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CaptBrian

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Journal Entries posted by CaptBrian

  1. CaptBrian

    'Proof like'

    By CaptBrian,

    Is it real? Only my coin dealer knows for sure.
    I have been acosted twice now by a dealer I don't know to buy coins he says are NGC registered as 'PROOF LIKE' ' & using words like 'Premium Quality'.
    Does this mean anyting to anyone?
    The coin this time is an 1879 10 Cent MS67 NGC PL <Proof like].
    Any input regarding this coin and others he classifies as "Proof-Like" would be appreciated greatly.
    Thanks
    Capt Brian
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  2. CaptBrian

    15 of 29

    By CaptBrian,

    I have run into a logjam. I want the others. APB on them.
    I am attempting to get all of the 29 1987 G$10 MS 70's. There are 5 from PCGS and 24 from NGC, I have 15 of the NGC's and none of the PCGS'ers. So, if any of you kind folks see one, let me know if you would please.
    Capt. Brian
    The Lost Navigator

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  3. CaptBrian

    1829 $2.5 Gold...

    By CaptBrian,

    Hello: want to sell ungraded Capped Head mintage 3403
    Hello: Interested in selling 1829 (mintage 3403) $2.5 Quarter Eagle in likely AU-50 or 55 condition. Understand, I am a new collector going on only two years knowledge. I use a grading book and compared to other coins I own of various grades and determine this would grade out at AU50-55. I feel very strongly.
    My friend who owns it seems to want to grade it, but I feel perhaps we should sell it as is. Will entertain any offers.
    Thank you
    Capt Brian
    P.S. Coin went in for grading, just about fin'd...Stay tuned for results.
    Some nice others I hope to be pleasantly suprised to hear back on. Had several graded, wish me luck
    Capt B
    The Lost NAavigator
    P.S.S. June 15th,got coin back AU55. Very excited, not only did I guess grade, from some others but it appears to be somewhat rare.
    It is for sale, price $15,000+ I turned down $15000 today
    June 18-10

  4. CaptBrian
    Great collector coin up for sale, does not fit my group
    I have for sale, the 1829 Quarter Eagle I had graded... Looking to sell or trade it. I am looking for some 1997 Platinum $100 Eagles PF70. Or anything over $15000. I would take also some 1997 Gold $50 Eagles PF70's. I would want at least an even trade.

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  5. CaptBrian
    Adoption Central is open
    Well, my home has adopted a new child the 1870 MS61 Liberty $2.5 Gold. Now I have a couple of 1870s and this issue has few better, so I am happy being in the crowd, so to speak, as this one is not the highest grade but more than acceptable and quite rare. I may continue looking for deals on coins like this, I am getting more focused on sets and rarities such as this.
    Happy collecting. Soon Summer Vacation is upon me, and I will be scouring the country from Florida to Alaska for coins. Should be fun taking all the back roads taking a few months and stopping at likely places. Who knows what lurks ahead.
    Wish me luck in finding a gem.
    Capt. Brian, about to hit the road.
    PS will post a proper picture as soon as I get my act together.

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  6. CaptBrian

    1997 W EAGLE G$50

    By CaptBrian,

    Now where was this hiding, anyway...
    I was adding pictures, [have been procrastinating] and going thru the stash, I found this lil gem...
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  7. CaptBrian
    Surprise suprise...My lil ole 1829 $2.5 AU55 got top honors.
    2010 Registry Award Top ranked set in the NGC Registry for
    CAPPED HEAD QUARTER EAGLES, SMALL SIZE, 1829-1834
    THIS ONE IS THE 1829 Quarter Eagle $2.5
    Gonna buy me an extra martini tonight.
    Capt Brian

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  8. CaptBrian
    The first 20 years of the most beautiful coin in the world. The American Silver Eagles
    I am working diligently completing my 'polishing up' of my sets, pictures, and discriptions of my collections. It will take a while. I know there are some pictures here that need to be cleaned up, and I will get to it ASAP, but enjoy as I have them for now. I also just aquired 42 more ASE's for my stash, and I just can't get enough. The last 42 are not grading coins, just believe in silver.
    HAVE FUN
    Capt. Brian & Helen
    PS I have these coins in a beautiful [silver printed] wooden box, and in actuality, I have two boxes, and only need one. I had to get two boxes to complete the set.
    So one is for sale. If you want to complete your set, then buy my box for a reasonable amount,and I will send it on to you.
    If you are collecting the coins, and cannot afford a reasonable amount, give me an unreasonable amount, (at least postage) and I will sent it on to you
    Grins to ya! HAVE FUN Capt. Brian and Helen
    The Lost Navigattor

