1917 T-1 Standing Liberty Quarter

Ralph, I've seen a few of the coins you're asking us to take a look at and grade and I do have one general observation. It seems like you're bottom fishing. Please don't take this the wrong way. I sort of did this early on in my collecting, too. If the coin is cheap for the grade, chances are there's a reason. This coin is an example of a problem coin. The reverse is terrible. I've learned that spending a few extra bucks for a coin with overall good eye-appeal on BOTH sides and is decent for the grade with NO problems (or perhaps something so minor that most dealers would overlook it) is worthwhile. Trust me, if a coin has a problem, when you try to sell the buyer will point it out in a heartbeat and there goes a good portion of the value. Trust me on this, these problems will grow on you with time and you'll eventually want to or have to move out of them. That's when it gets painful. I've learned TOO many lessons this way. Be careful and be a bit more picky about what you get...it WILL be well worth it in the long run.

I forgot to mention - someday my taste may, indeed, change, or my pockets may get deeper, but for right now my collection is just right for me. I appreciatre your suggestion Prethen, but I think I'll continue collecting in my own way.

Ralph

nice coin Ralph . Its a keeper at Fine

"will this bother me in a month from now...a year from now?"

I honestly don't know. Those bridges "down the road" will have to await my arrival, and be dealt with at that time. No crystal ball, so I don't know if there'll be a tomorrow. Having been near death on more than one occasion has taught me to appreciate "today", and the little pleasures that today can bring.
For right now, I'm proud of my meager collection, and I enjoy looking at every coin I own.

I appreciate your advice, and I'll bear it in mind should I decide my collection should be more for investment than an enjoyable hobby. Until then, I'll continue to get those old coins in whatever grade my wallet dictates. Thanks.

Ralph

Ralph, I think it grades out as a net F-12. I think these Standing Liberty quarter designs are beautiful in any grade where the design is visible, and the Variety One is a good type coin. Thanks for posting.

Colin

You're absolutely right, Ralph...we have a difference in opinion on how to collect. It is true, that I always have my eye on value when I make a purchase. I want to be sure that I'm not immediately buried in a coin once I buy it AND I want to make sure it's something I truly enjoy and find eye appealing. On the bright side, you have a lot less stress when you make your buying decisions than when I make mine.

Prethen and Ralph, I think you both have a point. I am perhaps more like Prethen. I agonize over grade and eye appeal and think about future value. When I get a coin that doesn't measure up to my standards for my collection, I return it. If I can't do that I sell it with a honest description, or I give it away and take my lumps. I think collecting taste is a continuim based on increasing knowledge and desire for better grade material. On the other hand I have a friend my age (around sixty) who has tons of common silver coins he took out of circulation when he was working at a bank. I have been trying to explain about the relation between grade and value, but he just isn't interested. He loves his collection and keeps them in binders in his rural Arkansas house and just likes to look at them. I recently gave him a Seated Liberty Half I bought as part of a lot that had an 1805 quarter I wanted. It had incurable PVC damage on the Obverse, but had VF-30 details. He was thrilled. In many ways I think my Arkansas friend is happier with his collection than I am with mine. He enjoys his coins for their own sake, not for the investment value. One other point. One person's gravy is another persons mud. I collect 19th century type coins for the most part in VF to AU in (hopefully), problem free condition. I think my collection is attractive, but to some on this board who collect BU type coins it probably looks like I am bottom fishing. The only time another person's opinion of your collection matters is when you sell it. If you don't plan to do that, than collect what makes you happy and what you can afford. I also think coins in any circulated condition should be posted here. If you do post also be prepared for some to be critical of your coin. It isn't anything personal, just the honest feedback you should expect. That is how we all learn.

Prethen, you seem like a good guy and a solid contributor. You've taken your lumps like a man. You've posted some gorgeous stuff and I hope you keep it up.

I watched this thread with amusement, coming as it did so quickly after someone complained about members only posting costly gems. I want to encourage people like Ralph (and myself) to continue to post our gems. And I hope users like Prethen will continue to post and give us their opinions on whether our coins are "solid for the grade" or have some problem.

As for myself, I will continue to buy what makes me happy, which is currently largely junk. But if we buy our junk "right", I'm sure we'll have no problem moving it on to another collector. Not as long as there is an ebay.