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This Week In DLRC
As a baseball fan, growing up I used to watch a lot of “TWIB: This Week in Baseball” on Saturday mornings. I don’t believe the show still runs, but I think of it every week when I write a little note here. "This Week in Coins" doesn’t have the same ring, so I guess we won’t change the name…yet.
So, what is going on here? Well, we’re still working in odd shifts with less than 10 people in the office at all times, but as a customer I don’t think that it’s been that noticeable. At least, that’s what we’re aiming for. Yes, shipments are a day slower, and we are quarantining packages for a short period of time due to the virus, but otherwise we’re working around the clock as much as possible to keep things moving. Last week we offered a fascinating collection of Franklin Halves that seemed to get a lot of action and attention. This week is a bit more normal, but we have some really exciting things in the works. There will be several million dollars worth of new consignments coming through the doors over the next two weeks with coins of all values, sizes, and shapes (but mostly circular).
The one thing that we’ve noticed in our little corner of the economy, is that collectors are having a bit more time to think about their collections and whether they are buying or selling. The uptick in action on our auctions and website has been unmistakable. I could be wrong, but with all the changes in our daily lives, it seems coins may be serving as a source of comfort to collectors. All I know is that we’re still here to help you and we look forward to working with you, whether you're buying, selling, or trading coins. Please check out our fantastic consignment special that we’re offering to everyone through the end of June. If you’re thinning out your collection, it’s an excellent time to consider selling or trading some of your unwanted inventory. We’re offering the best auction rates that we’ve seen, with some generous cash advances available. If we can help you, please let us know!
All of that being said, we have some cleanup to do here in Virginia Beach. The storm this week did topple quite a few trees nearby, so if we’re not in the office answering the phones, we’re probably clearing branches! Thanks again for reading and we hope to hear from you!
Numismatically Yours,
John Brush
Through the end of June, we are offering the following options that can be combined, or adjusted for your specific needs:
Maximum Returns
For coins over $10,000, consign with a reserve and receive 90% or consign with no reserve and receive 92%.
Immediate Cash Advance
For collections over $10,000, receive an immediate cash advance of up to 75% on unreserved consignments.
Fastest Turnaround
We will get your coins to auction within 3-5 business days of receipt, ending in approximately two weeks.
Standard Terms that Still Apply:
- Coins from $1,000 to $10,000 – consign with a reserve and receive 85%; consign with no reserve and receive 90%
- No fee guarantee – no listing fees, no imaging fees, and no buyback fees
- Fast payment – payment within 30 days of sale; for this promotion, we can accelerate payment to two weeks in most cases
Why we love it: Known as the “King of Morgan Dollars,” the 1895 is the “stopper” for the set. Experts believe that 880 proofs were struck, and only 400 survive. Of those, almost half are believed to be below proof 60. This gorgeous CAC-approved example shows sharp contrast between frosted devices and reflective fields. Lightly golden, this piece is the perfect fit for an advanced Morgan collector.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $60,000, and the CPG is at $58,100. Ending this Sunday, we started this coin in auction at just $54,000. This is an absolute must-see for serious Morgan collectors.
Why we love it: This stunning gem has a population of only three with two finer. A bold strike and satiny luster abound on this scarce O-mint issue. CAC-approved for quality, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more attractive example.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide puts this piece at $15,000, and the CPG recommends $13,900. We’re making it available for just $14,250 via Make Offer, which is quite a steal considering that this coin last sold in 2012 for $15,525.
Why we love it: A rare and highly desirable issue, this 1907 wire edge comes from a mintage of just 500 pieces which are all technically patterns. However, collected along with the regular series, this has become a type in high demand. This example has plenty of frosty luster with strong central devices.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $47,500, with the CPG at $47,200. We’re starting the auction bidding at $46,000, ending this Sunday. There are no recent auction records for an MS63+ example, but the last MS63 and MS64 examples to sell at auction realized $39,600 and $55,200 in 2019, respectively. This coin is exceptionally high-end for the grade and will be an excellent addition to an advanced collection.
Why we love it: One of the most popular New Orleans issues, the Indian Head half eagle was only struck at the New Orleans Mint in 1909, making this an incredibly desirable one-year type. This high-AU piece is approved by CAC and has very strong eye appeal; the design is well-struck with barely noticeable wear and an attractive patina.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide puts this example at $22,500, and the CPG suggests $18,800. We’ve put the starting bid at $20,000 in this Sunday’s auction. The last example to sell at auction realized $21,150 in 2018. A consistently popular date for which demand outpaces supply, this piece warrants serious consideration.
Why we love it: Single finest graded at PCGS or NGC, this Morgan is an absolute stunner. The obverse displays a vivid rainbow of color, complemented by gentler tones on the reverse. In terms of technical merit and eye appeal, it doesn’t get better than this. Don’t miss out on this top-pop beauty!
Value: The NGC Price Guide puts this piece at $15,000, but we’re willing to sell it for just $14,500 via Make Offer. This is a rare opportunity to own the single finest example of the last year of this iconic series.
Why we love it: A scarce date that’s particularly rare in gem full head grades, this beauty flaunts a bold, radiant luster. Well struck with golden surfaces, only six full head coins are graded finer, making this one of the sharpest surviving examples.
