Completed Washington Quarter Collection/Album

That is a very impressive accomplishment. Some great looking coins in there!

 

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Some great posts here.

I always liked the '65 to '67 coinage because there is so much variety to it. They used numerous processes and techniques to produce these coins so there's something for everyone.

One that rarely gets any attention is a 1966 quarter produced by heavily polished dies. It's an ugly coin but it usually comes blemish free and is quite scarce. I've seen a few of these (non-cameo) that are apparently full Proofs! There are even versions minted for circulation using various SMS dies.

People pay very little attention to the post-64 coinage and soon enough due to attrition there won't even be enough to satisfy the very paltry demand.

 

Working on edits to post below. Ran into some weird formatting issues. Photobucket???

 

I was viewing the toned coin thread earlier tonight and this led me in all sorts of directions. Coin photography has always been one of my challenges and it seems that I still can’t get it right. The non-SMS coins posted before did those coins no service. The quarter album is full of coins with varying degrees of toning and I’m reminded of them with each new post in the toning thread. Tonight, I’d like to share some coins representing what may be my favorite “look” or type of toning. Since toning accounts for so much of what we call “eye appeal,” I also want to consider the rest of the mix as it relates to this series.

I’ve mentioned my goal of having only “original surfaces” coins within this thread. There’s no doubt that out of 212 coins, some may not be. However, I believe the vast majority (if not all) are. Any collector that says this had better be (or have once been) familiar with each and every issue’s intricacies. As many here are already aware, the difference in a year, mint, or decade can drastically change what “look” of coin you can realistically expect to obtain. This site, books, internet research, etc… all assisted me in realizing you can’t, for instance, expect the same quality, eye appeal, finish, strike, or whatever, consistently or necessarily. This is especially so within the 1932-1998 Washington series. This is even more so, when pursuing both business strikes and proofs. Face-to-coin experience is probably the best way to understand and appreciate this, but in the real world, this is very difficult to achieve.

In terms of the quality, appeal, and attractiveness of the coins I will share below, they are not unique to this album. I identified a particular look I was interested in, having flipped album page after album page from city to city. While these are better examples, I didn’t “cherry pick” them from the album just to share here, so know there are more. Save for the first coin, all were purchased raw.

My experience would lead me to believe that at least 4 out of the following 5 coins, spent time in collector albums. Based on their appearance, some of you will probably be able to tell us the exact album model, manufacturer, and production date lol. That “time served” was and is important to me. It’s important to me because like “textile toning” or proof issue “milk spots,” it offers some degree of pedigree/origins. When you combine this with blazing/frosty luster, the absence of odd hairlines under 10X magnification, crispy strikes, and an almost prooflike appearance, you can be pretty confident you are dealing with original surfaces NT coinage. The 1937-S is the only example out of the 5 coins below which (unfortunately, IMO) does not also offer some “bare metal silver” for contrast. I just absolutely love it when we are granted this opportunity. It’s so captivating to be able to observe blazing silver and attractive toning on the same piece.

As previously suggested, it’s extremely fulfilling to be able to do what you will with the contents of an album. While considering the following coin similarities this evening, I appreciate how diligent and selective I was. Q. David Bowers constantly advised WQ collectors in the Guide Book of WQ’s to never settle. I hope my selectivity is highlighted here, as I feel these are some eye appealing O.S examples!

1937-S: This coin was graded MS-65 by PCGS. It was purchased for $359.00 back in 2014 and cracked out. It’s an extremely vibrant and lustrous coin with an excellent strike. There are some extremely minor hits which are only perceptible under 5X magnification on focal areas. The fields are absolutely remarkable with what looks to be traces of very faint die polishing. The coin displays a light russet/golden overall hue with a pronounced copper and lavender hue along its Eastern periphery. I agree with the PCGS grade.









1941-D: This coin was purchased for $65.00 back in 2012. It displays an extremely well-defined strike and frosty cartwheel luster. Under 5X magnification, it’s entirely void of any hit except for a faint bag mark I only noticed while using 10X, but could later observe under 5X. Mostly blast white, an attractive copper/russet tone runs along its NW to SE periphery. Within this periphery, a slight but perceptible line of rainbow toning has developed (crimson/lime/electric blue). Because of that faint bag mark in the hair, I would grade this an extremely strong 66.







1953: I picked this one up for $14.00 back in 2009 from a local B&M. It is absolutely ripping with luster and has an extremely well-defined strike. The coin has a prooflike appearance with absolutely flawless fields. A few extremely minor bag abrasions on the portrait and a faint hairline over the cheek under 5X. There’s a subtle and very attractive lavender/copper band of toning along its northern edge with even a little electric blue mixed in. I grade this coin a 66.







1956: Purchased raw for $28.00 in 2010, this coin is just screaming with luster and has an extremely pronounced strike. With a prooflike appearance, it exhibits a small bag mark in the western obverse field with some extremely slight chatter on the portrait. The reverse appears near perfect, but careful examination reveals a flaw or two. What I would consider to be a very appealing early copper album tone, lines its edge, and flatters its blast white center. Despite some flaws which I would deem to be more forgivable today, I grade this a 65.







1958: $14.00 was also paid for this example. I would have purchased it somewhere between 2008-2012. It has that quality 1950’s decade appeal but with a great strike. This one also has some near PL quality. Wonderful luster and clean fields. A die-break runs from eagle head to wing. This coin’s periphery toning has advanced to what I would describe as “stage two.” Some of the russets/coppers/golds/lavenders of the first stage have started to develop into the electric blue, crimson, lime greens, etc… This coin has some minor contact marks under 5X, but they are pleasingly concealed for the most part! This coin is very appealing to me and probably many others. I would have to technically grade this coin somewhere between an MS64 and 65. I assigned a grade to each album coin years ago, this one was assigned a 64+. That plus represented this sort of a split grade.









