As I have done in prior years, I like to reflect on what I believe were my top additions for the year. The order starts with the earliest pickup and goes to the most recent one. Please vote for your favorite in the poll and add any comments to the thread. (1) We begin with a beautiful coin acquired from @CircCam (he does not just specialize in CircCam pieces, he has a great eye for all sorts of coins). While a common date, the combination of luster and color make this 1958-D MS 66 (CAC) Quarter stand out. I was happy to start off the year on such strong footing! Photos are courtesy of @CircCam (who does a great job with images). (2) Next up is a 1989-S PR 68 DCAM Silver Eagle. This coin sports lovely color on both sides and reminds me of a sunset. It was added during the Central States show in April from a dealer who I've picked up some other nice toners from. (3) Yes another Eagle! At one point I was dubious of all toned silver Eagles and mainly avoided them but lately I've changed my ways. With my usual go-to, toned Morgans, being harder to acquire at what I feel are reasonable numbers, toned Eagles have become an alternative (still pricey though). This year I've run across several nice ones and this attractive reverse toned 1997 (PCGS MS 68) caught my eye in the first half of the year. (4) Now we have the first of the world coins on this list. This 1972 Silver 10 Lirot from Israel (NGC PF 64) has a fairly minimalist design but the colors really bring out the beauty. It was fortunate addition from an online auction in the first half of the year. (5) Having found an ideal 1892 Columbian, I continued searching for a 1992 that would make a nice pair. This modern silver Commemorative has a design that I like but finding one with color was a challenge. Finally an example showed up and I bid strong-I'm sure a record price for a PR 68! I'm happy to have both in my collection now. Here is the thread if you want to see the 1892 (which was a top 10 addition in 2021): https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1092104/100-years-apart-columbus (6) The first and only Morgan on the list this year is an 1879 PCGS MS 63 with lovely dual sided toning. While I did not seek out tougher dates for color, this was too nice to pass up when the opportunity presented itself. (7) This one just sparkles! While 1958 is the most common date for Franklins with color, when they look like this, it is hard to pass up. I was fortunate to win this example at a relatively modest premium. (8) A nice Kennedy had been on the want list for a while. I was initially focused on a 1964, which I eventually found but later sold as it didn't quite fit what I wanted. Then this nuclear 1966 became available and I figured it fit better than any 1964 I've seen up to this point. I'm glad for that decision as this coin is super attractive in hand. (9) Another want list item found! This 1894 Guatemala Peso is a beautiful silver crown with prooflike surfaces and great luster. It replaced a solid MS 62 example (that I thought was as good as it would be until this one came along). (10) The only "modern" to make this list, this 2023 coin is a unique entry from Kazakhstan. Below is a brief description from a press release. The design of the coin is based on the legend of the mythical tree of life (Baiterek), which holds the earth with its roots and supports the sky with its crown. The sacred bird Samruk, living at the top of the tree, and Aidahar, living at its roots, are eternal symbols of the change of summer and winter, day and night, the struggle between good and evil. The coin is made from silver with a tantalum insert. The total weight is 162.2 grams, the diameter is 50 mm, it is of proof quality, and the mintage is 500.
Nice coins, every single one of them! I voted for the Morgan. Not often when you see one with exceptional toning on both sides.
I voted for JFK (8). I always thought that was one of our most inspired designs. And he looks quite dapper toned.
The Morgan was my vote. I’m not much of a fan of any coin that doesn’t depict lady liberty on them. Just not a modern coinage fan. Though the Kennedy probably my second choice. Hard to find one pretty like that
It was hard to pass up 1. That Washington is real perty. I voted for the 66. The toning is incredible, add in the heavily polished surface. Nice coin.
It's interesting to see that the Morgan (#6) has the most votes so far (5 votes) and the only other coin to get more than a single vote, at 2 votes, is the Kennedy (#8).
#7 Franklin for me. Lovely coin. Both the eagles look very nice to me as well. I am like you, I have always had only blast white Eagles. Maybe that needs to change... That sunset one is yummy.
