113) Nice Vicky Straits Cent in Choice Mint State Multi Color

A lustrous Choice mint state Straits Vicky Cent with great color. The obverse features some blue atop the brown surfaces, while the reverse is mostly blue with some original mint red showing through. In my opinion, if it's not weakly struck (obverse, hair of Vicky; reverse, the "1" denomination), it should be graded higher, probably MS 64 or might be 65 if no spot Anyway, it's beautiful specimen.

Enjoy pictures...

112) Great Britain Exceptional Quality Coins (Part II)

Continue the 108 part, 2 more exceptional specimens of Queen Victoria become a new member in Great Britain collection part.

1/2 Penny

The 1/2 Penny, NGC has graded two, both Brown, and none higher, and PCGS has graded none in MS/66. The obverse shows signs of doubling, as shown on the photos below. The chin and forehead also show very strong doubling. A magnificent and finest specimen. I paid multiple times of premium to acquire this piece, but i think it's worthwhile for collection.

Collection Hints

The 1/2 Penny suffered more wear generally than the penny. This is almost always the case with smaller coins, as the percentage of surface area making contact during circulation is greater with small coins. A minimum acceptable grade, unless the coin is very rare, is probably fine to very fine. Many of the minor varieties will not be identifiable on a fine condition coin. If possible, higher grade coins with original lustre should be sought.

Most dealers do not concern themselves with very minor varieties, and the serious collector or student with sufficient knowledge has an excellent chance of picking up rarities cheaply.

The copper 1/2 Penny, struck from 1838 to 1860, is, like the penny, notable for a number of overdate varieties. 'Ghosting' caused by clashed dies is probably even more prevalent than on the Penny. For collectors who do not object to the products of clashed dies, or even welcome them, superb crystal-sharp examples of this phenomenon can frequently be found.

1/2 Farthing

The 1/2 Farthing should be undergraded, but well, at most will go to MS/64 (very choice or select), however it's not that important. The blue toning is the attractive point that make me paid a bit premium on this piece. While they are available in circulated condition, they are quite scarce in this state of preservation. The coin has a beautiful emerald-green, aquamarine and reddish glowing color.

Collecting Hints
1844 1/2 Farthing is very common, therefore Choice or above Mint State is desirable, especially nice eye-appeal piece. For other date, EF or above is better for serious collector. The 1844 should always be checked for the E over N variety as this is a popular coin, i.e. if it's E over N, then it's a rare variety.

Enjoy pictures...

Reference
Richard Lobel et al, 1995, Coincarft's Standard Cataloque of English & UK Coins 1066 to Date, Krause Publication.

110) NAPOLEONIC ERA PATTERN 2 DENARI

Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana) created in 1802 out of the Cisalpine Republic with some additions. Converted into the Kingdom of Italy in 1805. Capital is Milan. Note that Year (A.N.) I to IV of the republic is 1802-1805.

This is the Italian Republic (1802-1805) Pattern 2 Denari, under the ruler Napoleon Bonaparte, AN. II. (1803) Milan mint. The metal is Copper Clad White Metal (Tin), it's the off metal strikes. KM listed it as Copper. There are Denaro, 2 Denari, Soldo Da 5 Denari, 5 Soldi, 10 Soldi, Lira Da 20 Soldi, 30 Soldi and Scudo Da 5 Lira for the Pattern series. So far, I just could see this specimen (2 Denari) after many years of collecting process, i.e. it's rare.

Please see other Napoleonic era Pattern, click here.

109) Song Dynasty Stacked-up coin

Song Dynasty coin with patina stacked-up as a single cylinder, more than 800 years. Chinese call it Tong Zi Qian ( 筒子錢 cylinder coins). Might or might not has rare coins inside, depends on luck. However, preferable, keep this stacked-up situation. Enjoy pictures.

108) Great Britain Exceptional Quality Coins

CROWN

Serious collectors should look for Mint state or AU for the ordinary issue, and FDC for the matt proof are the minimum criteria. Condition is critical in the case of the proof, as the original matt surface is impaired with even a trace of wear. To the untrained eye, a slightly impaired coin can appear perfect, and a beginner should take any opportunity of inspecting a set of FDC matt proofs, if the occasion arises.

