Home U.S. Coin Forum
Options

Your Most Proud Examples...

Here is an interesting question:

When evaluating your collection, how many of your coins do you believe rank in the "top 10" for a given issue? In the top "100" for a given issue? For example, if there are only about 300 surviving coins for a given issue, would you rank your particular example as making the top 10? The top 100?

Base your evaluations not only on grade, but also on the aesthetics which you personally find particularly appealing for your example. I realize that some of the more serious collectors here may have tens of dozens of coins which meet this criteria (top 10/100).

If you find specific examples in your collection that you would like to share with photos, please display them proudly in this thread!

I'll start with a coin of mine in abstentia (it was stolen during the summer of 2009). It was my 1838-C Quarter Eagle:

image

With an estimated 200 (or fewer) surviving examples known, I "think" it probably would have made the "top 100" for this first-year of issue at the Charlotte Mint.
«1

Comments

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I seriously doubt if I have any coin that would be in the top ten... that is exclusive territory (unless I am misunderstanding you). I know some of the registry guys have coins like that, and certainly some of our 'deep pocket' members will as well. Could be interesting... Cheers, RickO
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,532 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have plenty in the top 10, at least in regards to my Merc Dime Varieties. 8 top pop, 2 of which stand alone.

    I also have a 31-D Merc in PCGS MS67FB and based on the ones I have seen in this grade, I think mine has a good shot at top 10 status.
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    .
    for my personal collection i would like there to be less than 10 graded or known of each item: a tough area to be in

    requires either gazillions of dollars or gazillions of hours of research/study and some good fortune

    this is including all of numismatics: vams, dark side, large cents, notes, tokens, medals, fs numbered coins etc etc

    my most proud examples i own are discovery coins mainly because when i started i figured all the good stuff had been found already and my first year i nearly decided to get into

    something else, but shortly thereafter found out there are a plethora of opportunities, yay for me and for numismatics!

    also the discovery coins allow me to work with the best in their respective fields and i really enjoy those experiences
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • BarndogBarndog Posts: 20,515 ✭✭✭✭✭
  • LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I also have a 31-D Merc in PCGS MS67FB and based on the ones I have seen in this grade, I think mine has a good shot at top 10 status. >>



    do you have a great image of this one, would looooove to see it
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • JustacommemanJustacommeman Posts: 22,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Often the top coins are not the highest graded. Also, often some of the top coins extant are squirreled away and reside in old holders or are ungraded. MJ
    Walker Proof Digital Album
    Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
  • cameron12xcameron12x Posts: 1,384 ✭✭✭


    << <i>1830 LM-6 >>

    That's a gorgeous example! Thanks for sharing!
  • rawmorganrawmorgan Posts: 618 ✭✭✭
    This is an ATS MS-62, but this VLDS 1B4 is what I think makes it.
    Vamworld

    image

  • illini420illini420 Posts: 11,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have owned many high graded 1909 VDB business strike cents and have looked at hundreds and hundreds of others. A couple of coins stand out as special. I probably would rank each of these in the top 10 coins in their respective color designations even though they are not the highest graded.


    One of the most eye appealing RB examples (CoinFacts image):
    image

    here's another image of that coin by Todd of BluCC
    imageimage


    And here's one of the best RD examples out there (CoinFacts image):
    image
  • MidLifeCrisisMidLifeCrisis Posts: 10,550 ✭✭✭✭✭
    In terms of value for the money, I think all of mine are in the top 10.

    Now, how they might be ranked by other collectors with other criteria is a different story.
  • WindycityWindycity Posts: 3,540 ✭✭✭✭✭
    This is one of a hand full of Proof 68DCAM Morgan dollars and the pride and joy of my collection.

    image
    <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.mullencoins.com">Mullen Coins Website - Windycity Coin website
  • ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,945 ✭✭✭✭✭
    OK stop the thread the Proof Morgan Wins!image
  • 19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,492 ✭✭✭✭
    I have a single IKE which is unique and I guess would be in the Top 10 fir IKE's IMO.

    image

    Of course, evaluation of a top 10 coin need not be grade dependent since grading is relative to a specific opinion at a specific time. Those opinions, as we all know, are subject to change and then the thread would simply degenerate into who has what Pop 1 or Pop 2 coin.
    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!
  • WindycityWindycity Posts: 3,540 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice Coins all... love the 1888-O 1B4!!!
    <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.mullencoins.com">Mullen Coins Website - Windycity Coin website
  • USMoneyloverUSMoneylover Posts: 1,672 ✭✭✭


    << <i>OK stop the thread the Proof Morgan Wins!image >>



    I agree, what a great looking Morgan!
    Finest Coins and Relics
  • rawmorganrawmorgan Posts: 618 ✭✭✭


