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 Replies: 19 / Views: 3,472 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2023 Posts |
Here's the background... I've reached the point in my collection where I've started looking on Heritage. I'd resisted in the past because I struggled with the interface and the 20% buyer fee is a little intimidating. Besides, I'd always been able to find something (less expensive) I wanted elsewhere. I did put a couple of things on my wishlist though. A couple of weeks ago, a 1915 Pan-Pacific silver commemorative popped up, PCGS MS64. It had a bit of toning but it adds some character and highlights the design. There are a few hits but the lines on the shield on the reverse are all pretty clean. And it doesn't have that much of a ring around the rim that is so common on this piece, which is something I've really looked for. I decided to place a practice bid to get familiar with the process. The PCGS CoinFacts page shows previous sales for MS64 in the $600 to $1000 range. For a practice bid I was willing to win with, I went for the low end of this scale. I ended up winning with $576 (after the buyer's fee) -- that's my purchase as "9/18 HA" with the link to the listing. Here's the question: This is now the least expensive prices among the PCGS graded pieces shown on their CoinFacts page., which makes me wonder now -- did I get a bargain, or did I buy a problem piece? I don't have it in-hand yet, so I can't answer many questions. I'm curious what we think so far.   |
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Quote:
This is now the least expensive prices among the PCGS graded pieces shown on their CoinFacts page., which makes me wonder now -- did I get a bargain, or did I buy a problem piece? The DL one is a CAC coin with a bit of colorful toning so that one isn't really a comparable. You seem to have paid a fair price for that one from what I think the eye appeal will be. Auctions can be hit or miss and right now there's a bit of buying fatigue after two major shows in the last month, and the time of year it is. There's also a massive storm baring down on the east coast which takes basically three or more states out of the bidding process at the moment. |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12278 Posts |
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. which makes me wonder now -- did I get a bargain, or did I buy a problem piece? I don't believe you bought a problem coin. I believe you purchased a coin with visual aesthetics that differ from what the majority of current collectors seek. My thoughts on what potentially drove your winning "bargain" bid: The market for classic US commemorative coins is rather soft at the moment. It has shown some signs of strengthening, but it is still not close to being strong enough to drive prices to previous levels. Coins that do not have "the look" that appeals to a significant majority of collectors tend to perform the weakest in such markets. Looking at the original images on Heritage's web site, I would say that your coin's primarily brown toning has created darkened and muted surfaces vs. those that are bright and lustrous. IMO, this limits the number of collectors who would seek it. While there are certainly fans of toning out there - especially toning that exhibits pastel coloration - the majority of today's collectors tend to favor brilliant and lustrous coins. Fortunately for you, you find the coin's toning attractive and appealing. That's great! We all need to collect the coins that make us happy. Be happy! You got a good deal on a one of the most attractive classic designs of the commemorative series. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Moderator
United States
188629 Posts |
I like it. Call it a win.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
commems - Well said as usual. In a word, the coin lacks "pop".
Edited by Coinfrog
09/12/2018 11:20 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
Don't discount ANY images from Heritage...it should look a lot different in hand...hopefully BETTER! Looks like you a RPM FS-501 as well! Is there an additional "S" to the West of the Mint Mark? If so, no added value...but it is a Variety! http://www.PCGScoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/145748Edited by oih82w8
09/12/2018 1:12 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2023 Posts |
Thanks all for the comments! I am looking forward to seeing this in-hand (it hasn't shipped yet) and I'll post an update when I do.
I'm not usually a fan of toning. In this case, I was more interested in the lack of an obvious ring, which is a negative "pop" on most of the other pieces I've seen, especially those which are otherwise blast white. As my collection is going back in time, I'm learning to accept that imperfections will exist. It's all in finding a piece I want, and this was a candidate.
I'll definitely look for the RPM. I didn't notice is on the HA image but it does look like it's there now that I look at the full size version. That would be cool, even if it doesn't carry a premium.
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Moderator
United States
188629 Posts |
Quote:
I am looking forward to seeing this in-hand (it hasn't shipped yet) and I'll post an update when I do.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
772 Posts |
No professional on what its worth, but I think that coin is quite attractive myself. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8715 Posts |
Looks like it is nice for the grade. Some collectors might not like the toning which most likely is what drove the price down. Still a really nice coin, and looking forward to photos in-hand. Edited by SilverDollar2017
09/12/2018 11:17 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12838 Posts |
Sounds and looks like a winner to me. Love that design.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
887 Posts |
Nice pick up! It's definitely the RPM FS-901. When you get it, this is what it'll look like;  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12838 Posts |
Let's see pics when you get it! By the way.. your title... "accidentally" cracks me up. Sounds like something I'd tell my wife, which she'd call me on immediately.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2023 Posts |
USPS says I should have it tomorrow. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12838 Posts |
indeed! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2023 Posts |
Arrived today. It is RPM FS-901, and it's a bit darker/duller than in the Heritage pics but it looks better in natural light.
I'd put my own pics in this post but I have to optimize them first and this will be the last post on this page. So I'll just close this reply so the pics will be on the top of Page 2 and you won't have to click around...
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Replies: 19 / Views: 3,472 |
Posted 09/12/2018 01:02 am
