My Deep Dive into the 1834 Cent with Scratches: Varieties, Value, and Collector Tips
July 12, 2025My Deep Dive into the Mystery of an 1853 Gold Indian Token
July 12, 2025
Lately, I’ve been adding some incredible pieces to my collection and just had to share the highlights with you all. That moment of unboxing a new coin never gets old, whether it’s a classic commemorative or a historical surprise. Let me walk you through my latest finds and what I’ve discovered along the way.
My Newest Treasures
A few standout coins have me especially excited – each with its own personality and backstory:
- A gorgeous Norfolk commemorative half dollar that practically glows – its sharp details make it an instant favorite among my classic commems
- A Mercury dime I chose from a group of six with help from fellow collectors – the winner has incredible toning that jumps out at you
- An 1860 half-dime and seated dime with beautiful natural color – exactly why I’m hooked on early U.S. silver
- A shield nickel that adds wonderful history to my album, especially after freeing it from an older NGC holder
Grading Lessons Learned
My recent buys taught me some useful grading lessons. One coin arrived in an NGC holder with a ‘3’ grade – that’s from before they used the 5FS designation for full steps. It reminded me how crucial it is to understand slab labels. Like how ‘H’ in H10 means ‘Half’ for half-dime, not some mysterious mint mark. Always check those details so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Thoughts for Fellow Collectors
After this spree, I’d suggest focusing on coins with strong luster and attractive toning – they’re not just eye-catching but tend to hold value well. Commemoratives like the Norfolk seem particularly hot right now with prices climbing, so jump on good deals when you spot them. When buying groups of coins, getting second opinions really helps avoid impulse choices and land the best piece. Remember, even a modest collection grows fast when you hunt for what truly speaks to you!
A Little Something Different
I couldn’t resist including one non-coin item – a 1972 Shirley Chisholm campaign button. It’s a fun reminder that collections can branch into historical memorabilia that complements our coin interests.
Sharing these new additions has rekindled my love for the hobby. If you’ve added any treasures lately, I’d enjoy hearing about them – let’s keep sharing what makes collecting so special!