  9. CaptBrian
    Gold coins from Europe,Columbia,Austraila etc, IN GOLD WE TRUST
    NGC coin list back.. not bad at all, two not genuine, ( are gold though ) low end one coin poorly cleaned, so got an "XF details" grade.., one low grade XF35 and 3 - XF40, and 5 XF45... 8 in the AU range, [not too bad], and 15 in high grade, better than would be expected for almost half of the coins to come back in the MS range. Lots more fun than stox...Can;t wait to add them to my registry...
    HAVE FUN
    The Lost Navigator

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  10. CaptBrian
    Marching through Europe
    It rained last night and the sun shone on my porch. The mailman left an envelope on my doorstep (glad it was under a big roof). My wife Helen, found it as we were saying goodbye to a guest this morning. In it [from CCG] was five (5) count em, FIVE Registry Awards. It is not good to be prideful, but it is fun to have some lofty goals achieved throughout ones life. I have been collecting coins now for over two decades and last year I got two awards and three new ones this year, and the old ones from last year held up. I suppose the awarded coins were not of the highest order, but it spurs me on to higher goals. Only a lack of energy should keep one from setting higher and higher goals. My new goal will be with Silver Proof PF70 Silver Eagles, I started the set today. I will add a picture to this post when I get my camera and other computer up and running, hopefully later today.
    Go for it!
    May you achieve all your dreams except one, this way you always have something to strive for.
    Capt. Brian
    They are: 20 Corona, 1892 - 1916 Circulation issue, Austria pre 1900 Austria;
    Gold 20 Francs, Louis Phillipe, 1840W VF 35, France - 1870 and Earlier;
    Gold 20F, Leopole II, One-Per-Date, 1875 Belgium 20 F Pos. A MS 63, Belgium;
    Gold 20 Lire, Umberto I 1879-1897, Circulation Issue, 1882R Italy G20L 2,Italy;
    US coin, Capped head Quarter Eagles, Small Size, 1829-1834, 1829 Quarter Eagle $2.5.
    New Image soon.

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  11. CaptBrian
    Only my coin dealer knows for sure.
    I get the magazine Reminisce. In an old issue from 2004, (August/September) page 46, there is a querry and picture of a 1940 Nickel which has rays emenating from the Montecello dome. three of them, one straight up, and two more, one either side of center emenating in about a 45 degree angle away from center. I am including the best picture I can generate from this old magazine and unfortunately, the color is sepia which does not help much. Can anyone identify this as real. Even my coin dealer does not know for sure.
    Capt. Brian

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  12. CaptBrian
    Question everything?
    This is a journal to continue a thread after the previous journal by hightidetech posted 3/19/15 titled, Digital Imaging for a new generation of numismatists....
    I replyed:
    A grade by any other name:
    I use that old saying regarding a rose as a reality check for our graded coins. One can alway hire a lawyer and plead a case and convince a jury of peers that a rose is a peach blossom or some other flower, but in reality it is still a rose.
    If the accepted graders say a coin is a perfect coin, giving it a PF or MS 70, then why cannnot we let it go at that?
    Over the years, technology has gone by us daily. As soon as I buy a computer, it is obsolete. When a highway is planned, before it is finished, it is not big enough or the turns are not banked enough and so on and so forth.
    I am not sure how many coins have been graded by NGC and PCGS, not to mention the 2nd graders and now the labelers, but they must number in the millions. I would not say a trillion yet.
    So, now we have maybe an astronomical number of coins already in slabs and NO ONE can grade a coin through a quarter inch of plastic.
    There are only two alternatives left. Cut out ALL graded coins, bring them all to raw status, and begin to regrade them again with an electron microscope, (which would show more flaws than a hung jury in the south in the 50s.) and therefore NO coin could be ever again called a perfecet coin.
    I have two coins shows coming up this week, therefore I do not have time to make a complete thought, but you get my drift.
    Let us let it alone, lest we open a Pandoras box and ruin a great hobby.
    AND ADD: This technilogical world is a tidy place. The digital age allows many things. Especially TV shows which drag out our realities into some sort of matrix controlled world of a new reality. This smacks of MYTHBUSTERS t-shirt, I reject your reality and insert my own.
    What I mean is, these 2nd party graders, the labelers, and folks who want more verification than offered by NGC and PCGS are muddying the water so that our wonderful hobby will be ruined if us collectors, traders and numismatists allow the incursions into our world by these profit motivated monsters of the midway.
    So, my suggestion is for you coiners to tell all friends and dealers your opinion. Try to let the majority rule and then reality will seep in. If the lablers and third party graders are wanted, they will survive. If the majority does not want them, then us collectors will eventually win out and they will fade away. I do not know anyone who has paid more for a CAC, or PQ or MAC. Personnally, I do not mind a Big Mac, but I do not want one smeared on my $100,000 coin.
    Capt. Brian,
    The Lost Navigator