PENNY

The 1806 to 1807 coins are not difficult to find in the higher grades and these should be sought. These pieces exist in large quantities in fine condition. At least Mint State as minimum level for serious collectors.

For higher grade of mint state, it's tough to find in Choice Mint State condition and rare in Gem Mint State.

FARTHING or 1/4 PENNY

For serious collectors, the series should be collected in extra fine or better condition with original luster (or part of). counterfeits are easily detectable but are themselves an interesting field of study. The farthings of 1799-1807 did not wear as fast as those of the earlier series as the field on both sides was somewhat concave. The central design thus did not rub against other coins so readily when in circulation.

It's tough to find Choice Mint State condition and rare in Gem Mint State. From the report of NGC, Only 3 finer graded.

Reference
Richart Lobel, 1995, Author of Coincraft's Standard Catalog of Englsh & UK Coins 1066 to date. Krause Publications.

107) Morgan 1889-S and 1889-CC

1889-S NGC-AU55

1889-CC Nice VG to About Fine

Just added both low mintage Morgan $. One is inexpensive 1889-S, another is expensive 1889-CC.

The 1889-S I do believe it's undergraded by NGC as 55, it should be higher, i.e. 58 in my opinion. There are not many Morgan $ with a total mintage of less than 1,000,000 units, 1889-S is one of them. However, this low mintage S is very inexpensive which you can purchase them with low price in AU-50 to MS-63 (around $125 ~ $440, approximately).

Another is 1889-CC, which is one of the great keys in the Morgan $ series, and among Carson City issues it is far and away the most elusive. Examples of 1889-CC are rare in all grades. From G-4 collector should pay $518 to $570 from different sources suggestion. However, might be lower a bit in real situation. For VG-8 $630 to $700, Fine-12 $900 to $1100 approx. This specimen should be better than VG-8 and lower than F-12, therefore the value should be between both grade.

106) Exceptional Copper Specimens

Personally i like copper coins more than other if the condition is exceptional well preserved, especially hints of red or full red. Here is some nice examples:

Italian States - Papal States, Pius IX, 5 Baiocchi, 1851-VR. Copper.
Mint State with luster, Red & Brown. Rare in Mint State.

First Republic of France, Constituency 5 Sols.
Very Choice Red BU. Very rare in this condition.

Italian States Second Roman Republic Baiocco 1849R.
Choice BU Red & Brown. Very rare in this condition.

Sweden Copper Skilling. Choice Uncirculated, Red & Brown.
Rare in this condition. Splendid specimen.

Sweden Gustaf IV Adolf, Copper 1/2 Skilling. Very choice red uncirculated.
Very scarce this nice. Splendid specimen.

Hungary War of Independence Coinage, Három (3) krajczár, Nagybánya (NB) mint.
Choice uncirculated, red & brown.
Very scarce this nice. Splendid specimen.

Enjoy pictures.

105) 2 More Straits scarcer 20¢ and 50¢

Both Straits Settlements Edward VII 20¢ and 50¢ considered as worthwhile coins. The 20¢, as mentioned before, scarce if above EF; the 50¢ is scarce especially VF or above.

This is the first 1903 20¢ in my collection, and i do believe it's more tougher than 1902, whereas 1903 50¢ is tougher coin than 1902 and 1905.

The 20¢ certified by ANACS as AU-55 (Choice AU), again this proves that Edward VII 20¢ almost all are weak struck. It look like VF+ on obverse.

The value of KM 37th Edition (2010) is:

Both 1902 and 1903 (0.8000 Silver, .1397 oz ASW.):
F $20 VF $40 EF $200 Unc $550

1910 (0.6000 Silver, .1047 oz ASW.)
F $7 VF $12 EF $60 Unc $180

From the above value you could know that 1910 is far common than both earlier type with higher silver content. Please note that the lower silver content post-1905 of Straits coins due to the inflated price of silver which is even higher than gold price at that time (the same applicable to all silver denomination of Edward VII, i.e. 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, and dollar)

For 50¢, this specimen was clearly cleaned with those hairlines that you can see. However, it's still AU details, a sharp coin. This is the second specimen in my collection and as the similar case 1902 specimen, I prepare to sell another one and keep this one in order to avoid duplication. Again, EF or above large 50¢ of Straits all are high value and scarce. The 1903 should be considered as key date although only 3 different date were available for large 50¢.

