Since I have started my job, I have been saving up for a car. I was almost at my goal when I went to my local coin shop. That was the first mistake I made. The second mistake was parting with my money so quickly. But I am very happily kicking myself in the rear for these purchases. The story: My dad needed to go to the area to run some errands and said if I come with, we'd check out the local coin shops. I agreed since I do have to pick up some coins for the monthly coin club raffle. I picked up a bunch of nice F grade barber dimes, some barber quarters, high grade mercs and other "neat" coins, but then I get the notion to shop for myself. I asked to see various trays even though my ultimate goal was to look at the slabs in a display case that is being blocked by one person selling his coins to the shop. I respect his boundaries and keep asking to see trays just to see if anything interests me. And sure enough, when they pulled out the tray with odd denominations, I was intrigued by a half dime that I examined and wanted to buy. I set that aside and kept shopping. And as time flies by I finish up my search through their everything and ask to check out. And as I am getting a receipt written up, the man in front of the slab case finishes his transaction and walks towards the exit and I quickly head over and look at the slabs. One catches my eye and I ask to look at it in hand. It is a PCGS XF45 1909 Barber Quarter. Beautiful coin and I add that to the tally and check out. Here's the pics of the half dime and quarter. The half dime has a very nice blue and purple tone all throughout the coin. The quarter is very lustrous on the reverse and has some nice obverse toning. The final price I paid made me a bit uncomfortable, but I was rather content with the purchases. It was what happened afterwards that shocked me. We ran more errands and went to the next coin shop to browse and talk with the dealers. The dealer I had in mind was not there so I did not get to go into the back room and browse the coins so I was left with what was in the cases. I looked for some small gold because I wanted to buy some, but they were sold out. Sitting there in the place where the gold should have lied was the love of my life. I asked to take a look at it, and told the lady behind the counter to hold it out for me. The sticker price on it was $250 and I contemplated it for the next 15 minutes, looking at guns, knives, more coins, and just wandering; quietly talking to myself about whether or not I should buy it.. I must have looked like a crazy person, but finally, I asked if they'd take $220, and we settled on $230. I walked right out of the shop coin in hand kicking my butt with a smile. I love the coin, but the car fund got depleted over $400 that day. Just another pay period to wait to get a car. here is the coin in question. A NGC MS63 1876 Seated dime. The reverse is stunning with blues and purples with a red and orange center on both obverse and reverse.. I just could not capture it all. Now the part that makes me a little upset is there is a coin show that I will be further delaying the car fund by bringing cash to in less than 2 weeks. Hopefully I can get some good pickups and not break the bank this time.
Great story, Caz. I have found myself in that same situation many times. I have a budget and then blow through it quickly when I find things that catch my eye. Hopefully, your negotiating skills will land you a good deal on a car when you find one that catches your eye.
beautiful coin(s). is there a reason why that particular one is so meaningful to you? i was not heavily into coins when i was saving for my first car, in fact, i wasnt into much of anything except getting my car. it must have deep meaning to delay your ride.
I can relate to the impulse buys. Who says coins are not addictive? Just think when you eventually get the car, you can use it to drive yourself to the coin shop. Nice coins by the way. TC
They are never going to stop making cars, but those dimes that's a different story. I am an impulse buyer myself and I always kick myself, but I never get rid of any of my impulses and the grand kids will appreciate that one day I reckon. Those are nice coins be proud of them.
In my experience, it's often easier finding a great deal on a (used) car than many coins. Great pickups.
Very nice coins...I love the dime. Sorry about the car fund though. But, I probably would have done the same thing.
I love the 1876 dime and it has the Type II reverse. The Type I reverse was used from 1860 to 1878 and the Type II was used from 1876 to 1891. For the years 1876-78 both types of reverses were used. The primary differences are the left end of the ribbon and the distance of the E in ONE to the wreath. There are other diagnostics but these two are the easiest to see. Type I reverse. The Type one has a split end and the E is close to the wreath. The Type II reverse the left ribbon end is pointed, not split, and the E in ONE is farther away from the wreath.
Gerry Fortin's web book for Liberty Seated dimes states the 1876 is a common date but of the two reverses the Type I is common and the Type II is scarce. As for the other two years I didn't look to see which is considered the scarcer variety. Made a good buy even better IMHO. http://www.seateddimevarieties.com/Date_mintmark_variety.htm
