One nice thing about numismatics is that it offers a wide spectrum of price ranges. There are many pieces available in high grades for just a few dollars, or just a few hundred dollars, which have absolutely fascinating stories to tell and which are exciting and interesting to own. Consider the following examples. Prices reflect approximate levels as of 1993.
1787 Connecticut cent, Draped Bust Left. Fine $150. Struck from hand-prepared dies, the typical 1787 Connecticut cent is apt to be weakly defined in areas and quite crude in overall aspect, characteristics which impart a quaintness and charm.
1857 large cent. EF-40 $100. Representing as it does the last year of the large-size cent, produced from 1793 onward, the 1857 large cent has a particular niche in numismatic history. By that year the large American copper cent had become cumbersome in the channels of commerce, and the Mint decided to replace it with a smaller version, the Flying Eagle cent. Just 333,456 large cents were minted in 1857, and it is quite probable that many of these were never released, but went to the melting pot. The entire series of United States large cents is one of the most popular in numismatics, and the acquisition of an 1857 provides the passport to learning more about this interesting field of specialty.
The cents of 1909, three major types in all. As a trio the different varieties of 1909 Indian and Lincoln cents form an interesting chapter in numismatic history. 1909 Indian cent. MS-60 $35. 1909 was a year of transition for the one-cent piece, and the Indian motif, in use since 1859, was discontinued after a relatively modest coinage. The 1909 Indian cent represents the last of the Mohicans, so to speak, and illustrates what to my eye is one of the most attractive motifs in 19th century numismatics. Although Indian cents are not high on the popularity charts with collectors today, at one time they were certainly among the top 10 most actively collected series. Curiously, the market values for many Indian cents are no higher today in 1990 than they were 10 or 15 years ago, perhaps indicating an opportunity. 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln cent. MS-60 $15. In the summer of 1909 a new variety of cent appeared, the Lincoln motif, bearing the initials V.D.B. on the reverse. The public objected to the prominence of Victor David Brenner's initials on the reverse, and the Mint removed them. This was an illogical step, as there was ample precedent for the initials of designers and engravers on coinage. George T. Morgan's initial M had appeared on 1878 and later dollars, .Charles E. Barber's initial B was on all dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted since 1892, and the elaborate ASG monogram of Augustus Saint-Gaudens was prominent on the obverse of double eagles made 1907 and later, to mention just three examples. The 1909 V.D.B. cent was thus isolated as a one-year type. 1909 Lincoln cent (without V.D.B.). MS-60 $15. Soon after the release of the 1909 V.D.B. cents, the design was revised, as noted, and subsequent 1909 cents were made without the initials, creating a third variety.
PCGS Coin Guide Table Of Contents
