A beautiful, sunny, 75 degrees, a gorgeos November day in Iowa.

I couldn't ask for a better day to take as a day of vacation. I live about 22 miles north of Keokuk, and their local coin club has a spring (middle of May) 2 day show and a fall show (usually always the first Saturday of November).

So this afternoon I hopped in the car and went down. I had a couple of raw coins I wanted to sell, and thought I would see what was available that I would want to buy. I sold the 2 ocins first, and also a few 90% and 40% silver coins that I had laying around.

So as I slowly went to each table, I thought I would look for raw Carson City coins first. My strategy paid off, as the dealer who bought the 2 coins had a nice 1875-CC dime. He had it priced as VF, when I send it in for grading, if it comes back as VF I got a good deal. Personally, I think it will be a high F, but I think the reverse will tell the tale as to what the coin grades.

I also bought a well struck (to me at least) AU 1954-D Franklin Half. As some of you may recall, I had started a FBL set of Franklins, but decided not to do it. I really want to concentrate more on a western theme collection, but I do like the Franklin halves. So I think I will emulate my brother and his Walking Liberty halves, and just do a nice circulated set of Franklins.

I also bought a promisory note type of document from the German-American Bank in Fort Madison, Iowa. Fort Madison is 15 miles east of me, and I have worked there since the mid 70's, so I'm always on the lookout for numismatic, financial items from there.

All in all, a very good day here in southeastern Iowa.

Attached is the obverse of the dime I bought today. I'll show the reverse tomorrow, any comments on what grade you think it will earn will be appreciated.