Enjoy pictures...

104) New NGC Certified Coins (Common Coin And Uncommon Condition/Toned), Nice Investment Grade

Just acquired 14 NGC Certified Coins, some are nice toned, some are rare grade, some are nice eye-appeal specimen, some are nice in everything. It's arts besides numismatics. Enjoy pictures.

Nice British India Edward VII Rupee --> The Reverse; and, usually weak struck too, contrast to this well struck specimen.

Two different date nice looking KGV Rupee, although common.

Common KGVI Rupee with low end Unc, but still, nice.

2 Choice and Select Mint State Israel coins with nice toned (second specimen).

Beautiful common 10 cents with uncommon lovely toned! Substantial premium on this nice eye-appealing piece!

This 20 Cents carries higher premium due to the eye-appealing but not the grade.

Multi-color, beautiful!

Mostly red, with part of blue toned. Paid this with substantial premium! Tough this fine.

Straits 1 Cent, rare in this condition. Very high premium I paid for this...

The typical weak struck Edward VII Straits 20 Cents I do not know why. This is the 2nd specimens i own, both are weak struck even Choice AU. Tough this fine. Usually VG to VF for 1902 and 1903.

Nice semi-prooflike Thailand piece! Common but nice.

This one, beautiful multi-color toned!

103) 1895-O Morgan Silver $

(2009 Price Guide, Click to Enlarge)

(Update 22 Oct. 2009, new added specimen, in my opinion AU-53 to AU-55)

In my opinion, EF-40 to EF-45

Nothing to say but just expensive in any grade (See the price guide, however KM and Red Book Price guide even higher than this market value) due to the low mintage... The 1st piece with Choice AU condition and problem free; the 2nd piece with a scratch on Ms. Liberty face with moderate wear. Both are still high in value. Enjoy pictures even not that nice as common date Morgan $ in Gem BU.

102) 1921-D Walking Liberty

The Key Date 1921-D is almost expensive in all grades, even in AG-3 (About Good) or G-4 (Good) condition. This piece should be VG-8.

It's interesting if you think in investments annual compound return; if you look at the data you will find that some higher grade aren't that good as lower grade in term of long term investments. Please see the data (i'm sorry that i can't remember when and where i was compiled it but it's accurate for sure). I think it's nice to add this Walking Liberty Half $ to US collection besides high grade common date. If your budget is ok, of course higher grade is more desirable. I'm looking for a Mint State one with reasonable price but where to find? Should be patient and wait until the one appear...

101) 1915 JALISCO 5¢, BRASS VARIETY, VERY RARE.

(Source: 2010 37th Ed. KM SCWC 1901 - 2000)

This is the true rarity that I haven't seen before, and finally i could add this rare coin to my collection. Nice! Generally there are 2 varieties (of course if for more specific, many varieties exist), one is Copper (common) and another is Brass (very rare). You could see the envelope from ex-collector wrote that it's Very Scarce (but in fact it's Very Rare). Maybe i used to collect Chinese and Vietnamese oriental cash coins, so I could differentiate Brass and Copper easily (For Chinese cash coin, Brass was the metal started as the major material for cash coins during the mid of Ming Dynasty circa mid of 1500s to Qing Dynasty until late 1890s). Brass look like 'banana yellow' (I learnt this color name from one of the KM numismatist) whereas copper is darker brown, and / or Red, depends on the preservation level (Bronze is another story).

It's quite tough to grade crude specimen, especially weak struck on very crude planchet. From my opinion this is a Crude Fine. What's your opinion? Based from the crude struck coins which I have seen, included those in my collection, i think it should be around there. Anyway, it's the absolute rarity that rare in any condition. Enjoy pictures.

