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HOW DOES ONE DEFINE A " WOW COIN" ?********************
Bear
Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
This is one of the most difficult things to describe. It is a little
like describing pornography, "Tough to define, but I will know it
when I see it". Two coins can have the exact same grade and technical
qualities and yet, experienced dealers and collectors can spot the WOW
factor. It is something about WOW, that increases the value of one coin
over another by as much as 2-3X. Certainly magnificent toning could play
a role.We have all seen the unbelievable prices, common date toned Morgan
dollars can bring. Also we find that the WOW coins may have the originality factor
working for them. No dipping or fussing with the coin. Then there is the matter of
luster and the type of luster. There is a big difference between the over bright and
shiny look of a dipped coin, It seems to lack all personality and character. In fact, it
looks very much like many other similar widgets. The luster of a WOW coin seems to have
that deep, mellow and rich luster, that only age and good fortune can cause. Sometimes a
strong strike can give a coin WOW such as the Standing Liberty FH Quarters. But I have seen
MS-67FH strong strike quarters that were not WOW coins. It is my own opinion, that there is
a subtle coming together of a number of factors, that if balanced and pleasing, gives a coin that
something extra , that makes it more desirable , (and expensive) then its equally graded sister coin.
The only way to know a WOW coin, is to actually see examples of such coins and impress ones
subconscious mind with the impressions, of the subtle differences between a merely average, or
even a nice coin, from a true WOW coin. 5, 10 or 20 years from now, collectors in the know and
smart dealers, will still be able to differentiate the WOW coins from the merely nice coins. They will
then pay the price necessary ,to obtain such rare and truly beautiful, WOW coins for astute collectors.
Collectors who understand value, beauty and the intangible factors that make such coins worthy of
prices in multiples of sheet price. If one looks at my Estate Collection, there are many coins that have
WOW FACTOR and it really shows up when there are a large number of them shown all together. It aint
cheap, but it will afford significant rewards for the selective and patient collector
like describing pornography, "Tough to define, but I will know it
when I see it". Two coins can have the exact same grade and technical
qualities and yet, experienced dealers and collectors can spot the WOW
factor. It is something about WOW, that increases the value of one coin
over another by as much as 2-3X. Certainly magnificent toning could play
a role.We have all seen the unbelievable prices, common date toned Morgan
dollars can bring. Also we find that the WOW coins may have the originality factor
working for them. No dipping or fussing with the coin. Then there is the matter of
luster and the type of luster. There is a big difference between the over bright and
shiny look of a dipped coin, It seems to lack all personality and character. In fact, it
looks very much like many other similar widgets. The luster of a WOW coin seems to have
that deep, mellow and rich luster, that only age and good fortune can cause. Sometimes a
strong strike can give a coin WOW such as the Standing Liberty FH Quarters. But I have seen
MS-67FH strong strike quarters that were not WOW coins. It is my own opinion, that there is
a subtle coming together of a number of factors, that if balanced and pleasing, gives a coin that
something extra , that makes it more desirable , (and expensive) then its equally graded sister coin.
The only way to know a WOW coin, is to actually see examples of such coins and impress ones
subconscious mind with the impressions, of the subtle differences between a merely average, or
even a nice coin, from a true WOW coin. 5, 10 or 20 years from now, collectors in the know and
smart dealers, will still be able to differentiate the WOW coins from the merely nice coins. They will
then pay the price necessary ,to obtain such rare and truly beautiful, WOW coins for astute collectors.
Collectors who understand value, beauty and the intangible factors that make such coins worthy of
prices in multiples of sheet price. If one looks at my Estate Collection, there are many coins that have
WOW FACTOR and it really shows up when there are a large number of them shown all together. It aint
cheap, but it will afford significant rewards for the selective and patient collector
There once was a place called
Camelot
Camelot
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Comments
Camelot
I spent four full years looking for a MS 65 Barber Half that was good enough to be in my collection. I spent eight years looking for an AU Large Eagle Bust $ that was good enough to be in my collection.
The above being said, a 'wow' coin is a coin I see that impresses me so much, that I am willing to get out my checkbook, start writing the seller's name, and ask, "how much?"
In the 40 years plus I've been collecting coins, I've seen many beautiful coins. Ie., Van Simmons' 1818 Capped Bust Quarter in PC 5 made my Thursday Trip to Long Beach worthwhile.
But I've only seen two "wow coins." One was Bruce Morelan's 1814 Plan 4 Classic Large Cent in an OGH PC 4 BN holder. The other is the AU 53 1802 Narrow Date Bust $ which I bought at Christmas.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
the quality of their coins then you. Stay true to that philosophy and you will continue with your
success.
Camelot
Wow coins sell themselves......
I do not need an Alec Balwin type to sell me a WOW coin.
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
<< <i>Wow coins do not have to be sold.....
Wow coins sell themselves......
I do not need an Alec Balwin type to sell me a WOW coin. >>
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
If I saw Alec Baldwin selling a coin, I would RUN in the opposite direction.... The slime dripping off any coin he had would be enough to disqualify it as AT.
Oh, and you are correct Bear... the WOW factor (which is elusive to define), will, in the long run, make such coins the best investment.
Cheers, RickO
as I have ever heard. However, It sure is difficult to get
all three to match the proper level of quality.
Camelot
wow without thinking