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Need some ideas on suggesting a "well known" $50,000-$100,000 coin for a customer

Here is an enjoyable assignment we were given by a customer recently. He is a long time customer of ours.

He told me recently that he would like to buy a "special" and "well known" coin in the $50,000 to $100,000 range to someday give to his grandson. After I asked him to adopt me as a grandson (which he politely refused to do image ), he asked me for suggestions.

Here are some of his guidelines:

a.) He leans toward nice choice mint state or proof coins, as opposed to well worn coins or circ proofs.

b.) PCGS or NGC, either CAC'd or CAC-able.

c.) Should be a US coin that is well known to even novice numismatists. In other words, he's not interested in a rare die variety of a colonial coin (drat!), or a gem mint state example of a rare date of Seated Quarter, or a rare but obscure pattern, for example.

I came up with some ideas, such as:

1. Pan Pac Octagonal Slug in MS64.
2. MS65 or 66 High Relief
3. MS63 Early $10.
4. PF65 $20 Lib.

I also thought of a Stella, but while his budget is robust, $100k would likely buy a "only" a slightly impaired proof.

I think this is a fun exersize, and I'd be interested in any and all ideas folks here might have.
«13

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    llafoellafoe Posts: 7,220 ✭✭
    The Pan Pac and Stella immediately came to mind. If he's willing to spend $100K, I'd bet he'd spend a little more for a Stella.
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    CoinRaritiesOnlineCoinRaritiesOnline Posts: 3,689 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The Pan Pac and Stella immediately came to mind. If he's willing to spend $100K, I'd bet he'd spend a little more for a Stella. >>



    Thanks for the feedback. I think $100k is pushing close to his limit though. IMO, a decent Stella would cost closer to $150k these days...
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    CoinosaurusCoinosaurus Posts: 9,659 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1955 doubled die in the highest grade you can get.
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    Since it is for his grandson whose future tastes we don't know, I vote for the high relief.
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    relicsncoinsrelicsncoins Posts: 8,328 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I was going to say a 74 CC arrows dime. I guess I havn't looked at prices for these in a long time. AU58 is about the best you could do in that price range.
    Need a Barber Half with ANACS photo certificate. If you have one for sale please PM me. Current Ebay auctions
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    llafoellafoe Posts: 7,220 ✭✭
    If you sweet talk Bruce, you might be able to buy a nice Chain Cent for $50-100K! image
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    19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,524 ✭✭✭✭
    One of a Kind and quite possibly struck on Jan 25th, 1971.

    image .. image
    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
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    MidLifeCrisisMidLifeCrisis Posts: 10,618 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think this is a key point:


    << <i>someday give to his grandson >>


    I would strongly suggest a well-pedigreed, high grade, Noe-1 Large Planchet Pine Tree Shilling.

    It's an amazing story coin.
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    messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,868 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Using CoinValues magazine as a guide, Gobrecht dollar and Unc. 1870-CC Seated dollar are the first two I came up with.
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    LindeDadLindeDad Posts: 18,766 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think you hit the nail on the head with your fist couple of choices.
    1. Pan Pac Octagonal Slug in MS64.
    2. MS65 or 66 High Relief
    That big Octagnal would be my first choice too.
    image
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    AnkurJAnkurJ Posts: 11,375 ✭✭✭✭
    It seems the value of the octagonal pan pac $50's has been going up at a steady rate. I would guess it is a safe investment for the long term, and is a beautiful coin overall that would be enjoyed for years to come.

    I would definetely go with the octagonal $50 pan pac.
    All coins kept in bank vaults.
    PCGS Registries
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    SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
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    illini420illini420 Posts: 11,702 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'd go for one of the big key dates... High Relief is pretty cool, but how about a gem 3-leg Buffalo Nickel? Maybe a gem 1916-D Merc Dime?

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    seanqseanq Posts: 8,847 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I love the Gobrecht Dollar suggestion. It's too bad he shies away from circulated stuff because something like a 1793 Chain cent or 1792 Disme would come with some great history and (IMNSHO) would be more likely to spark an interest in continuing Grandpa's legacy than something like a Pan Pac octagonal.


    Sean Reynolds
    Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.

    "Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
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    SonorandesertratSonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The Pan-Pac slug, hands down---it's gold, big, octagonal (not like other U.S. coins), the design is beautiful, and it has continuing collector interest.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

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    RedTigerRedTiger Posts: 5,608 ✭
    I discourage folks from buying expensive coins for youngsters. A few lower value sentimental coins will have as much impact if the kid becomes a collector--read the many threads about someone having a coin from grand dad, perhaps a low value pocket piece. As for the expensive coins, most young people will not become coin collectors, most will be interested in cashing out. To get some perspective, think if your grandmother gave you some top Barbie collectibles. Would you be pleased as punch and treasure them, or mostly be interesting in the selling price?

