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Merry Christmas to all!!! Centerpiece coin.

Started by SkyMan,

16 posts in this topic

SkyMan

SkyMan

Posted
Posted

This 1802 dollar is the Centerpiece of my coin collection. I bought it about 15 to 20 years ago. It is (woefully under)graded at MS 61 in an old PCGS rattler. I'd grade the obverse a 63 and the reverse a 64 (not that I've got a lot of experience grading DB material). In the summer of 2005 I took it to the ANA convention in SF just to get a feel for what it is worth these days, and was offered between 63 and 64 money for it. It really was quite amusing in that while I was browsing the bourse I literally had dealers following me from table to table trying to either (A) hold on to the coin a little longer, or (B) try and buy it from me. Needless to say, that's the only time that's happened to me. Since then I've taken it to a couple of Santa Clara shows to show to board members. I'll show it to the occaissional dealer there too, and again they all go ga-ga.

 

The coin is very well struck, with just a little softness in the breast (after all, a lot of material has to get in there). The shield is well struck, so I'm not sure why in the image it's a bit fuzzy, it must have something to do with the scan/picture. The image (on my monitor) is a little darker than the coin actually is. Also, the wings of the eagle have a faint gunmetal blue hint to them. Anyhow, this seemed an appropriate coin to put on this site to celebrate this time of year.

 

Best wishes to everyone for a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy and Healthy New Year!!!

 

DrapedBust_MS61.jpg

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rrantique

rrantique

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Posted

Wow Sy, absolutely amazing. It certainly would make a great "Centerpiece" of any collection. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful part of history. A truly magnificent coin. (worship)

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BillJones

BillJones

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It looks to be a true Mint State in a series where most of the coins that get called Mint State are really AU. I'd say the coin is an MS-63, and it's well struck on the obverse which is a big plus. It is nicer than the best pieces I have which are graded AU-55 and AU-58.

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TomB

TomB

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That's a lot of coin. I wouldn't worry about the piece not having apparently full breast feathers since I do not recall seeing any DB coin display fully rounded and detailed feathers in this region.

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SkyMan

SkyMan

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Thanks guys, glad you like it!

 

A couple of points, not every dealer was willing to pay 63-4 money on it, but there was more than one. The MINIMUM grade that ALL dealers in the last couple of years that I've shown the coin to agreed upon was a 62 and more than a few say 63. (There was one dealer say that he knows someone who doctors coins who could get it into a 65). I think one reason that it is such a popular coin is that it hasn't been messed with (or if it has, it was a LONG time ago). Second, I was sorely tempted to sell, as we were talking a lot of money, but being a coin collector first and foremost it was one of those deals where I realized that once I sold it I wouldn't have it (or something like it) ever again. Finally, personally I just like it because the DBHE is my all time favorite US coin design. So, the good Lord willing, I'll continue to hold on to this sucker for at least a couple of decades more.

 

 

...I wouldn't worry about the piece not having apparently full breast feathers since I do not recall seeing any DB coin display fully rounded and detailed feathers in this region.
Actually Tom, I was talking about Liberty's breasts. lol They are not quite as rounded as some others I've seen in the series, but are still nicely struck. I was thinking about making another comment here, but better keep this PG rated. :whistle:

 

 

EDITED TO ADD: For JustBob, it's 50+ and sunny in the Bay Area.

 

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EZ_E

EZ_E

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What a coin and what a bonus getting it so long ago. Heck even an XF is out of my budget in this market.

 

Being in the Christmas spirit like you are, I think that you should get various colored Sharpie Magic markers and add some Christmas ornaments to it. It would be very cool...for a day anyway. :þ

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rexcat

rexcat

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Posted

Like every one else...

 

...I think this coin is awesome too!!! :cloud9:

 

Not only problem free, but also has great eye appeal, what else can you say but WOW!?

 

Very nice Sy, (thumbs u thanks for the post

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Elbesaar

Elbesaar

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Skyman,

 

That's a very well struck coin - very crisp details. Also its

very original and I'm sure its the centerpiece of your collection.

 

Hard to grade from images, but its a choice coin regardless

of what number anyone assigns to it.

 

Thanks for sharing it.

 

Mike

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