The active thread about the 52 Double Eagles auction on EBay got me thinking. That auction contains several top pops of one of the top coins. Quite an achievement! So how many top pops do you have? I am sure several here will run out of fingers trying to count them. I, myself, have only one: a 1902F German 1 mark, PCGS MS66. How about you? Anyone want to claim bragging rights?
My one and only Top Pop was a 2005-S KS Silver SQ, NGC PF70UCAM, FS-901 Die Dent. I submitted it for grading in 2005 when it was just considered a Mint Error (Die Gouge). Mint Errors are not included in the Census. Then in 2012, the Cherrypickers Guide added it as a variety, so I resubmitted it to NGC for the attribution. It became part of the NGC Census, and there were no others graded that high. I was really proud of that coin. I had it for about two months when I was contacted by a California dealer representing a collector. I never had any plans to sell it, but when he offered me $1,000 for it, I couldn't resist. SOLD! Chris
A Top Pop is a one of a kind note, the only one in population and it is the highest Graded usually used along with TPG (Third Party Grading)
I don't own any yet. I do have a 1909 PCGS MS-66RB Lincoln Cent that I think would easily make the 66+ grade it would require to make it a Top Pop at that color designation. It was graded before the + designation came along. The way PCGS awards points for color and eye appeal, I honesty would not be surprised if it took the 1(0) position at 67. Currently there are 44 graded MS-66 and only 2 at the 66+ level. When I acquired it, it had not been to CAC yet, so I submitted it and it came back with a green bean.
OK.. But I disagree.. Doesn't Top Pop mean couns that were graded in a very high grade but a very low amout. Like 3 that were graded in MS68 and not just 1 like @mpcusa stated as "one of a kind"
Besides Silver Eagles, I have ZERO, ZILCH, ZIPPO. Closest I come is a 1921 Morgan in MS65 PL. I'll likely never own a top pop. It's okay with me.
As a collector whose love of this hobby is born of much older and simpler values, I can't see myself ever becoming wrapped up in the hype of upper echelon grade values. In my eyes, that field is played by profiteering investors. Now mind you I do love a strong strike as much as the next guy and I do own some prize pieces, however eye appeal is my enjoyment. My favorites are an MS63 1908 St. Gaudens and an MS62FH 1917-S Type I SLQ. Certainly not top of pops by any stretch but are beautiful to me. I own two pieces at MS65 but they don't have the eye appeal to my eyes. Probably will never be a top of the pops guy.
I'm not saying I am big on these either. But was just curious about the reaction of others. Some people make a big deal of it.
52 top pops for one eBay listing here, right? lol https://www.cointalk.com/threads/record-sale-on-ebay-reserve-not-met-at-3-5mil.314216/page-4
