I've been chasing this particular coin for many years. I've been the underbidder a couple of times, and I've seen it on Ebay at least once. When I arrived at FUN, I saw this in a dealer's case and I instantly recognized it. The dealer wanted strong money for it, but he was right when he said it is the nicest example you'll ever find. I put it back in the case and told him I'd think about it. He wanted strong money. I came back and asked if he could go any lower on it. He couldn't. I walked around a bit more. Finally, I remembered a piece of advice I'd heard many years ago. It was this same dealer who gave me that advice, actually: If you can't get a coin out of your head, and it's a really special coin, just buy it. To he** with the price. And so I bought it. 1810 Switzerland (Bern) 5 Batzen, NGC MS-66 DPL with Gold WINGS sticker:
I struggled with this same problem last year. Fortunately, the dealer did negotiate and allow me to make payments. Sometimes, you just have to do it. Beautiful coin, by the way.
My pictures don't do this coin justice at all. In hand, it has exquisite cameo contrast and deep watery fields. And the strike is immaculate, with the exception of the bow on the wreath.
That is an absolute stunner! That is the type of coin you would have regretted passing up for a long time. Congrats on pulling the trigger. Cherish it!
Thanks for the great comments, y'all! This one is buried deep in the Poe Collection. (Coming in a few decades to a Heritage Auction near you: the Poe Collection )