Over the years, I’ve been motivated to build my own box of 20. The idea has appealed to me as it gives a lot of freedom. One is able to go into many directions and explore new areas. A big inspiration has been the wonderful threads from our very own @lordmarcovan . What follows is my first attempt at one. And if you’re wondering, no I have not been able to cut my collection down to just 20. It is quite difficult! The order here is US (by denomination), followed by tokens, and finally world (Territorials fall into the world grouping). (1) 1961 PCGS PR 66 RB Lincoln Cent We begin with an interestingly toned coin. This pattern is known on some 1960s proof cents and it is speculated that the cellophane packaging caused the toning. I like the contrast and this coin displays it on a large portion of the obverse (as well as a hint on the reverse). Another fun fact was that I sold it once and was later able to buy it again via auction (see linked thread). Video: none CoinTalk Thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/have-you-reacquired-a-coin-before.343801/ (2) 1961-D NGC MS 62 BN Lincoln Cent Recently I’ve been looking more at error coins. My goal was to find something that stands out and this one does a great job. I've dubbed it "Headbutting Lincoln." Video: none CoinTalk Thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/the-headbutting-lincoln-cent-gtg.342903/ (3) 1938-D Anacs MS 63 Buffalo Nickel The buffalo nickel is an iconic coin with a design that I enjoy. The toning on this one drew me in. As will be seen throughout this thread, eye appeal is a big factor; the grade (63-which is fairly low for this common coin) does not play a big role. Also, this is the only small white Anacs holder to make my list (a holder that I’m a fan of). Video: none CoinTalk Thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/guess-the-grade-buffalo-morgan-classic-commem.280223/ (4) 1979 NGC MS 64 BN Jefferson Nickel Another error coin makes the list! This is something I’ve been on the hunt for and finally found a nice example. Not only is the nickel struck on a cent blank, it also has wonderful color. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/B_fMjiMHV7q/ CoinTalk Thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/guess-the-grade-on-my-newest-nickel.358998/ (5) 1961-D PCGS MS 66+ Roosevelt Dime While I’m not big on dimes (I tend to appreciate the larger coins more), this one bucked the trend. The fantastic color won me over and it’s earned a spot in my set. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/B4OHRh4gBPP/ CoinTalk Thread: none (6) 1958-D NGC MS 64* FBL Franklin Half Dollar Lovely rainbows adorn both sides of this Franklin. While a common date-even with color-it hasn’t been easy for me to find a better one. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt7ACyvF8tS/ CoinTalk Thread: none (7) 1915-S PCCS AU 55 Panama Pacific Commemorative Half Dollar This is one of my favorite designs among all the Classic Commemoratives. The coin appears to be dipped, but the concentric toning on both sides more than makes up for it (and is some of the best I've seen on an AU graded Commemorative coin). Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/B38fmeEAXKW/ CoinTalk Thread: none (8) 1935-D PCCS MS 66 Texas Commemorative Half Dollar Here we have another Classic Commemorative and another design that I adore. The coin has an appealing array of colors on the reverse. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxv-M3oleNT/ CoinTalk Thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/guess-the-grade-texas-commemorative-half.311477/ (9) 1881-S NGC MS 65* Morgan Dollar An awesome toned Morgan-this one has it all (color, luster, and clean surfaces for the grade). Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYLA0QHUrH/ CoinTalk Thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/gtg-with-a-twist-morgan-edition.342535/ (10) 1881-S MS 63 (CAC) Morgan Dollar This is the closest I’ve been to having a monster toned Morgan. Semi-pl surfaces further enhance the beauty of this one. Video: none CoinTalk Thread: none
(11) 1882-S MS 63 Morgan Dollar The combination of great color on the reverse and blazing luster on the obverse earns this one a place in the set. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu6L1VHlLOi/ CoinTalk Thread: none (12) 1885-O MS 64* Morgan Dollar Yes Morgans are plentiful in this collection, but each brings something new to the table. This coin has textile and the highly coveted green toning. I was pleasantly surprised to learn it once resided in the Aurora Borealis Collection and came with a nifty nickname: "Black Leopard." Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw5mXp3lxU1/ CoinTalk Thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/two-new-pickups-guess-the-grade.338311/ (13) 1837 (circa 1900-1906) NGC AU 58 CD Peacock Token This is a token with a cool design and one I first learned about from a LordM thread. The color is a bonus. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/BxLvBffFaWb/ CoinTalk Thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/the-peacock-has-landed.329391/ (14) 1780 Austria Thaler Restrike PCGS MS 67 This Maria Theresa Thaler is a modern restrike and a common coin, but the eye appeal is well above average. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qa1ulgYVF/ CoinTalk Thread: none (15) 1796 Russia 1 Kopek PCGS AU 58 Besides having the distinction of being the oldest coin in this set (the 1780 Thaler being a restrike that was likely from the 20th century), this Russian Kopek features a design I like and comes from the last year of reign for Catherine the Great. Video: none CoinTalk Thread: none (16) 1807 Peru 8 Reales PCGS AU 58 The coin known and used around the world, the 8 Reales was always on my list. This one hails from Peru and is as nice as I could find for an AU 58. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6bzxwRnIG2/ CoinTalk Thread: none (17) 1809 Mexico Real PCGS MS 64 A fractional complement to the 8R, the 1R finds a place in the collection. Semi-pl surfaces help increase the appeal. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/BnKWyXdgpia/ CoinTalk Thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/i-bought-a-real-coin-now-guess-the-grade.322283/ (18) 1883 Hawaii Half Dollar PCGS AU 55 Struck at the US Mint in San Francisco (dies prepared in Philadelphia), the Hawaii Half displays King Kalakaua. It is another semi-pl with great detail for an AU coin. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/B3543NtAmiM/ CoinTalk Thread: none (19) 1904 US-Philippines Peso NGC PF 62 The second territorial issue in the box, the Philippines Peso boasts a pleasing pop of colors. The proofs were minted in Philadelphia and tend to have low mintages while remaining affordable relative to their US counterparts. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/B2AwRpaA36y/ CoinTalk Thread: (20) 2017 Kazakhstan 100 Tenge NGC PF 70 UCAM Moderns can be beautiful and this one drew me in. A bimetallic coin, it effectively uses tantalum for the turtle’s shell while the rest of the design is well executed in silver. Another bonus was that I received the 70 grade (not something that I often chase, but still fun to see it when sending in your own raw coins). Video: none CoinTalk Thread: none
And a special #21 My favorite untoned Morgan; the reverse is pl and best of all it came from a friend.
I know the "box of 20" concept is popular, but I would have an absolutely terrible time collecting that way. Many boxes of 20 are just random, unrelated, interesting things. To me, they don't tell a story, they don't show a progression, they don't complete a set.... its just 20 coins. I like to complete sets, not have assortments of beauties. That's just the way I collect, and I completely understand others have different priorities. @ddddd, your box is full of cool things, don't get me wrong. It's a fantastic assortment. It's just not the way I personally would choose to collect. The closest I've come to the "box of 20" is when I've had friends come over and ask to see some of my coins. They aren't collectors, and they don't really care much about coins - they are interested to see what I do because I'm so passionate about it and they know it's important to me. So, for these friends, I've sometimes pulled a dozen or so coins out to show them - really flashy showpieces. They often aren't my most special pieces, because the thing that makes them special would just elude them. They are the pieces with great toning, deep mirrors, or a great story. Or sometimes they're just big, impressive pieces (pull out a trade dollar or a Liberty $20).
It's definitely not for everyone. I've done standard sets but have tired of those over the years as all the coins were too similar to each other (for example, I did a blast white proof Cameo set of Franklins). My full collection isn't 20 either (as that is basically impossible) and I have some complete sets. Those complete sets have different designs (world coins) so it keeps things more interesting.
Very Impressive! The Texas Commemorative is the Meow's favorite design. It just reminded Meow that Meow would want to get a nice example for Meowself one day.
The Texas is a great design. Nice UNC ones can be bought for around $150 (give or take a bit) so it's affordable enough if one saves a bit of funds.
So many things to hoard. Meow would need to be a millionaire to afford all the things Meow need for the Cat Hoard. Now..........This thread has made Meow put the Texas Commem on the Medium term list of Hoarding needs.
Very nice set and a great idea for me to steal! Great to see a graded Peacock Token as I have one as well! I may steal the idea of box of 20, but only for Tokens! Nice looking coins!
Awesome! My favorite is the Kopek. My favorite is the 5.. nice and heavy coin. I have so many now because I just cant stop buying them! Awesome list, hope to see more soon!
Very fun!!! I especially appreciate that you added some world coins to your "Box" as well. My Budget Box of 24 includes mostly world coins with only one American (a graffiti'd seated lib quarter) Have you thought about getting a 20-slab display case for ease of display?
I like both US and World, so the goal was to have a mix (although the US part is currently larger). As far as storage, I use the standard PCGS and NGC boxes. They are inexpensive and get the job done for me.
You know I didn't even think about errors or variety coins, as well Morgan and Peace dollars. I like how you... Nicely noted and photo illustrated ....I like the mix of this and that....it adds to the appreciation of other series,tokens,and other numismatic treasures. That's what makes collecting great.....the rules are yours and subject to change by an eye full of coin candy.
I like a bit of everything so that's why this freestyle approach appeals to me. And it is like you say, the rules are mine and can change as my tastes evolve.
The same here my this and that display case....I've rearranged it several times now ,adding and subtracting certain pieces. And the crazy part is....I love doing it....like a Zen garden...you arrange the coins, medals etc... to please your eye. If it doesnot work ....np just redo it again. Plus it makes you appreciate each piece. I find it very relaxing