It’s re-assuring to know my standards have not changed, or have they? Here are my “then” grades to my “now”…

Date MM “Years Ago” Grade Today’s Grade

1937-S 65 with an asterisk for PQ 65

1941-D 65 with an asterisk for PQ 66

1953 66 with an asterisk for PQ 66

1956 65 65

1958 64 with an asterisk for PQ 64-65

Please comment on your thoughts and don’t hold back. While I take this very seriously, I am just a collector and would appreciate your input on any and everything in this thread. Post your own coins, critique my grading, point out my inaccuracies, etc…

Thanks for viewing!

 

Sorry, I'm late to the party. I've gotta resurrect this thread!

 

Any updates @WashQuartJesse?

 

That's a wonderful accomplishment and something to be very proud of!!!

 

Thanks, I missed it the first time around.

 

Islander, I purchased one of rmpsrpms' coin photography systems and now have the ability to better portray each and every one of these. I may decide to highlight small "sub-sets" or one day, take and share each and every example. Your enthusiasm encourages me to share, so let me know if there's anything specific I should shoot! At this time, I believe I'd prefer to leave the album as-is, a completion within a specified time.

So far, my biggest regret is that I've never shared this album in person, with another. It's predominantly comprised of coins I purchased from others, in person, which, I've yet to share... weird. My hope is that I can eventually will this to a numismatic group who can share it w/ all. Just hope it's good enough type of thing.

I'm very fortunate to have been able to assemble this set. It, and the dealers who assisted in its completion, carried me through some difficult times.

Thank you LakeEffect and ljvette for your kind sentiments. I will continue to collect and assemble albums but this will ALWAYS be my highlight.

 

Just to add - beautiful collection, especially for a coin that I - used to - have little interest in since they have been part of the world for longer than I have. But seeing these gems has gotten me thinking that's it time to collect some for myself.

 

When I was a kid, many decades ago, I was working on an XF-45 set of Mercury Dimes and my best friend Mike was putting together a BU set of Washington Quarters. We would ride our bikes to the LCS on Saturdays and spend our lawn mowing money on 2 or 3 coins for our blue Whitman albums.

So I have a soft spot for Uncirculated Washington quarter collections

 

No nothing specific, I'm still trying to digest your detailed and in-depth synopsis of your set. Just an outstanding job compiling these quarters! I know the sense of pride and accomplishment you must feel!

I completed a Dansco set within the past year. Only 1932 to 1980. My proofs only started at 68. The entire album is Mint State except the 32 D & S, those are AU-58's. No earlier silver proofs like yours.

Your set will motivate others! Thanks for sharing. Semper Fi!

 

Super! Nice job, Truly a labor of love.

 

Excellent!. My collection is complete only to 1944.

 

Nice to see a collectors hard and long labor completed. Thanks for sharing.

 

That is awesome!! Congratulations. I only have about 10 coins in my Quarter Album. Hehe

My question is, How do you get your coins in the snaps without getting grubby hands (or gloved hands) on the proof coins? I have the type of snaps with foam inserts.

 

Fun set.

Back in about 1998 when they announced the States quarters program I figured that Washington quarters had no where to go but up, due to the States quarters.

I put together an unc set, except for 32 P AU-50, 32D AU-50, 32S AU-55, and the '36 D, AU50+. The 36 D I included because it was a D/D/D mintmark.
I haven't
Then I grabbed a bunch of 32 D's & S's, because they were just too cheap.

How about 32 D's in VF for $45 & $48
32 S in VF $69, and $45
XF for $50, and an AU for $75?

 

Dividebytube: Thank you and I hope you do. Washies may seem so “run of the mill” but I’ve always found so much more in them.

Lake Effect: I can relate! When I was a young boy, I’d do anything to pick up a little purchasing money. For better or for worse, I have always been a collector. Thankful too, that most of my childhood friends were as well. Something I reflect upon more and more lately, is that just about all of my family had a coin “stash”/collection of some sort. As a boy, it was a lot of fun to have the opportunity to view them! One of these was one of my great grandfather’s, and he was a more serious collector. His collection was pretty significant. Can’t remember all of the details, but full of 1700’s and 1800’s stuff in addition to earlier 1900’s. Like to think it’s all in that old dresser drawer still, but a fine memory no matter what. I remember doing an “appraisal” of it,at around the age of 8.

Islander: There’s a tremendous sense of accomplishment, and maybe even a hope, that by sharing this, others will be motivated to collect. Probably many life lessons that may get overlooked, in doing so. Sincerely appreciate your encouragement.

Mark: Thank you! Definitely some nights when coin appreciation would have to battle appetite…

Geek: Those blast whites will really get you. I don’t know if there’s anything nicer than a page of 50’s era examples…ohh my! You’re right too, some of those dates/mm’s…! I can appreciate your feelings on some of these feeling as little more than fancy bullion, however, in the end, quality will prevail and demand its premium. I’ve considered sending them all in, at some point down the road, funny you should mention that. One day, I may, for reasons you suggest. Thank you Matt!

LA: Thank you! Hope you will continue on.

Mountain Man: Best avatar on this forum imho and thank you! Spend most of my time in the mountains lately, but look more like your everyday Pilgirm!

Benjamin: Thank you! I crack them out in an old vice by hand. Snap three sides off, then carefully remove top cover. With one side of slab removed, I’ll do a quick “flip”/transfer on to an air blown snap. If I have to, I’ll take a toothpick or pen cap to reeded edge, to center, and go slow.

 

Great to see a collector for the love of the pursuit! A true collector and a credit to our group! Wish we had more of you!