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I never noticed the portrait that was drawn in the shape of the continents
Indeed ..... that is the fun part of these worn classics ..... the baseline design becomes stark and obvious ....... much more 'visible' to me than in the MS-64+ coins I have in my 'other' set.
Take a look at my 1893 Colombian Half a few posts back ..... the 'ship on wheels' as someone stated is quite striking.
Some of you know the story behind this particular coin ...... a poster child of the greed behind the scenes in the classic US commemorative series.
In 1923 the US motion picture industry was suffering ..... so a group of shysters in California ginned up a proposal for making some money for the industry ...... and by sheer coincidence that year (1923) was the 100th anniversary of the obscure (then and now)
Monroe Doctrine. They linked their need for a 'commemorative for the industry' to this obscure event ...... no actual relation between the two other than greed and a historical coincidence of timing.
Through political persuasion this coin was born ..... and managed to sell 274,077 examples.
Adding to the 'story' is the fact that respected sculptor Chester Beach (who also designed several other classics) essentially plagiarized the co-joined bust reverse theme from artist Ralph Beck. Imagine that happening today in a newspaper ad without lawyers involved ..... much less on an official US coin.
Even in MS state this is an ugly coin ...... an aesthetic disaster struck in low relief with miserable handling at the mint.
My PCGS MS64 example is the best I have seen ..... and I actually enjoy this well-worn honest one much more.
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where do you get a worn commem like that?
Well ..... all the usual sources come into play for me.
I have told my two local brick-and-mortar coin shops of my interest ..... so they are kinda keeping an eye out for me at their deals and events. So far no purchases through that avenue but one never knows.
I attend coin shows on occasion ..... and simply state to the exhibitors that I'm interested in seeing any circulated classic US Commemorative they have ...... most are AU at best ... but every nmow and then somebody drags out a truly worn classic ... 5 of my 9 have come from that source.
There is also the wonderful world of buyer-beware electronic sales ..... E-Pray, Teletrade, on-line dealers, etc. 4 of my 9 have come from there.
This lovely ..... an e-pray auction for $18.37 shipped.
David
Posted 07/27/2010 10:17 pm
