Affordable and Interesting 0

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

Here and ATS, I am consistently blown away by the caliber of the coins posted.  The numismatic eyegasm is a wonderful, and often expensive pursuit that seems to get more expensive as we go.  However, I love when I can find something affordable and interesting.  When that coin is relatively attractive, problem-free and scarce - even better.  When the coin is squarely in my wheelhouse - I cannot resist it.

Today, one checked all those boxes... This is an 1855 Half Cent with a Rim Clip in PCGS50.  This is not a very high grade for the most common coin in the Braided Hair HC series, but the clip made it interesting and a fun novelty piece to add interest to my half cent collection. (Just goes to show that they don't have to be expensive "Top Pops" to be cool!)

[J P M]

Very nice

[Lem E]

Congrats on the newp brother.

[Fenntucky Mike]

Nice! Good way to accessorize the collection, I like.  

Edited May 15 by Fenntucky Mike

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

Thanks a lot.  It's hard for me to resist pieces like this.  This one cost about as much as a sushi dinner for my family... so, coins like these are within range for most collectors.  I wanted to show some of the fun and affordable things out there.  All too often we see beautiful things that we must enjoy vicariously due to being cost prohibitive.

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

So, I was able to do it again! I found an 1805 C-4 (R.1) in XF40 with a rim clip. I didn't have the variety, and the rim clip makes it a little cool. This coin was a little more expensive than the Sushi dinner, but at $550... it's certainly an achievable coin for a collector that wants to squirrel a few dollars away for something cool.

This coin is not the example in my date set, but an accent piece. I just got it in hand, and I LOVE it. The surfaces are smooth and hard. There are no overly distracting marks to speak of. IMO it is pretty darn hard to find an XF40 half cent that looks as good as this - the clip is what makes it cool (and gives me an excuse to upgrade the variety one day).

I will include the dealer pics, and the PCGS TrueView:

[Mike Meenderink]

I prefer my early type coins with age on them. I am of the opinion that non-MS (G-AU) coins that survive from these periods have much more real history to them. Some are only available in lower grades. Some are very low grade but still VERY rare and not easily obtained in any grade. The patina must be just right. The details for me must have a certain antiqued look and the coins surface must be relatively clean of gouges, marks, etc... just like the coins you posted. Very nice, interesting examples. Great add.

Edited May 20 by Mike Meenderink

[J P M]

On 5/20/2024 at 3:35 PM, The Neophyte Numismatist said:

So, I was able to do it again! I found an 1805 C-4 (R.1) in XF40 with a rim clip. I didn't have the variety, and the rim clip makes it a little cool. This coin was a little more expensive than the Sushi dinner, but at $550... it's certainly an achievable coin for a collector that wants to squirrel a few dollars away for something cool.

This coin is not the example in my date set, but an accent piece. I just got it in hand, and I LOVE it. The surfaces are smooth and hard. There are no overly distracting marks to speak of. IMO it is pretty darn hard to find an XF40 half cent that looks as good as this - the clip is what makes it cool (and gives me an excuse to upgrade the variety one day).

I will include the dealer pics, and the PCGS TrueView:

Another very nice coin my friend.