Can We Post A Complete Commemorative Collection?

I spent 3 years looking at dozens of Isabella. I first hoped to find a nice 64. After two years, I didn't like any 64 I saw, so I changed to looking for 64 or 65. I was perfectly happy to get toning on this issue, as toning was usually very nice.

Stack's/Bowers let me see an Isabella that I fell in love with. The fact that it was proof-like was almost a secondary consideration. But After I looked at the census of proof-like Isabella, I changed my mind. Only 15 65, 3 66, and 1 67. Placing this in the top 20 graded.

Additionally, this coin was in the Bagne Collection. For those who don't know, Bagne assembled the largest collection of CSC proof-like coins ever owned by a single entity. He had over 60% of every graded proof-like of ANY type in his collection.

While pedigree may not be important on some coins, this one was very helpful in establishing that the most intense collector of CSC PL to ever exist approved of this coin as a proof-like. He was known for returning coins, even NGC, if he didn't think the coin was actually proof like. So his approval of PL for this coin was important too.

I hope my photos do this justice. The fields are mirror bright on both obverse and reverse but I had a heck of a time taking photos that didn't wash out or bright fade. Here is what I can offer:

There is only the one thin scratch on the reverse left field that is distracting, and I did choose a photo that shows it very well. Other than that one scratch there isn't a lot to complain about here.

Beefer - That third one is a killer!

nickelsearcher - that's very cool, perfect for the grade.

mox - Worth the wait I'd say!

Beautiful coins. Those gold proof say "BUY ME" rather loudly.

This thread is pushing my next goal in that direction. But I still have many early type on my want list, so it won't happen this year.

They are beautiful indeed!

The UNC dollar



Couple of my proofs