My Insights on ddddd’s Box of 20 Updated (Version 8.0)

It’s been more than a year since I last updated my “Box of 20” collection, and I’m excited to share this fresh batch with you. Drawing from conversations with fellow collectors, I’ve added some real treasures while reflecting on my journey through coins, silver, and the stories they carry. My organizing principle stays simple: US coins by denomination first, then tokens, and finally world coins. This approach keeps everything tidy while showcasing the wonderful variety in my collection.

US Coin Highlights

For my latest US additions, I sought pieces with great history, visual punch, and that dash of luck we all love. Error coins always grab my attention—take that 1961-D NGC MS 62 BN Lincoln Cent I nicknamed “Headbutting Lincoln.” Its quirky character jumped out at me immediately, reminding us to always look beyond the ordinary in our searches.

• 1961-D PCGS MS 66+ Roosevelt Dime: Dimes aren’t usually my thing, but the amazing color on this one won me over. Just goes to show—big beauty comes in small packages!
• 1961 PCGS MS 65 Washington Quarter: Lost it in an auction only to snag it cheaper later. A nice win for patience. Toned ’61 quarters are scarce since the mint stopped using the cardboard packaging that created those effects in the 50s.
• 1834 NGC AU 55 Capped Bust Half Dollar: This one stopped me cold with its vibrant colors and glow. Capped Bust Halves always impress, but this AU example really nails that sweet spot between detail and eye appeal.
• 1958-D NGC MS 64* FBL Franklin Half Dollar: Rainbows on both sides elevate this common date to something special. Finding one with such color in high grade? Tougher than you’d think.
• 1892 NGC AU 58 Star Columbian Expo Commemorative Half Dollar: As the opener of the Classic Commemorative series, its toning adds layers to a coin marking a pivotal event.
• 1893 PCGS AU 58 Isabella Quarter: I’d wanted one forever. Bought it raw, disagreed with an UNC details grade, and ended up with a straight AU 58—proof that sticking to your guns pays off with grading.
• 1881-S NGC MS 65* Morgan Dollar (now PCGS MS 65): This Morgan has everything: rich color, sharp luster, and clean surfaces. A true showpiece for any silver dollar collector.

Tokens and Unique Finds

Tokens and modern pieces bring quirky charm to the mix—I’ve learned to appreciate the unconventional. Sometimes the market delivers sweet surprises, like scoring a Dan Carr piece online for a song.

• 1837 (circa 1900-1906) NGC AU 58 CD Peacock Token: That killer design hooked me, and the bonus toning makes it a great conversation starter.
• 2011-D Anacs MS 69 Dan Carr Capped Bust Copper Amero: Controversial but fascinating, I landed this on eBay way below dealer prices. Grading it myself cut costs—a handy tip: buy raw and submit when you can.

World Coin Wonders

World coins add global flavor, and I’ve sharpened my eye for pieces with prooflike surfaces or real historical heft. Market moves can happen overnight, so jumping quickly matters.

• 1780 Austria Thaler Restrike PCGS MS 67: Common? Sure. But exceptional eye appeal makes it shine—never write off a restrike!
• 1768 Mexico 8 Reales PCGS VF 35: The oldest in my set, this “Pillar Dollar” took real persistence to find in such nice shape.
• 1877 Trade Dollar PCGS AU 55: Used overseas, this borderline deep mirror prooflike beauty is scarce. Got it from a collector downsizing—a good reminder that networking pays.
• 1883 Hawaii Half Dollar PCGS AU 55: Semi-prooflike with crisp details—territorial coins often get overlooked, but shouldn’t.
• 1887 Mexico 8 Reales PCGS AU 58: Upgraded to a toned PL example after a buddy’s nudge—sometimes friends give the best upgrade advice!
• 1894 Guatemala Peso PCGS MS 65: I love its prooflike “pop.” Replaced a lower-grade piece because eye appeal often beats a minor grade bump.
• 1904 Japan Yen NGC MS 63: Japanese silver’s gaining fans, and this one’s strong luster shows why.
• 1932 Poland 10z Queen Jadwiga NGC AU 58: Tough to source, but the design rewards patient hunting.
• 2004 Portugal 8 Euro Stylized Goal Keeper PCGS MS 65: A real oddball with wild colors—modern commemoratives can hide real gems.
• 2017 Kazakhstan 100 Tenge NGC PF 70 UCAM: Bimetallic with tantalum—I grabbed it early before prices spiked. Now tough under $300, a lesson in timing modern releases.

Reflections and Practical Takeaways

One coin moved on: a No Date PCGS MS 63 HK-832 Token (Whipple Dollar), clearing space for new blood. Over time, just 8 originals remain from my first 20, with 10 finding new homes—collections naturally evolve. The Box of 20 works perfectly for those “oddball” coins that don’t fit elsewhere, like that Portugal 8 Euro or Turtle Tenge.

Some grading thoughts: For the Trade Dollar, I’ve debated chasing a PL designation, but costs and wait times hold me back. Focus on what you love, not just the slab. Market-wise? Move fast when trends shift, and let eye appeal guide you more than grade numbers alone. This update reignited my passion—it’s that perfect mix of history, artistry, and the endless hunt.