ddddd’s Box of 20 Updated (Version 2.0)

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 the first update to the original box.

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) 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/


(8) 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/

(9) 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

(10) 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/

 

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(11) 1891 MS 63 Morgan Dollar

This is a better date Morgan and even less common with two-sided toning.

Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEUewAaHk_A/

CoinTalk Thread:
https://www.cointalk.com/threads/newest-morgan-please-guess-the-grade.365447/

(12) 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/

(13) 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

(14) 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

(15) 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

(16) SWITZERLAND - Bern - 5 Batzen, 1808


The bear and proof-like surfaces drew me in on this beauty.

Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CER_863n5TU/

CoinTalk Thread:
https://www.cointalk.com/threads/my...ss-1808-bern-5-batzen-guess-the-grade.365550/


(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.

 

Since the last posting, two coins have left the box, pictured below.
They were replaced by #11 (1891 Morgan) and #16 (1808 Batzen).

1882-S MS 63 Morgan Dollar


1915-S PCCS AU 55 Panama Pacific Commemorative Half Dollar

 

Nice coins you have there

 

Amazing set. My Favorites were...

Switzerland Bern
Doubled struck "head butting Lincoln"
Pan-Pac half
Hawaiian half.

 

I almost sold that one too.
Around two years ago, I brought it to a mid-sized show along with some other items to sell. I wasn't convinced that I wanted to sell, but decided to see what happened. There was only one dealer that showed an interest. He made a fair offer (over my cost) and I almost accepted. The only thing that stopped me was that he wanted to pay with a check. The dealer was likely trustworthy but I just didn't feel comfortable taking one from someone I did not know. So that was the difference that kept the coin in my possession.

 

The Pan-Pac was unfortunately one that left the box. It's one of my favorite designs among Classic Commemoratives and I eventually see picking up another.

On a positive note, the Swiss coin was partially made possible by selling the Pan-Pac.

 

Those are awesome.

Now... what's a box of 20?

 

A box of 20 is one method of collecting where you stick to 20 coins (usually the amount of slabs that fit into one PCGS or NGC box). There aren't any restrictions besides the coin limit.

My take on the concept is picking 20 coins that I like (eye appeal, nice design, personal connection, etc). I'm not a "true" box of 20 collector as I do have more coins. I would say this is my main collection though.

 

It's at the end because it left the box (along with the reverse toned Morgan in that same post). The reverse toned Morgan was replaced by the obverse toned 1891. The Pan-Pac was replaced by the Batzen.

 

This reminds me. Does anyone know someone that does PCGS middlemanning?

 

Do you mean dealers/collectors that submit to them and would help send in your coins?

 

Absolutely love them. You inspired me to do something similar, if you don’t mind. How do I get my top choices from 1900 plus coins down to 20 favorites?

 

love the coins! I can't do a box of 20 at all, I have a hoarders mindset