining wear and soon losing their original red color. The remaining balance was kept in mint state, but not handled properly. As a result, true gems with original red mint color are scare.
This coin is one of these true gem pieces with blazing luster and virtually mark-free surfaces. A few tiny specs, particularly one under the wreath on the reverse is the only factor that keeps this otherwise premium gem out of an higher grade holder. This coin exhibits tremendous eye-appeal and sure is to please any collector.
1916 Barber 25C PCGS MS-65 – With a total mintage of 1,788,000 pieces the final year of the Barber design saw regular production at the Philadelphia Mint. This resulted in a common issue which is not hard to find in all grades. The reason probably is that at least some were set apart by collectors of the time as a momentum to the design introduced in 1892.
This particular piece exhibits a sharp strike on lustrous surfaces, highlighted by satin luster. There are no major hits, making this a true GEM piece. Virtually untoned with subtle gold patina. A great coin for the discriminating type or date set collector!
Thanks all for your help and looking forward to hear from you.
Dennis Hengeveld
qeagle88@gmail.com
One of my goals in life is to come over to the US and build a life there while working in the coin business. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to fullfill that dream, although I am visiting the US on average every 6 months now, whenever I can get the days off work. Last visit was the FUN show in Orlando last January, next visit will be the ANA show in LA combined with a week vacation in northern California.
Personal circumstances at home have delayed my coming over to the US for awhile, although I hope to take a big step at that in the next few years. For now, all I can do is study and research US coins, and of course collecting them. This has resulted in several well received articles published on the web, and lately in the Gobrecht Journal. Subjects ranged from generic gold, to patterns and liberty seated coinage.
For now, I would like to get more experience being a numismatic researcher. As a result, I am now writing some coin descriptions for Polaris coins, Brandon Kelley (Polariscoins.com). This is a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience which I will hopefully be able to use in the future.
However, these are only a limited number of coins. I would like to get some more experience by writing coin descriptions for other dealers. If any of you who also have a website or do ebay listings, and are interested in this, I would like to hear from you. This is a wonderful way of getting some experience which will hopefully turn in a US coin job in the next couple of years.
Below, I have added three descriptions I recently wrote. These are just examples of what I have recently done. If any of you would like to see more, please PM or e-mail me and I will provide some more descriptions. Any help is greatly appreciated, so if you know anyone who is interested, or if you are interested in this, please get in touch.
Here are the three examples:
1808/7 $5 PCGS MS-62 (BD-1, die state b/a, R-6) – A true rarity with approximately 20 to 30 pieces known, this uncirculated piece is a highlight among early half eagle varieties.
Two 1807 obverse dies were overdated in 1808 to strike this issue with approximately 55,578 (possibly more) pieces struck. Only slightly different, the BD-1 is the much scarcer of the two, identified by a small 1 in 1808 centered over a dentil. This however, is not the true key to identifying this variety, which was only struck for a very short period.
Although only just developed on this example, a die crack which runs from the top all the way through the portrait to the bottom, can be seen on the obverse. This was the reason this obverse die was soon retired, most likely after no more than 2,000 pieces minted. The die broke and shattered, a common problem among early dies, and was soon retired.
The reverse is also a leftover die first used to strike the 1807 half eagles of the BD-8 variety. Soon after the mintage of the 1808 half eagle started this die was lapped, removing previously developed die clashes, except for some areas within the shield.
Half eagles are the most common encountered denomination among early gold. Frequently used by banks of the time and largely exported, most of the remaining pieces that survived the melting pot show wear from circulation. As gold has been a precious metal for millennia, many pieces were melted and used in bullion or jewelry. The pieces that remain in high quality, such as this piece, are among the highlights of early American coinage.
A rare variety in all grades, the present uncirculated example is easily among the condition census of the variety. The strong strike on both the obverse and reverse is highlighted above lustrous fields with original red-yellow gold color. The important diagnostics are clearly visible on the obverse and reverse, leaving no question regarding the BD-1 variety. A true collector coin for the advanced specialist!
1883 1C PCGS MS-65RD – A true gem, this Indian Head Cent had the largest mintage of the 1880’s. Most of the 45,591,500 pieces however went into circulation, obtaining wear and soon losing their original red color. The remaining balance was kept in mint state, but not handled properly. As a result, true gems with original red mint color are scare.
