Journals
Our community journals
-
Latest Entry
RMW Collection of England and Great Britain
Just bought this today. 1811 Proof 18p, NGC 66 Cameo.
-
- 5
entries - 24
comments - 257
views
Recent Entries
Latest Entry
Roman Empire, Page 4 = DECADENCE
This new “Journal Entry” provides an update on the 4th Page of my NGC Ancient Custom Set entitled “The Roman Empire.”
This Page is 100% complete (15 coins out of 15 slots), although three of my “Owner’s Comments” are pending. I will update this journal entry as I complete those essays.
Here is a link to the Collection…
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetGallery.aspx?s=16365
Here is the synopsis for the Page, entitled "DECADENCE”…
Rome's influence continues to expand under the leadership of notoriously self-indulgent, intemperate Emperors such as Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.
The follow are comments on the coins I choose for this Page and why…
- Caligula. When it comes to decadent behavior, Caligula certainly comes to mind. This particular coin I choose wishes good health for the Emperor. According to come reports, at a point during his reign Caligula became increasingly erratic and cruel, and perhaps this coin was in response. This fascinating provincial coin is sometimes attributes to Caesonia (in guise of Salus). The grading on this one was Ch VF, Strike = 4/5, Surface = 3/5, which is not a reasonable condition for this bronze issue. I am still researching this one. Caligula was such a complex Emperor that I want to do justice to him (and the coin!), so my research may take some more time.
- Antiochus IV of Commagene. Ancient bronze grade Ch XF, Strike = 4/5, Surface = 3/5. I am not sure that I have ever seen a better example of this rare and interesting coin. Since this Chapter focuses on decadence, I had to include an issue from the “richest of all subject kings”. Interestingly, on researching the reverse I uncovered that scorpions were used as biological weapons against the ancient Romans. I have a very difficult time imagining the R&D effort to develop and produce that weapon (imagine the Gannt chart for that project!) Read my comments for the stinging details.
- Ptolomey of Mauretania. I included this fabulous denarius since this particular king’s downfall was a direct result of his public display of decadence. He up-staged the Emperor not only by couture but also his full head of hair (for more hair-raising details, see my comments). This coin is so rare that is very likely unique. So, I guess that makes it “Finest Known”. The grade is AU, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5.
- Drusilla, sister of Caligula. This coin features Caligula and his three sisters. As such, it is one of the most famous ancient Roman sestertii. I was extremely pleased to be able to procure one of these highly coveted coins – they are very rare, I’m not sure how many are out there, but not that many! I have not had this coin graded yet, nor written my comments. I am very much looking forward to both!
- Caesonia and Drusilla Minor, with Herod Agrippa I. This coin is the only issue representing Caesonia, Caligula’s fourth and final wife, and their child Drusilla Minor. It was struck in Judaea, one of several such in my collection. I also used this coin in my owner’s comments to discuss Herod Agrippa I, a very important client king. The ancient histories are certainly juicy regarding everything about Caligula and those around him, although the veracity and extent of the details recorded are questionable given the biases. This was a fun coin to research and write my owners comments. The grade is VG, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5. Given the extremely rarity and historical importance of this coin, I don’t mind the grade.
- Julia Livilla, of the Caligula’s sisters. This bronze is so rare there are probably only a dozen in existence. This one graded NGC Ch F Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5. It was struck in Lesbos, adding to its interest. I won't go into the history of murder and mayhem, you can read my owner’s comments if you are interested.
- Claudius. One of the most famous Emperors, particularly with regards to his many wives. Researching this bronze As and writing up my owner’s comments was highly interesting. This coin is one of only a few that I received a “Fine Style” designation for, and if you hold in your hand you can truly appreciate. This coin graded an impressive AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5. I admit I was a bit disappointed at the surface grade, I suppose it was because of some perceived smoothing (not by me, of course). Regardless, it is an impressive coin, befitting an impressive Emperor.
- Valeria Messalina, wife of Claudius. This coin, like all for Messalina, is very rare. This one, struck in Crete, graded Ch VF Strike: 3/5 Surface: 2/5. Again, sorry to repeat myself, but the relatively low grade is fine from my perspective considering the rarity and importance of the coin. In a strange way, having so may examples of bronze coins in such grades seems befitting for a Page focused on decadence. Even the coins are degraded, tarnished by their decadent histories of those they represent. To pique your interest to read my owners comments, my opening thesis is that Messalina was perhaps the most ruthlessly ambitious and promiscuous woman in the history of the Roman Empire.
