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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,654 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
745 Posts |
I think Barber coins are very elegant and handsome coins. Maybe the top of the line of American coinage. Of them all the Liberty Head nickle is a really nice coin. I'd love to have a selection some day but I love all the Barber coins.   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
824 Posts |
Nice die crack in that nickel.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2213 Posts |
It would be appreciated if you clarified the coins you post are yours or if they are pics you got online. You may or may not know the story of the 1883 nickel. Some did not have the designation "cents" on it. Some were gold plated to look like a five dollar gold to cheat people. They are called racketeer nickels. But only a few genuine ones are known. 99.9% of racketeer nickels sold on ebay etc are fake gold colored to sell to collectors and are not genuine gold plated racketeers. The US mint later added "cents" to the coins. Here's my normal nickel and a gold colored one, not genuine. And also a pic of a genuine racketeer nickle found in Deadwood South Dakota during an archaeological dig. You could do an online search to find out more about racketeer nickels.   Edited by livingwater
05/15/2025 1:55 pm
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Moderator
 United States
187446 Posts |
Not a bad choice.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1801 Posts |
The most famous story associated with the Racketeer Nickel involves Josh Tatum, a deaf-mute man from Boston (though some sources dispute his existence and origin).
According to the legend, Tatum had a jeweler gold-plate a number of the new nickels.
He would then enter stores, purchase a small item (like a cigar), and present the gold-plated nickel as payment, without saying a word.
Store clerks, often mistaking the coin for a $5 gold piece, would give Tatum change, effectively defrauding themselves.
Tatum was eventually caught, but reportedly, the case was dismissed because there was no law against gold-plating nickels, and the merchants had cheated themselves.
This incident prompted the US Mint to modify the nickel design later that year to include the word "CENTS". Dr
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
745 Posts |
I think my post was pretty clear. That I'm a Barber neophyte but also a great admirer of all the Legit Barber coins. Before I start buying you can bet I'll learn up some, like I have with Morgans. Thats why I'm here, to learn from the experts.As well from other sights. https://barbercoins.org/And I'm appreciative of it too. Its why I say "thank you" so much. My 2025 game plan was to load up a fairly nice stack of silver and gold and alsl start collecting some interesting coins of which Morgans have caught my attention. Now ? I'd like to adjust that slightly since I admire the coins of Charles and William Barber so much. And "no" I dont own any.....yet. But when I unload I'm not afraid to spend money. But as I read up on them more and more I see they are heavily counterfeited. And I despise thieves. But this is just a gorgeous designed coin that must be admired. I'm considering it even tho I'm past my budget for the month. Some coins just grabya. https://www.greatcollections.com/Coin/1821283 Edited by Silverskunk
05/16/2025 08:54 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3848 Posts |
Suffering from bust half fever. Want to learn how to attribute early half dollars by die variety? Click Here: http://goccf.com/t/434955Shoot me a PM if you are looking to sell bust halves. |
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
Quote:
I think this is a genuine racketeer nickel. Worn plating, as well as a hand engraved reeded edge. Both of these qualities are to be seen in contemporary pieces. Very nice! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1613 Posts |
I'm of the same mindset, Charles E Barber's designs have strong eye appeal across most grades not just au/ms. Speaking for myself, the silver denominations look exceptional with the right amount of patina accentuating the design elements. Currently on the nickel in an AU-low MS range for consistency and eye appeal I'm four short from completion and contemplating the proofs in PF65. This is one of the tougher dates in upper grade bought from a forum member at a very reasonable price.   ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
Edited by Ballyhoo
05/17/2025 11:08 am
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
Very nice! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2200 Posts |
Barber's dime, quarter and half get all the attention. I'd bet many collectors don't know he designed the Liberty nickel. It is a very handsome design. Simple and effective. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
745 Posts |
Bally that is a beautiful coin. Enjoy !
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,654 |
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Posted 05/15/2025 09:00 am