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  13. CaptBrian
    All I want is some Peace...
    All I want is some Peace Dollars and some Morgans. I have just returned from a 6 week 8000+ mile tour of most of the eastern states, including upper Michigan looking for treasure. I found a few things, but nothing on my list.
     
    Six raw Morgan and two Peace Dollars which will, for sure bring more than I invested and one is a 1921 S.
     
    I am seeing more and more shops buying gold and silver, but not selling it. The metals keep falling and falling and those windows keep buying and buying.
     
    I am always going off quests. Like a child with a new whim or purpose. A while back, you may remember, I was questing after Indians. I wound up gathering quite a war party with four sets of the 1908 - 1929 versions, and in looking to finish those wound up with a few keepers.
     
    You may notice, my registry position has dropped considerably as my quests have taken me over roads less travelled. To rare places such as my 1907 $2.5 Liberty Head PF68*.
     
    Well, I unearthed another under the World Trade Center as I passed through New York on my trip.
     
    Subject of my next journal as I am still researching it.
     
    I am finding coins in the oddest places, and next foray out into the wilderness will, I believe, be after some Confederate currency. I think I know just where to look.
     
    Also, another of my quests is for Roman Numeral Gold Eagles. I have been able to piece together only one full set and some common date and denominations. So, if any of you have any you wish to trade or sell, look through my stuff and note me.
     
    I was able to find several sets if Roman Numeral Eagles, but not one MS 70.
     
    Watch for my next journal about the find at Ground Zero.
     
    Capt. Brian

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  14. CaptBrian
    Came back with two small trophies.
    One is an 1885 S $5 MS60 and the other is a coin I did not know existed. An Oregon Quarter. 1933 D MS 64 I got these while foraging throughout the Palm Beach County nooks and crannies.
    Along with these two graded coins, which by the way are up for adoption, I also purchased in the box of scrap metal a 1904 $20 Liberty head, which I feel should grade out about MS 62, but if I get an AU 58, I will be estatic. Along with that I got an Indian. I just traded away 3 complete sets, one left. I got a 1911 which I grade at MS63 or better. I will be happy with anything in the MS range. It really is a stunning coin, but I do not want to get my hopes up.
    Got one oz. of silver in a bar form, and Ag has already gone up a tad, and that helps for breaking even. Makes a fine addition to the table. Folks always want to buy bars of silver.
    I got five Morgan dollars, common dates, but one, the 1894 O could be interesting. HAS to be a VF+, no way is it a VG8, so there is hope above melt value.
    The other four I am afraid are common dates and definately in the fine grade area. But common. I will save for tables for someone to get a great find at a low price. An 1896, a 96 O, an 89, and a 91. All in nice shape, but no rare ones. Again, the 1896 O has about a $3 premium, so no grading there. I call them Table Stakes.
    Now some more oldies but goldies: 1899 1901 1902 and 1903 Russian Tsar Nicholas II Five Roubles Gold coins. These are all pristine, raw, and beautiful. For the last year of so, old Russian coins have been flying off my tables, and as I said before, I traded away all my graded foreign gold, for keepers, and now I am back to these four. I will keep these for coin shows as the Russians always invade a coin show.
    I also have another Morgan, but it is encased in a postal commemorative. I cannot find a price on the combo. But I will figure it out. It is an 1889 P Morgan, in a case with cache a commemorative banking stamp. The coin by itself is rater generic but it is in wonderful shape BU for starters. I bet it could go into the low MS60 grades.
    Then there are various uncirculated sets like the US Bicentennial three coin set uncirculated. The US Constitution Silver coin, with all boxes and papers. 1986 Liberty Silver commemorative with all the boxes and papers, I love the velvet boxes. Now there is a real special commemorative, the Korean War medal with all the stuff.
    Got three silver proof eagles in the mint boxes 1991, 1992, and 1993. Nice, will look at values and see if I want to have any graded.
    Also, a bunch of Korean raw coins, both modern and old. This will take some investigation to see if there is an acorn there. Even a blind pig can find an acorn sometimes.
    Well this has been a fun day going through all these coins. Now on to the Hockey game. Getting quite active here in the last stages.
    Well,happy hunting. If you are looking for a particular coin, I will add it to my watch list as I travel around.
    HAVE FUN!
    Capt. Brian