- Claudia Octavia, Claudia Antonia, and Britannicus, children of Claudius. This very rare ancient bronze, struck in Cyzicus, graded F, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5. This coin is an interesting dynastic issue, featuring no fewer that three hard-to-find dynasts. In the end, Nero’s political ambitions consumed all three of Claudius’ biological children. Consequently, ancient coinage featuring members of that trio are relatively scarce. Even so, a few remarkable issues, including this specimen, feature all three, providing a poignant reminder of the dynastic decadence defining the early Roman Empire.
- Britannicus w/Herod Agrippa II. This bronze is so rare that is probably unique, yes, the only one in existence. The grade is VF Strike: 4/5 Surface: 2/5. I decided that the rarity (which I was surprised was within my means!) and the interest of this particular coin proved more valuable to me than purchasing a higher-graded, more common coin representing Britannicus. To read his tragic history at the mercy of his brother Nero, see my comments.
- Agrippina Jr w/Nero. When I saw this coin, I was so drawn to it that I decided that I must acquire it (some or most of you must know where I a coming from with this statement). The composition is absolutely mind-boggling. The obverse shows Agrippina Jr and her son Nero facing one another, and the reverse features the goddess Nemesis. I’m still working on my comments. When I post, you can read more to see why this composition is mind-boggling. This coin graded AU Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5. For an ancient Roman provincial bronze, that is a high grade
- Nero. Nero is probably the Emperor most noted for his decadence. So I picked out this coin for him, a striking tetradrachm, struck in Antioch, Syria. The grade is Ch AU, Strike = 5/5, and Surface = 5/5. This coin also earned a prestigious “Star” rating as well for its presence. I can't resist pasting here my final sentence in my comments: “A consummate entertainer to the end, Nero convincingly played the role of both hero and villain."
- Poppaea, with husband Nero. This coin is another tetradrachm, struck in Alexandria, Egypt. The grade is XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. The history of Poppaea fits in very well this Page’s theme of decadence. In the words of Tacitus, “She had every aspect except goodness.”
- Poppaea with Claudia. This is the only issue featuring Claudia, the daughter of Nero and Poppaea. Unfortunately, she died quite young, so this coin is a posthumous issue for both female dynasts (reportedly, Poppaea - and another, unborn child - died after Nero kicked her in the stomach). It was struck in Galilee, and the grade is XF Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5, a high grade for this particular issue
- Statilia Messalina, last wife of Nero. This very rare bronze was struck in Lydia, and is graded XF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5 (again, that’s a good grade for an ancient bronze, and this issue in particular). Looking at her obverse portrait, you would not think that she was known for her beauty. Indeed, I chose this coin became I was amused at how Messalina’s features resemble Nero! The reverse features the important goddess Artemis, so in my comments I took the opportunity to discuss Her as well (according to Pausanius, Her worshippers put on quite the show).
- 5
-
Latest Entry
Nice Pick Ups for the Semi-keys
Well it seems I picked a great set to build a quick and easy album. Already I am down to just ten holes. I also finished page 4- the 1957 through 1964 silver Washington Quarters in BU at barely above melt costs for these coins.
Although I have a few scattered S mint dates of the 1930's and a smattering of 1940's, I found 2 quality examples for the series "key date" 1932-D & S coins. I was able to get the 32-S for under $120 plus a $12 discount for ebay bucks. The 32-D I got for exactly $100 but there were fees and shipping so it actually cost me more.
I may need to do a submission or two if I wish to finish a slabbed Jersey 1/12th shilling set as they just don't appear pre-graded too much. I already have most of the series raw so it is just a matter of mailing them out. I might as well get my granddaughter's bear-themed coins slabbed too as it is easier for her to handle them and peruse through them when they are in a slab box instead of dozens of individual mint-packed boxes and cases.
Happy hunting everyone, I hope there are some collectors still around here--the posts and camaraderie as at an all-time-low it seems.