100) 1915 JALISCO 1¢ CRUDE AU, SCARCE THIS NICE

This specimen should be Crude AU rather than EF+, due to the minimum wear on highest point, but it may be graded as Crude EF+ too depend on different opinions. As usual, KM SCWC top grade is EF, therefore i paid more premium on this specimen again and I think it's a worthwhile price. Previously 2 Jalisco specimens (section No. 94), this is the smaller denomination piece, medal alignment; ref. GB-239. Enjoy pictures.

99) 1915 TAXCO COPPER 50¢ GEM UNC, VERY RARE IN THIS CONDITION

This specimen is the same denomination as No. 98 article 50¢, but different in metal. For general grade (EF or below), the copper variety is lesser market value than silver piece, as KM SCWC suggested (KM# 670 for copper; KM# 671 for silver variety). Yet, i do not know why multiple different metal exist (Copper, Silver, Brass, Lead) for 50¢, I'll further study on it. If you know why, please let me know.

As usual, for Mexico-Revolutionary coinage, the top grade is EF, and those above EF should be considered as scarce, and rare in mint state (as other Latin America such as Colombia earlier coinage, top grade is EF, some are even VF), very rare in Gem quality. I paid lots of premium on this specimen but it's worthful. This specimen is the best one I have ever seen in Gem Mint State. Enjoy pictures.

98) 1915 TAXCO SILVER 50¢ CHOICE AU, SCARCE IN THIS CONDITION

This splendid example Taxco Silver 50¢ with Choice AU (Crudely struck) condition is the best example i have seen so far. It's nice to add to the Mexico collection part that could improve the collection quality. Currently some nice Taxco pieces are available somewhere, it's a good opportunity if the price is reasonable. Actually it's quite tough to value Taxco pieces if the condition above EF. KM SCWC top grade is EF, that mean seldom offered if there are any pieces above EF condition, i.e. it's scarce indeed. Maybe worth double, if it's near mint state or above. What do you think?

97) 1807 Draped Bust Large Cent

1807 Draped Bust Large Cent is the last year of the type, and there are many varieties exist. This low grade corroded specimen graded by ANACS as VG8 Detail. Due to the corroded surface, the premium of this piece is very low. However, what attracts me is the rotated dies, it's an error coin.

This specimen should be 1807 "Comet" Variety, but i'm not sure whether it's 7 Over 6 Pointed 1 or "Comet" yet, need to study further. If you have any idea please feel free to contact me. However, both are common, compare to the true rarity 1807 7 Over 6 Blunt 1.

96) Liberty Cap Large Cent 1794, Head of 1795, Sheldon 71

I purchased this Liberty Cap Large Cent months ago from a numismatist who bought this piece in Cherbourge, France. This is Sheldon 71 variety, head of 1795, Common; but as usual, all better condition for Liberty cap are scarce and higher value.

In fact i searched this variety information after the payment, but not prior to... It seems like risky to pay a piece without sure the variety but sometimes it's not the case. For all Liberty Cap with better condition should worth certain level; this is the advantage for collector who collects US coins, which the price is up to date all the time from different sources.

This piece weight 13.59g, 28mm, thick about 2.5mm. Edge with legend "ONE HUN RED FOR A DOLLAR" follow by a single leaf. (Note: The HUN RED, "D" is missing on this specimen).

I have discussed with the numismatist about the grading (US routine), and we agreed that at least VF for this specimen. The Liberty hair seems like well worn from highest point but the reverse is more than VF i do believe, therefore VF should be reasonable. For numerical, VF-20? VF-25? VF-30? VF-35? I am not sure, if you have the idea please email me.

From the Red Book 2009, no guide for grading but we could look at those slabs Liberty Cap Large Cent and grade it, it should be an effective way too. The price guide from different sources are around there. From Red Book and other sources for General 1794, Head of 1795 piece is:

AG-3 $150 G-4 $360~$420 VG-8 $500~$540 F-12 $800~$840 VF-20 $1500~$2100 EF-40 $3500~$4190

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"Penny Whimsy" by Dr. William H. Sheldon "Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen.

