An old friend is offering me these. He needs to pay some bills. I'm inclined to help him out some. Click the pictures to go to the cert pages. 1881 NGC PF65 RB @ $435 delivered Mintage 3,575 Population 74 w/50 higher as of 7/2020 1894 PCGS PR64 RB @ $320 delivered Mintage 2,632 Population 156 w/59 higher as of 7/2020
I'm learning hard towards one of them, but as of this typing, my vote is showing in the "neutral" category. For now.
If he's a good friend, buy both and tell him that if he ever wants them back, you will sell them to him for the same price. If he's just a casual friend, buy one or the other, but tell him that if you can flip it for a profit, you will. If he has ever been slow in repaying a loan to you in the past, offer him $650 for both. ~ Chris
He is my third-oldest numismatic friend (we go back 19 years and he's always been a stand-up guy) ... but there is a limit to the depth of my pockets.
I like the look of the 81, and 65 is always an important inflection point on coins. I think its crazy how they punched that 1881 date for a proof. I think that is cool. Btw cool on you helping out a friend. I have done similar over the years. Knock on wood I have never needed that help, but we are all friends here.
The 1894 is an snow Pr. #2 variety While both specimens are very nice, I ll go with the proof 1894 nice coin honest priced the variety adds a plus...so yeah more bank for your buck....less outlay of cash. Both Rob are very nice and I would love one as such to grace my collection.
The 81 seems more attractive. I don't like the blotchiness of the 94, and can't tell if it has spots near the rim where the toning gets dark or just inside the right wreath, half way up. I don't see spots on the 81 at all.
I prefer the 1881. I feel the overall eye appeal is much better. I also think it has a slight cameo contrast. I think the 1894 would appeal to less buyers being toned and kind of has a hazy look. The 1881 just has more of that brown copper look that would probably match a set better than the 1894. I also think the fact that the 1881 is a 65 would appeal to more people and bring closer to price guide than the 64. Lastly the 65 being gem would make it appeal more to registry collectors.
I like the 81, it isn't great but it is attractive. I do not like the 94. To me it is unattractive and frankly I wouldn't want it at that price. If I felt the guy was trustworthy at paying back a loan, I would loan the money to to him with that as collateral, but I wouldn't buy it.
I voted for the 1894 and prefer it slightly more based on the potential that it might pop in the light (if not, then it could be the wrong choice). It is also less expensive and I see two have sold on eBay for similar prices (and a few for even more).
I have opted to purchase the 1881, which was my inclination all along. (Happily validated by the poll.) The colors on the 1894 look pretty vibrant, but the somewhat mottled toning on it is less to my taste. I liked it OK but didn't love it. I'm eager to see the 1881 and may attempt to cross it to PCGS and get a TrueView (simply for consistency with the rest of my all-PCGS collection). But I won't crack it out. If it doesn't cross, I'll keep it in the NGC holder. My primary objection to NGC plastic is the white prongs of their later edge-view holders. This coin is in an earlier non-prong holder, I believe.
I'd be all over the 1881... because I don't have that date already and because it is stunning! Price is fair as well.
