Opinions on what could have been coins?

Hello All, What do you think of NGC's Smithsonian Collection coins like the one below or the 1906 Barber? I DO understand that I should purchase what I like and that should be the main consideration. I am just trying to get a feel if they are a gimmicky, fad type coin. Plus, I need something to feed my coin affliction while saving for a Pre-33 Gold coin.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GEORGE-T-MO...931405?hash=item4649446b4d:g:eDIAAOSwx-9Wx85D

 

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I think Miss Liberty needs some vitamins.

Sorry but actual Liberty should induce a sense of vibrancy not a sense of: "where's the remote." Just my not so humble opinion.

French Sower:

vibrancy

 

These are gimmicks. They are fantasies.

I have no idea why NGC is slabbing them.

 

Wasn't there a time when TPG's would not slab a fantasy or reproduction coin?

 

I would not buy it.

 

I would much rather have a real coin, but to each his own.

 

Although I am neither a fan of them nor would I purchase them, some fantasy coins, if purchased cheaply can be used to round out a collection of say, Morgan Dollars key dates which you might never be able to afford. Just to fill those holes until enough money comes around for someone to actually purchase the real ones. I'm not suggesting anyone do this but it might appeal to some. And to newbies, don't ever purchase these at "As seen on TV" prices. Many dealers sell these for a song in the after market.

 

I pass on this sort of gimmick. And I wonder why NGC is grading it.

 

That is why I asked and I appreciate the reply's. I've learned a lot since joining here a few weeks ago and also saved a few bucks by learning to stay away from coins like this. These coins are not cheap and sell for around $100. It is a nice coin but in my opinion that $100 would be better off used towards a pre-33 gold coin in a month or two. I'll just search through some change to feed my affliction while I am saving.

 

I vaguely remember these; they're not a "coin", and certainly are not what the seller attempts to fluff it into being, but if you like such things, don't let anyone tell you not to collect or enjoy them. Just know ALL the facts before parting with any money.

With that said though, if your goal is a "pre-33 gold coin", it wouldn't make much sense to drop $140 on this just to get your fix. $140 is (or can be anyway) doorstep money, depending on exactly what you want, of course.

 

It's 1.5 ounces of silver, so I guess it's worth about $22. Buy what you like, I guess, but this is purely a promotional gimmick tailor made to sell to the unsuspecting buyer. It also doesn't look like a very good execution of the original design. If you're interested in this design, I would recommend, and think you'd get more enjoyment from, The Private Sketchbook of George Morgan, which is about $25 on Amazon for a hardcover.

Also, it is not technically correct to refer to this as a coin, as it wasn't minted by an entity authorized to coin money.

 

I bought one of these a while back because I liked it. I also own the George Morgan Sketchbook.

Buy what you like, but do some homework before buying.

 

One for money, and two they didn't grade it they just holdered it. Unless you consider "Gem Proof" a grade.

Another thing is the reason it looks so poorly done is because they copied a rough sketch of Morgan's not a finished design.