100 Greatest Modern World Coins 1 1

[World Colonial]

Below is a link to one of the articles I previously referenced but it was on the PCGS site, not Coin Week.  I could not pull up the others but maybe someone else will have better luck.  This link covers entries #51 to #100.

https://www.pcgs.com/news/the-top-100-world-and-ancient-coins-of-the-millennium

I expect the current list will be patterned after this one.  It will include coins that "don't belong" to provide geographic representation and those which most collectors can find and afford.

Particularly ridiculous are #54, #62 and #92.  The first is a piece of circulating change.  #62 is the Lady Di NCLT I mentioned earlier.  #55 is the 1948 Canadian dollar which means it probably has a good chance of making this new list, as do the other three coins I listed from Canada.

[VKurtB]

One notable exception to my complaint of too many ultra-rarities is #100 in the book - the entire generic Euro coinage set. Any great story of the history of coinage has to include that. Oh since I griped about an aspect, I guess I should also state the best things about the book. 1) Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker are VERY good writers, and 2) the photography is drool-worthy. Coin porn on steroids.

Edited August 25, 2020 by VKurtB

[Zebo]

36 minutes ago, VKurtB said:

One notable exception to my complaint of too many ultra-rarities is #100 in the book - the entire generic Euro coinage set. Any great story of the history of coinage has to include that. Oh since I griped about an aspect, I guess I should also state the best things about the book. 1) Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker are VERY good writers, and 2) the photography is drool-worthy. Coin porn on steroids.

Looks like mine arrives this Friday. I have a large library - stacks waiting to be read. This will be an easy one.

[World Colonial]

1 hour ago, VKurtB said:

One notable exception to my complaint of too many ultra-rarities is #100 in the book - the entire generic Euro coinage set. Any great story of the history of coinage has to include that. Oh since I griped about an aspect, I guess I should also state the best things about the book. 1) Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker are VERY good writers, and 2) the photography is drool-worthy. Coin porn on steroids.

It comes down to definition.  Seems to me the authors are co-mingling terms and concepts.

The change to the Euro coinage was a historic monetary event, no doubt about it.  Concurrently, under any sensible definition, this coinage isn't "great".  It's circulating pocket change.

My definition of "great" is based upon my subjective perception of how collectors perceive a coin and how much they prefer it versus others.  It's a high standard which will automatically eliminate practically every collector from owning either most or all on any "top 100" list either due to rarity, availability or price.

Most collectors co-mingle "popular" and preferred.  I see it all the time in the numismatic press and on coin forums.  "Popular" doesn't remotely mean that most collectors would rather own the most widely collected coins over others, most of the time.  It primarily means they cannot afford to own what they would like to buy the most if they had the money and it was available to be bought.

This is what applies to the 09-S VDB cent.  It's still one of the most "popular" coins since the Lincoln (Wheat) cent is the most widely collected series.  I'd describe it as an aspirational coin that most of these collectors would like to own if they cannot afford it.

Concurrently, it's evident from the price that it's relative preference has collapsed over the last 50 years.  In 1965, the Red Book listed the UNC at $335 which was a LOT of money for the time and the far less affluent collector base mostly could not afford it.  As a guess, maybe like 2% or 3% reasonably could since most collected out of circulation.  Today, possibly as many as 20% could come up with the money for an equivalent quality example which is worth in the vicinity of $1200, if they prioritize it.

[VKurtB]

One reason I believe the euro coinage is important historically is that I do not believe it can survive long term. I believe it will one day be gone, and a relic of political economics, proving that currency unions cannot long endure among sovereign nations who intend to remain sovereign. The choices seem to be give up sovereignty or have your own currency.

[World Colonial]

47 minutes ago, VKurtB said:

One reason I believe the euro coinage is important historically is that I do not believe it can survive long term. I believe it will one day be gone, and a relic of political economics, proving that currency unions cannot long endure among sovereign nations who intend to remain sovereign. The choices seem to be give up sovereignty or have your own currency.

I hope it doesn't survive but think it will in some form, with a smaller currency block that will ultimately become a United States of Europe.  You are correct, it is one or the other.

[Cat Bath]

My favorite sovereign is the quintuple uncirculated 1984

So far as I know, it's the only one with the 1st portrait of the queen on a 1oz coin w/o the frosted/proof treatment that I don't much care for.