PS: the 32-S is still in a slab as I haven't cracked it out and put it into it's slot in my album yet--these darn, newer NGC slabs don't crack very well.
-
Latest Entry
An Improbable Overdate
The mystery of the 2 REALES 1834/5 GJ
What should be borne in mind is that all the coins with overdates have one thing in common, which is that the overstruck date is normally over a date earlier than that of the overstriking. However this rule has an exception.
Dale Seppa’s compendium ECUADORIAN COINS– An Annotated checklist – Edition 2016 on page 18 reports the existence of a 2 Reales coin with overstruck date 1834/5 GJ, a coin whose overstriking is unusual in that the overstriking is on a future date compared to the overstriking rather than an earlier date as is normal.
In this compendium DALE SEPPA mentions that the coin is certified by NGC as VF DETAILS with Hairlines, the same as was auctioned by DFS (Daniel Frank Sedwick) in May 2013 at a price in excess of US$800. In the auction DFS mentions that this piece is the only one known up till now, with a value estimated between US1000 and US$2000. The auction can be seen at the link:
Mr. Seppa also mentions in his compendium that he had not the opportunity to find the records and the verification code assigned by NGC, to be able to study this unusual overdate and confirm it, but it is clear that it concerns a 2 reales of 1835 GJ overstruck with a 4. This we can easily confirm because the only difference which exists between the 2 reales coins of 1834 and those of 1835 is the period at the end of the word CONSTITUCION (all the 1834 coins have a period at the end of the said word, whilst the 1835 coins do not have the period). The overstruck coin from the DFS auction (1834/5) does not have the period, as is indicated in the description from the DFS auction, which clearly confirms that it is a coin from a die of 1835 overstruck with a 4.
The coin from the DFS auction passed through the hands of several Ecuadorian collectors until I acquired it in March 2017, together with the white holder for the Slab and the NGC certification label with which it had been auctioned in 2013, since the coin had been removed from its container. The verification code on this certification was 2782907-001.
In April 2017 I sent this coin to NGC again, so that it could be reviewed by the certification experts for the second time. The result obtained was exactly the same as the previous certification. 2 reales 1834/5 GJ with the grade VF DETAILS, with the same defect of Hairlines. This new certification has the verification code 2812314-001
That is to say that four years after the first certification NGC again validated the same overdate of 4 over 5, with the same grade of condition and recording the defect of Hairlines, without being informed that it involved the same piece that had been certified in 2013. This we can easily confirm by comparing both NGC photographic records of 2013 and 2017, where can be seen even the same Hairlines below the letter R on the obverse (2 marks below the R).
This causes us to ask the following questions:
- How did this improbable overdate happen?
- Why was a die of 1835 corrected with a 4?
First Mr. Dale Seppa was contacted so that he could review the overstrike, since he had already announced its existence and had not had the opportunity to obtain photographs in 2013 for a more detailed examination. He succeeded in confirming that the overdate existed, and that in his opinion it was genuine and an authentic original mintage of the coin. Mr. Michael Anderson also checked this aspect, arriving at the same conclusion about the improbable overdate.
So, how do we explain what happened? We can only offer some hypotheses based on the research and conclusions reached by historians about the events of the period 1834 to 1836.
1. – We must take into account that one of the engravers who prepared dies in the period of 1834 and 1835 was Mr. Eduardo Coronel, who, according to Melvin Hoyos in his “La Moneda Ecuatoriana a través de los tiempos”, was dismissed as mint engraver for irresponsibility in his duties. It is not explained what irresponsible duties Mr. Coronel committed to be dismissed, but we must wonder if this could have been one of the irresponsible errors in his duties.
2. – Melvin Hoyos also mentions in his work that Mr. Eduardo Coronel was found with a die stolen from the mint. This, according to the unpublished Numismatic History of Ecuador of IZA Terán Carlos, occurred in March 1836, and production in this year was ordered to begin only on 14 June, according to what is said in Melvin Hoyos’ book, second edition, page 110. All this allows us to make the following observations:
- a.- It is impossible that the theft of the die related to one produced in 1836, since the minting of coins was ordered in June 1836 and Mr. Eduardo Coronel was found with the stolen die in March of that year.
