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 Replies: 12 / Views: 2,028 |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12251 Posts |
Tonight, I thought I'd share a page from the 1930 edition of the Scott Stamp & Coin Company's Standard Catalogue of Minor Coins of the United States. It listed, with one illustration per type, US Half Cents through five-cent coins. It also included a listing of US fractional currency and the US silver commemorative coins (1892 Columbian Exposition through 1928 Hawaiian Discovery). It was actually more of a price list than a general catalogue as it listed the price at which a given coin could be purchased from Scott. Unless noted otherwise, the prices listed would purchase a "good average specimen" of early-date coins and a later-date coin in "very fine state." I would imagine that prices for coins in higher grades would be available upon request. Here's the commemorative coin listing page (only the Columbian was illustrated):  A few things to note: - The 1915 Pan-Pac half dollar was the market leader in 1930 at $17.50; it was 75% more expensive than the next two coins: the 1925 Ft. Vancouver and the 1928 Hawaiian Discovery (each at $10.00). Today, though it is one of the more expensive coins in the set, in MS-65 its selling price has been surpassed by multiple coins on the 1930 list. - The price difference (on a percentage basis) between the two varieties of the Alabama half dollar has increased over the years with the 2x2 variety commanding more of a premium today. - The Missouri price relationship is very different today. The 2x4 variety commands a small (~10-20%) premium these days vs. the 5X in 1930. - Today, the Grant with Star variety is priced 8X to 10X the price of a similarly-graded Plain variety vs. the 4X+ spread between the coins in 1930. - The Columbian half dollars continue to trail the field on through to today! Note: I looked at MS-63 and MS-65 coins when making my 2020 price evaluations; I used PCGS CoinFacts. Obviously, market prices can vary.Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Thanks for this. Even then the Hawaii had a big premium.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5392 Posts |
17.50 is about the same as 270 today . Source .... in2013dollars.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3468 Posts |
If you had $20 to spend on commemorative coins in 1930, what would you buy?
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Valued Member
299 Posts |
I think in 1930 a knowledgeable collector could scare up a Proof Columbian or Isabella for less than $20. Although I'd keep the $20 as a double eagle ; they're about $1500-something now which only a few coins on that list can claim. Using gold as a standard, that would place #21, the Vancouver priced @$10, now @$750+/-. Just about right for a really nice 65/66. The Pan-Pac #5 @$1400. Again, about right for a 65. I'd have been sick of the commemorative proliferation by then and missed the Hawaii which even though the most recent was in the top 3 for cost and a substantially lower mintage than most.
Edited by freddo30
05/11/2020 04:52 am
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12251 Posts |
Quote:
If you had $20 to spend on commemorative coins in 1930, what would you buy? Sight unseen, I would buy four of the Lafayette silver dollars - if I got a gem or two, they would be high dollar coins. If I could inspect and select, I would purchase two Lafayette dollars, a Grant w/ Star and two Sesquicentennial half dollars. I'd use the remaining $0.50 for a hamburger, fries and drink!  Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12251 Posts |
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$17.50 is about the same as $270 today. True. This points to the fact that the values of scarce/rare coins have outpaced inflation over the long haul and that they can be a good investment. Not so much for common coins, but true for scarce-to-rare pieces in top condition. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
Edited by commems
05/11/2020 09:35 am
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Moderator
United States
187557 Posts |
Very interseting!  |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12251 Posts |
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Very interesting! I agree! I always enjoy looking back to see how the classic US commemorative market evolved when it was an active series. You can definitely get a sense of the changing focus and viewpoints of collectors. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Moderator
United States
187557 Posts |
Quote:
You can definitely get a sense of the changing focus and viewpoints of collectors. Agreed! |
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Moderator
United States
15386 Posts |
Fascinating thread - many thanks commems for starting the discussion.
Lots of good comments on the prices and price growth - I have noting to add that hasn't already been said.
I do note that in one instance the 'common name' of the coin has changed since the 1930 publication.
Coin #25, priced at $1.50 is listed as the 1927 Battle of Bennington half dollar.
Today most collectors identify the coin as the 1927 Vermont Sesquicentennial half dollar - featuring the lovely catamount on the reverse. Also struck as the highest relief design of any classic silver commemorative half dollar.
Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
992 Posts |
Lafayette silver dollars!!
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Valued Member
Virgin Islands (U.S.)
68 Posts |
Just goes to show that even back then, the adage was true: Just because it's old don't mean it's reallyreally valuable.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 2,028 |
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Posted 05/10/2020 9:45 pm