    With that, I vote for the Pan-Pacific. In another thread about dream coins for young collectors it was right up there. On the off chance the kid does become a collector it will be a nice coin to have.
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    link
    This is what I would suggest, Nothing better or more classic than this in my oppinion.
    Winner of the "You Suck!" award March 17, 2010 by LanLord, doh, 123cents and Bear.
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    krankykranky Posts: 8,709 ✭✭✭
    While my own personal choice would be an 1848 CAL $2.50, I think under the criteria outlined it should be the Pan-Pac.

    New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.

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    llafoellafoe Posts: 7,220 ✭✭
    "Should be a US coin that is well known to even novice numismatists."

    I think the UHR is the best fit under this criteria...
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    BaleyBaley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I like the Pan Pac $50 idea but without knowing more, I'd go with something big with a 1700's date.

    On that budget(!), might you be able to find a small eagle dollar, say a 1797, in MS60-62? or a heraldic eagle dollar from 1799 in 61-63?

    an early eagle might also be a good choice. stuff like this never goes out of style.

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

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    jesbrokenjesbroken Posts: 11,274 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Do you know whether his grandson is a coin collector or is even interested in coins? Something that would grab my attention, regardless, would be the 1852 U.S. Assay Office(Private Gold Co.) Fifty Dollar, 900 Thous. Octagonal Gold piece. They have sold this year MS61 up in the $78k to $150k range and are quite beautiful. JMO
    Jim

    When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln

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    LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,703 ✭✭✭✭✭
    "Should be a US coin that is well known to even novice numismatists."

    Good suggestions but pretty obscure to the average collector.

    I'd vote for a high grade key date in a well known series - 1877 IHC, 1916-D dime, 09-S VDB, etc.

    Not as sexy as a Stella or PanPac but fits the criteria. image
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    PQueuePQueue Posts: 901 ✭✭✭
    Toss-up for me between the MS63 Early $10 or PF65 $20 Lib. Either one in an original state is tough, a 1799 $10 with full luster would be a treasure.
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    tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,802 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My first thought was a Gobrecht as well.... but .... how about something like a complete Peace Dollar set in gem, but missing ONE coin. Let the grandson have the pleasure of going out and finding that last coin for the set.

    Edited to add that a 1796 quarter or 1799 dollar would be nice too.
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    OKbustchaserOKbustchaser Posts: 5,570 ✭✭✭✭✭
    How old is the grandson? Born during the 20th century, but still young enough to enjoy a naked boob?

    If so, how about a FH 1916 type 1 SLQ? Lowest mintage of any (non-gold) regular denomination 20th century coin and woo-hoo NAKED BOOBY! Ought to be able to find a MS 66 or so in that price range--probably even in the lower portion of the range.
    Just because I'm old doesn't mean I don't love to look at a pretty bust.
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    joebb21joebb21 Posts: 4,811 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Gold always has more shine then silver
    bigger is cooler
    high grade is more appealing than lower
    I think a unique design has a real cool factor as well

    A $50 is a great idea and a stella also fits most conditions Ive set.
    Maybe a nice Early $10?


    55 dd and 16d I would pass on as they really are alot more common than people realize
    may the fonz be with you...always...
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    keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,650 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1916-D Merc Dime in MS66FB CAC...PCGS Says $60,000
    1942/1 Merc Dime in MS66FB CAC...PCGS just raised their price on this to $75,000

    1794 Dime in MS65
    1796 Quarter...low MS might be possible?
    GOBRECHT DOLLAR in MS63 or MS64
    1876-CC Trade Dollar in MS65
    1795 $5 in low MS (either design)
    1907 $20 High Relief in MS
    $4 Stella

    If he can get away from the MS/PR hangup:
    1793 "AMERI" Chain Cent in EF40...about $86,000
    1794 $1 in VG-8
    1796 $2.5 Stars in XF-AU
    1795 $10 XF-AU


    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner. :smile:
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    tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,802 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1876-CC Trade Dollar in MS65

    NFS and if it was it'd be a lot more than that! image
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    AuroraBorealisAuroraBorealis Posts: 3,591 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Find a condition rarity (high end and PQ) in a denomination that floats his boat with exceptional eye appeal...Something big say at least half dollar size that will be very enjoyable to look at...Cool stuff keeps it`s value... image

    ABimage
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    STONESTONE Posts: 15,275 ✭
    1895 Proof Morgan. A nice Cam/DCam in 65 would be lovely!
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    BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,790 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>"Should be a US coin that is well known to even novice numismatists."

    Good suggestions but pretty obscure to the average collector.

    I'd vote for a high grade key date in a well known series - 1877 IHC, 1916-D dime, 09-S VDB, etc.

    Not as sexy as a Stella or PanPac but fits the criteria. image >>



    I'd agree with the above as I don't think most "novice collectors" know those....heck, I may not be "novice" anymore, but I really don't have a desire for the suggestions so far, other than key date coins.
    Other may be something like a 1793 coin (first year type of thing) in higher grade or a nice early dollar.

