Nice commem dirt cheap...

[Jazzy]

This is the kind of stuff I collect when I have to write a fat check to the IRS in April.

 

I posted this coin in an earlier thread, so sorry if I'm being repetitive.

 

It's the San Diego Expo half. This one's from ANR in a PCGS MS 65 holder.

 

About 70,000 were issued in 1935 at the SF mint.

 

I'm surprised more collectors don't pursue the classic commems. Here's a coin with aesthtically pleasing devices, in a high grade, with low mintage to boot - all for under $200.

 

This is ANR's pic of the coin. In hand, the toning is very subtle: shimmering flecks of gold on a bright and luterous coin.

 

[TJ'S Coins]

Sharp strike, great coin! I don't know why some of these commems aren't more popular. I like 'em!

[Jazzy]

Thanks, TJ'S Coins.

 

I'm trying to figure out the symbolism on the obverse.

 

Obviously the word "EUREKA" and the miner underneith the bears chin have something to do with the Gold Rush.

 

Also, the tall ship above the bears head clearly represents San Diego as a major seaport. And the mountains in the background are obvious.

 

But who is the Amazonian woman? And why a bear? And who's that ugly mug under the word "EUREKA"?

[zrlevin]

The Bear is a symbol of california, it was on their flag when they were their own country.

 

I'm not sure about the big person, but at first glimpse I thought it was a spanish Conquistador of something.

 

Zach

[HaydenTubbs]

Nice piece John!

[mhardin2413]

i am not sure i would say $200 is dirt cheap for a 35-s in 65--you should be able to get a 66 for that much, but still a pretty coin. as for the stuff on the coin, the figure in the middle is minerva, roman goddess of wisdom. the word eureka is latin for "i found it" which can refer to the gold rush or the arrival of europeans and americans in the state. the ship does not spefically refer to san diego, but the early reliance on shipping by california. the head on the shield is medusa, the gorgon.the fruit at minerva represents california's agriculture, the miner represents the gold rush and technology. and the grizzly is the symbol of california, from teh days before they were all killed off.

[RoelSports]

The bear is the California State symbol..You can see it on the State Flag...scr

[kryptonitecomics]

I had one in PCGS65 that I bought last year for $135....it was a nice coin but it was blast white so it had to go

[Mozin]

I had one in PCGS65 that I bought last year for $135....it was a nice coin but it was blast white so it had to go

I would take a nice lustrous white Commem over 95% of the toned examples.

[EZ_E]

i am not sure i would say $200 is dirt cheap for a 35-s in 65--you should be able to get a 66 for that much, but still a pretty coin. as for the stuff on the coin, the figure in the middle is minerva, roman goddess of wisdom. the word eureka is latin for "i found it" which can refer to the gold rush or the arrival of europeans and americans in the state. the ship does not spefically refer to san diego, but the early reliance on shipping by california. the head on the shield is medusa, the gorgon.the fruit at minerva represents california's agriculture, the miner represents the gold rush and technology. and the grizzly is the symbol of california, from teh days before they were all killed off.

 

Great info! I found it very interesting. But, what is the symbology of Medusa? Is it to strike fear in the heart of the enemy since it is on a battle shield?

[cpm9ball]

But, what is the symbology of Medusa? Is it to strike fear in the heart of the enemy since it is on a battle shield?

 

It's for snakeheads like you!

 

Chris

[Jazzy]

Thanks for the info mhardin. Very instructive.

 

Actually I paid $145 for the coin. But what are you going to do?

 

Every time you post something on this thread, someone comes along and says "well, you could have gotten that coin for x amount of dollars instead of what you paid."

 

If all you ever did was sit around and listen to the pundits, yould never end up collecting anything.