A Comfort Purchase

I've been moping about with some issues of late that have driven me to keep a low profile around here. Anyway, I decided to make a "comfort" purchase, sorta like eating 1/2 a bag of potato chips when you're not that hungry (and also realize that it probably isn't good for you). :eating:

I don't own a commemorative coin, but I've decided to build an 1893 mint series centering around my one and only Barber quarter (very toned) of the same date. I saw this on Teletrade tonight and I know, since there are a gazillion of these minted, that I probably could have waited until the next time I was at a show to see one in hand for a more careful purchase. But, as I said, I needed to find some satisfaction and, in a fit of undisciplined passion, I bought a small amount of medicine.

I didn't want to spend a boatload on this particular coin for a set, so a MS64 will suffice. I know I paid more than I should ($130 before BP), but I really don't care. What caught my eye with this one was the reverse toning. In comparing this lot to their archive of toned examples, it holds up well. There appears to be a bit of slab scuffing on the reverse near the globes. I'm hoping that the coin in hand will show more luster....we'll see. If not, I can always send it back and pay my penalty for this indulgence.

Any comments? You guys can be merciless.......I can take the heat (except Lehigh, don't bother - I know you hate these).

 

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first i am glad to see you old friend :hug:

second i kno exactly how u feel

third i have been searching for a coin witht hat design for 5 years and have failed

so if you like it thats al that matters.

we are here for you not to tear you apart always always remember that

BTW how are things in Dilbert land

 

Nice purchase catbert! Know what's funny is that I just bought one of these yesterday! No where near as nice as yours, but I only paid $11 from the bid board at my local coin shop. I purchased it because I needed one for my type set and it seemed a decent price for some colorful rim toning. What would she grade?

 

it my dear johnny it.

grade IMHO looks like it has once scratch too many XF details F

 

Dan, first nice to see a post from you so I guess a welcome back is in order. I too want to obtain one of these someday. I think there is an old thread on here somewhere about getting scratches/bad areas off slabs. You might consider sending it in not to be regraded, but just reslabed. It is a beautiful coin, nothing wrong with a comfort purchase once in awhile.

 

Good to see you back. I understand the fact that sometimes we just need satisfaction. It happens to all of us at sometime or another. I just splurged on an ancient, which I don't collect, because I thought it looked cool. Funny huh. But your Columbus has some nice subtle toning on the reverse that should enhance the value of the coin somewhat IMO. A nice buy.

 

Thanks for the comments guys......the key to whether I keep this coin is to see if there is decent luster. I've looked at a lot of these on line and most pictures I've seen seem to show the coin having a flat appearance. Weirdly, when I think about awaiting this coin from Teletrade and hoping to see some luster, I keep thinking about this old Roberta Flack song (yeah, I'm an ancient):

(just substitute "luster" for "love")

Where is the love
You said was mine all mine
Till the end of time
Was it just a lie
Where is the love

If you had had a sudden change of heart
I wish that you would tell me so
Don't leave me hangin on the promises
You've got to let me know

[Instrumental Interlude]

Oh, how I wish I never met you
I guess it must have been my fate
To fall in love with someone else's love
All I can do is wait
(That's all I can do)
Yeah, hey, yeah

 

XF45 details harshly cleaned

 

Unmercifully Mark says - Nice coin catbert. I really like the color - very nice. Not that blast white stuff nor that extra dark toning. Perfect.

 

Awesome Catbert! Looks like mine and I recently picked up an 82, to complete a two coin set. I'm getting more and more into the old commemoratives. Be careful, they are addictive.

 

Finally got around to taking some pics of my new piece. I'm happy with the coin since it will fit nicely so far in my quest to find well toned 1893 pieces. Heavy toning is not for everyone, but I like it! I think this MS64 Columbian Half will go well with my MS65 1893 Barber Quarter:






See, even the scuffs on the reverse of both pieces are kinda in the same places! What's the next 1893 piece? Probably a colorful Indian Cent or a Barber Dime. The Half and the Dollar and the Isabella will be very pricey. Probably should have picked a different year!

 

Both look very beautiful.

 

You've got 2 great coins to start off your 1893 year set. And, by the way, I can totally relate to a comfort purchase. I've had to cease buying all the coins I want and now buy only to fill that comfort requirement. Good to see you back.

Bruce

 

I really love that quarter!


btw, the half is nice too : )

 

Pretty coins and good photography too! I'm jealous (of the photography) ...

Best Regards,

George
=================
VDB Coins

 

I like your pictures the best Cat. I've been looking for a nice Columbian...

 

Awesome coins. I this like comfort food?? I made a few "comfort" purchases today too. Good description!

 

Just don't try that with your 93-S Morgan !

But seriously, folks....

Nice coin, CB. And that photo of your '93 Barber 25c is so fabulous, I remember it well from long ago.

And I agree with the earlier statement about "neither blast white nor darkly toned". I'm learning to appreciate the subtleties of original luster underneath moderate toning, and that 1893 25c is terrific.

 

Thanks very much, .900. I would say, though, that the quarter is heavily toned! Probably too much on the obverse, while the deep green and other colors on the reverse makes the coin special in my book.

 

just bell the cat