aj5831's Coin Album
Top Pop. GC 11/24, 1909 1C VDB MS68 Red PCGS. First coin to include Designer's initials and to gain acceptance of that as a new standard device. Collectors today, as they did in August 1909, recognize the uniqueness of the 1909 VDB cent and the historical significance it represents. Because the coin was struck in large quantities (nearly 28 million pieces) before it was discontinued, examples are readily available today.
Top pop/CAC. SB (3/21). This enchanting specimen really needs to be handled to be fully appreciated. Halos of rich reddish-orange, salmon-pink and cobalt blue peripheral toning frame powder blue centers. The strike is full throughout the design, as befits the method of manufacture, and the satin-finish surfaces are as smooth and unblemished as the day the coin emerged from the dies. The first Proof issue of its type, the 1913 Type I was ordered in large numbers by contemporary Americans seeking a high-quality example of the newly introduced design. Even so, survivors from a mintage of 1,520 pieces are not as plentiful as one might expect. Given that the satin finish of this issue was less dramatic than the brilliant and cameo finish used for Proof Liberty Head nickels, many examples were later spent or otherwise mishandled. Today, high quality pieces such as this are exceedingly rare and eagerly sought by astute collectors.
50C 1827 O-114 R.3 Square Base 2, MS64+, SB (6/17), HA lot 3852 (7/16), HA lot 4971 (8/15). "Satiny luster is comprehensive and imparts a truly angelic complexion." A condition census specimen of the Overton 114 marriage, this stunning near-Gem remains brilliant and virtually untoned throughout. The devices are nicely bold across each side despite evidence of die fatigue most apparent in the peripheries. Lacking in notable imperfections of any sort, the satiny luster is comprehensive and imparts a truly angelic complexion.
HA #1341 Orlando (1/22), ex-Palm Beach Collection; ex-Bob R. Simpson Collection. 1858 Flying Eagle Cent, PR65+ Cameo Snow-PR1, Large Letters. A single die pair is known for the 1858 proof Flying Eagle cent. This issue is scarce in all grades and seldom seen as a Cameo in Gem condition. In The Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution Guide, third edition, Rick Snow writes: “The estimated mintage of 100 is derived from the 80 silver sets reportedly sold plus a small mintage of pattern sets, no more than 20. The number of survivors seems to fit these figures and serve as a reasonable starting point. I would estimate that about 50 examples exist today.” The Simpson coin is a Plus-graded Gem with attractive field device contrast. Razor-sharp definition complements reflective fields and rich copper-orange and violet toning. No distracting contact marks are seen, and there are just a few minor flecks beneath a loupe. Population: 7 in 65 (3 in 65+) Cameo, 2 finer (11/21). NGC ID# 227C, PCGS# 82042
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Top Pop/CAC. LRCA (1/20). Thank you to Greg/LRCA for recognizing the upgrade potential to CAM from PR67+RD. An EXTRAORDINARY wonder coin! This stunning SUPERB GEM is the FINEST KNOWN for the date at PCGS and quite possible for the DATE. The quality is unbelievable! Bottomless mirrors are clean, clear and deep and reflect back incredibly rich, golden fiery orange and electrifying pink hues! Thick frost graces the needle sharp design elements which contrast boldly against the amazing mirrored fields. The eye appeal is simply STUNNING in every way! PCGS 1, NGC 1, CAC 1. There are NO auction records for a PR67 or 67+ graded coin. This piece is the pioneer! PCGS # 82392.00.
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Top Pop. HA (7/22), Long Beach Expo/Summer FUN US Coins Signature Auction #1347 / Lot #3109. 1866 5C Rays PR67 Deep Cameo PCGS. An incredibly eye-appealing example of this short-lived Rays type, showing brilliant surfaces characterized by deep reflectivity in the fields and satiny luster on the devices. Cameo contrast is readily apparent on both sides, complementing pristine preservation. The 1866 Rays Shield nickel is a great rarity in Deep Cameo quality, with only four pieces so designated at PCGS. This example is the sole finest of those. The ultimate Registry Set candidate, in a class by itself. Population: 1 in 67 Deep Cameo, 0 finer (3/22). Ex: Just Having Fun Collection (Stack's Bowers, 11/2013), lot 2012. I was in the auction for another coin and bought this impromptu.
Top pop, CAC. HA Lot 4478 (5/24). As one of just two Deep Cameo examples certified by PCGS as PR68 with none numerically finer (3/24), this 1900 half dollar has to rank as one of the most desirable proofs of its issue. No numeric grade is needed, however, to tell the viewer that the coin in his or her hand is special. Intense contrast between glassy silver-black mirrors and sharply defined, thickly frosted devices tells the entire story. A tiny die-polished hollow is noted under Liberty's ear, as usual for the issue, but the preservation is impressive and spotting is minimal. Superb visual appeal. The top-grade Deep Cameo population for this issue has not increased in more than a decade, firmly establishing the current coin's conditional rarity. Ex: Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2011), lot 5203. From The Palm Beach Gardens Collection.
CAC. Ex-Paul Taylor. Two PR68 DCAMs are higher. Won it over Perfection (who went on to collect both of the two 1900 PR68's). Reholdered 27 Jul 22; previous cert 90033899. Following even-handed assessment of the coin is provided by the dealer: "WOW. WOW. WOW! What an icy ULTRA BLACK AND WHITE SUPERB GEM! It borders full PR68 DCAM quality! Exceedingly deep mirrors beam with sun-like intensity all over. The mirrors are perfectly clear, have NO marks, and are so highly reflective you need sun glasses when you look at them. The contrast is out of this world! If you twirl this coin your mind will blow up. There is a hint of pale auburn around the reverse rims. Miss and the details are needle sharp in strike and thick silver white frost. The eye appeal can’t be any more stunning! PCGS 3, NGC 2, CAC 1. The last time this coin sold in auction it brought $41,125 in December 2017. The owner changed directions, but came really close to NOT letting it go. You can NOT buy coins looking this ULTRA black and white in a PCGS holder any more. The demand for Proof Morgans unquestionably has grown since this coin last sold. We assure you, this coin is NOT overpriced. Main point-good luck finding real DCameo of ANY date! For us, this coin was love at first and every sight. It is the real deal. NOTE: there is a tiny scuff on the holder on the obverse. Cert. Number 90033899 PCGS # 97335"
