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 Replies: 16 / Views: 5,530 |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12252 Posts |
Here's my 1920 Pilgrim in PCGS MS-65. It exhibits the characteristics that I am attracted to and look for in all of my commemorative purchases -- brilliant, cartwheel luster with a "minty fresh" appearance, this one definitely passes the "eye test." I have assembled a 55-piece Type and Major Variety Commem set, so I also have a nice 1921 Pilgrim with the small "1921" date in the obverse field; I'll post the 1921 separately. Read More: Commems CollectionI've always liked the design of this coin, a simple, classic, portrait obverse (Plymouth Colony Governor William Bradford) and a reverse featuring a nicely executed sailing ship (the Mayflower); the models for the coin were prepared by Cyrus Dallin from furnished designs. One of my first US commem purchases was a 1920 Pilgrim. It was in nice AU condition and I purchased it from the local coin shop that I had visited since I was a kid. I soon learned that I overpaid for the coin -- largely due to my own inexperience at the time -- and immediately thereafter became much more of a student of the series. I'm still learning today, more than 20 years later! Enjoy! 1920 Pilgrim - Obverse 1920 Pilgrim - Reverse Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7184 Posts |
So far all of your examples have bee outstanding coins. My collection is a lower quality set as I am limited by finances but I still have the desire to complete the type series.
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Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
Another beautiful example of a classic US commemorative!
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
Very nice!  Quote:
I have assembled a 55-piece Type and Major Variety Commem set... It is good to know that we will be enjoying these posts for a while to come.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1054 Posts |
That's one handsome commem, and one of my personal favorites!
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12252 Posts |
To all: Thank you for the kind words on the coins I've posted thus far -- they are much appreciated!
muddler: My set started out as a "raw" AU/BU set stored in a Dansco album. Over time, I upgraded the set to what it is now. I'm sure you've got a great set in process -- keep going!
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5854 Posts |
Another fantastic coin! |
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Moderator
United States
15388 Posts |
Apologize in advance if this turns out to be a lengthy reply  ... but I am fascinated by this series and am truly enjoying the coins you are showing us commems ... To my eye ... this is an outstanding visual example of the Pilgrim half ... or, for that matter, any Classic Silver Commemorative. Quote:
It exhibits the characteristics that I am attracted to and look for in all of my commemorative purchases -- brilliant, cartwheel luster with a "minty fresh" appearance Appears we have the exact same aesthetic for these coins ... I am attracted to the same eye-appeal ... know full well that some (many?) have probably been dipped at some point ... but as long as they are blazing in luster it works for me. Wondering how you factor in strike characteristics? That has been a difficult one for me as I build my set ... no question that I would prefer hammered struck examples ... but in some cases had to settle for 'average' strikes in order to achieve the prime objective you stated so well above. Wondering as well how you view the 'value' of a CAC green beanie on your classic commemorative ... note that your Texas and this Pilgrim are CAC approved, while your lovely Hawaiian is not. Do you care? Is this a criteria for your set? Quote:
I have assembled a 55-piece Type and Major Variety Commem set That's an interesting concept that I have not given any thought to until I read it just now in your post. Wondering which five 'additional' coins you consider to be the major varieties? I can list four obvious ones beyond the basic 50-coin type set ... 1921 Alabama 2x2 1935/1934 Boone 1922 Grant Star 1921 Missouri 2x4 I suppose one can also consider the 1920 vs 1921 Pilgrim a 'major variety' ... but if you open that door ... how is it different than the 1892 vs 1893 Columbian or the 1935 vs 1936 San Diego? Outstanding coins so far commems ... keep them coming. David |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12252 Posts |
nickelsearcher: Thanks for the positive feedback, I've enjoyed the search for nice coins and am happy that others are about my choices. Regarding your questions: - Strike: I have rejected coins based on weak strike, but have also "overlooked" slight weakness of strike if the coin is clean and really "pops" as I rotate the coin and catch the luster. I search for coins I enjoy looking at vs. those with absolute technical perfection. - CAC Beanie: I can honestly say that the CAC sticker did not influence my coin buying decision for any of the coins in my collection. I've looked at quite a few commems over the years and can generally spot the better than average coins. I have no aversion to the stickers, but at present haven't considered submitting any of my coins for review. That could change in the future of course! - Varieties: You've got it! I consider the Alabama 2x2, Missouri 2x4, Grant w/ Star, the small date 1934 Boone and small date 1921 Pilgrim as the varieties. IMHO, the San Diego coins are differences in mint marks vs. a deliberate design change and the Columbian pieces are the same design/different year (just like the Oregon, Texas, etc.). Of course, some day, I might expand my set to include one example of each mint mark for each coin. Hope I got 'em all! Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Moderator
United States
15388 Posts |
Well stated reply commems ... pleased to have you here in our small family of commemorative addicts. Appreciate the new insight into what you call the five major varieties ... I'll agree that the 1921 Pilgrim is fundamentally different from other multiple dated coins ... and can fit into your definition. Honestly ... after 4 years of chasing these coins I never considered the concept of the five major varieties. Another challenge for my set. David |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2295 Posts |
Very nice coin with a ship on it. That is impressive to have 55 coins already.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12252 Posts |
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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New Member
United States
1 Posts |
Any ideas as to where any of these medals are for sale?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Just love how perfectly adapted that original Half Moon design is to the circular shape of a coin!
Edited by Coinfrog
05/30/2021 12:14 pm
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
Quote:
I was going through a few things this evening and came across this tie-in medal for the 1920/21 Pilgrim half-dollar, thought folks might enjoy seeing it. Fantastic! |
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
 to the Community, CharlieTravler1! |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 5,530 |
Posted 03/20/2012 1:18 pm
