e-Letters: Aug. 30, 2023

If money were no object, what would be the first coin you would buy? Why?

If money was not a factor, I think I’d opt for some of the gold Liberties from the 1857 Shipwrecked “Ship of Gold” (S.S. Central America). What a story to tell.

John Peek
Address withheld

I would purchase the 1907 Saint-Gaudens $20 Ultra High Relief for its history and beauty.

Maurice Foushee
Washington, D.C.

A Dahlonega mine gold coin. Because I worked there as a geologist in the early ’80s and became fascinated by the history.

Jim Burnell
Address withheld

1918/7S Standing Liberty quarter in Full Head, MS-65. Simply unattainable on a moderate budget and not readily available. Dream on.

Horst Seeley
Address withheld

If I hit the lottery the first coin I would get is a 1909-S VDB penny. It was the coin to have when I was a kid

Mary Rawding
Address withheld

I’d have to flip a coin between an original 1836 Gobrecht dollar and a 1907 High Relief Saint-Gaudens $20 gold piece. Both define American numismatic artistry at its finest. Probably the Gobrecht dollar.

Lorne Lavertu
Herndon, VA

I would order a 1910 gold Indian Head dollar coin and a $10 stamped Hawaiian dollar bill. I once owned both.

James Carnes
Address withheld

I would purchase the 1849 double eagle. It resides in the national coin collection at the Smithsonian. Only one was struck, according to Mint records. Unlike the other ultra-rarities that were struck “illegally” (1913 V nickel and 1933 double eagle), the 1849 double eagle was struck with the intent to place it into circulation ... in 1850. The 1849 double eagle was more than just a pattern piece, but the Mint struck one and only one.

I have always enjoyed the idea of owning an 1849 double eagle. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the Mint records were incorrect and a few more were found and authenticated as real?

There are other famous coins that many persons would like to own (I mentioned a couple already), but the 1849 double eagle would always be my first choice. Always.

W. David Jones
Rockville, Va.

If money was no object I’d purchase a New Yorke brass token (in lead or brass) since it was the first time the words “New Yorke” made it onto a coin and because it was made somewhere between 1668 and 1673. I’m very thankful that I am able to live and work in New York at the West Point Mint, and having this coin would be a wonderful historical reminder of the Province of New York and its part in America’s history.

Ruth Mower
New York

I would buy all the Mercury dimes I could find. I think they are beautiful in design and size. They are a smaller denomination, so in times of cashing in you don’t have to sell your one and only. A little here and there goes a long way.

Tinya Lee
Southside, Ala.

1893-S Morgan to complete my Morgan set. 1928 Hawaiian and 1936 Spanish Trail to complete my commemorative set.

John Friend
Sun Valley, Calif.

I’d start with the best available 1877 Indian cent to replace the only numismatic item I regret selling, an ANACS XF-45. While searching for the 1877 I would focus on studying information on gold coins in order to become a future buyer. They’re tough to beat in beauty and future appreciation.

Joe G.
Carlsbad, Calif.

If money was no object, I would purchase an 1804 silver dollar. I was lucky enough to see one on display once and I thought to myself what a beautiful coin. I would never have a chance to purchase something like that. This would give me the chance to get one.

Scott Ferguson
Henderson, Nev.

I would love to buy the whole set of the 1915-S Pan American gold coins in its original holder.

Allan Parker
Hartsdale, N.Y.

I would buy a 1923 2 Feathers Buffalo nickel. Why? To finish my 2 Feathers set. I do not think I will ever be able to find one.

Karl Hinkle
Loma Linda, Calif.

I would like to get a Morgan silver dollar from the Carson City, Nev., Mint.

It is the best example Morgans ever made. The silver came from the Comstock Lode, the finest silver in the country. If I had $20,000, I would buy eight or 10 of them.

John Saiz
Albuquerque, N.M.

I would buy a very high grade 1795 Flowing Hair dollar. I would buy this because it was our first dollar and a beauty in its own right.

Malcolm Johnson
Address withheld

If money were no object the coin I’d buy would be a $20 high relief Saint-Gaudens gold piece. Any year would do.

Rick Smith
Atlanta, Ga.

I would buy the best 1804 silver dollar on the market.

Bill Bounds
Address withheld

I would buy a matte proof $5 Indian Head half eagle. It’s my #1 bucket list coin. I love the look of it.

Donald
New Mexico