My dilemma on my next purchase - what would you do? 1 1

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

I am between two coins on my next major purchase.

1807 C-1 Half Cent in PCGS AU58

• Pro - Another nice half cent for my date set.  This has been a primary focus.
• Con - normal date/rarity.  

1936 Proof Mercury Dime NGC PF66

• Pro - Key date to the proof series.  I already have the 1937 in PF66, so the rest of the series in PF66-67 becomes a very achievable goal for 2022.
• Con - buying this puts the half cent out of reach for a period of time.  It may be easier to find the proof Mercury later (although low mintage), than a choice 1807 half cent.

My inclination is to stay true to my half cents and plug away at a tougher mission.  However, being able to easily have a complete set of proof Mercury dimes is so tempting, too.

I'm like a squirrel crossing the road

Edited January 3, 2022 by The Neophyte Numismatist

[Lem E]

I would ask yourself one question, and that is which coin of the two do you like better?

[Mohawk]

On 1/2/2022 at 9:32 PM, Lem E said:

I would ask yourself one question, and that is which coin of the two do you like better?

This exactly.  I would also ask yourself this: Which series is more important to me?  What goal would I most like to achieve?  I would imagine your answer will be found there.  

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

I hear what you guys are saying.  When I think about "what series is more important to me?" that is Half Cents - no question.  But, that set is a very slow build for me to complete decent grade.  Finding good, choice-surface coins with luster can be very tough.  Many coins in AU-MS holders still have micro-granularity or other surface issues.

The proof Mercury set is relatively easy, once you get past the 1936. They generally go down in price over the years as the mintages go up (however, this is still a micro mintage series).  I have not completed many sets, so the idea of having this short set completed relatively quickly without compromising quality is a seductive one.  The series looks nearly perfect, and would be a great collection.  

These sets are two opposite personalities - but both very cool.

Edited January 3, 2022 by The Neophyte Numismatist

[Lem E]

I really don’t know either series well, but If you think that the half cent is nice enough and worthy of being in your collection, that is what I would go with. I would think it would be easier to find a nice merc than a nice half cent. On the other hand, I see nothing wrong with veering of the beaten path. I do it all the time. Keeps things from getting stale. Just my opinion. I wish you luck on your choice.

[Mohawk]

On 1/2/2022 at 10:19 PM, The Neophyte Numismatist said:

I hear what you guys are saying.  When I think about "what series is more important to me?" that is Half Cents - no question.  But, that set is a very slow build for me to complete decent grade.  Finding good, choice-surface coins with luster can be very tough.  Many coins in AU-MS holders still have micro-granularity or other surface issues.

The proof Mercury set is relatively easy, once you get past the 1936. They generally go down in price over the years as the mintages go up (however, this is still a micro mintage series).  I have not completed many sets, so the idea of having this short set completed relatively quickly without compromising quality is a seductive one.  The series looks nearly perfect, and would be a great collection.  

These sets are two opposite personalities - but both very cool.

I wish I could do better for you, Neo.  I do, but I do not collect U.S. coins and I haven't in a very long time.  Both of those choices are so far outside of anything I'd actually purchase that I responded in the only way that I could.  But I'm guessing from your avatar that the half cent has the best chance of winning  

[Coinbuf]

Easy answer for me, quality early half and large cents can be few and far between while the dime will come around again likely sooner than later.   But I can see where it would be easy to get pulled in both directions.

[Mohawk]

On 1/2/2022 at 11:29 PM, Coinbuf said:

Easy answer for me, quality early half and large cents can be few and far between while the dime will come around again likely sooner than later.   But I can see where it would be easy to get pulled in both directions.

Very good point on the copper, Coinbuf.  It's definitely tougher to find than a proof 1936 Merc.  

[Mohawk]

I think with what Coinbuf said, I can vote now.  Neo, I'd go for the half cent.  1936 Proof Mercs come up far more often.  Don't miss the half cent opportunity.

[Just Bob]

On 1/2/2022 at 10:29 PM, Coinbuf said:

Easy answer for me, quality early half and large cents can be few and far between while the dime will come around again likely sooner than later.   But I can see where it would be easy to get pulled in both directions.

This. 

 

You gave the reasons to choose the half cent yourself. Coinbuf just confirmed them. 

Here is what you wrote:

"Finding good, choice-surface coins with luster can be very tough.  Many coins in AU-MS holders still have micro-granularity or other surface issues." All the more reason to jump on this one, if it meets your criteria for your set.

" It may be easier to find the proof Mercury later (although low mintage), than a choice 1807 half cent." Another good reason to choose the half cent now, and look for the dime later.