This coin is one of these true gem pieces with blazing luster and virtually mark-free surfaces. A few tiny specs, particularly one under the wreath on the reverse is the only factor that keeps this otherwise premium gem out of an higher grade holder. This coin exhibits tremendous eye-appeal and sure is to please any collector.
1916 Barber 25C PCGS MS-65 – With a total mintage of 1,788,000 pieces the final year of the Barber design saw regular production at the Philadelphia Mint. This resulted in a common issue which is not hard to find in all grades. The reason probably is that at least some were set apart by collectors of the time as a momentum to the design introduced in 1892.
This particular piece exhibits a sharp strike on lustrous surfaces, highlighted by satin luster. There are no major hits, making this a true GEM piece. Virtually untoned with subtle gold patina. A great coin for the discriminating type or date set collector!
Thanks all for your help and looking forward to hear from you.
Dennis Hengeveld
qeagle88@gmail.com
0
Comments
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I realized the early gold stuff was rare, but I never realized that the 1808/7 was down to 30 or less known examples!!!
Shocking, to say the least.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
The first example wasn't making any sense.
Ray
<< <i>Okay, you edited the $2.5 Dollar gold out and replaced it with $5.
The first example wasn't making any sense.
Ray >>
Yeah, I know. Didn't use the final version
Dennis
Like VOC Numismatics on facebook
Those are good descriptions. I am deathly afraid of that CoinWiki that Mr. Guth runs for PCGS. Not because there is anything wrong with it, but simply because any Tom, Dick, or Harry can write whatever they want on it. Perhaps you can offer PCGS to become the monitor of the Wiki, and check what is written. That will increase the breadth of your writing, and allow for you to tie in your historical interest with coins, too. PCGS would be willing to wet your beak to do that, I suppose.
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
<< <i>I would think your best shot would be to do remote cataloging for an auctioneer. They would shoot the coins, and you would catalog them based on the images. I don't know if this has become a common practice in the industry, but it's inevitable that it one day will be. >>
Nobody reads the description anyway, so why go through the trouble of having the coin in hand when describing it.
<< <i>..."rosewood and sunset nuances in the subtleness of the color tends to highlight the buttery yellow tones that cascade through luster so razor sharp that it can cut through pea soup". >>
Where is this coin - SOLD!!!!!
JC
<< <i>Dennis:
Those are good descriptions. I am deathly afraid of that CoinWiki that Mr. Guth runs for PCGS. Not because there is anything wrong with it, but simply because any Tom, Dick, or Harry can write whatever they want on it. Perhaps you can offer PCGS to become the monitor of the Wiki, and check what is written. That will increase the breadth of your writing, and allow for you to tie in your historical interest with coins, too. PCGS would be willing to wet your beak to do that, I suppose. >>
Might be an idea....
Like VOC Numismatics on facebook
<< <i>
<< <i>I would think your best shot would be to do remote cataloging for an auctioneer. They would shoot the coins, and you would catalog them based on the images. I don't know if this has become a common practice in the industry, but it's inevitable that it one day will be. >>
Nobody reads the description anyway, so why go through the trouble of having the coin in hand when describing it.
Like VOC Numismatics on facebook
I think with this series, to equate a lager mintage with "common" availability is a big mistake.
Actually I have only been looking for Barber quarters for more than a year now and have found the 1916 in VF-AU to be quite elusive.
I would like to here some of the more serious Barber people to chime in.
out of a higher grade holder
scare scarce
specs specifications or specks?
largest mintage - highest? greatest?
obtaining wear v receiving wear?
original red mint color v original, red mint color?
<< <i>Whatever you do, please don't go the route of making them so sickening syrupy.....stuff like "rosewood and sunset nuances in the subtleness of the color tends to highlight the buttery yellow tones that cascade through luster so razor sharp that it can cut through pea soup"..........I see descriptions similar to that and am quite turned off and tend to think that someone can let a good picture and simple description stand on their own for a coin and that something is amiss. >>
I agree, it makes me sick to read descriptions like that.
Franklin-Lover's Forum
Otherwise, great job!
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
<< <i>out of an higher grade holder
out of a higher grade holder
scare scarce
specs specifications or specks?
largest mintage - highest? greatest?
obtaining wear v receiving wear?
original red mint color v original, red mint color? >>
Yup.
edit- I'm afraid you may be fighting an uphill battle. Are you learning/did you learn English from an American? That may be part of the problem. Too many of us haven't got a clue when it comes to writing, spelling, etc. I wish I had a proof and edit person I never left home without!