95) 1915 Taxco Exceptional Condition Coins

This Peso consists of 0.3 grams Gold and I am not sure how's the content of silver, should be approx. 0.9000 Silver, if I'm not wrong. As the envelope wrote by the ex-collector, this specimen with double strike on cast planchet. The Krause ID is KM# 672 (in more detail category it should be GB-233), common variety but scarce in this condition, and the double strike piece should be scarcer. This is the exceptional piece that I seldom see this type with AU to AU+, but usually Fine to VF and cleaned. I'm pleased to add this beautiful Peso to the Mexico's collection part. Note: The top grade in Krause price guide is up to EF.

This Taxco copper 5¢, GB-226 Die I (in Krause, general ID is KM# 668) is another exceptional piece. In Krause, the top grade is EF and no reference on Mint State (Unc); i.e. very scarce in this condition. I haven't seen any Mint State 5¢ yet, this is the first piece i have seen. That's nice to add more Mexico Revolutional coinages which is very interesting. If i can see some exceptional pieces i will add it to the Mexico collection part in the future and post all pictures to here.

If you would see Mexico 8 Reales Coins, Click Here

94) 1915 JALISCO 2¢ (GB-240 & GB-240a THIN & THICK FLANS)

New added, as Krause described, several varieties exist. Here with two different flans and alignment varieties. Enjoy pictures.

Left: Revolutionary 1915 Jalisco 2¢ GB-240 Thin Flan Coin Alignment, 3.4g, Crude Mint state with some red luster remaining.

Right: Revolutionary 1915 Jalisco 2¢ GB-240a Thick Flan Medal Alignment, 6.1g, Crude VF+.

93) 1787 MACHIN'S MILLS HALFPENNY VLACK 17-87B

Specification:
George III, 1787 MACHIN'S MILLS HALFPENNY VLACK 17-87B. 6.9g, Copper. Note: This was the only use of the reverse die. Great Britain did not strike any Halfpennies in 1787. Crude EF+. Rare in this condition.

***************************************************************

This is the first US Colonial coinage i own, 1787 MACHIN'S MILLS HALFPENNY, VLACK 17-87B variety. No price guide although some information are available in Krause, and general information in Red Book...from the reference of "Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen, you may find this variety, as VLACK 17-87B. There are 12 Varieties for 1787, and this 17-87B is common piece BUT rare in this condition. From the general guide of Red Book you can see the price guide:

G $70 VG $125 F $275 VF $800 EF $2300 AU $4200

Theoretical this piece should worth $3250 but I don't think many people willing to pay for this. In real world, For EF-45 (or Choice EF, EF+) with this crude struck which is very difficult to grade; I think this is the reason people bid it low. Another reason, maybe people would rather pay for precious metal (this is the trend now) rather than copper piece; and some other factors too. Therefore I think $1250 to $1550 should be reasonable, conservatively.

Some information are available for Machin Mill. Have a look.

P/S. Why i graded it as EF-45? Firstly based from the wear and overall look of the coin (for Crude struck type). Secondly, look at some other similar crude struck coin which have been graded by third party such as this.

92) 1921-D Mercury Dime

The project to acquire key date/better date/ better condition US coins is in progress and another nice coin added in the US collection section again. This 1921-D Mercury Dime graded by ANACS, VF-30.

This morning I tried to acquire another piece but due to my too conservative grading standard make me mispriced the 1921-D Dime, I graded it Fine (or F-12 rather than VF), but look back at this piece, comparing.......I know I was too conservative, it's VF-30 actually. I couldn't get that piece of course. Fortunately, I still can find this piece although with higher price, the seller was nice and give some discount to me. Next time i should remind myself that when I bid or purchase US coins I must use US grade rather than the standard i used to adopt which is European grade standard. Never repeat the mistake.

From the guide of Red Book, F-12 condition should be all sticks in fasces defined. Diagonal bands worn nearly flat; VF-20 Diagonal bands definitely visible; EF-40 only slight wear on diagonal bands. Braids and hair before ear clearly visible. This specimen is between VF-20 and EF-40.

