There's only one book that's even remotely helpful with early proofs and that's Breen's book on the Encyclopedia of Colonial and U.S. Proofs,...
I agree that PCI tends to be 1 grade-point optimistic in many cases, however I wouldn't pass it up just because it's in a PCI slab. Technically...
Be VERY careful. Truth be told, PR62 coins usually suck. Technically speaking, anything under 65 means it has problems. Although, I have plenty...
Actually, if a Proof 63 S.L. Dime is probably pretty attractively valued. You should ask. If the coin looks attractive and has decent eye appeal...
The June 27th issue carries my commentary about the 2-cent Small Motto mintage. To be honest, I've only heard a couple of people mention this,...
As I noted in my above post, early proofs, those prior to 1917, have much more remarkably low mintage figures. When you get into the 19th century...
There's been a lot of talk on this topic in recent months, especially here. I've written a couple of Coin World articles specifically on early...
Your $200 budget might be a bit low. I had the same budget for a VF Draped Budget Large Cent and overspent it by $300. I paid $500 for an 1802...
It's actually pretty simple to tell. If they look really bright and shiny, almost proof-like...they're reprocessed. If you ever see a slabbed...
I have to ask then inevitable question....what are you selling? You might find some stronger buyers on the boards like this.
My gut reaction is that it's a fake. A presentation piece found in the sand somewhere? I doubt it. Get it authenticated by a reputable dealer...
You might want to try The Alaska Coin Exchange. The owner, Mike Nourse, is really cool and very easy to deal with. The better, mid-grade and up,...
I like the Franklins myself. I have a complete Choice-Gem BU set in a Dansco album. However, currently, it's possible the market is softening...
I think I can agree with VG10 for technical grading and perhaps F12 for market grading (due to strike and originality). I know I spread this post...
I agree with your observation that the "T" does appear a bit weaker than the rest. Actually, that whole area of the coin appears to be weakly...
I know it's only Canadian (that's almost like U.S.....sorry Canadian's, I'm just kidding). Okay, technically it's not my first bit of darkside...
Early vs. Modern Proofs I happen to own the 1950-1963 proofs sets so I do have all the Proof Franklins, so I might sound a bit hypocritical when...
Three-Cent Nickels!!!! Early Proofs (1858-1916; especially 1860's - 1870's)
Overpriced and overly common: 1909S-VDB (big time!) 1916-D Dime (in lower conditions, esp. AG-G) Most CC dollars Post 1990 Proof sets Proof...
Nearly 40 (damn it!), leave near the Rockies (and love it!), concentrating on completing my 2-3-20 cent collection and always searching for...
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