Which Coin Is Better II (Seated Dollars)

[EVillageProwler]

For discussion purposes, which coin do you like better? Same grade, same holder.

 

 

 

EVP

 

[Klectorkid]

I like #2 although not as original it has much more eye apeal and has pretty nice lister for a LSD. #1 is original however because of that it has dark toning that looks sloppy because of the outlining of the portait/stars. Just MHO

[PQSeated]

I like coin 2, despite the chatter on the reverse above the eagle. I don't like the toning on the first.

[jtryka]

Dude, if "original" is a codeword for "Butt Ugly" than the first one is "original" I definitely prefer #2, it doesn't give me a headache and nausia when I look at it (that's a key criteria for coins that make it into my collection).

[PQSeated]

I forgot to add that coin #2 also has a better strike.

 

They're both very nice coins!

[EVillageProwler]

Perhaps I should add some verbal descriptions, since we all know how deceptive pictures can be when not done by a professional!

 

The 1849 is toned with a vibrant polychromatic iridescence. Definately original. Think shimmery fields from a starburst.

 

The 1853 is likely original as well, with a slight hazy gray patina covering typical frosty surfaces. Think lightly trudged snow-covered fields.

 

EVP

 

[Wihlborg]

It's coin number two for me all the way. I don't like the toning on number one.

[michael]

i like the 1849 better

 

it would be a higher grade if not for the weakly struck reverse

 

i really like the 1849 overall the look is great!!!! this kind of look is for me really rare in a seated dollar

 

again just my opinion and i bet the 1849 looks even better in person sight seen

 

also a sexy date to boot!

 

sincerely michael

[michael]

well for me i changed my mind

 

i really like both equally i would take both!

 

sincerely michael

[jtryka]

Ok EVP, maybe it's not "original" as defined above in my last post, but I stand by my original opinion, I like the clearer look of the second one better.

[EVillageProwler]

also a sexy date to boot!

 

Michael,

 

Your knowledge of this stuff is very good. (No condescension intended.) The 1849 is very underrated. It is tougher at this grade level (MS63) than the 1853, yet is priced less. And, I also think this 1849 specimen is very high-end for the grade.

 

The two coins have a completely different look, and aside from the rev marks on the '53 I'd have a very hard time deciding which coin pleases me more!

 

Isn't it nice to have this kind of dilemma?

 

EVP

 

[michael]

both are rare coins those seared dollars

 

also evp i am going to try to scan the trade dollar infor at the university of rochester and send it to you in an e mail

 

i will ask one of the students over there to help me

 

sincerely michael

[EVillageProwler]

If you look carefully, the '49 has a stronger obv strike and a weaker rev strike than the '53. Both of these specimens have typical strikes for their respective dates. Both also are typical wrt fresh, original luster.

 

I have seen ZERO '49 specimens over the past few years that I like better than mine. In spite of the chatter on the rev of the '53 specimen, I have seen only ONE specimen that I like better.

 

Since I am comparing these two coins, I'd have to say that I like the '49 better. It has more pizzazz (luster, flash), better color (you'd have to see it in person to see its polychromatic aspect) and far fewer marks.

 

The '49 also has much more of an original look to it.

 

Once again, please note that I have listed luster as the top criterion.

 

EVP

 

PS For my next thread, I'll use two AU ED's for comparison.

 

PPS I hope people find these threads educational. You can learn a great deal about how these coins "should" look...

 

[CarlWohlforth]

I like the '53 better. Most if its marks are on the reverse and it has a better strike.

 

EVP says his photos are not professional (they are very good!!!) but his descriptions are professional:

 

"vibrant polychromatic iridescence" - Love it!

"lightly trudged snow-covered fields" - What a picture that creates in my mind!

 

 

[Wihlborg]

Yea Carl,

He could get a job writing up coin descriptions for some of the big dealer's web sites using terms like those!

 

[EVillageProwler]

Thanks, Carl, John.

 

The effusiveness and prolixity of my florid prose pales in comparison to that of Byron.

 

EVP

 

[PQSeated]

Thank you for your analytical post, EVP.