New set just started.

I've been wanting to get into a classic set since the first of this year and as a goal for the year I wanted to start a Capped Bust Half Dime set. I choose the half dime, because of it's rather small size in the basic set only to realize that there are 123 die marriages or uniquely different coins. So much for a small set...

I've been looking for an opportunity to get into this set with a nice coin. I took the opportunity that arose in Sunday's Teletrade auction. I placed a pre-bid of $900 on an 1833 NGC MS 64, knowing it probably wouldn't get it done, but just curious to see where the auction would end.

The auction opened up at 3 PM with a reserve of $1200. That's really more than I wanted to spend and it puts the total price very close to NMV, but then again this is an MS graded 180 year old coin. I reviewed the photos in detail, like the bright, lusterous appearance of this coin. I studied the dies and believe this to be an LM-9, not particularly rare, but then again with a mintage of 1.37 M coins these aren't exactly dime a dozen either.

I spent about 2 hours deliberating about this coin and finally decided to bid the reserve of $1200 and walk away. Checked in Sunday night at 10:30 and found that I was the only bidder, add the $180 buyer's fee (juice as Electric Peak calls it) and voila a new set is born.

Can't wait to get this little beauty in my hands! I've attached the Teletrade obverse picture for your viewing pleasure.

Todd

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