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  15. CaptBrian

    A new path for me

    By CaptBrian,

    At a recent coin show, not long ago, I purchased 6 ancient Greek coins, 1 fairly old Japanese and 1 Spanish treasure coin.  I don't usually dive into a stack of unknowns unless I know a little bit about what I am doing as my stash got out of control, lapping up coins like a hungry cat on a dish of cream.  So, with not the irrational exuberance I used to be under, I have been shedding more common coins and looking to be the only one holding a certain item.  So, after asking a coupla dealers what they were worth, I went ahead and bought a bag of unknowns.  Right off the bat I sold one for about what I had in the whole stash, so figuring I was onto something, I had the rest of them graded and was quite happy with the results.
    Got back coins from early as the 5th century BC and I am very excited about 'branching out' as it were.  
    I find that in ancient Greece, there were thousands (2000+) polis's [city states] and each one made its own money/coins/currency.  That being said, delving into their history, dates (which are not on the coins) and pedigree (where and when they are from) can be a daunting task.  Just going on line and putting in what you think may lead you to your coin, is a fool's errand, unless you have unlimited time and even as a retired fellow, there are 'other things'.
    So, I had NGC do the legwork, and now I'm taking it from there.  I have seen that NGC doesn't cooperate a lot as there are no census figures, actual dates, prices and so on. And with that being said, they don't even recognize the coin beyond their description, so to put one a set, much less the registry, one must begin jumping through hoops.  So, be sure you are on track you want to be on.  I am going to pursue this avenue as I believe it will lead me down an unknown [to me] history lesson of the 1st magnitude.  
    I am going to attempt to put up pictures of my Greek Treasures, but if not here, perhaps you could go to my set registry and see them there.
     
    Anyway, happy collections to all.
  16. CaptBrian

    A WORLD CLASS COIN

    By CaptBrian,

    Special coin for a special Nation
    This addition to my collection has a special place, not only in my collection, but in my heart. I had owned one of these before, not as rare and valuable as this one, but still most important.
     
     
     
    The first one was similar, but an MS69 and the significance was not lost because of it not being a perfect 70.
     
     
     
    This coin, in my opinion signifies the great loss, sorrow, pain and suffering, which coalesced a fragmented country into one again when the planes destroyed the World Trade Centers Twin Towers.
     
     
     
    This coin is, like America, one of a kind. It is a one population, and MS70. Perfect. I like to think of America as a perfect nation, which we all know, nothing is perfect, but the reaction to the horrible event still gives us all pause to reflect that we are not invulnerable nor hidden between two great seas. We are open to invasion, damage and so on.
     
     
     
    I was in New York City earlier this month, had the honor to go to the New Freedom Tower, and see the momument under construction. As I get older, now 68, more and more memories and images flood my eyes and heart with sorrow and longing for the America I knew as a boy.
     
     
     
    This event brought us together as a nation, but as the years go by, memories and emotions fade. Although folks still say they will never forget, always remember and so forth, I hope the new memorial will keep the heartbeat fresh and strong to remind us the drumbeat must never weaken nor fade for freedom.
     
     
     
    The Twin Towers were the centerpieces of the World Trade Center complex. At 110 stories each they were, for a brief period, the tallest buildings in the world. They attracted an amazing 70,000 visitors and workers daily.
     