- b.- We can infer that the stolen die must have been of the year 1835 or earlier, which were those which existed before Mr. Coronel was found out, but it is very probable that he would have taken one of those most readily available at the time, which would have to be one of 1835, to be used in his criminal activity in 1835 and/or 1836 until being found out.
- c.- According to the unpublished Numismatic History of Ecuador of IZA Terán Carlos, it is said that Mr. Coronel carried out his forgeries in the same mint where he was found with a stolen die in March 1836.
- d.- In the early days of the Republic, forgers used to steal part of the silver from coins of good fineness, making fraudulent coinages of base fineness, and thus making a profit from the metal they obtained.
Considering these observations, we can develop certain hypotheses, such as the possibility that the stolen die was probably of the year 1835, and the date could have been altered by Mr. Coronel to that of the previous year (1834/5) with the objective of being able to incorporate his base pieces, produced in the same mint, very probably from 1835 to early 1836, trying to hide them among coins of a year of which there already existed a complete supply in circulation; for which it is necessary to remember that the 1835 mintage began in March and lasted until December, so that at the beginning not enough of the 1835 coinage could have existed to conceal the false coins. Another hypothesis could be that he did it to avoid the quality controls of coins minted in 1835, being dated as 1834 they would be exempt from control if the coinage was not part of the production current at the time. Or he could have changed the die simply so as not to have in his possession a die of a year currently in production. But any of these hypotheses would require that the piece under consideration would be an adulterated coin of the time, coined in the mint itself, and that the piece would have to contain little or almost no silver. This would have been detected by NGC or by any of the persons who reviewed this coin; furthermore collectors with any experience could see that the coin is of good silver. Alternatively the Quito's mint could have struck this piece in good silver after the die was recovered from Mr. Coronel, either for the record or simply by mistake.
3.- The third hypothesis is based on a simple question: What relevant fact occurred in 1835 which could affect the design of that tears coins?
On 13 August 1835 the second Ecuadorian Constitution was promulgated, abolishing the idea of the confederation with Colombia and changing the name “State of Ecuador in the Republic of Colombia” (abbreviated on the coins as “El Ecuador en Colombia”) to “República del Ecuador”). Therefore it is necessary to ascertain in which months the 1835 2 reales were produced, since if all or part of them were made after 13 August there is reason to think that the date could have been corrected intentionally so that the design did not contradict what had been established by the new Constitution. In such a case it would be easier to correct the date than the name of the country. If this hypothesis were correct, this extremely rare specimen would indicate the intention to avoid the 1835 coinage being inconsistent with what had been approved by the Constitution on 13 August of that year.
Perhaps having had the intention of correcting the date, they tested the viability of a few specimens and in the end decided not to make the correction, leaving us this example which would become a witness to the political and constitutional changes in the country.
This event, the change of name to República del Ecuador, coincides with the exact year of the manufacture of this overstruck coin. Probably we shall never know the real reason why and how it was done, but what is certain is that the piece has this unusual detail, which was verified by NGC on two occasions (in 2013 and 2017). Furthermore it was reviewed by persons with much experience of colonial and pre-decimal coins, such as Daniel Frank Sedwick, when he offered this piece in his auction house in 2013, describing it as the only one known up to that time, and Messrs. Dale Seppa and Michael Anderson, who had the opportunity to study this improbable overstrike.
Definitely it must be a very scarce coin.
Xavier Alban Rubio
-
Latest Entry
The National Geograhic Society Hubbard Medallion
The National Geographic Hubbard Medallion is named after the first president of the National Geographic Society, Gardiner Greene Hubbard. It is the National Geographic Society’s highest award and is conferred on persons who distinguish themselves by a lifetime of achievement in research, discovery, and exploration. This prestigious award was first presented to Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary in 1906. [1] [2]
The Hubbard Medallion redesigned by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1951 is struck in 14 karat gold, weighs 474 grams and is 93 mm in diameter. [3] The medallion in my collection is struck in gilded bronze that gives it a similar look to that of the 14 karat gold medallion. The edge inscription on my medallion is “MEDALLIC ART CO.N.Y. BRONZE.” Thus, it seems probable that my medallion was a trial strike, perhaps struck with the same dies used to strike the gold medallion.