I'm aware that hard-core collectors consider this bullion but I want it anyway.  

Edited August 26, 2020 by Cat Bath

[Zebo]

5 hours ago, Cat Bath said:

My favorite sovereign is the quintuple uncirculated 1984

So far as I know, it's the only one with the 1st portrait of the queen on a 1oz coin w/o the frosted/proof treatment that I don't much care for.

I'm aware that hard-core collectors consider this bullion but I want it anyway.  

You have good taste!

[VKurtB]

3 hours ago, Zebo said:

You have good taste!

Or at least expensive taste. 

[Zebo]

Well my book arrived tonight. Nice book. And I am happy that Sovereigns had a very nice showing. Three in the top ten and six total (one being a bronze pattern). I'm a bit surprised the 1908 C didn't make the list. All in all, it will be an easy read and has very nice illustrations. 

Oh - and the Euro snuck in at #100.

Edited August 27, 2020 by Zebo
Added euro

[Zebo]

On August 24, 2020 at 8:04 PM, World Colonial said:

Most collectors outside the US do not prefer or necessarily even like TPG.  However, for a not so widely collected series (at meaningful premiums above melt), the counts even for the 1899 and 1900 aren't that low.  This is my inference why you have had difficulty upgrading your set because most of the better coin potentially aren't in a TPG holder.

The 1923 SA sovereign has a combined count of 21 out of a reported mintage of either 64 or 406.  (The first is the generally accepted mintage today but I believe wrong.)  However, most or maybe all of these cost over 5 digits.  Don't know how scarce the 1916C is but it's reasonably so, as is the 1924 SA.

Here are examples of coins I would include in this list, some or all of which I presume are actually in it:

• 1911 Canada pattern dollar (one of two and known the "King of Canadian" coinage);
• 1921 Canadian 50c
• 1936 "with Dot" Canadian cent
• 1920S (Australia) sovereign
• 1930 Australia penny
• 1935 New Zealand Waitangi Crown (somewhat scarce though not rare but high preference)
• 1933 UK penny
• 1902 South Africa ZAR veldpond (It's moderately scarce but unique design and interesting background.  It's a 5 digit coin except mishandled)
• Maybe the 1931 South Africa Union 3P

Pretty good guess. All, but two were included. You get an A.

[World Colonial]

2 hours ago, Zebo said:

Pretty good guess. All, but two were included. You get an A.

I am assuming the 1931 South Africa 3P was not in there.  Which is the other?

Also, you mentioned six sovereigns.  Dates and mints please?

If the 1923 SA was one of the six, I wouldn't even rate it the #1 coin in the Union series.

[Zebo]

45 minutes ago, World Colonial said:

I am assuming the 1931 South Africa 3P was not in there.  Which is the other?

Also, you mentioned six sovereigns.  Dates and mints please?

If the 1923 SA was one of the six, I wouldn't even rate it the #1 coin in the Union series.

The 1935 New Zealand - unless I missed it. I'll check again, but am pretty sure it's on in it.

[Henri Charriere]

On 8/25/2020 at 12:01 PM, VKurtB said:

One reason I believe the euro coinage is important historically is that I do not believe it can survive long term. I believe it will one day be gone, and a relic of political economics, proving that currency unions cannot long endure among sovereign nations who intend to remain sovereign. The choices seem to be give up sovereignty or have your own currency.

Puerto Rico and Hawaii both had their own coinage and currency in the 19th Century.  I believe the U.S. dollar is El Salvador's official currency (as well as 3 other nations whose names I cannot recall).  All retain their sovereignty. Re: euro. To me, loss of a country's currency = loss of identity.  [Wampum, anyone?]  😉

[scopru]

13 hours ago, Quintus Arrius said:

To me, loss of a country's currency = loss of identity.

Agree.  Not a complete loss of identity, but certainly a big step down that path.

[brg5658]

I wish there were a book like this titled "100 Greatest 20th Century Coin Designs" - it seems the current book described is more a Greatest = "Most Expensive and Rare" type book.  

There are many stunning coin designs from the 20th Century.  There are also a lot of really ugly but rare coins.

A coin from a particular year with extremely low mintage (but otherwise the design type is readily available) does not make it "great" by my definition of the word.  To each his/her own.

[VKurtB]

5 hours ago, brg5658 said:

I wish there were a book like this titled "100 Greatest 20th Century Coin Designs" - it seems the current book described is more a Greatest = "Most Expensive and Rare" type book.  