    << <i>This is one of a hand full of Proof 68DCAM Morgan dollars and the pride and joy of my collection. >>



    Fantastic coin absolutely fantastic.
  • image
    now has a nice CAC sticker on it aswell...oh and did i mention it has a nice old doily case image
    POSITIVE TRANSACTIONS
    gdavis70,Musky1011,cohodk,cucamongacoin,robkool,chumley, drei3ree, Rampage,jmski52, commoncents05, dimples, dcarr, Grouchy, holeinone1972, JonMN34, mission16,meltdown,Omega,PQpeace, SeaEagleCoins, WaterSport, whatsup,Wizard1,WinLoseWin,MMR,49thStateofMind,SamByrd,Ahrensdad,BAJJERFAN,timrutnat,TWQG,CarlWohlforth,Ciccio,PreTurb,NumisMe,Patches,NotSure,luvcoins123,piecesofme,perryhall,nibanny,atarian,airplanenut
  • bestclser1bestclser1 Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭


    << <i>This is one of a hand full of Proof 68DCAM Morgan dollars and the pride and joy of my collection.

    image >>

    Now thats about the coolest Morgan dated 1892 i have ever seen,and would love to see that puppy in hand.Illini,great Lincolns as well!image
    Great coins are not cheap,and cheap coins are not great!
  • goldengolden Posts: 9,991 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I love those 1909 VDB Lincolns.
  • BaleyBaley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here's the finest of the 4 known examples of the "LIBEKTY" variety:

    imageimage

    edit: the dies aren't rotated; NCG did that with photoshop for the glamour shots image

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,532 ✭✭✭✭✭
    WindyCity, hats off to ya! That thing is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Barndog, that is one cool coin!!!
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • mkman123mkman123 Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭✭
    my coins aren't rare and aren't even close to being top 100,000 but I buy what I like and can afford
    Successful Buying and Selling transactions with:

    Many members on this forum that now it cannot fit in my signature. Please ask for entire list.
  • WingedLiberty1957WingedLiberty1957 Posts: 2,992 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think my PR66BN 1914 Matte Proof Lincoln is top 10 for the year in terms of aesthetic appeal (of course that is subjective criteria).

    image
  • ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,945 ✭✭✭✭✭
    This one has a long pedigree going back to Virgil Brand and is second finest known. Only 6 JMP counter stamped pieces are known. I think it's actually a Proof



    imageimage
  • MarkInDavisMarkInDavis Posts: 1,720 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>OK stop the thread the Proof Morgan Wins!image >>



    I can't argue with that. Well maybe the stop the thread part. I'm sure we will see many nice coins so let's keep the thread going!
    image Respectfully, Mark
  • This content has been removed.
  • AnkurJAnkurJ Posts: 11,370 ✭✭✭✭
    Here are a few including a newp image . Way too hard to choose one.
    None of them are top pop for the grade etc. But they are the top coins in my collection.

    image

    image

    PCGS VG8 CAC
    image

    image

    PCGS F12 CAC
    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image
    All coins kept in bank vaults.
    PCGS Registries
    Box of 20
    SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
  • SkyManSkyMan Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭✭✭
    This should fit the bill:

    image
    image

  • Coins are like women in these two respects: You have to admire the beauty even if she/it belongs to someone else, and...she/it may not be in the top 10 or even top 1000 but she is mine and and number one in my eyes.

    Corny but needed to be said.
  • BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    My "keepers" are my most prized coins and I am in no hurry to relinquish ownership of any in that group anytime in the foreseeable future.

    That's just the way it is! Not For Sale - no way, no how at present. Each is a Treasure to my holdings & it's gonna stay that way. I am proud of all my keepers.
  • joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 17,475 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hi guy's,Like I just posted in a previous post.About what's my coolest error?About 9 years ago I found,on the ground, mind you,a 1999 Wide A.M.cent.I submitted to NGC,and it came back,RB64!The cool and SPECIAL part about it was,It was the FIRST!!! The FIRST 1999 Wide A.M cent that NGC received by ANYONE,in ANY grade in the whole "WIDE"world!Sorry about the PUN. Sorry also NO PICTURES.

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • cameron12xcameron12x Posts: 1,384 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Hi guy's,Like I just posted in a previous post.About what's my coolest error?About 9 years ago I found,on the ground, mind you,a 1999 Wide A.M.cent.I submitted to NGC,and it came back,RB64!The cool and SPECIAL part about it was,It was the FIRST!!! The FIRST 1999 Wide A.M cent that NGC received by ANYONE,in ANY grade in the whole "WIDE"world!Sorry about the PUN. Sorry also NO PICTURES. >>

    Congratulations on your "find," contribution to this thread, and welcome to the forum!

  • ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,945 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You know if I had to be a collector who would have to be content the rest of his life with only two coins it would be that MoNsTeR MoRgAn and the '38 Walker here. Shazam!
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I have a single IKE which is unique and I guess would be in the Top 10 fir IKE's IMO.

    image

    Of course, evaluation of a top 10 coin need not be grade dependent since grading is relative to a specific opinion at a specific time. Those opinions, as we all know, are subject to change and then the thread would simply degenerate into who has what Pop 1 or Pop 2 coin. >>



    image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • breakdownbreakdown Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭✭✭
    What a fun thread to read through. That proof Morgan is just superb.image

    "Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.

  • drddmdrddm Posts: 5,402 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here are some CBH examples that I am most proud of......

    image
    image
    image
    image
  • cameron12xcameron12x Posts: 1,384 ✭✭✭
    There are some incredible examples in this thread!

    Ankur--your early gold is out of this world, particularly the 1799 piece, which is awesome!

    Thanks for sharing!
  • I'm not necessarily interested in obtaining the highest technical grades, but am more focused on acquiring pieces that are choice and original, with the proper aesthetic appeal. I do however, have several pieces that are in the Top 10, both from technical grade and aesthetic standpoints.

    Here is one of them, an 1845-D half eagle, from the Arthur Montgomery Collection. Mr. Montgomery was the President of the Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta. In the 1970s, he assembled what was widely considered the finest known set of Dahlonega gold coins, with the help of a well known Atlanta numismatic firm. The collection was subsequently sold in Stack's portion of Auction '84. The photography is courtesy of BluCC Photos.

    image
    "Clamorous for Coin"
  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 34,773 ✭✭✭✭✭
    This 1838-D half eagle is one of two PCGS MS-63 graded examples of this issue. None have been graded higher.

    image
    image

    This 1800 Bolender 20 silver dollar is tied for the finest known for the variety which is scarce. The obverse of this piece is the plate coin from Bolender's book. In the "old days" this coin was graded EF-45. NGC graded it AU-58. My grade is AU-50. The weakness in the center is due to the failure of the die which resulated in a short production run for this variety.

    image
    image
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • IrishMikeyIrishMikey Posts: 1,561 ✭✭✭
    That Matte Proof Lincoln cent is amazing! The grading services really have to come up with a better description
    than "Brown" when slabbing a coin with colors like that.
  • WingedLiberty1957WingedLiberty1957 Posts: 2,992 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks IrishMikey, Phil Arnold did a masterful job capturing not only the color but the luster on that 1914 Matte Proof.

    I cannot say this one below is top 10 for the year since so many millions of proofs were produced in 1961, but this PR66BN below is probably my favorite Brilliant Proof Lincoln in my collection. This was owned by my good friend Robec and I traded a monster carnival toned PR67RB Lincoln of the same year for this one.

    image

  • mgoodm3mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭
    My nicest coin.

    image
    image
    coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section
  • MFHMFH Posts: 11,720 ✭✭✭✭
    I am proudest of my 1889 Date / Proof / Mint Sets.

    I need to work on the image sizes - sorry about that...

    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image


    MS coins are a work in progress...

    I'm missing a few regular images... but here are the error coins from 1889...

    image
    image
    image

    Here's what images I have at the moment for the MS versions...
    imageimage
    image
    image
    image
    image

    Can't locate the better images of the MS version -

    image
    image

    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image


    Yes, I am missing the 1889-S Quarter in MS & the 1889-CC Morgan in MS as well as the balance of the gold coins in MS.



    Mike Hayes
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !

    New Barber Purchases
  • fivecentsfivecents Posts: 11,207 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great thread and fantastic coins. Thanks for sharing guys!image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image
  • cardinalcardinal Posts: 2,005 ✭✭✭✭✭
    These are ones that always make me smile and happy to have "pulled the trigger" when they were available:

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    --Cardinal
    Portraits of Liberty
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,532 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Holy Cow!
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • This content has been removed.
  • baseballjeffbaseballjeff Posts: 1,085 ✭✭✭
    Here is mine! image

    image
    image
  • LeeBoneLeeBone Posts: 4,595 ✭✭✭✭✭
    As a "small fry" on these boards I cannot even come close to the most awesome coins posted thus far.
    But as you requested, one of my proudest coins that I own is this very original 93-S. Could use this for trade to bump my registry, but have grown too attached to this particular coin. Too many of this date/mint just do not have the eye-appeal to me as this one does IMO.
    imageimage
  • LeeBoneLeeBone Posts: 4,595 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here`s one more....
    image
    imageimage

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file