[GBrad]

I couldn't agree more with what has been said by the other members here.  The Half Cent would be my recommendation. I just looked at the vote stats and... well..... 🤔

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

Thanks much... I was leaning toward the half cent from the beginning.  I guess I just have a fear of missing out of these other series.   Facts are, I love all coin series - classic, modern, commemorative, gold, etc.  I want it all (but that's not how this works).  An eagle that focuses on hunting two rabbits gets neither.

Thanks for all of your excellent points.  You all confirmed my "gut thoughts/feelings" which are:  

1. While the 1936 Mercury proof has a lower mintage, the existing population of the dime and half cent are similar
2. Condition census is much better on the dime, as they are proof coins
   • Buying the dime in "nice" condition will be easier later than buying the half cent in "nice" condition.

I will call the seller and see if we can make a deal on the HC.  Thanks for confirming my guts and giving your opinions.  I guess I am still determined to spend my coin budget on low face-value, low bullion value coins.

For fun - keep voting.. if you had some one with both hands out and asked to choose - which coin would YOU choose? (and don't let this thread taint your opinion if you really want that Mercury)

Edited January 3, 2022 by The Neophyte Numismatist

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

Well…. Called the seller, made an offer and we were able to make a deal on the 1807 Half Cent.  Check goes out tomorrow, then…. I wait.

Here are the dealer photos of the coin:

Note:  the roughness you see on the obverse fields is from die rust (Manley Die State 2.0) , not micro-granularity/porosity.  This date is very rare in early die state.

(Ex. C Douglas Smith; Ex. Garry Fitzgerald; Ex. Stacks 1975; Ex. Donald Partrick)

 

Edited January 4, 2022 by The Neophyte Numismatist

[Lem E]

On 1/3/2022 at 4:38 PM, The Neophyte Numismatist said:

Well…. Called the seller, made an offer and we were able to make a deal on the 1807 Half Cent.  Check goes out tomorrow, then…. I wait.

Here are the dealer photos of the coin:

Note:  the roughness you see on the obverse fields is from die rust (Manley Die State 2.0) , not micro-granularity/porosity.  

(Ex. C Douglas Smith; Ex. Garry Fitzgerald; Ex. Stacks 1975; Ex. Donald Partick)

 

Looks like it will be a nice piece for the collection. Congrats 

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

On 1/3/2022 at 5:52 PM, Lem E said:

Looks like it will be a nice piece for the collection. Congrats 

Thanks - pretty excited... this will be good example for the date.  I may have to repost pics when it comes in in recent acquisitions, not sure I will be able to help myself  

A little fun 1807 Half Cent factoid - The "7" of the date of the 1807 half cent is oversized.  This is because it was made with the same punch as the 1807 $5 Capped Bust Half Eagle (right facing).  So, when I get a hankerin' for some classic gold - I will just have to look at that "7" on my half cent. 

Edited January 3, 2022 by The Neophyte Numismatist

[Lem E]

On 1/3/2022 at 5:02 PM, The Neophyte Numismatist said:

Thanks - pretty excited... this will be good example for the date.  I may have to repost pics when it comes in in recent acquisitions, not sure I will be able to help myself  

A little fun 1807 Half Cent factoid - The "7" in the 1807 half cent date is oversized.  This is because it was made with the same punch as the 1807 $5 Capped Bust Half Eagle (right facing).  So, when I get a hankerin' for some classic gold - I will just have to look at that "7" on my half cent. 

That is a pretty large 7. Cool info. Thanks.

[J P M]

On 1/3/2022 at 6:02 PM, The Neophyte Numismatist said:

Thanks - pretty excited... this will be good example for the date.  I may have to repost pics when it comes in in recent acquisitions, not sure I will be able to help myself  

A little fun 1807 Half Cent factoid - The "7" of the date of the 1807 half cent is oversized.  This is because it was made with the same punch as the 1807 $5 Capped Bust Half Eagle (right facing).  So, when I get a hankerin' for some classic gold - I will just have to look at that "7" on my half cent. 

I love it ,I am glad you went with the 1/2 it is a cool looking coin. I have also been looking at some raw large cents at one of the dealers I go to but there are so many variety's I am not sure if I'm ready to shop for copper yet. I need to do a lot more research before I start spending $$$ on those. 

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

On 1/3/2022 at 6:47 PM, J P Mashoke said:

I love it ,I am glad you went with the 1/2 it is a cool looking coin. I have also been looking at some raw large cents at one of the dealers I go to but there are so many variety's I am not sure if I'm ready to shop for copper yet. I need to do a lot more research before I start spending $$$ on those. 

