Finally, After 5+ Months: My Coin Grading Adventure
June 16, 2025My Journey with a 1926 Penny Find
June 16, 2025
Introduction to the Latest Update
It’s been over a year since I last gave my Box of 20 some attention, and I can’t wait to show you what version 8.0 looks like now. This time, I made just one swap: trading a ‘Gold Morgan’ Whipple Dollar for a Dan Carr Amero I’d been chasing. It keeps things fresh while staying true to what makes this collection special. Taking a page from other collectors’ books, I’ve grouped the coins by US denominations, tokens, and world pieces—it’s become a personal scrapbook of my collecting journey.
Standout Coins and Their Stories
Every coin in this box has its own personality, from mint mistakes to stunning colors. Let me share a few favorites:
- 1961-D NGC MS 62 BN Lincoln Cent: I call this ‘Headbutting Lincoln’ thanks to that wild error—proof that flaws can turn common dates into real conversation starters.
- 1961-D PCGS MS 66+ Roosevelt Dime: I usually prefer bigger coins, but the color on this little guy stopped me in my tracks. Sometimes toning works magic on the humblest pieces.
- 1834 NGC AU 55 Capped Bust Half Dollar: The color and glow on this half remind me why Capped Bust designs steal my heart—they shine bright in any grade.
- 1958-D NGC MS 64* FBL Franklin Half: Rainbows on both sides? This common date taught me that hunting pays off when you’re patient for toned gems.
- 1893 PCGS AU 58 Isabella Quarter: Bought raw, then fought an UNC details grade—winning that AU 58 slab taught me to trust my eyes over labels.
- 1881-S PCGS MS 65 Morgan Dollar: That toning and luster! Morgans like this remind me to appreciate the whole package, not just the grade.
- 1837 NGC AU 58 CD Peacock Token: Killer design with bonus color—tokens like this prove you can add history and art without emptying your wallet.
World Coins: Treasures Beyond Borders
Some of my best discoveries live here, where old meets new:
- 1768 Mexico 8 Reales PCGS VF 35: The box’s oldest resident—this ‘Pillar Dollar’ took years to find. World coins teach you patience pays off.
- 1877 Trade Dollar PCGS AU 55: Those mirror-like surfaces still blow my mind! I skipped the PL resubmission to save cash, but it’s a good reminder that some features outshine grades.
- 1894 Guatemala Peso PCGS MS 65: Upgraded from MS 62—that prooflike pop shows how waiting for the right coin elevates your whole collection.
- 2004 Portugal 8 Euro Stylized Goal Keeper PCGS MS 65: A total oddball with wild colors celebrating an underdog story. Modern commemoratives can surprise you!
- 2017 Kazakhstan 100 Tenge NGC PF 70 UCAM: Snagged this bimetallic beauty early for $50 over issue—now it’s $300+. Lesson learned: grab interesting moderns before they vanish.
Practical Collecting Insights
Building this box taught me some solid lessons:
- Grading Strategies: Always check coins in hand—regrading my Isabella Quarter saved me money. Trust your gut, but know when fees outweigh gains.
- Market Trends: Watch niche items like that Tenge coin. Buying at release or auction locks in value before hype hits.
- Hunting and Upgrading: Upgraded my Mexico 8 Reales after collector tips—talk to other enthusiasts! Auction alerts prevent overpaying (learned that the hard way).
- Diversity in Collecting: Love those oddballs like the Portugal Euro! A Box of 20 is perfect for fun pieces that might surprise you later.
- Long-Term Value: Fun fact—8 originals are still here. Good coins stick around when you focus on eye appeal and personal meaning.
Wrapping Up
Refreshing this box felt like flipping through an old photo album—each coin holds a memory. From colorful classics to global finds, they’re bookmarks in my collecting story. If this sparks an idea, start your own box! It’s the perfect home for those special coins that show how far you’ve come. Happy hunting—I hope your finds bring as much joy as mine have!