     
     
    They could be seen over 45 miles away. I suspect even further, as I can see,on a clear day, Chicagos buildings across Lake Michigan, and that is 60 miles.
     
     
     
    Honoring the lives of those lost will be a 16 acre Memorial and tribute to those lost and a place for hope for the years to come.
     
     
     
    The internet is rife with information and images of the new Memorial. I wish I had space here to include many of the pictures we took while visiting.
     
     
     
    I hope to be there for the grand opening and have a small plan in which I will need help from all corners to implement.
     
     
     
    I acquired a wonderful momemto of that fateful day; A $50 Gold American Eagle, Graded by PCGS as MS70 and given a special label designation as follows: 1998 $50 Gold Eagle. PCGS MS70 9-11-01 WTC Ground Zero Recovery
     
     
     
    This coin was, as others, recovered after the event. There were 73 of these 1998 coins graded 70, but only one with the WTC label and none other. There are two 1991 in 70, but only one in 1998.
     
     
     
    I would like to, somehow include this coin in the memorial event but have no idea on how to do it. I feel it should be there as it is part and parcel of the event. No modern coin has this history, and this rare. Not even the $32,000.00 1987. There are 13 but with no history. This coin is a real piece of history. It needs to be shown at the opening of the memorial. I would consider putting it on loan for a time. Security and costs may prohibit that quest.
     
     
     
    Only 73 of this date are in MS 70, and this is the ONLY WTC coin.
     
     
     
    Any suggestions would be appreciated. In the meantime, enjoy the photo and get in touch with any ideas, either thru this forum, or my email, dragonslayir@aol.com
     
     
     
    All enjoy and NEVER FORGET.
     
     
     
    Capt. Brian Bobbitt

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  17. CaptBrian
    Mint and Proof sets, a stack of them... Should they be graded?
    I have Proof sets, Eisenhower Dollars, dated 1776-1976 with the Kennedy half, and the usual shrapnel that accompanies them, [quarter, dime, nickel & penny]. A separate Eisenhower dollar 1973, a mint set 1/4, nickel, dime and two pennies, a 1970 Kennedy half, with 1/4, nickel, dime, one penny. A 1979 set with Kennedy, and an SBA dollar. [2 of those]. And 2 Eisenhower sets from 1973. All remain in the celophane envelopes and have been stored properly since aquisition. HOWEVER, I see, with naked eye, [flaws/marks/toning] and using a huge desk magnifying glass, [sherlock would be proud to use it] gouges, scrapes and nicks reminicent of the bagged coins. (not horribly marred, but still seems to be not 70's. I mean, now, what would be the point in haveing these graded? You can buy these for [at a coin show] for $5 per set. I also have proof sets, these are in plastic, four sets dated 1975, '77. & 2 '78's... The coins are still in the hard lucite displays and in the black boxes, like new directly from the mint. BUT, I have seen these stacked up a mile high on many desks at many coin shows, and none are bringing more than $5 also. I mean hundreds of them. So... the question is, are these worth grading or keeping? 72 USA coins (modern) at what price to grade. (Can I get a volume discount? )
    Any advise here would be appreciated, before I use them for pocket change...
    Proof sets not in picture, you know what they look like anyway.
    HAVE FUN SEE PS BELOW
    Capt. Brian
    The Lost Navigator
     
    PS I sold all those lil proof sets for about face value plus shipping. I kept about three of four of them, just could not put them in circulation or spand them out of pocket. I think someone got a coin collection started and I did not lose anything. I don't know what to do with the others, they are no good to me, so if you know someone who wants their child to start a collection, I will sell them for face value plus shipping. They are the Eisenhower proof sets in plastic. Under $2 face value and I think I have three left.
    Just write me for instructions and you can "have" them.

  18. CaptBrian
    Three new babies. Boy are they cute!
    In 1999, as the story goes, there were some folks at the mint who got some orders one morning to make some gold eagles. The orders were coming in faster than the mint had provided for so the boss harried the workers and they scurried around trying to fill the orders in the alloted time. In the rush, one of them reached up on the shelf containing the $5 dies and grabbed the wrong one from the 1999 pile. Seems it had a W on it. It was supposed to be used for the proof $5 but before the run was over, 266 of them slipped out the door. I suppose the worker figured no one would know who precisely did it, the coins were fine in all respects except it had a W on it. Reminds me of the old movie, ITS A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD with all the big named stars. The money was buried under a big W. Well this little W, also seems to be stirring up quite a furor as collectors vie for one of them. Seems a buddy of mine wanted something else and he had two to sell. I always check and found another one. ( I have buddies all over ). So, I made my offer, and picked them up and the rest is history. Below is a, perhaps, more accurate story,but I like mine better.
    BTW, the ones I got are all MS70. I include one picture for now as my good camera is off to the hospital.
    Below is another version, probably more to the fact, but I like mine better.
     
