And I'm arranging a long-term relationship!

In my last post, I mentioned that I didn't find anything suitable for my Liberty Seated Half Dime registry set at the Baltimore show last month - at least not anything at a price I liked. But I did spot a lovely, lightly and attractively toned 1863-S, PCGS MS65 + CAC, offered by Gerry Fortin on behalf of a client of his. I examined it, liked it, took notes on it, asked for the asking price and noted that.

That night, I researched it a bit on-line. I found several auction results from the past handful of years at Heritage. One, for a mostly white, but darker on the high points, PCGS/CAC piece, sold for more than that asking price. All the others were substantially less, although, based on the photos, they were pretty clearly not as nice.

There was one exception: the coin currently being offered. Obviously, it is as nice as it is! It sold four years ago for less than two thirds of the current asking price. For what it matters, it did not have the green bean at the time.

Nevertheless, I told Gerry the next day that I had checked things out and would not be willing to pay as much as his consignor was asking. He said I should try making an offer. I told him I would need to wait until after Part 3 of the Gardner sale next month.

Well, the Gardner sale items came up for preview at Heritage. Looking at what will be available, it looks like only one relatively inexpensive coin has any chance of making it into my collection. So I decided to make that offer.

Gerry quickly corresponded with the owner. Without going through the details, a 5% increase in my initial offer was accepted. So later this week that little lady will be able to settle down with me for a long time. It will be better for her: She has been around the block a couple times in the past few years. But soon she will be with someone who appreciates her and wants her around.

Here is the Heritage photo of the obverse. Enjoy! And enjoy your search for the coins you like!

Alan

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