EARLY-COMMEM-HUNTER

Hi folks, My wife developed a serious illness last year and it looked like everything was on the up and up but alas things have gone sour. So I have to raise cash and therefore I must liquidate a bunch of my commems and seriously shrink down the collection. I have a few MS70 modern commems on auction but the star of the show is my MS63 PCGS Isabella. It has about the most beautiful toning I’ve seen on a Bella. The link is below. I planned on keeping it forever but responsibilities come first. Thanks for taking a look. It really is an outstanding coin. https://www.ebay.com/itm/353780201217

Philly Morgan and Peace moved to processing. Looks like they’re all gonna roll out about the same time.

I’m curious and will have to inquire with our host as to whether or not they’re still recognizing the proof. Also curious as to what diagnostics they’ve been using in their determination. I’ve seen a few NGC proof Isabella’s recently that are in “newish” style slabs so if they have ceased the recognition I’d gather it’s a decision reached somewhat recently. edited to add: I’ve been thinking on this post since it was posted because I’ve been under the belief proofs did exist for many decades now. Surely some you learned gentlemen are more enlightened on early proof practices than I am and could explain to a fella. I have been under the belief that early proof were made with acid dipped and/or polished dies. Therefore, no extra pressure would have been necessary and that proofs would have been made by using these prepared dies and simply striking the piece a few times? Examples: (Photos used as educational fair use.)

I can recall only seeing one “T.” I’ve seen many with the W and have one in my collection. Anyone can shed some light on how many of these T’s are out there? I know an exact number is impossible. I’m talking anecdotal as to how many you’ve personally come across??

“Authorized: 40,000 Coined: 40,000 + 23 assay Melted: 15,809 Net Mintage: 24,191” “It appears that 103 of these were proofs: the first 100 and nos. 400, 1492 and 1892. That gives us 24.088 business strikes in addition to the 103 proofs.” (Swiatek & Breen, 1990, p.115). Swiatek, A. & Breen, W. (1990). The Encyclopedia of United StatesSilver & Gold Commemorative Coins 1892-1989. Arco Publishing, Inc. NY. * Not to be duplicative, but here’s my recent business strike Isabella acquisition. I simply adore this piece.

We’re 100% on the same page. I’m pretty sure the only reason the Yuan isn’t THE big player is because the world in general doesn’t trust the communist “leadership” and their blatant currency manipulation. You can’t believe a word they say. And yes, cash is on its way out. Probably not completely but the overwhelming majority once the USD goes digital which is what all the bankers want anyways. It will be interesting to see what happens to numismatics when the presses come to a halt. sorry to the OP for going OT.

After hurricanes here in Florida there were several times where banks opened up, without power at the branch, and manually distributed cash to customers. But yes, ransomware or electronic attack is surely a bigger threat. As I also said, manipulation and hacking is a major concern. Ponder this too. Most people where I live know to withdraw a before a hurricane. A lot of cash. From your bank it’s no problem and the value of your dollars will be pretty consistent. Now let’s say all your dough is in crypto and said crypto is in one of its epic drop cycles. When you convert to cash and pull it out you’ve likely lost value. Of course it depends on when you acquired your crypto but if the swing was wild enough and the timing is poor aren’t you getting the proverbial shaft? I’m no crypto expert and I’m also not a fan of the USD which is also essentially worthless and built on faith but at least it offers more stability.

Ok. Lemme pick your brain here if you don’t mind. Given that you have that drive and the costs involved for transport, food, maybe lodging, and all the “fun” expenses that seem to occur on the road, do those costs rise to the level that they’d cancel out your savings on the coin purchase? Granted, if your buying big dollar pieces the savings are totally justified. But how many common date Morgan 66’s (using your example above) do you have to buy before it would’ve been the same to pay a premium through other venues? Please don’t think me argumentative. I always try to learn from those with a niche as they’re usually the smartest and most successful.

Ahhhh. Ok. Yes that would be THE route in order to achieve those kinds of results. 👍🏻 Unfortunately my locale doesn’t offer up those opportunities but a couple times of the year.

I feel you on the Morgans but it’s happening nonetheless. I helped a buddy work his table two weeks ago at the local show and common date 66’s are getting $300 PLUS all morning long. Demand is insatiable. I’ve been seeing things I’ve never would’ve imagined just five years ago. Would I pay $300 for a 66 Morgan? Probably not unless it had that eye appeal. But a s-ton of others are. In the last year I’ve walked about 25 show floors and half the time I left with a pocket full of cash because there simply was nothing of quality that I could either flip at those crazy prices or justify adding to my personal collection. If you woulda told me I’d have paid $550 for a 66 peace dollar (23) a few years ago I’d have laughed to death and yet I just did cuz that’s what it took to get the coin. Crazy thing is research showed that in the last couple of months a bunch of others did the same. It’s nuts. I give you nothing but the highest respect if you’re getting quality pieces below sheet. That’s not an option in my local market.

I started in the mid-90’s and have been very off and on but I know what you’re saying. It was catalogs, teletrade, etc.. Gave way to ebay and other websites like Heritage. There seems to be no shortage of suppliers now but there sure does seem to be a shortage of quality material. Sale prices have been blowing me away as of late.

Yes indeed. Movement is afoot. My D and S are now “processing” as well as my O’s. Never could get the CC’s to go through on order day….

From what I've seen in the market lately, high quality material is selling well in excess of GS CPG and wayyyyyy beyond wholesale. I didn't think GS was even using the bid/ask format any longer? No more bid/ask columns in the CDN that I get every month. I do believe blue sheet pricing is still considered bid for NGC/PCGS and w/CAC if applicable. I've seen generic run of the mill pieces generally are between wholesale and CPG. Dogs often at discount to wholesale, of varying proportion depending on "doggyness." If a dealer was willing to sell me what I wanted from him/her at "bid," I'd probably buy a lot more than I am now. Funny enough though, it seems that when it comes time for a dealer to buy in face to face situations they often want to offer sub-wholesale for everything, regardless of quality, down to 50% or even less. I've seen many a person at shows or in LCS's getting straight murdered when selling. If you actually know what you have any can argue the point some dealers will budge to something closer to reasonable, but a lot of people just don't do that. I'm not dealer bashing. I know they have to profit. Its a business and I get that. TBH if they get over on some other dude and I end up benefitting by buying that coin at a reasonable price than great for me too. Its not the dealer's responsibility to argue for the seller/buyer. They should be ethical but that's relevant isn't it.

Negative. Sorry

My .02.... HELL. NO. Subject to hacking/manipulation eventually, all tech invariably is. Second, the moment crypto begins to pose a threat to the US dollar's dominance crypto is gone. Or, when the USD itself finally goes digital. The USG will never allow that kind of competition again the buck. Yes, many have made money off crypto but its essentially worthless. It hold ZERO real value. Lastly, what good is it without electric. If a storm or disaster knocks out the grid your crypto is now completely worthless since you cannot access it.