Among all the important data about 2 1/2 Dollar (quarter-eagles) gold coins, four stand out: I. Two are of the Turban Head type: A. 1802 1. all 1802s are 1802/1 overstrikes Pic courtesy of Coin Facts http://www.coinfacts.com/quarter_eagles/turban_head_quarter_eagles/1802_quarter_eagle.htm B. 1806 1. all 1806s are overstrikes a. 1806/4 b. 1806/5 Pic courtesy of Coin Facts: http://www.coinfacts.com/quarter_eagles/turban_head_quarter_eagles/1806_quarter_eagle.htm II. Two are of the Capped Bust type : A. 1824 1. all 1824s are overstrikes a. since there were no 1822s or 1823s minted these are 1824/1 overstrikes B. all 1826s are 1826/5 overstrikes Clinker
Um......What do you mean ? A) Out of all the 2.5 dollars, four stand out ? B ) Out of all the data, this is the most important ? C) This datum is the most important Grammar needs to be a bit better.....
Although "data" is technically plural (singular of it is "datum"), it seems modern convention treats it as a singular collective noun more often than not. Kind of like the way the plural of "stadium" is technically "stadia" but you'll almost never see it used; modern convention prefers "stadiums." There is no official body determining what is and is not proper English grammar; it all depends on common convention and general consensus, which can and does change over time. What is considered improper grammar now can easily be considered perfectly proper in the future.
Websters dictionary says- Data is now used both as a plural and a singular collective. The plural construction is the more appropriate in formal usage. The singular is acceptable to 50% of the Usage Panel. Regardless, thanks for the info Clinker.
Clinker, Thanks so much for posting that information! I really like those coins! Especially the "dates". Thanks again! swick
Thnaks for the info. Not like I am going to be anywhere close to owning a nice one anytime soon, still neat to know. Thanks! Phoenix
