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Replies: 19 / Views: 5,008 |
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New Member
10 Posts |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12258 Posts |
Nice piece!
Unlike many of the later US commemorative issues, the 1892-93 Columbian half-dollars were not placed in any type of special holder by their sponsor â€" the World's Columbian Exposition. But a number of banks and other private businesses created small leather holders for the coins and sold individual coins in them (after they purchased the coins from the Exposition).
Many of these leather holders had the name of the issuer/seller imprinted on them. I couldn't make out the imprint on your holder â€" Can you make it out on the actual holder?
I've seen round and square leather holders over the years. Your holder looks to be in relatively good condition and is definitely collectible. The selling price of these pieces can vary over quite a range as some are seen more frequently than others. In any case, I would say that your holder would likely add between $100 and $300 (and possibly more) to the value of the coin itself.
I'd be happy to help with additional questions.
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5202 Posts |
Is it just me or does the pouch say Du Pont on it? Maybe the pouched were sold at another booth at the expo or later on through publications for collectors (not necessarily for the Columbian half) 
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New Member
 10 Posts |
Dupont it is! @commems - Thanks for the comments and offer of help - I may take you up on it. I love coins as I can just stick them in an air-tite and feel OK - stuff like this leather piece make me nervous! Also - should I leave the coin in the pouch as it is obviously becoming more toned over time? Should I do anything to the pouch to maintain suppleness ? Thanks for any responses.
Edited by newbForever 06/11/2013 03:24 am
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12258 Posts |
@newbForever: I would place the coin in an Air-Tite holder for long-term storage vs. keeping it in the leather case.
Regarding the leather pouch, is it currently soft and pliable or is it getting dry and stiff?
If dry/stiff, you should probably ask someone familiar with leather care about how to maintain it - I'm not a leather expert. Make sure to tell them the age of the leather.
If it is still reasonably pliable, I would place it in a storage bag and keep it away from hot/dry environments (i.e., don't store it in an attic that isn't climate-controlled).
If you do treat the pouch, I would definitely recommend against keeping the coin in it so as to prevent additional toning/discoloration.
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Moderator
 United States
187862 Posts |
Very nice!  Quote: I would place the coin in an Air-Tite holder for long-term storage vs. keeping it in the leather case. I agree. The Air-Tite may fit inside the case if you feel that you must keep the coin with it. However, do not force it. Protecting the coin and the case is important, even if it means keeping them apart.
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New Member
 10 Posts |
@commems and @jbuck - Thank you both for the help. I have the coin in an air-tite - the Leather is still somewhat supple. I will put them both together some where safe!
I am a very amateurish coin collector, so this is quite exciting to me. Thanks!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
Wow, I love the holder and the coin. Did your Grampa leave it to you ? if you ever needed to sell it, I'm pretty sure it would go for a pretty penny on ebay as they would be fighting over this one.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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New Member
 10 Posts |
@52Raymo - I know I am not allowed to sell anything here - so this is not an attempt to do so. I am thinking of selling this piece to buy some coins that are not as fragile. All I can think of is the holder being covered with mildew or ? I am thinking of taking it to my LCS or maybe trying ebay while it is still in good shape - any suggestions?
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12258 Posts |
I would be cautious when taking this type of piece to a local coin store (LCS). I say this only because the majority of smaller shops do not have much expertise with the ephemera associated with the classic US commemorative series and so may not be willing/able to offer you a fair price. Your local shop may be different, however, so it wouldn't hurt to check them out â€" just be mindful of what has been posted here in response to your initial query.
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2764 Posts |
@ commems, Am I right (based on your first respond) that the holder is actually worth more than the coin itself? I can understand why but it still amaze me. Thank you for your expertise.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12258 Posts |
@SA4H: In this particular case, I am thinking the overall value of the coin/holder package is mostly driven by the holder.
Based on the images, I see a circulated example of the coin. If I'm correct, the value of the coin, on its own, would likely be less than $50.
Combined with the holder, however, I believe the total package would be valued at $150 or more. (Assuming the holder dates to the Columbian Exposition and not a more recent date.)
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
Edited by commems 06/17/2013 7:30 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
Wow neat piece and thanks for sharing it! I've not seen one of those cases in a long time.
"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1795 Posts |
Great Coin I have one myself. As far as the toning many people as well as myself like it and find it desirable but that also is a matter of opinion. I have many things made of leather and I use a product called LEXOL which is made for leather. They use it on saddles so you know its good. They have a cleaner and preservative in small containers if you don't want to buy it buy the gallon. I know stores like Southern States have it (Eastern U.S.) but any place that sells leather should have it or farm type store. Oh yes you can even use that on leather coats really makes a worn coat look new well almost....he he
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New Member
United States
1 Posts |
Hi! I just saw this thread while trying to look up my 50c in a pouch. (see below) Does anyone have any ideas about this case? I haven't seen any that actually reference the exposition or label it as a souvenir. Thanks, Conner   
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1795 Posts |
Nice case CBerthold very cool.
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Replies: 19 / Views: 5,008 |