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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,234 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1388 Posts |
Hey all, Through the last few years, I've been following the excellent "Days of" classic commemoratives thread and Nickelsearcher's updates on his circulated set. I remember that he identified the following six coins as "stoppers," or ones that a dedicated collector, even with the financial means, might never find in a circulated state: 1938 New Rochelle 1936 Cincinnati 1936 Elgin 1936 Spanish Trail 1936 York 1936 Arkansas-Robinson I'm writing now to pose the question to him and any other "lowball" half dollar collectors on the forums - have you ever spotted a circulated example of one of these that had a details grade? If so, did you happen to pass it up, or purchase it in the hope that a resubmittal to a TPG might produce an honest grade? I ask because I spotted this 1936 York half on ebay, in an AU-50 Details ANACS slab. https://www.ebay.com/itm/201073388778As I'm considering following in their footsteps and trying to find some circulated commemorative half dollars, I'm trying to learn as much as I can. |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12255 Posts |
Up front, let me say that I don't collect circulated commemorative coins. I'm sure that others that do will be along with sage advice.
That said, I never recommend that someone buy a "Details" coin - coins don't heal, a problem coin today will be a problem coin tomorrow. I realize that the coin in question is very difficult to locate in circulated condition, but I suggest that holding out for a problem-free coin is a better plan. Also, the one you are looking at has a fairly high price tag considering it is AU Details. I would suggest that you pursue other circulated pieces that are more readily available (i.e., non-York coins) and pass on that York.
Of course, that's all just my opinion! Take it for what it's worth!
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3628 Posts |
Your post made me curious. I searched my digital inventory for circulated commemoratives. In 2009, I sold a circulated Robinson for $35. I don't have any more info or pics, but I handled at least one on your list.
I was surprised by just how many circulated BTWs I had over the years. I remember getting them in change as a kid in the early 1960s.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
With respect to both Grape and the seller (one of the country's leading dealers), this is an insulting, look-for-an-eBay-newbie listing price.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2869 Posts |
I don't think I would buy this one either. The seller has plenty of cleaned coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
887 Posts |
Looking at previous sales on the main auction houses, it seems for the above coins, anything in the AU or lower is about 95% (or more) details coins.
If you're a patient person, my suggestion is by one raw, and carry it as a pocket piece for a couple of years. IMO, buying a slabbed circulated commem is going to cost a lot more then it's worth. Buy it cheap raw, then when it's at a level you like, get it graded.
And no, I wouldn't buy that York either at that price. Maybe half that, but not any more.
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Moderator
United States
15392 Posts |
To the OP question - yes, I have come across a few of the stoppers in details grade. And without exception I took a pass on all of them.
My experience if that the majority of circulated commemorative AU and lower have been damaged in some way. I had no interest in owning such coins, and set a personal standard that only 'honest surfaces' coins will be included in my set.
Of course, you need to set your own standards for what will make you happy.
No question the standard of acquiring only 'honest' circulated commemorative extended the length of my search. But at the end of the day I ended up with a very satisfying collection.
Best of wishes with your search - it's the scarcity of these fabulous coins that adds tremendous numismatic pleasure to the pursuit.
Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1272 Posts |
Agree with above. Pick up a York for half that amount and carry it in your pocket for awhile
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3628 Posts |
Quote:
coins don't heal  @commems, That seriously is a classic! It may be the best and most succinct advice I've ever heard for collectors! I've been laughing about that line ever since you posted it. My wife said "Dear you know you are going to use that line." (She's right, as usual.) |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12255 Posts |
Quote:
My wife said "Dear you know you are going to use that line." (She's right, as usual.) No charge!  Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1613 Posts |
Myself, I judge the coin on overall eye appeal first and foremost before the grade. I've seen, and bought, details graded coins that, unless under magnification or certain light, look identical to straight graded. My most recent was a 1932 D, NGC AU details bearing an even satin surface both obverse and reverse with a very strong strike. So in answering your question, most certainly I would buy the right details grade of those tough to find commemoratives and not think twice.
ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,234 |
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Posted 06/28/2021 6:52 pm
