Appearance Rarity of Dahlonega and Charlotte Half Eagles

Appearance Rarity of Dahlonega and Charlotte Half Eagles

As I have pointed out in other articles, perhaps the single most important factor about CAC approval of third-party graded U.S. coins is that it creates a standard which I term “appearance rarity.” This refers to coins which are choice enough for their assigned grade to be accepted by CAC…

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The Appearance Rarity of Liberty Head Quarter Eagles: How CAC Populations Help Determine Which Dates Are Rare

The Appearance Rarity of Liberty Head Quarter Eagles: How CAC Populations Help Determine Which Dates Are Rare

After more than a decade of viewing coins, the numbers which CAC has approved are now a significant sample size. In the case of Liberty Head quarter eagles, I believe that any issue with fewer than eight pieces approved show true appearance rarity.

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A Story of Numismatic Serendipity: DWN and the 1797 Small Eagle Ten Dollar Gold Piece

A Story of Numismatic Serendipity: DWN and the 1797 Small Eagle Ten Dollar Gold Piece

Every now and then, the fates line up… In the case of a wonderful 1797 Small Eagle $10, everything that had to happen, happened, and as a result a great coin came out of hiding at the 2018 ANA show.

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10 Rare Date Gold Coins with Surprisingly Low/High CAC Populations

10 Rare Date Gold Coins with Surprisingly Low/High CAC Populations

To me, CAC populations help to quantify quality. By this, I mean that if 8 examples of a specific date of Liberty Head half eagle have been approved by CAC, we can assume that there are at least 8 above-average examples of this date with some degree of originality and eye appeal. A figure of “8” at PCGS is not as quantifiable when it comes to quality.

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