Loading...
The focus of this review is on vintage German coins placed in slabs by the American grading company NGC. The first specimen is a 1913 Prussian 3 Mark coin, commemorating the silver jubilee of Wilhelm II's reign. It received a condition grade of MS 64.
The focus of this review is on vintage German coins placed in slabs by the American grading company NGC. The first specimen is a 1913 Prussian 3 Mark coin, commemorating the silver jubilee of Wilhelm II's reign. It received a condition grade of MS 64.
This coin is considered one of the simplest, yet it is very popular. It is often called a 'starter' coin for beginner collectors who are just getting interested in slabbed coins. Such specimens were minted and slabbed in huge quantities.
An MS 64 grade for this coin is far from the limit. Of course, specimens in MS 66 or MS 67 condition are considered more interesting for a collection, but their cost will be significantly higher.
The attitude towards slabs in the numismatic community is ambiguous. There are different opinions on this matter, and each collector decides for themselves which approach they prefer.
Some consider a slab a 'coffin' for a coin, which eliminates the possibility of tactile contact and, in their opinion, 'kills' numismatics. A portion of collectors holds this point of view.
On the other hand, the demand for slabbed coins is constantly growing. One of the main reasons for this is the huge number of counterfeits on the market. A slab from a reputable grading company acts as a guarantee of the coin's authenticity, which becomes a decisive factor for many buyers.
| Coin | Year | Denomination | Issuer | Grade in Review | Description |
| Victory over Napoleon | 1913 | 3 Marks | Prussia | MS 63 | Also known as the 'Crowd's Three-Marker'. MS 63 is a relatively low grade. |
| 90th Birthday of Luitpold | 1911 | 3 Marks | Bavaria | MS 64 | A very popular, affordable, and attractive coin. |
| Wilhelm II | 1914 | 5 Marks | Prussia | MS 63 | 'Popular Five-Marker', a large and beautiful silver coin. |
Besides the 'Silver Jubilee', there are several other very common and affordable German coins from that period available for collection. They are often found on the market and are in steady demand.
The cost of such coins can vary. For example, the 'Victory over Napoleon' coin with good luster, without a slab, sells for 4,000-6,000 rubles. The presence of a slab adds several thousand more to the cost, and the final price can be 7,000-9,000 rubles.
Many vintage coins have a patina. Sometimes it is 'dirty' and spoils the appearance, but often the patina is even and gives the coin a noble look.
In addition to German coins, the review also features classic American silver dollars. One of them is the so-called 'Peace Dollar' from 1923 in MS 64 grade. The year 1923 is a common date for this type of coin, and 1922 is even more common.
The second representative of American numismatics is the 1886 Morgan Dollar, also in MS 64 condition. This is a mega-popular theme among collectors. Morgan dollars from the 1880s are considered common; they are very liquid and easy to buy and sell.
The approximate cost of a Peace Dollar in the US is about $70-80. However, in Russia, the price for such coins is generally higher, and their delivery from the US is currently associated with certain difficulties.
Choosing between vintage and modern investment coins is a matter of taste. Vintage coins are attractive for their history and aesthetics, while modern ones have their own advantages. It is important to collect both, forming a diversified collection.
The main principle of collecting is to enjoy the process. You should collect what you personally like and not pay attention to others' opinions. Every collector chooses their own path.
Aesthetics are also important for storing slabbed coins. For example, NGC slabs have a uniform format, which allows a collection to look harmonious. PCGS slabs, on the other hand, can differ in shape and color, which not everyone likes. There are also Russian slabbing companies, for example, NNR, whose products are also present on the market.
