ddddd’s Box of 20 Updated (Version 3.0)

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 second 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-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/

(2) 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/

(3) 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/

(4) 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

(5) 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

(6) 1893 PCCS MS 62 Columbian Expo Commemorative Half Dollar

This marked the beginning of the Classic Commemorative series (along with the 1892 dated coin plus the Isabella Quarter). The Columbian Expo was an iconic event that helped showcase Chicago and multiple innovations. The toning highlights the coin.

Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5kLImgtAc/

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 (now PCGS MS 64)

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/
&
https://www.cointalk.com/threads/was-it-worth-it.367516/

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

(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) 1768 Mexico 8 Reales PCGS VF 35

Besides having the distinction of being the oldest coin in this set, this "Pillar Dollar" is one of the most famous world coins. I've been on the hunt for a while and finally found a beautiful example.

Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFctgFJn4uK/

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 #6 (1893 Columbian) and #14 (1768 8R).

1961 PCGS PR 66 RB Lincoln Cent


1796 Russia 1 Kopek PCGS AU 58

 

Nice selection. I like the toning on the Morgans.

 

Very lovely box!! Hard to choose which toning I liked the most... all superb!

 

Inspiring set.

 

What a wonderful set.
Makes me want to start one of my own.

 

Like @lordmarcovan says, you should. And you probably already have plenty of coins that can be worked into a box of 20 (and later replaced/upgraded as you see fit).

 

Good lord what a collection! That’s an act I can’t follow. I got a lot of upgrading to do.

 

Thank you! You and all others on here have great collections. The important thing is that each of us enjoys what we collect.

 

The textile on #10 is awesome.

While I could certainly assemble a list of my top 20 favorite coins, I could never limit myself to a box of 20 collection. My style is to complete sets, which is a bit of a different mindset from the box of 20 style.

 

Nice collection of coins. Thanks for sharing!

 

By the way, for what it’s worth I’m embarking on a box of 10 graded currency notes. I collected notes a long time ago and there’s a part of me that still likes them. I’m enjoying it. I have two so far.

 

I haven't collected currency but really want to buy some national bank notes from banks in the region where I grew up.

 

Congratulations on a very superb collection, thanks for the post. Good luck and be safe.

 

Awesome set!!! I particularly like the turtle!