    1999 was the run up to the Y2K hysteria and there was a great deal of concern about whether or not the computers of the world would function properly when the date changed from December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000.
    Many people bought gold and silver coins so that they would be able to barter if the monetary systems all became unusable.
     
    Tenth ounce
    1998 1,344,520 were made
    1999 2,750,338 were made
    2000 Only a little over 500,000 were made. See?
    In late 1999, there was unprecedented demand for smaller denomination American Gold Eagles. Some people are of the opinion, the US Mint had run out of regular dies for these coins and because of the demand, reached up on the shelf and utilized some dies that were prepared for Proof Only strikings. They used these dies to make commercial strikings of the $5, tenth-ounce, and the $10, quarter-ounce coins.
    Some people refer to these coins as errors, but my friend prefers to call them Emergency Issues, like the 1942/41 dimes.
    The third version: ( and I promise the last )
    1999-W $5 Gold Eagle - NGC MS70 With W Unfinished Proof Die Error - VERY RARE! <---[notice the different story emerges]
    In 1999, the U.S. Mint made a drastic mistake by producing the first Mint State $5 and $10 Gold Eagles bearing a "W" mint mark. In 1999, only Proof Gold Eagles were intended to bear the "W" mint mark. This mistake has left us with a lot of puzzling unanswered questions about the production and existence of the 1999-W $5 and $10 Mint State coins.
    The year 1999 turned out to be a very busy year for the U.S. Mint. It received a tremendous and unexpected demand for American Gold Eagles. Many believe the Mint was in such a rush to produce 1999 Gold Eagles that in an attempt to meet the public's demand, it inadvertently mixed a proof die into service. Another possible theory is that the Mint may have intentionally put a proof die into service in order to meet the public's demand. Whatever the case may be, we can be certain the coins should not exist today.
    The huge demand for 1999 Gold Eagles was more than likely created by collectors and investors who were worried about the upcoming Millennium year and some of the potential issues that could have been created by Y2K. Many decided to purchase American Gold Eagles as a safeguard to any potential problems arising due to the upcoming Millennium year. In return, many purchasers of 1999 Gold Eagles decided to purchase mainly fractional issues, since they are much cheaper and more affordable.
    Going forward, sometime early in the year 2000, some of the first 1999-W Mint State Gold Eagles were discovered. The Mint did not provide any clues or give any indications as to how many of these coins were produced or why. It wasn't until years later that the Mint would give a very important clue as to how many coins could have actually been produced.
    In 2005, a U.S. Mint spokesman issued a statement indicating that an estimated 6,000 Mint State Gold Eagles are produced from each pair of dies. If this was the case for the 1999-W Mint State Gold Eagles and only one pair of dies was used, a 6,000 production figure for each would not be unlikely. As of this writing, 14 years have passed and there has been no indication or supporting evidence that more than one pair of dies was used to produce this modern key issue. Therefore, if only one pair of dies was actually used and about 6,000 coins were made, this would make both coins very scarce in the Mint State Gold Eagle series. There is a good possibility that some of these coins are still out there unrecognized by collectors as being the elusive 1999-W Mint State Gold Eagles, because they can be confused with Proof coins since Proofs also bear the "W" mint mark.
    Fred Weinberg, a U.S. coin dealer specializing in major error and U.S. coins, indicated he bought hundreds of the 1999-W Mint State Gold Eagle coins from a major mint distributor at one time. This distributor had already sent the majority of these dates and denominations to Japan for jewelry purposes. Julian Leidman, also a major dealer, buyer and seller of these coins, indicated he owned hundreds of these coins all at once and he mentioned he still buys and sells these coins because he believes they are a great modern issue.
    The most recent total population figures do not match or even come close to matching the 6,000 possible figures, even if one pair of dies was actually used. With many 1999-W gold eagles going overseas, tucked away in rolls, IRA accounts and even in private collections, we may never know the actual amount of coins in existence. So for now, we can only speculate.
    In the future, there is a possibility the supply of these coins may increase if some of them ever show up from the above mentioned sources. However, many years have gone by and the supply has not significantly increased. So far, the demand has exceeded the availability
    So folks, those are three scenarios, of course mine maks the most sense, [doesn't it?] Anyway, I have three of them and they will be on display at the Florida United Numismatics convention in January, 2014 with all the stories I can find, (or dream up haha).
    Happy collecting
    BTW: What do you think is the real story? Only the mint master knows for sure.

