I bought a ton of coins at the recent ANA. They ranged in price from under $1,000 to close to $100,000 and nearly all have been sold on my website in the two+ weeks since the end of the show. One coin garnered more attention than any other.
It was ordered no less than eleven times (by different individuals) until I finally marked it “on hold.” I would have never guessed, when I bought it, that this seemingly mundane coin would have become my Most Popular New Purchase for the 2013 ANA. And the winner for Mr. Popularity was (drumroll)……???
1892-CC $10.00 PCGS EF40 CAC
Priced at a whopping $1,000, this coin connected with a wide range of people. It was ordered by two dealers and nine collectors running the gamut from beginners to seasoned vets.
What was it about this coin that made people go gaga?
I have a few theories. Let’s explore them.
1. It Was Underpriced
As I mentioned in the description, by today’s standards this coin grades more like AU50 to AU53 than EF40. This made it more likely to have a final value of $1,250 or so as opposed to the $1,000 it was listed for. At least eleven people spotted that this was a good deal, if not an actual bargain.
2. It Was An Affordable But Nice CC Gold Coin
If you don’t have a huge budget but want to own a Carson City gold coin with a good overall appearance, you don’t have a ton of choices. The typical CC double eagle now costs over $2,000 – and at the $1,000 price point any half eagle that’s not dated 1891-CC tends to be kind of boring. I can’t remember the last time I had an interesting CC eagle that was priced at $1,000.
3. The Lure of the OGH Is Strong…
Collectors love OGH PCGS coins and it isn’t hard to understand why. The purist in me appreciates that a coin graded back in the late 1980′s or early 1990′s is going to look the same in another 20+ years as it does now. In other words, if PCGS had missed surface enhancement(s) on said 1892-CC eagle, the coin would have already turned in the holder. The fact that it was dark and dirty was a pretty sure sign that it was “as is” and wasn’t going to turn.
4. Nice, Original Coins Are In Demand
This coin was dirty and original and coins with this sort of appearance are in demand. I’d like to think I had a little bit to do with this…
5. Liberty Head Eagles Are In Demand As Well.
As I’ve pointed out a number of times in the last few years, the Liberty Head eagle series has gone from mildly popular to very popular. This denomination will never be as popular as its big brother the double eagle but the number of people who dabble or specialize in this denomination has grown dramatically since 2008-2009. And an interesting Liberty Head eagle priced at a grand isn’t easy to find.
I would have to guess that this perfect storm of desirability and appeal was what made this 1892-CC eagle so popular. To the collector whose email I received first and who is now the happy owner of Mr. Popularity…kudos. And to everyone else who tried and failed to buy the 1892-CC eagle…thanks and sorry. We will do another deal and soon, I hope!
About Doug Winter
In 1989, he founded Douglas Winter Numismatics, and his firm specializes in buying and selling choice and rare United States coins, especially US gold coins and all branch mint material.
Recognized as one of the leading specialized numismatic firms, Doug is an award winning author of over a dozen numismatic books and the recognized expert on US Gold. His knowledge and exceptional eye for properly graded and original coins has made him one of the most respected figures in the numismatic community and a sought after dealer by collectors and investors looking for professional personalized service, a select inventory of impeccable quality and fair and honest pricing. Doug is also a major buyer of all US coins and is always looking to purchase collections both large and small. He can be reached at 214-675-9897.
Doug has been a contributor to the Guidebook of United States Coins (also known as the “Redbook”) since 1983, Walter Breen’s Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Coins, Q. David Bowers’ Encyclopedia of United States Silver Dollars and Andrew Pollock’s United States Pattern and Related Issues
In addition he has authored 13 books on US Gold coins including:
- Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint: 1839-1909
- Gold Coins of the Carson City Mint: 1870 – 1893
- Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint: 1838-1861
- Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint 1838-1861
- The United States $3 Gold Pieces 1854-1889
- Carson City Gold Coinage 1870-1893: A Rarity and Condition Census Update
- An Insider’s Guide to Collecting Type One Double Eagles
- The Connoisseur’s Guide to United States Gold Coins
- A Collector’s Guide To Indian Head Quarter Eagles
- The Acadiana Collection of New Orleans Coinage
- Type Three Double Eagles, 1877-1907: A Numismatic History and Analysis
- Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861: A Numismatic History and Analysis
- Type Two Double Eagles, 1866-1876: A Numismatic History and Analysis
Finally Doug is a member of virtually every major numismatic organization, professional trade group and major coin association in the US.
If you are interested in buying or selling classic US coins or if you would like to have the world’s leading expert work with you assembling a set of coins? Contact Doug Winter at (214) 675-9897 or by email at [email protected].
Yea I’m gaga myself. XF-40 collectors coin grade of choice. or XF-45 Full detail and stories hidden in their past. CC a bonus mintmark for History buffs of the Wild West. S mint coin’s are also on my list.