I'm wavering. I like some things about each. When the right AU58 comes along I'll probably sell both. Which do you prefer and why? Guess the grades, if you like. Lance.
i like #2. personal eye appeal, i guess. both are nice and i see why you would want either. but if forced to choose, i would get #2.
The second one is pretty attractive, therefore this is the one I would choose. Others here say it is an XF45, but it looks like a lower AU grade just with a soft strike. There is too much underlying lustur for an XF coin in my opinion. Either way, both coins are VERY beautiful. -Brian
Hmmm - to the original question keep both. Two varieties the second is an O-107A R1, nice coin, but a weak strike with the shattered die. The first appears to be an O-108 R4 coin not sure since I only spent a few minutes glancing at it. And if you have to choose I would choose the first 1 - nicer strike and tougher variety. Then again you could just try for all 10 varieties - they both are nice for different reasons. Just my humble opinion.
I like the first coin much better because it was not struck with worn out, beat up dies. The design looks like what it was supposed to look like. On the second coin some elements of the design are deformed like the stretched out stars and portions of the legends. And I hate die cracks, always have. I find them very distracting and ugly on a coin. Yeah coins with die cracks are as struck. But die cracks are a flaw plain and simple. A big glaring flaw that jumps up and slaps you in the face at first glance. And I prefer my coins without manufacturing flaws.
Yes, you are correct that the first one is O.108, R4 (BHNC R2). It was in a blue ANACS AU50, crossed to PCGS with a different grade. It's a little lighter in color, mostly silver with hints of golden brown. Rim toning on both sides, especially vibrant on the reverse. Typically flat stars but with better than average milling. Good points here. Doug knows what he likes and dislikes. Personally, I like die cracks, clashing, cuds, etc. But they're not for everyone. The second CBH was made from worn dies, evidenced by the poorer detail at and around the clasp, the left wing feathers and head, and the die cracks around the periphery of both sides. I bought it in its PCGS holder, same grade as #1. I like #2's color more...it fits my date set better. But I'm not ready to branch out for all varieties. I guess I'll just hang onto them both a while until a nice, high grade AU comes along. Lance.