According to Medallic Art Company historian and senior consultant D. Wayne Johnson on his databank, the redesigned Hubbard Medallion has a MACO die number of 1951-016. [4] This ingenious method of cataloging dies devised by D. Wayne Johnson himself signifies that the dies for the new Hubbard Medallion were the 16th job in 1951. (Incidentally, Medallic Art Company retains all the dies they ever used in an environmentally controlled die library). [5] That said the first recipient of the redesigned Hubbard Medallion and the 15th overall was Arctic explorer Donald B. MacMillan on January 9, 1953. Ironically, Commander MacMillan was an aide to the first Hubbard Medallion awardee, Robert E. Peary.
The obverse of the Hubbard Medallion features the Western Hemisphere seal of the National Geographic Society and the year of the National Geographic Society’s founding in 1888 with an oak leaf cluster on each side of the date. On the reverse appear land, sea, and sky, races of man, animals, birds, and sea creatures. [6]
Of particular interest to me is a non-cited quote by Laura Gardin Fraser concerning her design of the Hubbard Medallion: “My idea in using animals was to have them represent, along with the races of man, the continents of the globe. I chose such creatures as would readily be recognized as having inhabited their respective regions from man’s earliest remembrance.”
“The hemispheres are those shown on the cover of the magazine the Northern, Southern and Eastern Hemispheres since the obverse shows our own Western Hemisphere as the seal of the National Geographic Society. A decorative element is two groupings of oak leaves on the obverse. They were also taken from the cover of the magazine.”
Finally, when I examine a piece of medallic art I sometimes wonder what the sculptor of that medal or coin intended to communicate through it. I also believe that the said sculptor derives a certain degree of satisfaction when he or she sees the desired effect of their medallic art on its recipients. In some cases, the legacy and effect of a sculptor’s work continues after their death. Such is the case with Laura Gardin Fraser (1889-1966) and the Hubbard Medallion.
The following is the story of a very proud woman whose great-great-great uncle received the Hubbard Medallion posthumously.
Matthew A. Henson was an Arctic explorer and right hand man of Robert E. Peary. Unfortunately for him, very few African Americans were recognized for their contributions in discovery and exploration in the early 1900s. In fact, evidence seems to suggest that Matthew Henson was the first human to stand on the geographic North Pole, not Peary. Then on November 28, 2000 some ninety-four years after Robert E. Peary was awarded the Hubbard Medallion, Matthew A. Henson finally received his long overdue recognition when he was posthumously awarded the Hubbard Medallion. [7]
Leila Savoy Andrade had been a security guard at the headquarters of The National Geographic Society for three years. Few people where she worked knew that she was the great-great-great niece of Arctic explorer Matthew A. Henson. When she showed up at the award ceremony in civilian cloths the president of the Society, John Fahey asked her, “What are you doing here?” She replied, “That’s my uncle.” Leila was one of nine family members to attend the ceremony and she was quoted as saying this about her uncle, “Everyone in the family always said great things about him when I was growing up.” Somehow I believe that if Laura Gardin Fraser were alive today, she would be thrilled about this story and the role she played in it. [8]
1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubbard_Medal
2 https://www.nationalgeographic.org/awards/hubbard/
3 http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19144/lot/182/
4 http://medalartists.com/fraser-laura-gardin.html
5 http://www.medallic.com/die-library.php
6 The National Geographic Magazine, April 1953 pg. 564
7 http://joytripproject.com/2014/the-legacy-of-arctic-explorer-matthew-henson/8 The National Geographic Society Magazine, June 2000, “The Ties That Bind” A medal ceremony becomes a family affair
- Read more...
- 0 comments
-
- 10
entries - 74
comments - 579
views
Recent Entries
Latest Entry
JUST SO YOU KNOW, IT'S STILL HAPPENING
This letter was sent to me on July 6th....
Hello Mr. Deeds,
I am disappointed to learn this has happened again and I apologize for the inconvenience to you. Of course you may send them back to be corrected at no cost to you.
In addition to speaking with our encapsulation and QC personnel, NGC President, Rick Montgomery is now involved and we have prepared a set of criteria for all of our graders and QC specialists to follow to see that this does not continue. You are welcome to note which side up on your submission form -- this information will be provided to the QC specialist.
