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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,375 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1247 Posts |
So much of the price of a coin is based on eye-appeal and we are led to believe *or choose to believe* that TPGs know what that is. If eye appeal can be predicted, how then is it possible for the 1879-S Morgan with second reverse to be worth so much more than the regular reverse? As I understand it, the second reverse variety was discovered by an Indiana dealer in 1978 going through a bag of Redfield dollars. I also understand that before it became the "second-reverse" in the RedBook, people called it the "flat-chested" or "sunken-chest" eagle. And that it is pretty scarce. But isn't a flat chested eagle the exact opposite of that barreled chested eagle that Morgan collectors are so fond of on their San Francisco Morgans? So what happened? Seems to me that scarcity (in this case at least) has ousted formerly perceived aesthetics. Or scarcity had nothing to do with it but for some reason Morgan dollars collectors woke up one morning and suddenly decided flat chested Morgans were rather fetching. But I rather doubt it. But are there not also examples where scarcity has little or no effect on the popularity of something? If scarcity may or may not affect aesthetic perceptions, how then can "eye-appeal" be predictable?  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
In reality that is an unusual but accurate assesment of not being able to be consistant. If you were to discuss this with an Ophthalmologist, you would find that due to miscellaneous factors of the eye, very few people see the same thing, the same. Note the Iris is different colors therefore slightlly modifying the light that passes through the cornea. Now to futher disrupt the vision is the differences in the cornea where some have a slight stigmatism, cataract, etc. Further the optic nerves are effected by all this and if you include a Martini or even a few beers, everything looks different. This is also why we all marry different people and realize the mistake when the lighting is better.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
819 Posts |
Why do you think so many women insist on candlelit weddings? Sorry, couldn't resist, mate.
To add to the Numismatic topic; To some people, the differences of the second variety would add eye appeal to the coin, simply because it was exactly that, something different. Some people find enjoyment and beauty in out of the ordinary things. It seems to be human nature to go for the oddball, rather than the commonplace.
Edited by ElleKitty
09/05/2007 7:30 pm
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Valued Member
United States
439 Posts |
I think that sometimes people see something new and/or different and just have to have it so prices get nutty. Sometimes the prices settle to something more reasonable and sometimes they don't and for one reason or another you're left with higher prices that don't make much sense.
You hear a lot about the 1909S VDB Lincoln being overpriced that way. Everyone thought it was gonna be a great rarity and although you can find plenty out there for sale folks keep shelling out big bucks. The 31S had a low mintage as well but never caught on with as much popularity as the 1909 and the prices for that year are much lower. It's just accepted that the 1909 is higher priced. Nobody questions it, they just pay out the cash and the price stays high.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
the 1879-S "second reverse" you are referring to is actually a 1879-S with the reverse of the 1878 which makes it scarce and more desirable because not only did the reverse die last long enough for the next year they kind of messed up and used the 7TF 1878 Reverse dies instead of the 1879 Reverse with the slanted top arrow feather
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Valued Member
United States
470 Posts |
Eye appeal is easy to define.
You see identical twin girls walking down the street. Both are attractive and cute as they walk in your direction. As they get closer your eyes moves from one to the other. Suddenly, it might be an upturned corner of her mouth as she smiles or the the way the sunlight catches her eyes, but you notice something about her. This thing that you notice draws your attention away from the other, equally attractive girl, walking next to her. You can't verbalize it but the one you focused on had "eye appeal" and the other didn't.
Edited by Andrew289
09/10/2007 09:29 am
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Valued Member
United States
367 Posts |
eye appeal to people who look for investments go for the rarer coins of course. but me I like some simple, beautiful women on them or just have the right stuff  . myself I would want a beautiful coin than a rare coin that would make my pocket thicker.. dustin |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
As Andrew289 said. Lots more fun than the reason with coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
830 Posts |
"Eye appeal" is, in my mind, totally subjective. I've seen people drooling over coins with what they thought was great eye appeal, and I thought they were ugly. It's a matter of taste. For example, I think this coin has terrific eye appeal ...  ... and I've heard some folks who think it has no appeal at all. Oh, well. One man's trash is another man's treasure. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
62064 Posts |
Here along I thought eye appeal was the viewing the coin for cartwheel luster, no bag nicks, flawless surface and this was considered after the grade of the coin (BU) was considered. Who'd thunk? LOL
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
I missed another coin with the same reverse as the 1878, there is also a 1880/79-CC which has a 1878 Reverse which is also worth more than a regular 1880 coin with the reverse that looks like the 1879 Reverse, these coins has nothing to do with eye appeal they are just about the reverse design thats on the coin
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,375 |
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Posted 09/05/2007 7:28 pm
