That is a really nice example, @skier07. Question Bill and all.
Were the ms 1838 tens really made from melted down British sovereigns? I have read this for years though not sure if correct.
I think that it is far more likely that those s…
I think that the sharpness grade and then a description of the defect is the right approach. It's controversial because opinions differ, but "value of grade X" could also be in order. Early American Coppers collectors use net grading like that to es…
I have thought more about the suspension of the coinage of the $10 gold piece. One reason why the mint would not have issued any gold eagles before August of 1834 was that it would have been totally futile. Prior to then, U.S. gold coins too heavy. …
The No Motto Liberty $10 gold coins are hard to find nice. The reason is that $10 was a lot of money during the 1838 to 1865 period and few collectors wanted to set that kind of money aside "doing nothing" with a "modern (for the time) coin."
In 1…
It has been my experience that PCGS True View photos often make the coin look better than it is. On the surface, this coin looks better than many similarly graded coins from this era. If I were looking for a coin like this, and these 19th century $1…
It has been my experience that PCGS True View photos often make the coin look better than it is. On the surface, this coin looks better than many similarly graded coins from this era. If I were looking for a coin like this, and these 19th century $1…
I could go into his shop and his coins matched Brown and Dunn and later Photograde.
Brown and Dunn and most especially "Photograde" were not nearly as conservative as Sheldon.
For example, here is the description in Sheldon for the AU-50 grade:…
@LarryC, that is a very nice example for a lower grade Liberty Cap cent. When I was young collector, finding one of those coins with all of the reverse lettering readable was hard. The reason that the lettering is shallow, and there was very little …
Nice 1795 silver dollar. To me the only quibble I could possibly have with this coin is I would conservatively grade it AU-55 based on photos only. But I realize that I am going by older grading standards.
While I agree will Bill's reasons for bu…
The general perception among many U.S. collectors is that PCGS graded coins are "better." Therefore PCGS-CAC coins must be "better" and therefore the best in the industry. I think that PCGS is, in general, more conservative, but that is a broad stat…
Nice 1795 silver dollar. To me the only quibble I could possibly have with this coin is I would conservatively grade it AU-55 based on photos only. But I realize that I am going by older grading standards.
While I agree will Bill's reasons for bu…
Bill, could you explain what "treatment" like that entails? The coin looked nicer to my eye pre-"treatment" but the grade has improved. It appears to have gained a few small scratches but maybe it is just the quality of the images.
No, I’ve hear…
It would be great if these sets could be kept together, but economic fact is few of us can afford to buy them. Dealers need to turn their inventories over in a reasonable time to stay in business. They are not running a museum.
I once owned an ori…
Many "old time" copper collectors prefer their coins raw. There are good reasons for this, especially the "third side", the edge, matters, and it is hard to see it when the coin is certified. Early half cents and large cents have lettered or ornamen…
I am a fan of the Standing Liberty Quarter design, but only when it is well struck and in Mint State condition. The design did not stand up well while in circulation and the strike issues are well known. The problem was there was simply too much det…
The piece was brushed to give it more "luster" which to some people means a higher grade. The piece was brighter, but the surfaces picked up an lot of marks in the process. Gold is very soft, and it does not take much to mark it. An old gold coin li…
I have some Mint State graded Flowing Hair Half Dollars that had ugly spots on them. There's an excellent chance that those coins were dipped or cleaned and went in for an upgrade.
Many years ago, I had a 1796 No Stars Quarter Eagle on consignment…
CAC's issue probably has to do with the fields which they thought should have more luster. If the Overton number and status as the finest known, by a wide margin, for a rare variety matter, it should not be of concern to a collector who wants the be…
If you have lost interest in them as a collector, I would let them go. I am not a fan of red copper. One spot, or an indicator that it is starting to turn will ruin your day, even with the gold sticker.
I know I posted the Walking Liberty Half Dollar earlier, but the St. Gaudens High Relief is one of my favorites too. The trouble is it's too expensive for most collectors to add to their holdings.
And the Draped Bust coinage has had my attention…
That’s what often happens with “name” auctions. I ran into the same thing during the Newman sales.
You also have the added premium for coins that are plated in standard die variety reference books. I am referring to the Danreuther - Bass book on e…
If I had a spare million to spend on coins, I would be in the market for a number of pieces, not just one.
Besides, $1 million does not get you in the running with "the big dogs" who are now willing to spend 8 figure amounts. You wouldn't be a dec…
Really enjoyable new Slab Lab video about the coin with JD- interesting that the first time it was offered to Eliasberg he turned it down.
It was my understanding that Eliasberg's first refusal was a negotiating tactic. This was circa 1946, and pr…
There is no way that that coin can be given a straight grade. I've read that it was formally mounted as jewelry, and it's been polished.
This is an example of a grading company looking the other way. If the coin has problems, being unique does not…
Deducting for wear was standard procedure, including in the United States. Just because it said “Five D.” on the coin, it did not mean it was accepted at $5 if it was underweight.
Accepted by whom? Stores? Banks for deposits from customers? …
Deducting for wear was standard procedure, including in the United States. Just because it said “Five D.” on the coin, it did not mean it was accepted at $5 if it was underweight.