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  19. CaptBrian
    This Morgan has only one better, the MS67 and there is only one.
    The Beautiful Morgan Silver Dollar Minted from 1878 - 1921.
    I opened my door here at my home (and my wallet in this case) and in came a fantastic addition to my family. A 1921 S MS66 Morgan Silver Dollar.
    Lady Liberty on the obverse, and the Eagle holding arrows and an olive branch on the reverse. 90% Silver, 10% copper. Total weight 26.73 grams.
    The beautiful coin is named after its designer, George T. Morgan, who designed both sides of the coin.
    How to calculate the melt value of the Morgan Silver Dollar:
    Using the coin mint figures:
    90% Silver & 10% copper, and the total weight of 26.73 grams,
    Follow the formula below.
    Using the current price (spot price) the following will get you to the melt value.
    $19.55 = silver price / ounce on Jan 28, 2014.
    .90 = silver %
    $3.2724 = copper price / pound on Jan 28, 2014.
    .10 = copper %
    26.73 = total weight in grams
    .0321507466 = ounce/gram conversion factor
    .00220462262 = pound/gram conversion factor
    Calculate 90% silver value :
    (19.55 × .0321507466 × 26.73 × .90) = $15.1209558816
     
    $15.1209 is the rounded silver value for the 1878-1921 silver Morgan dollar for today, 1-28-14.
    If you try to melt Morgans, may the fleas of a thousand camels infest your dog.
    The total mintage for this coin is 21,695,000.
    I don't know about plagerism, and I sure don't want credit for a lot of info I did not write. Wikipedia sure gets the dope, so to save lots of your time and mine, I re-direct you to their site and info about the Morgan:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Dollar
    This file has about all you could want to know. I have about 10 Morgans, and only a few graded, and this one is, of course, the flagship of my Morgans.
    Behind the Walking Silver Dollar, the Morgan is my favorite coin, truly a work of art.
    ONE thing Wikipedia does not seem to mention, is the fact that our silver dollars, (pre-Morgan) were patterned after the Spanish Eight Reale.
    So, I am not on a quest for Morgans at this time, as my Indians kind of wore me out, but I am still distilling my collection to get, like my steaks, on the rare side.
    So, welcome the new adoptee to my home will ya. Hope you enjoy reading and learning about coins. ( I am afraid to begin on paper currency just yet)
    Capt. Brian

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  20. CaptBrian
    On the lighter side, I got 15 coins for 10, what a deal!
    All my problem deals aside, I made quite a deal today. I added to my Indian collection...15 more coins but one grade up, MS 62s including another 1911 D So I have two of those now and filled out runs of those $2.5 Indian heads. I will get them all on my registry, and delete the coins traded away off there ASAP. I will add in pictures as soon as coins arrive. Gone from my registry will be the following: 1909 St. Gaudens-$20 PCGS MS64, 1885 CC Morgan PCGS MS65, 2 1997 SAE PF70s, 1998 GAE $5 PF70, 1986 $10 GAE-MS70, 1991 $10 GAE MS70, 1987 $25 GAE-PF70, 1993 $25 GAE PF70, and finally a beautiful 2008 GAE PF69. Whew, took a while accumulating those but I had to have the indians in 62. Will update registry ASAP...The entire 15 coin series of $2.5 Indians in MS62
    1908
    1909
    1910
    1911
    1911-D
    1912
    1913
    1914
    1914-D
    1915
    1925-D
    1926
    1927
    1928
    1929
    Capt. Brian

