1911 Barber Dime Options

First, I don't particularly care for the Barber Design.

Second, I think these dimes made me fall in love with the Barber Design

These both are beautiful. Looking at the slabbed one I think the lighting in the pic hides it is marked up similar on the cheek to the second coin.

I think I would go for the second one anyway though. Both are beautiful, but the extra $ I would save to have about the same coin - with the same eye appeal anyway - would be worth it to me. I don't think I would ever wish I had gone with the other one.

Make sure you don't fall into that trap. Make sure the one you decide will never make you think of the one that got away.

I would pass on both. They are plentiful.

Wonderful insight, thanks for your thoughts, that's what I was hoping for.

I may end up with one of these pictured, I may not.
Whatever 1911p Barber I get will be a one time purchase, so upgrading is not really an option for this 1911 set.
Eye appeal is going to be the biggest attention grabber for me. The coin has to speak to me too as my 1911 cent and nickel already have spoken. Most likely the grade will be in the High AU low MS area. For the dime, I'm really looking for a strong strike.

My 1911 cent and nickel are in my hands and locked in stone. I'm not upgrading them, this is my approach to this particular set I'm putting together. Once I get to the Gold coins from 1911, price will be a HUGE factor.

I know online coin buying is a risky move if you have a particular item in mind. But it's really my only means of purchase and viewing in volume while moving forward with this set.

I'll keep you all posted and may send a few more opinions your way for this purchase.

If it were me, I would buy the second coin. I like the look of the coin and I like the price. The first coin is nice but too much to pay. The third coin is not as nice as either of the first two. I don't like the milky spots on the obverse either, and the gouge in the cheek is not nice to me. I would pass on the third coin for sure.

These coins are amazing. Putting together a set of barbers and I don't know if ill ever afford one of those bad boys

Update.
I'm still at it, looking for the perfect 1911 Barber dime to meet my goals.

Have not found much lately, but I did see this.
Graded PCGS MS63 1911 - p $180.00, it's not exceeding my $200 limit...which is good.

It has "character" with the toning and spots...I actually don't mind it in this coin....so it's not a turn off for me. The photo is well done and I can see the flow lines in the fields well, and that's always a turn on for me.

What are your thoughts and concerns?

Thanks

The first one from my first post in 2015?
lol
That's long gone my friend.

This last one posted is currently available....while I'm not in a hurry(as you can tell this post is now over 2 years old). I do value your opinions. I'm a casual coin collector and I don't have much access to coins to be honest. I see something that fits my goal, my budget and catches my eye. I ask you all for help to bring me back to earth if the item is a dog or I'm overlooking something. I value opinions of those who have handled such items more than me.

I'm sure I can make an offer on this coin...it never hurts to ask :)

Thanks
Dan