...and they're better than I expected.

Late last night I checked my email and saw notification from Heritage that my recently "won" lots had been shipped. They had been sent via FedEx overnight. The FedEx site indicated the package would be delivered by 10:30 this morning, and would require a signature. Because I would be at work, I asked my son to be alert for the knock at the door.

When I got home from work, there they were - two slabs in a little box, inside a bigger FedEx box, inside an even bigger FedEx box. Usually the auction companies send my coins via USPS in an envelope, sometimes without requiring a signature. It may have something to do with the value of the contents. I'm grateful for the extra packaging, though, and for the signature requirement. It beats the time Heritage sent me my 1842 MS67BN large cent via FedEx or UPS without the notification email, and without signature requirement. After several weeks that included notifying the Registry of the missing coin, my wife found a rain-soaked box under our deck steps... Fortunately, the coin was unharmed.

The two new coins are gorgeous. I was anticipating slight disappointment with the 1855 MS67BN cent. The photos Heritage provided were not very good, but I took a chance anyway. The coin is actually quite lovely, and I am well pleased. The 1839 MS66 half dime is stunning. It has better luster than all my other half dimes, is fully struck, and the surfaces are virtually unmarked. The only mark of any significance could almost pass as a bracelet on Miss Liberty's left wrist.

Today (and most days), I am a very happy collector.