There are many stunning coin designs from the 20th Century.  There are also a lot of really ugly but rare coins.

A coin from a particular year with extremely low mintage (but otherwise the design type is readily available) does not make it "great" by my definition of the word.  To each his/her own.

I think you are correct but these authors are steeped in the culture of the ultra rare.

[Zebo]

That would be an interesting read as well as the current top 100s. Just eye candy in the end with a bit of their history mixed in - but still fun. 

With your photo skills - maybe that's an area you could explore. Just thing of the coins you'd have a chance to photograph. 

[brg5658]

These handful of designs come to mind as particularly beautiful, but not rare.

I would prefer these types of "Greatest" books encouraged people to think of coins as works of art, not just expensive metal discs or trinkets - some of which happen have low mintages and are considered "rare."  More details about the designs, artists, and engravers would be a great read from an artistic standpoint.  Context in terms of the history and timeframe would also be more compelling than a book about "rare" unattainable varieties and dates within a series.  Just my 2 cents. 

Edited November 25, 2020 by brg5658

[VKurtB]

39 minutes ago, brg5658 said:

These handful of designs come to mind as particularly beautiful, but not rare.

I would prefer these types of "Greatest" books encouraged people to think of coins as works of art, not just expensive metal discs or trinkets - some of which happen have low mintages and are considered "rare."  More details about the designs, artists, and engravers would be a great read from an artistic standpoint.  Context in terms of the history and timeframe would also be more compelling than a book about "rare" unattainable varieties and dates within a series.  Just my 2 cents. 

Yes! And your first one reminded me of another personal favorite: the large copper French 10 centimes of that same era. Gorgeous when found in top condition. 

Edited November 25, 2020 by VKurtB

[Henri Charriere]

On 11/25/2020 at 9:41 AM, brg5658 said:

These handful of designs come to mind as particularly beautiful, but not rare.

I would prefer these types of "Greatest" books encouraged people to think of coins as works of art, not just expensive metal discs or trinkets - some of which happen have low mintages and are considered "rare."  More details about the designs, artists, and engravers would be a great read from an artistic standpoint.  Context in terms of the history and timeframe would also be more compelling than a book about "rare" unattainable varieties and dates within a series.  Just my 2 cents. 

What, not one Rooster?

[Hoghead515]

18 hours ago, Quintus Arrius said:

What, not one Rooster?

Your hung on those roosters aren't ya. They are beautiful coins. Id love to own one, one of these days Do they mint them in silver or just gold. 

[Henri Charriere]

17 minutes ago, Hoghead515 said:

Your hung on those roosters aren't ya. They are beautiful coins. Id love to own one, one of these days Do they mint them in silver or just gold. 

Their appearance is deceptive. They contain less than one-fifth of an ounce of gold. My collection is "complete" but if higher grades were to become available as has happened last month after a one-year drought, I would have no choice but to negotiate a less than prohibitive price with the prospective seller. Judging by all the partial sets showcased on registries, it wouldn't be a stretch to say most are in over their heads.  And I am in way too deep to quit now.

[Hoghead515]

59 minutes ago, Quintus Arrius said:

Their appearance is deceptive. They contain less than one-fifth of an ounce of gold. My collection is "complete" but if higher grades were to become available as has happened last month after a one-year drought, I would have no choice but to negotiate a less than prohibitive price with the prospective seller. Judging by all the partial sets showcased on registries, it wouldn't be a stretch to say most are in over their heads.  And I am in way too deep to quit now.

Thats awesome my friend. Its great to get a good collection going of something you really like. They are a beautiful coin. Hopefully one day I can get the privilege of adding one or two to my collection. I hope you end up finding the one you been searching for. 

 

[mumu]

Did any Uruguay coins make the list?

[Zebo]

7 hours ago, mumu said:

Did any Uruguay coins make the list?

No

[mumu]

On 12/23/2020 at 9:44 AM, Zebo said:

No

Ridiculous

[Zebo]

4 hours ago, mumu said:

Ridiculous

Ridiculous -- Why???

[mumu]

On 12/24/2020 at 6:36 PM, Zebo said:

Ridiculous -- Why???

Because there are 1 maybe 2 maybe 3 that belong on any such list.

[mumu]

Im sure there are 50 with various aged Queen of England mugshots though