Thanks JP!  Copper is fun, and gets a little nuanced.  There are some great books out there for research, and lots of smart specialists.  I have a list of books when you want to dig-in.

[Just Bob]

On 1/3/2022 at 5:47 PM, J P Mashoke said:

 I need to do a lot more research before I start spending $$$ on those. 

Excellent attitude. And great advice for any collector branching out into a new area.

[Just Bob]

On 1/3/2022 at 4:38 PM, The Neophyte Numismatist said:

Well…. Called the seller, made an offer and we were able to make a deal on the 1807 Half Cent.  Check goes out tomorrow, then…. I wait.

Here are the dealer photos of the coin:

Note:  the roughness you see on the obverse fields is from die rust (Manley Die State 2.0) , not micro-granularity/porosity.  

(Ex. C Douglas Smith; Ex. Garry Fitzgerald; Ex. Stacks 1975; Ex. Donald Partrick)

 

 

 

Good looking coin, and nice provenance. Looking forward to your pics when the coin comes in.

[Mohawk]

On 1/3/2022 at 8:24 PM, Just Bob said:

Excellent attitude. And great advice for any collector branching out into a new area.

Indeed.  Very well said. It's always good to read the book before buying the coin.  I've been in bed with a nasty cold today (not COVID though, thank the gods!), and I've been using the time to spend some time with my German coin guide since I want to get active in German coins again.  It's actually been quite enjoyable, scratchy throat and runny nose aside.

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

My process has been buy one coin, then buy the book.  Another coin, another book

@Mohawk Sorry you feel crummy, but glad you are using the time.  

Edited January 4, 2022 by The Neophyte Numismatist

[Mohawk]

On 1/3/2022 at 8:42 PM, The Neophyte Numismatist said:

My process has been buy one coin, then buy the book.  Another coin, another book

@Mohawk Sorry you feel crummy, but glad you are using the time.  

That's a very good process, Neo.  And similar to mine.  I have ancient coin guides, an edition of the Krause World Coin guide, a Krause German coin guide and a couple Canadian guides around here somewhere.  And thanks for the condolences as well.  It sucks, but getting reacquainted with some old numismatic friends from East Germany and West Germany has certainly been enjoyable and has made the time pass wonderfully.  Coins can be some of the best medicine.

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

Wie Geht es ihnen?  Make sure you don't swallow your coins and study the pills.

Edited January 4, 2022 by The Neophyte Numismatist

[Mohawk]

My Deutsche is quite rusty and limited, my friend, but, let me try........Ich überlebe.

[Lem E]

On 1/3/2022 at 6:35 PM, The Neophyte Numismatist said:

Thanks JP!  Copper is fun, and gets a little nuanced.  There are some great books out there for research, and lots of smart specialists.  I have a list of books when you want to dig-in.

I have thought about getting into large cents as I am starting to wind down on the Jeffs. I have one piece so far and I have picked up 2 books. The Grellman book and the Newcomb book. They are pretty similar books and really only cover the different varieties. I’d like to find a book with a little more general info. Probably pick up the redbook version. They are usually pretty good. If anyone has any suggestions on good reference material for large cents, I am all ears. Get better @Mohawk.

[Mohawk]

On 1/3/2022 at 9:22 PM, The Neophyte Numismatist said:

Wie Geht es ihnen?  Make sure you don't swallow your coins and study the pills.

I'll try.....but those pfennigs are pretty small 

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

On 1/3/2022 at 9:25 PM, Mohawk said:

Ich überlebe.

Glad to hear it.  gute Besserung!

@Lem E my favorite (general) copper book is the EAC grading guide.  It really helped me.  The other books are more dedicated to die varieties and die states.  Great information to cherry pick, or go full bore - but the grading guide helped me to see defects in coins that I would not have been able to without the guide.  You are a much more seasoned collector, but net grading was completely new to me.

[Lem E]

On 1/3/2022 at 8:43 PM, The Neophyte Numismatist said:

Glad to hear it.  gute Besserung!

@Lem E my favorite (general) copper book is the EAC grading guide.  It really helped me.  The other books are more dedicated to die varieties and die states.  Great information to cherry pick, or go full bore - but the grading guide helped me to see defects in coins that I would not have been able to without the guide.  You are a much more seasoned collector, but net grading was completely new to me.

I wouldn’t even put myself at seasoned. I still feel I am pretty green when it comes to a lot of this stuff. I try to do my research though. Thanks for the info my friend. I will definitely check out that EAC guide.

[Numismatic, A.A.S.]

1807...wholesome looking then yes...Proof Mercury available