What coin(s) are you targeting if you can scrounge up the $$$....find a coin exactly to your liking....etc. ? I have 3 coins I'd love to get: My 1908 No Motto Wells Fargo Saint in MS-66 with the OGH and CAC. I want the OGH not because of any holder-envy but because it's what the Wells Fargo Hoard was originally encapsulated in. Struck out on this at FUN 2026. Something like a 1922 Saint but with a Gold CAC (I don't have any Gold CACs). I'd like OGH here but it's not a dealbreaker. Probably targeting MS-63 or LOWER. An otherwise common Saint in low-60's grade to keep the cost down. A 2013-W Buffalo Reverse Proof in the NGC Black holder with the bison on the label. The gold in the reverse proof just looks so much better against a black holder than the white one, IMO. Unfortunately, even if I find them, the cost factor is somewhat prohibitive. I might have to settle for just 1 coin and MAYBE luck out and get 2 of them.
Pretty simple for me: 1. A reasonably affordable (for me) 1909 S VDB that has reasonable eye appeal. 2. Upgraded seated half dollar for my seated type set. 3. A reasonably affordable (for me) 1877 Indian head cent that has reasonable eye appeal. I am not actively pursuing these coins, but if I come across them, I will bite.
If I don't get any of them or goto FUN 2027 with $$$ to buy one...and I don't see what I like...then the question is do I compromise and maybe goto choices #4, #5, etc. ? Or maybe I put the $$$ into currency options like a Large Denomination Bills.....Gold Certificates...etc. I'll settle for stuff I like but not just buy anything. Originally, I had Buyer's Remorse on the FUN 2026 CAC purchases probably because I was used to buying/looking at MS-65's and higher. But a Choice UNC MS-63, with the CAC, still looks nice so they've grown on me. Might goto a local coin show this weekend and I did buy a bill on HA a few months ago but the Big $$$ are staying locked-up until January unless I see one of those 3 in front of me before then. I'm thinking that 1 and 2 might be tough to see at FUN 2027 so maybe best to pounce before then. Coin #3 I think being a modern I should be able to find it among 600 dealers.
I am currently working on 2 different sets. 1 is a date set of Barber Dimes with an emphasis on old ANACS soap box holders (Plus a few other Barbers; quarters & Halves). The other set is a group of Seated coins; also in the old ANACS holders. I allready have about 80 Seated coins but only a handfull are old ANACS. Since I'm hoping to win the lottery I hope to throw in some other 19th Century coins too. James
I'll borrow one of your choices. The 1908 No Motto Wells Fargo Saint with the OGH, I don't need a 66 just one that looks good. 1947 Saudi Arabia Gold Pound ARAMCO Still kick myself for not snagging the last one I saw even though it wasn't certified and made into a pendant. A finger of gold from the Atocha come on lottery winnings...
MS-63 with a CAC -- just like my 2 DEs from FUN 2026 -- could be the ticket, RTE. Good-looking coins....CAC for luster or overall eye appeal...definitely stick with Wells Fargo pedigree with OGH/CAC and it should have really nice luster and eye appeal.
It'll cost a "pretty penny" for one. I'd have to take out a small loan for that pretty little coin. That and I'd be on the couch indefinitely, . I should have invested long ago.
Will they be available from the Mint for all who want them (I suspect not)..... or unless you get lucky are you talking about having to buy in the 2ndary market ? At 1/10th of an ounce....Mint premium....figure $750 or so ? I think we talked about this in a different thread but OK to repeat it here. If buyers have to goto the 2ndary market, then figure a premium on the Mint premium and then you are talking $1,000 ?
I don't have any specific coins in mind. With that said I would enjoy upgrading any current examples. As a world collector this is usually a little more difficult, especially since I prefer already graded coins, though I've had some success sending in my own for grading to accomplish this. I would also like to add 1-2 more Thalers in the coming year. Again, nothing in particular in my mind. I'll know it when I see it.
Adding to my Seated Liberty Half collection (2 or possibly 3 examples), followed by a roll of 2027 Silver Eagles.
H'mm. 20 cent in MS or PF 65/66 Nice early cob, any colonial mint, 17th century 1866 Shield Nickel, MS or PF 66, fully struck and nice. Wreath Cent, around VF. Chain Cent, around G or better if details. Any Capped Bust Half Dime that is a die marriage still needed or a nice upgrade. Enough there to make it possible to get something and to keep the thrill of the hunt going
Funny you should mention HA weekly auctions. I missed half the year but my searches showed almost no sm. ANACS slabs came on the market in 2026; until now. HA has an auction in October that features both Seated coins and a group of the old ANACS holders. (Here's hoping they do the same thing with Barbers in November!!) James