We appreciate you taking the time to contact us once again and we look forward to providing the level of service you should expect from NGC.Best regards,DenaThat was less than 60 days ago, and it has happened two more times.The Maundy set that is pictured below is the second time/set that has come back to me like this.If the president of the company can not correct this then I have no idea what to do.
- 10
-
- 5
entries - 11
comments - 382
views
Recent Entries
Latest Entry
CHANGED MY PUBLIC NAME
Hello friends, I am letting you all know I have changed my Public name. It was Eagles-R-it, but now it is RMK-Collectibles. I did this to better reflect my hobbies and buying habits. I am kind of a accumulator of lots of things, not just Silver Eagles. So all my friends here at NGC especially Rick, Brent, Keith, Glenn, Troy, and Dan I hope you continue to follow me as I will still follow you all and more. By the way, where can I find the follow/following part since the change. Anyway hope ALL members continue to enjoy my sets. THANKS THANKS THANKS. PS how do I add photos to this new format?
- 5
-
- 5
entries - 25
comments - 351
views
Recent Entries
Latest Entry
I am less confused each passing day
I purchased and received a 1971s Lincoln cent NGC ms66. It would not fit into the NGC box that I keep my certified set in. I fumbled the holder and it popped open. It had gone through NGC Quality control without being sealed. I sent it to be sealed. I tracked it to Sarasota and it was picked up at the P.O.. I waited for them to seal it and send it back. I lost the receipt from the P.O. and NGC had no record of receiving it. NGC acted like they didn't care and It was no big deal. How can you run a company and no one even fakes caring? The coin only cost $20 and at this rate they must have many coins in Lost & Found. They must have cut back on employees to save money. I just shut my eyes and bought another 1971s Lincoln cent to fill a hole in my set. They could even have put a coupon for 5 or 10 free grades. I am not going to press it and since they are so short handed, this complaint will go unnoticed.
- 5
-
- 5
entries - 26
comments - 1444
views
Recent Entries
Latest Entry
NGC at it again.
Couple of days ago, NGC notified me of a pending certification transfer and if I wanted to accept or reject. I rejected it as it is part of my 100% silver eagle collection and had not sold it. I replied to the email that I rejected it and dina said no problem. it wouldn't go through. Imagine my surprise to seethe coin was removed from my set and given to another user and I can't get it back into my collection. I just took a photo of the coin in question a few minutes ago. I need it put back into my collection.
- 5
-
Latest Entry
Is This Unusual
My 2017 American Eagle 20th Anniversary Platinum Proof is scheduled for grading and is listed as "Reverse Struck Through." Is this unusual for a proof coin? I would expect that for a circulated coin but less so for a proof. How could this affect the coin value?
-
-
Latest Entry
Sold Out?
Got an email from NGC that said..."A special NGC label is available for the limited-edition 10-coin 225th Anniversary Enhanced Uncirculated Coin Set released by the US Mint on August 1. The release, limited to 225,000 sets, was sold out within minutes."
Then I went online and ordered 2 sets! What 's up with the fake news NGC?
-
Latest Entry
New CAR...
Well, the time came and I just acquired a new 2 escudos from the Central American Republic. It is a nice example, not terribly expensive as all gold CAR coins, and yes, problem free. I just need an 8 escudos to complete the type set. That one will have to wait as normally are more expensive than German Cars... Of course will not make it to the competitive set, but that does not bother me. What matters is that it is finally here.
-
Latest Entry
Time to refocus
Time to switch gears. Focusing on buying some investment property and need some capital. I haven't really added much
to my coin collection in awhile either. I decided all my SAC, Presidential dollars and Silver Eagles must go. If anyone is
interested, please look at my sets and let me know what tweaks your interest. I am not done being part of this society just
clearing house...
Keith
-
Latest Entry
SP IS NOT MS
The 2013 W SP is a variety coin of the American Silver Eagle. It has no place in an MS set, especially adding it 4 years after being minted. There is a category for the American Silver Eagle varieties. One day I have a 100% complete set, and next day I don't. All those bogus eagles that we had to have ( and paid premium prices for), are not included in the mint state collection, but as varieties. The P and S Eagles belong there too. Ever notice there are no NGC 2017 FDOI S Silver Eagles? Another bogus coin that we have to have? Next year maybe we will get a CC mint mark?
