Copper Fever

How do you know you've got a case of Old Copper Fever?

When you are tempted to buy back your own duplicates you put on consignment.

I've found that I just can't let the old copper go. Gold? No problem. Silver? The same. Even 'newer' copper like Indian Cents. No problem. I've only let one go without regrets and that was for a mission from God.

ps - That is a Blues Brothers reference for the kids.

 

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I don't have any old copper, but, honestly, I cannot part with any copper coins. I even have a jar of damaged parking lot type cents that are only worth melt that I simply cannot bring myself to dump. I would love to start getting some earlier copper, but am to self aware to even start. Doing that could very easily do me in. lol

 

I know what you mean Marshall, I can't part with any type of coins, whether copper, silver or whatever. My favorites though are coppers, especially half cents. I won't even sell or trade my duplicates. I guess I do have copper fever,and silver fever and ...... Well, you know what I mean!

 

Sorry for my ignorance... When did they stop making US copper cents... Thanks.
Mike B

 

That was in 1982 and although some were still made with 95% copper that year, most went to 97.5% zinc. Cents now contain only 2.5% copper which is the plating.

 

Thanks Copper Head

 

Middle of 1982.

 

Same here, I think we all may need an intervention....

 

Marshall, I completely understand.

Right now, I'm overcoming the greatest "separation anxiety" I've ever had in coin collecting. This week, I placed two big, big coppers with a client - the best 1793 Chain cent I've ever had, and the best 1793 half cent I've ever had. Many of you have seen them at shows.

Gasp.

Anyway, I had earlier sold this gentleman a 1793 wreath cent. I'm overjoyed that I was able to build his complete 1793 type set for him, but it was a little sad watching them go.

So here's a little trivia quiz for you sharpie copperheads... See if you can spot what is special about the three coins. There is a unique "synchronicity" to these particular die varieties which makes them a very compatible, well matched set. the varieties are :

Half Cent : 1793 Cohen-1
Chain Cent : 1793 Sheldon-4
Wreath Cent : 1793 Sheldon-10

What is common to those three ? Other than the date... :headbang:

 

I'm not sure how you tell, but you DO have it, Marshall.

 

Dots or beads? Each has a reverse used in other die pairings? All from the same batch of copper planchets? All have used Lee and Talbot coins as planchets? All are available in MS? All may have been designed by the chief engraver? As you can tell, I'm guessing.

 

Your first guess was the winner !

All three of those varieties have punctuation. The S-4 is the "periods" Chain, with periods after LIBERTY and the date. The C-1 and S-10 both have periods after AMERICA, leading some folks to think those dies were made about the same time. Another similarity 'twixt C-1 and S-10 is the unusually long wreath stems.

 

I know what you mean Marshall. This is why I usually do not sell coins, even if I do not really collect them any more. I guess I am a worst case, since any coin I have is not for sale. I may give them away to new collectors or sell to someone really working on a set or appreciates it more than I, but for something as inane as money? Nah, I would rather have my coins.

I am even the same with books, having to have my wife sell duplicates for me since I cannot bear it. I would prefer to give them away just like I am doing right now with a contest here on CT.

 

No copper fever here. Of course my fever is the hunt to complete my dansco album of large cents. One of these days.

 

Well, I just won a scudzy Fr-2 S-87 with worn out 96. It was still identifiable with a solid Ag Reverse and the JHF and date locations visible though not readable. A Liberty cap in AG goes for about $200 and I paid $37.50 for this. I let it pass last week at $50.

This is Copper Fever on a budget.

 

Yep - it is. And if you are doing varieties then this is how to do it on a budget.

 

I actually have this variety already, but couldn't pass up a chance to pick up a cheap 1796 Liberty Cap misidentified as a 1795. I've recently been trying to assemble an affordable set of Liberty Caps. I'm now up to 16. It's my third duplicate.

 

Well I only have one 1796 Liberty cap, been looking for another for my dansco album. Just have not seen the right one just yet.

 

Well this will be my 7th 1796 Liberty Cap. I've picked up the S-81 R3-, S-85 R5-, S-86 R5, S-87 R3- (2), S-89 R3+ and S-91 R3. I haven't photographed my last three pickups yet.

 

ive gotten rid of alot from crummyish capped bust halves to modern proof sets but cant see myself getting rid of most of my large cents.