I can't see the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent too well, but it looks like it's around the F-12 area. With only 500-600 known, we're talking a 10 grand coin.
Dave right on! That is why the actual provenance is important I think as well. The full story behind this collection may be difficult as all of the real old timers in this family are gone, and what I am handling is only PART of the original entire collection. The originator was a great uncle to my friend who is recently the heiress (POA) . This man was a bachelor and upon his death bequeathed his nephews (3- or 4?) with a portion of his collection. What the rest of the collection consisted of is a mystery at this point. My friend must reach out to any surviving family members who may have another portion- or any information on this Great Uncle. It is my feeling he may have been well known in the numismatic circles of the day. My friend can't even remember his full name. This is a wealthy family who just did not have that much interest in the clinking clanking collection. Apparently these and the other coins were never discussed among family members??! I am hounding her to find out any facts if possible. I am in charge of how to handle the coins at hand. If they should be taken out of these horrendous pages I'll have to just do it. The silver I have examined is nothing - rest assured on that. The gold.......about 40 pieces all early US of various denominations.
LOL I scaned pics and ran numbers not in hand to check freaks came in about $45k but want wait to share a Royals Royce with dig it waiting on pics from I phone. As I'm much more interested in story vs. value but tickled to death he shared spent 8-9hours following tonight! And don't even has a horse in the race! Prayers and good wishes for Icandigit!!!!
I don't doubt that a millisecond as this guy knew what he had/ hence notations: pointed bust,L/no/l copper/Br bold/shallow! Oh he knew ! family might not as do mine! Creating next Gen! Thanks
Idhair - this instruction would be greatly appreciated since I'm biting my nails just thinking about it! THANKS for taking the time.
Handling your coins carelessly is not a hard thing to do, potentially imparting slide marks, staple scratches, spittle, cigarette ash and finger oils to them. The more I think about your situation, I think you should consider bringing in a few highly respected numismatic auction houses (www.stacksbowers.com, www.ha.com, www.legendauctions.com) for preliminary estimates of value and an explanation of their business practices. At the prospect of consigning coins such as these for sale, they each will send a very professional representative to carefully handle, catalogue and value your coins at your convenience. Moreover, you should contact Rick Snow at www.indiancent.com . Rick is regarded industry-wide as the foremost dealer in both Indian cents and flying eagle cents. You owe it to yourself, and to those who built this beautiful collection to entrust these coins to the care of the very best party that can be selected. A concern best prepared to maintain them in their highest state of preservation, and to connect them with with the most appreciative collectors that can be found.
I have a sneaking suspicion that this particular collection could potentially become a "name brand" collection - ie, coins graded from here could state "ex-___ Collection" on the label! Honestly, this is top quality stuff. Whoever put this together really, really, knew what they were doing. Like others have been saying, your main concerns here are to 1. properly remove and conserve the coins 2. find a respectable auction house 3. get yourself a tax attorney so you don't get smashed with massive taxes
The 1856 is authentic. Correct lettering style and date. Looks like a VG10 or F12. $10,000 for that coin alone is about right. Congratulations!
Looking at this collection takes me back to when I was a kid filling a “Library of Coins” album. The Wayte Raymond pages go back to an earlier era. The coins I collected in my youth were nowhere as nice as these pieces.
I counted 20 coins that are marked as proofs, including this one. @canudigit, when you get more pictures, please use the "Full Image" option. They display better, like the one above.
Thank you CBD, yes - I think you nailed the 1856 grade spectrum -that's exactly where I have it in my preliminary notes.
Thank you ToughCOINS - very well said - deeply noted and respected. I'm now feeling a bit overwhelmed with my lack of experience with best protocol for a collection of this caliber - and this is my big red flag to slow down. I will not be removing these coins just yet. I am savvy enough to realize I could do more harm than good, but it sure is tempting! I realize that slabbing these individually for sale would optimize gain, but at the same time...what a shame to break this set up. The decision is ultimately not mine as I am just a temporary custodian and advisor. I take my position where this collection is concerned 100% seriously, and with help and research will steer the owner in the right direction. My deep gratitude thus far to all here who have reached out. My apologies on my lack of skill navigating this forum - I fear I'm not the most tech savvy! I will try to figure out how to post bigger photos, edit my duplicated or screwed up posts and so on. Doing all this by the seat of my pants !
Here a few of my flying eagles(not even in the same arena as yours! This may not be the Fox collection! But could certainly become the "Hen"
When the owner is ready to sell, do NOT take them to just any dealer. There are only a few people I would trust in giving you a fair valuation and offer. Rick Snow (www.indiancent.com) and Charmy Harker (www.thepennylady.com) specialize in these coins. It would be wise to ask for them submit all the coins for grading (PCGS is better for these coins) and then talk about prices after they come back. @C-B-D here is very honest and straightforward, and he will definitely be able to help you. @ToughCOINS and @messydesk are also well-established and knowledgable dealers who can help you. Be aware that several of the coins have been dipped/cleaned and that their values are fractions of what they would have been. However, most of them look original and problem-free.
Personally I would recommend getting a pcgs membership and submitting the entire collection to be slabbed and graded. Then see where the grades fall before you make any decisions about selling. This way they’d be protected authenticated and be the most liquid. And also bring the top money. Then work on marketing when the time comes. If you’re not in a hurry take your time and come up with the best strategy as this is easily a mid 5 figure collection. If you need any help or advice I’m happy to help free of charge or interest I know Toughcoins and C-B-D are both helpful honorable dealers as well who would want you to get the best return for your collection
I agree with ToughCOINS 100%. I feel that Rick Snow would be the best to handle this collection. Charmy is really good as well. They are both great friends with each other. Too much risk for the average person to remove the coins from the pages. When you try to remove the slides from the page, they can rub the coins. The ends of the slides can be a bit sharp and mark the coins. They drag and drop cardboard dust and who knows what else onto the coins. Now you have to get rid of that dust before you press the coins out of the page. Canned air works well but you have to use it properly. Next, there is a proper way to press the coin out of the page and be sure that all the dust is gone before putting each coin in a fresh holder. It's a lot of work.