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  21. CaptBrian
    GONNA BE A LONG TIME TIL I ADD ANOTHER COIN
    Well, they are all in the pot. About 14 of them were without slots, so I will have to get on my knees and beg Amy to get me some slots and new sets. I know they are backed up with requests, as mentioned before but I have a bunch of orphans that want to join the party.
    Enjoy looking. I will clean up descriptions and pictures as time permits. (this is like painting the Golden Gate, never finnished.)
    Happy coining
    Capt. Brian and Helen
    The Lost Navigator
    P.S. All coins with pictures now, and, on to fixing history, and fun data for this collection, now THATs gonna take a while.
    P.P.S. All coins with no slots are in signature(now CUSTOM SETS) sets section

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  22. CaptBrian
    Want to hit a homer, go play for the Yankees
    Yup, got it again, the sumpthin' for nuttin' disease. Or we could call it, the "if its too good to be true, it probably is."
    I've been hit worse, but this comes awful close. I bought 14 Morgans back in May. Well, just got the results back from grading expedition to Sarasota.
    7 of them were adulterated (<--sp?) or details. Seems people still like to clean their coins [when will the word get out NOT to clean them AT ALL? Leave that to the graders and pros) I did get a few MS's, even a '64.. Thank goodness, using the NGC guide, and present price of silver, if I put on my pawn shop hat, I might just break even. I suppose I will keep the 7 baddies for a rise in silver price, and begin to offer the good ones to my friends who like Morgans. I am going to be putting all mine on the block, as I am treading in a PF70 and or MS 70 direction with mostly ASE's or AGE's. Like Pt too, and even Pd but probably not enough gas here to trade up to gold or one of the P's. (Plat or Pall)
    Now the crux of this journal, is buying. I was offered all of these Morgans and they were ALL in bogus slabs with medium to high grades. I knew there was dice rolling, and I figure as I may just break even, it is not the worst deal. But following up on an earlier post, [not long ago] Please be very careful whom and where you buy from. I don't know how nor why there are so many criminals out there, but it is well to be advised they will rip your pockets off for the lint if they think there is a profit in it.
    I NEVER lie, cheat, or steal, unless it benifits me.
    So Happy Hoarding, and please watch your buying habits.
    Capt. Brian
    The Lost Navigator
    P.S. Remember, Leo is waiting for you to come into his area.
    B E W A R E

  23. CaptBrian
    Coin holders beware of fakes.
    To the discerning eye, a fake or 'non-standard' coin holder or slab is readily apparant. So this journal is probably focused on the new collector who has not yet been fooled by the negative elements of our society. They don't always use the top grade as the one in the picture herein. This holder looks VERY much, too much like the NGC holder. NGS is NOT a recognized guarantor of quality, although the coin therein may be real the grade is much suspect. I bought 12 Morgans and they are in grading now at NGC. Will be MOST interesting to see how they come out. By the way,... NONE Of the grades were very low or very high, so it could lead to much capital losses should one believe the grade.
    I have a picture of the reverse if you want to see it let me know by reply.
    Capt. Brian and Helen

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  24. CaptBrian
    Finally, got some new coins after a long time away from market.
    I just added three new 1992 MS70 GAE $5's and a 1994 GAE $10 MS70...I will offer these at the F.U.N. Show in Orlando this coming week. I see the weakness in the price of gold and silver and believe fully in the resurgence of the physical prices. As our economy gets on it's merry way, I am hoping that gold prices don't go up too much as I am on the hunt for others to enhance my collection. The ones listed here are from a sale recently and I feel I got them pretty good prices and hope to trade them for some I have my eye on. Have FUN at the F.U.N. Convention,
    A little while ago I added my first palladium coin, a Russian 1990(L)USSR PD 25R BALLET MS69 & a 2012 W EAGLE P$100 EARLY RELEASE PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO... I have always loved the platinum Eagles, and have a lot of the 1st year issues in PF70 and PF69. I was happy to see our government talking about a trillion dollar platinum (Pt) coin to pay off the debt. Is any of you thinking of buying it to help our government?
    See you there NGC. ( at the show )
    Capt. Brian

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  25. CaptBrian
    I have been cheated by a daeler
    Recently I have been involved with a transaction with a dealer and they are trying to cheat me. I am on vacation and cannot defend myself but will attempt to get my money back upon my return. I will write all facts in coming journals. I can only warn all that there are too many crooked dealers and I intend to do something about it.
    stay tuned.
    Captain Brian
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