What do you think? Weakness in feather details (highest part of wing)? Anybody know if this is common on 1908's? I'm at work, don't have my coin books here... http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=1121&Lot_No=5273 Greg
Yes it has a weakly struck reverse. But that is one gorgeous coin ! Expect it to be rather pricey - about $12K.
Would I be foolish if I thought it would be better to wait it out for an example with a better strike? Just wondering, gorgeous coin but the strike leaves me a bit hanging.
I'll say this, that is the first time I'd ever been able to see how such a 2 1/2 Indian earned its grade... Ruben
Cool, so I wasn't nutso. Ruben, that's the new NGC slab, they do that so you can see the edge of the coin.
I love it but I'm wondering if I should look for one with a better strike on reverse. I've seen 65s with nice strikes but the eye appeal is not the best.
Up to you, there are trade offs with any coin of a given grade. But just your voicing the question says that you should wait. But be prepared, for coins of the same grade and price with a better strike will not be equal to this coin in other respects such as contact marks, luster and eye appeal.
The eye appeal on that coin is very nice though. I think I'll need to sleep on this one for a while. Still have a lot of time anyhow. I have my eye on two other coins that are beautiful. It's going to be an expensive January.
I've got a question for you - why on earth would you consider spending that kind of money on a coin if you are, as by your own description, a newbie ? And newbie or not, you should never, ever, spend that kind of money on a coin without having someone you trust a great deal look at the coin in person.
Everyone has a different income. I do have someone (from Heritage) that will be taking a look at the coins.
For those not in the know we have several Heritage people here who quietly help cointalk folks with coins and evaluations. Its one of the secret benefits of cointalk. Heritage is a top rate organization. Ruben
Yes, it is common on 1908s. From "A Collector's Guide to Indian Head Quarter Eagles" (Fuljenz / Winter) : "STRIKE : The obverse is generally among the better struck issues of this type with very strong detail noted on the Indian's feathers and headband. The reverse, however, always shows weakness on the eagle's wing. This is actually not due to strike, but because of a lack of detail in the die." (emphasis mine) =~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~ From "A Handbook of 20th-Century United States Gold Coins 1907-1933" (Akers) : "The 1908 quarter eagle is typically well struck on the obverse but the reverse has a noticable lack of detail on the eagle's wing. This is not the result of a weak strike but rather stems from a lack of die detail." =~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~ From "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" (Garrett / Guth) : "Although many examples were saved as the first of their kind, most survivors lack definition on the upper portion of the eagle's wing, a result of the dies not being prepared properly." =~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~ Interesting that Garret and Guth said "most survivors ". If any survivors show detail there, it had to be a better i.e. different die.
I have read that the 1926 was the mint's best year for these. FWIW, PCGS census shows far more 1926s in 64 and above than any other year. In general, the "post hiatus" years (1925 - 1929) are the best. Again, census bears that out.
Iagree if he just wants the type I'd go for a '26 , but if he needs an '08 it is a beautiful coin . IMO . rzage:thumb:
I can see why some people don't like the new NGC slabs. I didn't like 'em when I saw internet pictures. But when I first saw them in person, I gotta say I was impressed. Good move IMHO.
