In this thread I would like to compare the key rarities of the 20th Century. I decided to include the most well known and obtainable rarities limiting the selection to one coin per denomination. This eliminated such coins as the 1932-D Washington Quarter and the 1913 Liberty Nickel. I understand that there are other rarities in the 20th Century, but IMO these are the four rarest and most popular. The big four are listed below. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent (Shown as PCGS MS66 RD) 1937-D 3 Legged Buffalo Nickel (Shown as PCGS MS65) 1916-D Mercury Dime (Shown as NGC MS65 FB) 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (Shown as PCGS MS66) l will display a photo of the most attractive example that I could find for each issue along with the population, mintage, Numismedia Wholesale Value, price realized for coin displayed, and some comments about the issue in general. All photos & auction prices are courtesy of Heritage Auctions. AFTER READING THE INFORMATION, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO VOTE FOR THE RARITY THAT YOU WOULD MOST LIKE TO OWN Note: You don't necessarily need to make your vote based upon the specific examples I chose, but you should keep the grades the same. For example, if you would like to have a 1916 SLQ MS66 but don't like the toned coin I displayed, you can still vote for the 1916 SLQ. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent PCGS MS66 RD Population: 205/10 Mintage: 484,000 Numismedia Wholesale: $12,500 Price Realized: $14,950 Comments: The 1909-S VDB Lincoln is the king of the 20th Century cents. Although the 1922 No D and 1955 DDO rival this coin in price, any Lincoln Cent collector knows, the first question they are asked after announcing they collect Lincolns is "Really, do you have a 1909-S VDB?" 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel PCGS MS65 Population: 92/22 Mintage: Unknown--but total pop of NGC & PCGS is 9,169 Numismedia Wholesale: $26,250 Price Realized: $37,375 Comments: The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel has stiff competition from the 1918-D 8 over 7, the 1926-S, as well as some of the other double dies from the series. However, it is undoubtedly the most well known and collected nickel of the 20th century. After all, what is cooler than a buffalo with only 3 legs. Somehow, the 8 over 7 just doesn't compare. 1916-D Mercury Dime MS65 FB Population: 55/31 Mintage: 264,000 Numismedia Wholesale: $44,750 Price Realized: $35,940 Comments: The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the undisputed heavyweight champ of the 20th Century dimes. No other dime even comes close. The coin is collected in all grades and drives 4 figure prices in even the lowest collectible grades. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter PCGS MS66 Population: 11/1 Mintage: 52,000 Numismedia Wholesale: $27,500 Price Realized: $34,500 Comments: The mintage of the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is almost 9 times less than that of the 1932-D Washington Quarter. There is no doubt the the 1932-D quarter is more popular than the 1916 SLQ, but in terms of rarity, one has to look to the 1901-S and 1913-S Barber Quarters for a rival. The 1913-S only had a mintage of 40,000 coins and both of the Barber issues crush the 1916 with respect to price in gem mint state. However, if you don't collect Barber quarters, this information is probably new to you, for all Barber coinage seems wholly unpopular with the numismatic community. Weighing the choices, it became clear that the best mixture of both popularity and rarity is found in the 1916 SLQ. Besides, the design of this coin is absolutely phenomenal. I regard the SLQ as one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs in the history of US coinage. Alright, time to vote and find out which rarity of the 20th Century is the most popular/desirable.
While the 3-legged Buffalo looks incredible, the '09-S VDB has always been in the number 1 slot on my want list. But put all 4 in front of me with enough funds, and I would seriously have a hard time choosing from all 4 of those. The depressing thing is there ARE people who own those and I know I never will
That S VDB is my need, but my mama did not raise a fool. I could trade any of the others for 2 or 3 s VDB's. If you had listed one of those MS67's, you would have a different answer.
I thnk I would probably take the 16 D or the 37 D.. especially the 16 D in that grade. it seems most of em are AG or G
I have a hard time calling the Merc full bands, might be the pic, but the center bands look merged on the right side. I find the splotchy toning on the Standing Lib to be distracting. I can find no issues with the SVDB except it is barely a full RD, just a whisper away in my book, and time will not improve the color. The 3 Legger is gorgeous, and I think the price realised over " list " price reflects that, although I did not at all consider any of the values in making my decision. I went on Eye Appeal alone.
I actually like the toning on the SLQ, think it is neat, but you can tell from my OP that I knew some would not like it. I agree about the Lincoln being barely RD. As far as the Mercury, I will post the biggest photo I can so you can see it better. It is really hard to tell from this photo. I think we would need to see the coin in hand to determine the validity of the FB status.
MUCH better. I think to all but the most technical of buyers, that would qualify. AND, don't get me wrong at all, they are all screaming desirable coins, I just had to make a choice, so, I did. lol. Also, just because I am in the market for a primo 3 Legger, that MAY have skewed my decision. I dream about them.
No Worries Jack, I don't own any of them. This whole post is purely educational (and fun). I really want a 1916 SLQ but they are so expensive. However, you can see the effect that demand has on price. The population of the SLQ is much lower than that of the Buffalo and Mercury but the prices are in a similar range. That 3-legger is really something. It is fun to see toning drive a premium on a coin of that magnitude.
SLQ - Hands down - as the descriptions says - most beautiful design. I quibble with the 3-legged choice. Isn't that a variety/error? I dunno, I consider those to be in a whole different category and could be a separate poll all in itself - which 20th century variety/error would you most like to own.
Buffalo or the SLQ . I would gladly take which ever one was left over. Slight preference for the Buffalo if I had to absolutely , positively had to choose. Just love the designs.
Any of them would be great, but I'm saying the '09 S VDB just becuse it must be the most recognized coin in collecting. Almost everybody knows what it is.
For my own collection i would want the 1909s VDB. :thumb:The story behind it, the craze that followed...and the fact that I am a Lincoln cent collector just makes it more appealing to me. Regards, Stan
The SLQ. I've got the other three. Oops, my error. I neglected to take the grade into consideration. The three I have are all circulated. But I'd still take the SLQ.
The Winged Liberty Head. A great coin in a high grade. Plus, I'm old enough to remember when they circulated.
Any of these would be nice to own, but if I had my choice, I'd go for the SLQ. In my opinion, it's one of the finer American coin designs.
