Thinking of collecting 1950-1964 Proof coins in NGC holders

[Dennis88]

Hello Everyone,

 

Well this seems to be my first post here (I didn't even knew I was registered). Some of you folks know me from the PCGS boards, were I have the same username. In case you don't know me, I'm a 16 year old youngster who lives in the Netherlands. I've been collecting coins for more than 9 years, and since 2 years I'm specialised in United States coins, with main interests in small cents, Carson city coins and 18th and 19th century gold. I also study US patterns, and publish several articles about them. I might place some on these boards also.

 

I've never been really fond of the NGC holders, and some of their grading. For example, I like to collect Wheat cents. My own experience is that these coins will grade one point higher at NGC than at PCGS. Offcourse no problem, when you are collecting just NGC holders. Thing is, I only collect wheat cents in PCGS holders. In my opinion, you have to choose one grading company to have a nice matched set (I'm sure others will disagree with me, but that's just my opinion)

 

Well for some time, I've been thinking of buying some proof coins from the 1950-1964 era. When I saw the price differences between PCGS and NGC coins, I decided to buy these coins only graded by NGC, and not those graded by PCGS. That saves me money, as I don't want to collect everything in high PCGS grade, but also have some fun with other sets (Like this one)

 

But, I got a few questions:

 

-How hard is NGC on Cameo/Ultra Cameo coins?

-Which series is the hardest to get in PF-68CAM and up grades?

-Which series is the easiest to get in PF-68CAM and up grades?

 

Thanks,

Dennis

[supertooth]

Hi Dennis----And Welcome---I just made my first post on PCGS boards yesterday. Was trying to help a collector concerning a dealer that I knew from many years ago. Anyway, I am not into proofs too much. But can tell you this. Our sets before 1955 are right expensive. If you want coins in especially higher grades, you will pay quite a bit----especially the half dollars. When you get into the Cam and Dcam Ben Franklin Halves in 68 grade, you are talking some bucks. My son, age 29, has a few of these. And they were not cheap. The other guys will be along to help you more as the day goes along. We are laid back over here but guys will respond in due time. Good luck to you. Bob [supertooth]

[Prethen]

I know I sound like a broken record on this, but why don't you look into 19th century proofs? You'll find an amazing variety of coins in a variety of conditions (and holders, esp. NGC!) that might meet your price range. For me, buying the same rehashed old modern stuff is boring. The older stuff is still extremely underappreciated and relatively of good to great value. Take a look at some of the mintage figures, it should blow your socks off!

[Dennis88]

BCG,

 

I do collect the older proofs (I have a very nice 1906 cent), but I would also have some fun with other coins. And, I don't like all the older proofs, only the higher grades, who I can't afford that much right now.

 

Dennis

[Bruceswar]

welcome and some nice collecting taste.. always nice to see another young collector on the boards! Het hallo en verwelkoom!

[Weidel Legacy Collection]

Dennis -

I went through NGC's pop reports a couple of months ago to get an understanding of the population distribution and get an idea of what the tough series/dates are. Here are some statements that can be made from those numbers:

 

1. Based on pop count, the earlest years are the toughest ones to find in Proof-68 or higher with Cameo contrast

2. Cents and Nickels have the lowest overall population from '50-'64 when compared with the silver issues...but, that could just be a function of what has been submitted for grading.

3. By series, the toughest dates to find a cameo representation, regardless of the grade are as follows:

 

Cents: 1951 (59 cameos) and 1952 (58 cameos). There is only one ultra-cameo for each date

 

Nickels: 1957 (75 cameos and 3 in ultra-cameo)

 

Dimes: 1952 (104 cameos and no ultra-cams)

 

Quarters: 1950 (154 cameos and 8 ultra-cams) and 1952 (153 cameos and 12 ultra-cams)

 

Half-dollars: 1950 (365 cameos and 16 ultra-cams) and 1951 (384 cameos and 51 ultra-cams). However, it must be said that the highest graded proof Franklin is Proof-68 Cam for 1950, while the highest graded 1951 is Proof-67*.

 

I hope this helps you a bit. If you PM me I'd be happy to send you the spreadsheet I constructed by reading the pop data.

[michael]

BCG

Hobbyist

 

 

Reged: Nov 24 2004

Posts: 52

 

 

 

I know I sound like a broken record on this, but why don't you look into 19th century proofs? You'll find an amazing variety of coins in a variety of conditions (and holders, esp. NGC!) that might meet your price range. For me, buying the same rehashed old modern stuff is boring. The older stuff is still extremely underappreciated and relatively of good to great value. Take a look at some of the mintage figures, it should blow your socks off!

 

 

 

[Architecht]

. Gives me an idea for YN participants on the boards.

[jtryka]

. Gives me an idea for YN participants on the boards.

 

No offense arch, but the yellow is really hard to read on the main lists, at least for me. What about a nice green?

[Oldtrader3]

Welcome Dennis. I do not collect much proof material any more, I have a few proof 67 & 68 nickels from the 1950's. I like them because they have colorful toning and really nice surfaces. They are in NGC holders and are not cameo. CAM and DCAM proof coins from prior to 1955 are quite expensive. I would rather buy 19th century dimes and Indian gold coins with the money that I have for coins.

[Architecht]

Yeah, I don't like the yellow either. .

[DonHeath]

-How hard is NGC on Cameo/Ultra Cameo coins?

-Which series is the hardest to get in PF-68CAM and up grades?

-Which series is the easiest to get in PF-68CAM and up grades?

 

NGC has been relatively strict for the last few years IMO, and the coins I've submitted got logical designations. There were no gifts. My modern proof submissions are generally limited to 50-71, as all make financial sense to submit in the right grade/designation. I really enjoy the SMS coins. Proof production resumed in 1950 after a long hiatus, and to me the 50 coins almost deserve their own category. They are very tough to find well contrasted, regardless of the designation.

 

Franklins are tough in high grade Cam or better, partly because of the size of the coin.

 

Conversely, Roosevelts are easier.

 

Hope that helps.

[SilverDollarMan]

U mean pcgs won't grade set's or they don't have the multi holder? I'm not to up on pcgs as I only collect ngc. Thx

[EZ_E]

Dennis, most 1964 and before proof sets are very ugly, hazy and spotted. This is why I sold mine. Any nice sets have long since been picked over. But, I would suggest that if you purchase these items to send them to NCS (they do an excellent job and their work lasts and won't turn. However, they usually won't conserve copper.) and get them slabbed in the NGC multi-holder. This way, you'll get pleasing coins with the sets grouped and protected in a unique way.