I would say I am fairly lucky in that I have seen quite a few extreme rarities and more than a few unique specimens in my relatively brief time in the collecting world. I would really love to see the 1907 J-1776 Pattern, though I must say that I would also be just as pleased to see an example of a 1921 Matte Proof Peace Dollar. These see to seem quite elusive. Anybody have any similar "unicorns"?
For some reason I just can't get into the "supercoins". I was at the show (a Whitman if I recall correctly) where ALL five of the 1913 Liberty V Nickels were on display. I didn't bother taking a look. I look at the coins that I think I might have a chance of owning someday. That's just me.
These kinds of coins are more about the story behind them than the coins themselves, IMO. I don't really feel the need to go out of my way to see them. I'm much more interested in seeing rare coins that I could conceivably afford to own.
I've held the ANA's 1804 dollar, the Walton V nickel, and the Crick Pulitzer Prize medal Those were my brushes with greatness. Sent from my SHV-E300K using Tapatalk 4
In reality there are very few coins that rise to the level of being MORE than numismatic delicacies, though delicacies they certainly are. I speak of coins whose history, provenance, beauty, and rarity make them into objects of cultural significance. IMHO J1905 would be the one coin above all others that I wish I could simply lay eyes upon.
I'm with you Dave, I like everyday "workingman's" coins with their 9 to 5 pedigrees and not the ultra rare ones that have spent their lives in some rich collector's cabinet. Nothing wrong with them, but not what turns me on about collecting. I've bypassed many of those displays myself. Bruce
I've never seen what could be characterized as an 'extreme rarity', but it is exciting to see high-grade examples of early circulation strikes, which I have. I may even own one someday. I've seen and handled currency that would be characterized as mega-rarities, but are not as popular as top tier coinage.
