UPDATED (pix) - ONE MORE DOWN! Two more to go! 1883!!!!!

[Prethen]

After three (3) years of deligent searching and almost making a mistake of a purchase, I finally got one of the last three holes in my 3CN collection filled! Can you tell I'm excited?

 

The four major toughies that range from very difficult to almost impossible coins to find in the series...in business strike....in order (business strike mintage)....are 1884 (1,700), 1885 (1,000), 1883 (4,000), and 1887 (5,000). I obtained a choice AU 1887 a couple of years ago that's a confirmed business strike (still raw).

 

Last night, I received a AU+ 1883 3CN from Brian Greer. The coin is a no-brainer business strike, with rounded rims, soft dentils and other details, and three die breaks on the reverse.

 

Ten or twenty years ago, completing a 3CN collection was not quite as difficult as it is today. It's near impossible today if you're looking for choice circulated examples.

 

I guess I'm still fortunate that the number of 3CN collectors is very low. Now, my mission is narrowing down to those special two.

 

And, yes, I know there's more than a few of you out there who have completed the series; if not once, multiple times. I hate you! And, I'm just a weeeee bit jealous.

 

[MBA101]

Congrats! Good luck with finding those last two. There has been the occasional one that has popped up in Heritage auctions...

[bsshog40]

Congrats on your find. Looking forward to the pics!

[James_OldeTowne]

Yep, I agree totally with everything you state. Despite accusations of being "unpopular" and ignored, business-strike IIIc's have just about evaporated from the market. Proofs are all over the place, but even plentiful dates have dried up in UNC grades (except, of course, for ridiculous MS-68+++ grades, which are always available).

 

Good post!

[jesbroken]

Congratulations, great set of coins working there. I look forward to seeing your photos later. Good job.

[michael]

great rare totally sleeper value opportunity coin with a fundemential reason to rise in demand

 

 

choice au 55 in my minds eye

[James_OldeTowne]

Seeing the image, that's a blatant no-question business strike !

[MBA101]

Nice pics!

[Prethen]

Thanks for everyone's comments! It's now in my album (2-3-20 cent) where there are only two holes left. Yep...you guessed it, the same two coins I mentioned that I have left to go.