My proof 7070 set

As most of you probably know by now, I am just addicted to proof coins. It just amazes me that the mint was able to produce such quality so long ago. Many early proofs are exceedingly rare, but the hunt has always been my favorite parts of doing a collection like this. I have been working on a proof type set for almost twenty years now, and I am happy to say that it is almost filled. You will have to forgive me for using the auction images, but my photography skills are simply deplorable.

Here are the first of many to come, the odd types coins.

My most recent acquisition is this stunning 1852 half cent. The image hides the lovely shades of indigo blue and lavender that cover the nicely mirrored fields.



Next is the proof only 1873 two-cent piece. This particular coin shows hardly any mirrored surfaces leading me to believe that it was a particularly late die state, but overall, a well struck example of this key date.



The classic three cent silver proofs will always be among my favorites. This particular example has one of the nicest cameos that I have ever seen and is surrounded by light maroon toning.



Perhaps the most simple design ever produced, the three cent nickels are a reminder that less can be more. This lovely 1878 has light shades of gold and blue making this proof only issue particularly attractive.



The half dime is always fun to explain to a non-collector, and made great charm bracelets when they were initially released. This nicely preserved 1870 displays a nice cameo and light peripheral toning.



Hope you enjoyed, much more to come.

 

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Well that's a great start.
Bring on the rest please

 

I am still searching for the ever elusive proof large cents, but how about some small cents.

The 1858 Flying Eagle cent is the last of one of the shortest runs of any regular issue US coin. Only the Flowing Hair designs had a shorter run. This particular coin is basically without mirrors, lending to the notion that it was one of the last Flying Eagle cents ever struck.



In contrast to the Flying Eagle cent, this flashy 1876 has a bold cameo highlighted with light shades of red and green toning. The highlight of my proof Indian cent collection.



This early matte proof Lincoln cent was found in a roll by my grandfather in the eighties believe it or not. It later graded PR-65RB by PCGS.

Nickels next...

 

This is Great!!! I have several first year U.S. Type sets in higher quality coins but to do proofs WOW!!! I have only dreamed of being able to do this what a great venture! You can see my Type Set on youtube search for richcali21 then look for "U.S. Type Set part 1"
Wow
thanks for sharing

 

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This early matte proof Lincoln cent was found in a roll by my grandfather in the eighties believe it or not. It later graded PR-65RB by PCGS.
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Was it an unsearched roll on eBay? :devil:


Awesome collection! I love holding and looking at coins like these. I can't imagine owning one let alone several!

You said you've been collecting for 20 years, do you search for and only buy a certain number of coins per year? I'm too impatient I guess but looking at this makes me think....

 

I've been collecting for almost 35 years and I am 38 years old. My family has been collecting since about 1870 when my Great Great Grandfather started. I currently take care of the family collection so I keep it up to date. My usual yearly purchases from the mint include a mint set, a proof, silver proof set, a proof and business strike ASE and a one ounce proof AGE. On top of that I buy a few proofs and a few nice Morgans. Along with the proof type set, I am currently working on a proof Liberty nickel set. I still have five more to go with that set. I haven't decided what will be my next set yet, but I'm leaning toward a proof set of Barber dimes.

When I was younger, it was always quantity over quality with a few nice ones sprinkled in. But today it I can only purchase a few coins of high quality a year, that is what I do.

 

A stunning and beautiful collection. :thumb:

 

Drool! I've always prefered quality over quantity and I'm only 25. But like bigT, this makes me question my overall goals lol. I also liked hearing your story. I see some of these coins from members and wonder/question how they afforded, found it, what's their story. All and all, amazing amazing, amazing!

 

Goodness gracious Kirk, I'm floored right now at the sheer beauty of your collection!! Love the 1852 Large Cent, bet that cost a good amount of coin!

 

Nickels, my favorite denomination...

The first is this well struck 1877 Shield nickel. With a deep cameo, this blast white example comes from a mintage of only 510 for this proof only issue.


Next is a pattern Liberty nickel J-1671, the obverse of my avatar and my favorite pattern piece. With a known population of about 25 examples, this lavender piece took many years to find.



The Liberty nickel series is my favorite of the Barber designes and this stunning 1906 could be the reason. It was the first early proof that I ever bought.



The Buffalo nickels have only a few years of proofs and were produced with matte and mirrored finishes. This 1937 has the classic mirrored finish with a strong strike.



This 1942 type 2 Jefferson has a pleasing strike and is nicely preserved.



Dimes next...

 

As I wipe the drool from my chin...what a outstanding group of Proof Nickels two :thumb::thumb:

 

Wonderful set!

 

Yay dimes. I want to see your merc. It's my favorite coin. I'd also be curious to know where you found here as I've been looking for a nice example.

 

What have you along the lines of gold proofs?

 

Patience, not there yet.

 

Dimes, some little beauties. I still want some earlier ones, but let's start with the Seated dimes.

This early Seated dime has a bold strike, deep mirrors and a nice cameo highlighted with subtle shades of russet red toning.



The image truly does this coin no justice. Not much of a cameo on this one, but the colors are magnificent in hand.



Just for you tdog is this spectacular PR-66 CAC CAM. Blast white coin with a nice cameo for a Mercury dime which very rarely display these features.



This little PR-67 CAM Roosie has gorgeous mirrors and is as fresh as the day it came off of the dies.



Quarters next, including a surprising and controversial coin. Anyone care to guess what it is?

 

The type 1 standing?

 

Aside from the spot on her cap (i'm a little OCD about my coinage) she looks amazing. Where did you find her if you don't mind me asking?

 

It was purchased through David Lawrence. The spots that you see on the cap and on the neck were on the slab and not on the coin. I have since had it put in a new slab, but I don't have an up to date image.

 

Oh good. Some may say its picky of me but when I see certain marks they become so distracting its hard to look past them and see the beautiful coin.