-
Latest Entry
Bluegrass
Hi!
My name is Mike and I am currently chasing Lincoln Cents - I suppose I will chase some other things as time goes on - have done so in the past. I have been keeping notes I call Ruminations and I will try sharing them here!
Bluegrass was our first dog when we were married in 1994 - he was part of the package! But we live in Kentucky so what can I say. My collections are all named in a way that includes Bluegrass.
Mike
-
- 11
entries - 6
comments - 427
views
Recent Entries
1 and 7 in the date can be seen as repunched on the 1997 Princess Kaiulani 1/10 oz gold Hapaumi. This is the second repunched date I found in the Princess Kaiulani issues by the Royal Hawaiian Mint.
My previous find was the 1996 Princess Kaiulani 1/4 oz gold Hapaha.
- Read more...
- 0 comments
- 11
-
- 2
entries - 2
comments - 155
views
Recent Entries
Latest Entry
Well, I see it was announced Wednesday.
Re previous entry - I see a posting was made Wednesday regarding tie breakers.
Seems counter to the original announcement, but so be it.
- 2
-
Latest Entry
Updates and Improvements
The "journals" are worse not better. The registry is also worse and I have cut my time there by 80% (maybe a good thing?) NGC has taken the "high road" out of town and left us, the collectors, behind. Why do I have to go to page 4 to find my U.S. coins? The time is ripe for a Third, Third party to open a user friendly Registry for us "the collector" that serve as the fuel for the hobby. Maybe the ANA, hint , hint...
A good registry is like a virtual Dansco or Whitman album, with holes to fill and eventually the joy of completing a set. This is where NGC had a huge advantage toward participation. Most serious collector have a mix of PCGS and NGC. In auctions of US coins, currently, the ratio of PCGS coins to NGC is about 3 to 4 to 1 . For world coin auctions it is reversed with NGC dominating by up to 10:1. That maybe why NGC is putting the world coins in front of U.S. on their Registry. Is NGC giving up on the U.S. market?
NGC IF YOU IGNORE U.S. COLLECTORS WE WILL GO AWAY!!!
Here is what I see as a solution, after having several PCGS coins returned that would not cross ( AFTER NGC GOT THE GRADING FEE) I had an idea. If NGC is so much purer and dedicated to truth and honesty then here is an idea:
Submit PCGS coins to NGC to cross (full fee) or just to grade (like the GSA coins.) These coins have no guarantee from NGC if they are left in the PCGS holder, they just get a grade. Because they are still in the PCGS holder they:
1) Don't get included in the NGC population report
2) The NGC grade is affixed to the PCGS holder so the coin can be used in the NGC registry
3) NGC has no liability as they do not provide a guarantee (as stated in the small print by NGC on both GSA and Ancient coins)
4) If the coin is sent in for only an NGC grade but not gross over (the GSA treatment by request) the fee could be reduced (again NGC is not providing a guarantee)
(About the guarantee, most of you already know all of this but for those that don't, here it is.)The guarantee is what you pay for. Yes they are guaranteeing the grade in an NGC holder but the big money is in the guarantee the the coin is not a counterfeit. PCGS has certified at least 2 counterfeit coins that they placed into their holders within the last two years. If a person buys that coin, in the original PCGS holder without evidence of tampering, they can go to PCGS and expect to be reimbursed for their loss (the fair market value of the coin.) The grade guarantee is much more difficult to "prove" unless it is a "Red" copper that has turned brown, which is why they don't guarantee color on copper anymore.
This would bring me back to NGC and I would be willing to pay to get my PCGS coins on the NGC registry (which I liked better before).
But it is hard to look at a Liberty V in a PCGS MS-66 holder that NGC would not cross and then resubmit to cross at MS-65 or 64, Would you do it?
John
-
Latest Entry
I got another one
The price gods have smiled on me once again. I got another 70 for my modern half dollar commemorative collection. It's a 1995-S Basketball graded at MS70. It's a great strike and the detailing is very nice. I got it for a good price. You can now bye some of these half commem's for less that fifty bucks per coin.
Displaying slabs is harder to do. Looking through a binder with great looking raw coins is nice and it's convenient. I don't think I'll sell my raw ones as they look so nice in the binders. I have seen some "slab notebooks" that look nice and each display page has pockets to display 9 on a page.