Value: In 2004 this exact coin brought 10,637 in auction, but the infrequency of appearances of eye-appealing examples in such high grade has pushed the value up a bit. The PCGS Price Guide suggests $12,750, and the CPG is at $12,200. The starting bid for this Sunday’s auction is just $11,000. This is quite a lovely example and when compared to other examples of the date, this piece surely stands a (full) head above!
Why we love it: From a tiny original mintage of just 76 pieces, this gorgeous honey-gold piece has survived in amazing condition. With only two graded finer without a cameo, this beauty is crisply struck with fantastic detail and watery fields. A prince of a coin, this CAC-approved proof princess is destined for a high-end registry set.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $17,500, and the CPG is at $18,200. This one is in auction ending on Sunday and has a starting bid of $18,000. It’s such a high-end example that it is certain to draw a crowd. The last time an example of this grade appeared for public auction was in 2004. Don’t miss out!
Why we love it: One of the rarest issues of the type, the 1838-C Half Eagle also has the status of being a one-year type and the first year of issue. As a result, the estimated 175 surviving are constantly in demand. This one is a nicely problem-free mid-grade example with even wear and bright surfaces.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $8,000, and the CPG is at $8,440. We’ll let this rarity go for just $7,500 via Make Offer, a steal for such a popular issue. Gold collectors, take notice – this might just be the perfect example to fill that gap in your set.
Why we love it: This VF35 half cent has strong eye appeal for the grade with pleasing, original surfaces and undertones of olive and golden brown. It has handling marks expected for the grade, but no individual marks of consequence. Plenty of detail remains and all lettering is crisp and clear.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide puts this piece at $4,500. We’re making it available for $4,000 via Make Offer. With only 11 graded finer in the variety, this one is a great fit for the early copper specialist.
Why we love it: The rarer of two types from 1797, all 10x6 stars dollars were struck from one die pair. This coin is incredibly lustrous for the grade, with plenty of detail and clean white surfaces. A faint die clash is visible on the obverse, and only the highest points show traces of wear. This is a beautiful example of a rare early dollar that would reside perfectly in an advanced collection or type set.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide puts this piece at $16,000, and the CPG recommends $15,700. We’ve given it a starting bid of $13,000 in this Sunday’s auction. The last time we got to offer this date and grade was in 2007, when a darker example brought $13,500.
Why we love it: A stunning example of a proof-only date with a mintage of just 1,097 pieces, this beauty has eye appeal to spare. With thickly frosted and well-struck devices, the deeply reflective, watery fields provide stark contrast. A light golden tint highlights the coin, providing the finishing touch to an already exquisite example.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $7,000, but we’ll let it go for as little as $6,250 via Make Offer. Don't miss out on a chance to add this fine example to your type set or trade dollar collection!
Why we love it: With less than 30 examples graded in Cameo or Deep Cameo of any grade, this Proof 63 CAM is an unusual find. It’s brightly gold with very sharp contrast between thickly frosted devices and mirrored fields. The devices are well struck, and CAC approval confirms that this piece is high-end for the grade.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide recommends $5,100, and the CPG puts it at $4,810 without the cameo designation. We’re making it available for $4,750 via Make Offer, below the CPG value for a non-cameo Proof 63. This one won’t last long!
Why we love it: With only two graded higher, the 1928-D is difficult to find in full red gem grades, but this example is a stunner for sure. Its vibrant red surfaces have hints of peach and pink, lending it a faint glow. Bright and with no distracting marks, this gem is destined for a high-end wheat set.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $5,200, and the CPG is at $5,310. We’re willing to let this one go for just $4,500 via Make Offer, well below the guide values. We haven’t been able to offer a red example of this date higher than MS65 for quite some time, and specialists will appreciate how hard these are to come by in this condition.
Why we love it: From a population of just five pieces, this bust dollar is a perfect fit for a lowball type or dollar set. A very popular millennial issue, the date is easily legible with all other elements only vaguely visible, as expected from a Poor-01. The reverse is all but smooth, while the silhouette of Lady Liberty and some stars can still be made out on the obverse.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $850, though there are no public auction records to refer to. We’re making it available for $675 via Make Offer, a fantastic deal on a low population lowball piece.
Why we love it: For anyone looking for an affordable Charlotte Mint issue, this one might be for you – mid-grade with graffiti, this is the perfect budget piece. The design itself is untouched and has plenty of detail, the graffiti confined to the fields.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $1,750 for a straight-graded VF20 example. We’re offering this one for only $975 via Make Offer. This is a fantastic opportunity to get a Charlotte Mint half eagle with solid detail for well below the market price. Don’t miss out!
Why we love it: Only proof Eagles and Half Eagles were supposed to bear the W mint mark in 1999, but at least one pair of unfinished proof dies was used to strike mint state examples. There was very strong demand for gold in 1999, and it’s possible that the Mint was simply desperate to meet demand. Regardless, it’s not certain how many were struck, though estimates are around 6,000, making this undoubtedly a key date in the modern Half Eagle series.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $850, and the CPG is at $845. We’re giving you the opportunity to own this modern rarity for only $650 via Make Offer, well below any book value. There’s plenty of opportunity for this accidental key to increase in value over time, so don’t miss out!
Check out all of the available "Coins We Love" from past newsletters