Talk back about the Dime, it's not really a real key date but some could considered as key date too. The serious key date should be 1916-D. You still could find some pieces offer online or anywhere, from AG-3 to VG-8. Price range is $750 to $1400; whereas 1921-D, price guide (up to date) from different source in average is:

G-4 $80 VG-8 $130
F-12 $210 VF-20 $420
EF-40 $775 AU50 $1250
MS-63 $1850 MS-65 $3600

1921-P price is lower a bit in all grade.

91) 2004-S Silver Iowa State Quarter

Although the San Francisco 2004-S Silver Iowa State Quarter issued for Foundation in Education is common piece, with attractive design, especially this specimen with some light blue toned, nice match with the entire scene. An inexpensive specimen for collection especially for collector who likes city view/ scene view / proof or simply a beginner. Enjoy picture.

90) Key Date Washington Quarter 1932-S

I was searching for any key date of Washington Quarter and found this example I think it's EF rather AU based from the hairlines, some scratches on obverse; the reverse looks AU. Conservatively i graded it EF to EF+. In the future, i might add 1932-D if i can find a nicer condition. Only 2 key dates in this series.

According to the data provided by US-Coin-Values-Advisor.com, the trend of the compound growth is 8.53% p.a. for F-12 grade since 1950 to 2009.

For general average price guide from different sources, the value up to date:

G-4 $108.1 VG-8 $126.5~$185 F-12 $149.5~$200 VF-20 $172.5~$225 EF-40 $210~$300 AU-50 $246~$320 MS-60 $512.5 MS-63 $860 MS-65 $4310~$7000 (Big gap!)

For 1932-D, EF or above are far higher value than 1932-S.

*****

Note: Many fakes/Counterfeits exist, altered from common 1932-P.

89) Straits Settlements Edward VII 50 Cents NGC-AU55

New member to my Straits collection section, graded by NGC as AU55. Quite nice. Scarce in this condition.

Price Guide
(Source: Krause Publishing, 37th Edition, 2010 Standard Catalog of World Coins)

88) Buffalo Nickel from the perspective of Mars Citizens versus Earth Collectors

Here is 3 Buffalo Nickels, different dies, condition, rarity, value but same content of metal. As Warren Buffett mentioned, If Mars citizens see the different of the price (he mentioned about Gold), then they will scratch their head (the same to numismatics). But for earth collectors it's different story...Still, rarity and condition play the most important role.

Currently 3 members of Buffalo nickels added to my US section. Enjoy pictures.

3 Legged

The most sought coin for the series is 3 legged, almost every US collectors know about this. This is raw coins I bought; from the Whiteman Publishing Red Book, The grading guideline: EF-40, Horn Lightly worn. Slight wear on Indian's hair ribbon. For VF-20, Much of horn visible. Indian's cheekbone worn. Higher grade AU-50, Traces if light wear on only the high points of the design. Half of mint luster present. From my opinion this example should be EF-40, around there.

The average guideline for value, from different sources (Krause, Red Book, Online resource such as Numismedia, PCGS) suggested that EF-40 should worth US$1190 to US$1300. Depends on the market demand.

Caution: Many fakes exist, altered from 1937-D. A good guideline to detect fake, click here.

1913 Type II PCGS MS-65

This is a very common date and type, however, the condition is the key factor to let the specimen with nice price value. For MS-60 US$35, MS-63 US$75 ~ US$80, MS-64 US$105 but MS-65 US$375. A big different.

In PCGS, of a total of 2,273 pieces certified by PCGS, 477 are graded MS65 with 180 finer. The PCGS Price Guide values an MS65 at $375 and an MS66 jumps to $1,200. Philadelphia minted 29,856,186 pieces.

1937-P

This is the common date, and average condition (VF-20), the average suggested value from different sources is US$2 ($3 for EF-40). It could reflect why Mars citizens could have many question marks above their head, but well, again, for collector it's fun to determine the type, varieties, value, rarity, condition, arts, science, etc etc... the most meaningful is, have fun!