-
Latest Entry
Log in failure
Well --- Dena has deleted my Rick's Keepers member page and added everything to my Six Mile Rick member page. Still I am Rick's Keepers in chat log in. What a STRUGGLE!!
Six Mile Rick
-
Latest Entry
Time to eliminate the phony "Struck At" labels.
Mint issues statement on “erroneous” branch-mint information on ASE coins
May 26, 2017 By Mint News Blog
Now even the mint admits it does not know where they think they minted the silver eagles. It's about time for the TPGs to simply label the coin in front of them. If there is no mint mark, leave it at that, don't suggest or imply one. It is pretty costly to attempt to complete a set as it is without phony labeled coins to add to the mix.
-
Latest Entry
Pop list
Hi, can any please help me to fine the pop list. Since that change this I can not fine any thing, I only hope that I can fine your Nasser. Thanks don
-
Ancient Greece (Pontos, Amisos): silver drachm or siglos featuring Hera and owl, ca. late 5th to 4th century BC(Presently raw)Ancient Greece (Kingdom of Macedon), silver "Mercenaries" drachm of King Perseus, ca. 175-170 BC(NGC Ch MS; Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5)Ancient Roman Republic: silver denarius of moneyer L. Furius Brocchus, ca. 63 BC(NGC Ch VF; Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5)Ancient Roman Empire: silver "Capricorn" denarius of Vespasian, struck by Titus ca. 80-81 AD(Presently raw)Ancient Roman Empire: silver denarius of Septimius Severus, "Dea Caelestis" type, ca. 193-211 AD(NGC Ch AU; Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5)Ancient Byzantine Empire: gold tremissis of Justinian I, ca. 527-565 AD(NGC MS; Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, "wrinkled")England (Anglo-Saxon): silver penny of Aethelred II, struck ca. 997-1003 AD(PCGS MS63)Netherlands (Gelderland): "St. John" type goldgulden (florin) of Arnold van Egmond, ca. 1423-1472(PCGS Genuine; XF details, "Filed Rims")Belgium (Brabant): gold florin (Carolus d’or) of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, ca. 1521-1545(Presently raw)German States (Teutonic Order): silver 1/4-thaler of Grand Master Maximilian of Austria, ca. 1615(PCGS XF45)Great Britain: silver "South Sea Company" shilling of George I, 1723(PCGS MS63+, formerly NGC MS64)Belgium (Austrian Netherlands): copper 2 liards (2 Oorden), Insurrection coinage, 1790(NGC MS63 BN)Great Britain: gilt copper proof halfpenny of George III, Soho Mint, 1806(PCGS PR65 DCAM, formerly NGC PR64 CAM)Great Britain: silver shilling of George IV, off-center mint error, ca. 1826-1829(PCGS XF40)United States: gold 5-dollar half-eagle, Liberty Head type, 1842-D (small date)(PCGS VF30; CAC)Liberia: proof copper cent, 1847(PCGS PR65 BN)France: copper specimen striking of a 10-centime pattern (essai), 1848(PCGS SP65 RB)United States: bronze Civil War token, "Our Little Monitor" type, 1863
(NGC MS65 BN)United States: proof copper-nickel 3-cent piece, Liberty head type, 1888
(PCGS PR65 CAM)Great Britain: gold half-sovereign of Queen Victoria, 1901, from the Terner Collection
(PCGS MS64) -
Latest Entry
Hell's Half Acre Hoard of Morgan Dollars
Hello everyone,
I spent last Saturday afternoon & evening using my new camera and copy stand to take pictures of my Morgan Dollar Collection so that I could share them with the community. They are in my collection named Hell's Half Acre Hoard of Morgan Dollars just like the post title if you would like to see them. The camera is really not a professional one but I think it did a pretty good job for a point and click. I would recommend getting a copy stand for anyone who is wanting to take pictures of their collection to share with the group or just for insurance purposes. I was just using the camera on the IPhone with no stand but as you can guess the results weren't very good. The Stand lets me get a repeatable set up and results.
Hi, can any please help me to fine the pop list. Since that change this I can not fine any thing, I only hope that I can fine your Nasser. Thanks don
-
Journals
-
-
Announcements
-