    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

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    HawgstickHawgstick Posts: 240 ✭✭
    Go with the UHR and an 09 UHR......If hes lucky his grandchild was born in 09!
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    RYKRYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    claychaserclaychaser Posts: 4,406 ✭✭✭✭
    If he wants to adopt ME, I vote for a 1848-CAL quarter eagle! TrainNut also would not mind inheriting one.....


    ==Looking for pre WW2 Commems in PCGS Rattler holders, 1851-O Three Cent Silvers in all grades



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    CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 34,247 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>One of a Kind and quite possibly struck on Jan 25th, 1971.

    image .. image >>



    I think it has to be a coin that more than two people care about.....

    image
    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.
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    keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,650 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>55 dd and 16d I would pass on as they really are alot more common than people realize >>

    Joebb21 - Price/Value/Worth is generally created by a couple of things: Scarcity and Demand....not just scarcity as you suggest. The demand for these 2 coins is always SUPER-HIGH and always has been. Long term(20-60 years), money would not be lost by any stretch of the imagination.
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner. :smile:
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    CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 34,247 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The Pan-Pac slug, hands down---it's gold, big, octagonal (not like other U.S. coins), the design is beautiful, and it has continuing collector interest. >>



    I agree. 20-30 years from now this coin will still be in demand. It is magnificent!
    TD
    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.
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    keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,650 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Copper coins make me nervous. I know NOTHING about them....but if you got something really pretty and RED - it might be RED/BROWN in 20-60 years which would scare me...same thing with RED/BROWN....that might be BROWN in 20-60 years. I would stay away from RED or RED/BROWN coins just out of fear I think. Coins that can turn for the significant worse and destroy value would be scary.
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner. :smile:
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    CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 34,247 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>The Pan-Pac slug, hands down---it's gold, big, octagonal (not like other U.S. coins), the design is beautiful, and it has continuing collector interest. >>



    I agree. 20-30 years from now this coin will still be in demand. It is magnificent!
    TD >>



    Picture here:

    Pan-Pac obverse

    Hold cursor over U.S. Coins button.
    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.
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    For me its pretty simple. Your customer ask you to do this mission at the right time. Rarely is this example in this grade ever available for purchase. I think most would agree that this is one coin everybody knows about and would love to own.
    image
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    shorecollshorecoll Posts: 5,447 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The Pan Pac is certainly cool...I think MFH is auctioning his MS 1892-O Micro O half later this year (soon?)...that would be cool too.
    ANA-LM, NBS, EAC
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    PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 47,827 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I think you hit the nail on the head with your fist couple of choices.
    1. Pan Pac Octagonal Slug in MS64.
    2. MS65 or 66 High Relief
    That big Octagnal would be my first choice too.
    image >>

    image

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
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    keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,650 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>For me its pretty simple. Your customer ask you to do this mission at the right time. Rarely is this example in this grade ever available for purchase. I think most would agree that this is one coin everybody knows about and would love to own.
    image >>

    CAC or not, I would hold out for an example that had fewer "Earth Tones"...after all, there are close to 19 in 66FB.
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner. :smile:
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    kiyotekiyote Posts: 5,636 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I cast my lot with the Pan Pan Slugs-- it's the first coin a 10 year old gazes at in a Redbook and thinks: "I want one!"
    "I'll split the atom! I am the fifth dimension! I am the eighth wonder of the world!" -Gef the talking mongoose.
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    OldEastsideOldEastside Posts: 4,602 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The Pan Pac octagonal or even the round, I'd prefur the round myself. Its dolphin free.

    Steve
    Promote the Hobby
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    SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 13,275 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Though not as well known as some of the other coins mentioned in this thread, if the grandchild has shown any interest at all in Lincoln Cents, grandfather could consider making an offer on a PCGS 1917 MS67RD DDO Lincoln Cent. There are only two of them graded.
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    dizzyfoxxdizzyfoxx Posts: 9,823 ✭✭✭


    << <i>link
    This is what I would suggest, Nothing better or more classic than this in my oppinion. >>



    image 100% image
    image...There's always time for coin collecting. image
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    speetyspeety Posts: 5,424 ✭
    I know you said MS - but I still would go towards a VF+ 1796 or 1797 half or a small eagle $10 in high AU...

    I too like the Pan Pac as well...
    Want to buy an auction catalog for the William Hesslein Sale (December 2, 1926). Thanks to all those who have helped us obtain the others!!!

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    ModCrewmanModCrewman Posts: 4,055 ✭✭✭✭✭
    How about a 1969-S DDO Lincoln? That'd be a well-recognized coin.
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    tyler267tyler267 Posts: 1,336 ✭✭✭✭
    1867 Rays Proof Shield Nickel
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    TahoeDaleTahoeDale Posts: 1,785 ✭✭✭
    Shoot me a PM. I have several that fit your needs.
    TahoeDale

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