March Madness Contest : Closed

[mhonzell]

It's been a while since the last contest, so let's try one that encourages some bragging rights!

Post a picture, front and back of your favorite coin. That's it! hugeeyes
Charge up the cameras, break out the loupes, figure out how to scan again, or just ask a friend for a favor.
(If you've got a story behind the coin, tell it! It might help you win.)

• Anyone can enter.
• You must own the coin you post.
  (That $200,000 coin on Heritage Auctions is not worthy of entry unless you just bought it.) widegrin
• Only one entry per contestant in each category:
  • Best Overall
  • Best Variety
  What will you choose? gotcoins:
• You can change your entry up to the day the voting starts: April 3rd. Be careful here! Changing your entry after someone comments on your coin may confuse people voting on it if the comments do not match the coin entered.
• Feel free to comment on any coin(s) you like. But, keep questions on specific coins in private message space.

In two weeks, we'll start the real contest. EVERYONE gets to vote on which coin(s) they like the best.
To post or vote, you have to sign into the site, which means you must at least be registered in the forum.
(We need to have a minimum of two contestants and my sample entry doesn't count.)
[hr]Two winners only:

• Best coin overall! happydance:
• Best variety coin overall!

Prizes: :trophy:

• Not currently a sponsor of CH?
  I'll pay your first year as a Platinum Sponsor and you'll get that "Supporter" banner above your avatar.
  Want a coin instead? Become a sponsor before winners are announced.
• Currently a sponsor of CH?
  You'll win a coin worth at least $20.
  (We'll talk after the contest to make sure you get a coin you are happy with.)

[mhonzell]

My sample entry is an ancient coin:
(I am not a participant in my contest and I cannot win anything.)

Constantine I, Augusti
320 AD
RIC VII Siscia 109

Dia. 18.10mm, Weight 1.94g
Rarity: R3

O: CONSTA-NTINVS AVG
Helmeted bust right, wearing imperial armor

R: VIRTVS EXERCIT
Standard inscribed with VOT/XX, flanked by bound, seated captives on either side
єSIS in ex., S | F in fields

[Paul]

FOR BEST VARIETY COIN OVERALL
almost perfect 1862 IHC DDR FS-801
7 microscopic tics, rinsed only
:ebay: cherrypick

[dipper13]

Here is mine. I have a couple of coins worth much more, but I think this Proof Franklin is the best. There are few of these graded better or more beautiful. My pictures do not do it justice! Dan

[mhonzell]

Paul,

I think everyone will be happy that I am not picking the winner since I adore Indian Head Cents and that is an absolutely beautiful coin! And, a superb variety!

Not only that, you found it on your nemesis auction house! :yourock:


Dan,

Your entry shows me we are going to see some phenomenal coins here!

Keep 'em coming!

[Paul]

Paul,

I think everyone will be happy that I am not picking the winner since I adore Indian Head Cents and that is an absolutely beautiful coin! And, a superb variety!

Not only that, you found it on your nemesis auction house! :yourock:


Dan,

Your entry shows me we are going to see some phenomenal coins here!

Keep 'em coming!

i can't call them a 'nemisis' at all, you know, they are a buying 'GOLD MINE' for me. i've got 50 or so variety "majors" that are WAY BEYOND the currently 'listed' top pop's.....that i've nipp'd from there.
........& whistling2: waiting for daniel to 'get caught up', to add my platinum banner....eh-hem

[sourdough]

Deleted post for second coin.

[sourdough]

My entry in the Best Overall category.

This is a No Date Lincoln Cent medium stage brockage (struck thru a cap that has shifted on the obverse die) on a broadstruck planchet. It is copper by weight. I found it in a small coin shop in Anchorage AK around 1990. The owner was very skittish of errors and was glad to get rid of it for $5. Too bad for the handling scratches on the reverse.

Back in the day I used to collect all manner of struck-thru Lincolns and still have about 30 various coins left, including an 8-coin 1981 capped die strike progression ID'd by reverse die scratches. Sorry, I digress.

[mikev50]

I AM 65 YRS OLD--WHEN I WAS 10 I ASKED MY GRANDMA IF SHE HAD ANY OLD COINS I COULD LOOK AT--SHE HAD A SMALL BLACK CHANGE PURSE WITH ABOUT 6 COINS IN IT--AFTER LOOKING I ASKED GRANDMA IF I COULD HAVE ONE--BEING GRANDMA SHE SAID SURE BUT ONLY 1--THERE WERE OTHER GRANDCHILDREN--SO I PICKED OUT 1--DON'T KNOW WHY I CHOSE THIS ONE--MAYBE BECAUSE AT THE TIME IT WAS SO DIFFERENT--THIS IS THE COIN I PICKED--

[mhonzell]

:w

Just a clarification note:
If you only enter one coin, then that coin will be entered into both categories, as long as it is also a variety coin.
But, you have to state the variety... I'm not doing the research for you. whistling2:


Yes, it is possible to win both categories and walk away with both prizes, or combine them into an even better prize! happydance:

PS. I'm not voting on any coins unless there is a tie. So don't let my comments on coins make you think this is somehow wrapped up. I have almost no say in the outcome.

[epop]

My favourite coin is a 2 mark coin from the kingdom of Prussia.It's bearing the german emperor Fredrich ,and it's the emperor of three months(March-June 1888). 1888 was the year of the 3 emperors for Germany. Wilhelm I-Friedrich-Wilhelm II reign on this year. This coin although not so expensive it's my favourite because of it's toning which is obvious I thought.
This coin is registered on my NGC Collectors Society Registry ,Prussia, 2 Mark, 1876-1913, Circulation Issue

[Paul]

My favourite coin is a 2 mark coin from the kingdom of Prussia.It's bearing the german emperor Fredrich ,and it's the emperor of three months(March-June 1888). 1888 was the year of the 3 emperors for Germany. Wilhelm I-Friedrich-Wilhelm II reign on this year. This coin although not so expensive it's my favourite because of it's toning which is obvious I thought.
This coin is registered on my NGC Collectors Society Registry ,Prussia, 2 Mark, 1876-1913, Circulation Issue

:trophy: AWESOME

[mhonzell]

Rigo,

Awesome coin! And consider yourself entered in the contest.
I collect a lot of ancient coins and it is amazing to me to find only a few modern coins that duplicate the mastery in imagery that those ancient coins could portray. This is one of them and I'll be looking for one to add to my collection. Thanks for posting this coin!

[OdedPaz]

Let's try something different - an Elongated Coin!

It's rolled/smashed/elongated on a Kennedy Half Dollar, and it has real gold flakes/dust in the panner's pan.

How cool is that?

Oded Paz

[soshasdaddy]

This is one of my many coins .This is a 1915 Austria corona 100 gold coin almost 33 grams of gold very pretty

[shoeshine]

My 2006 Britannia 1oz Silver Gold Gilded coin. Out of 100,000 coins only 5,000 made it to this process sold in a Gift Box with 4 other designs.

[Scubaredneck]

Here's my 1957-D Lincoln memorial cent in AU (non-certified) condition.

[pahwa]

Man those are all beauties. Picking a winner will be tough.

[Paul]

for my best overall

[cableman]

I had a tough time choosing which coins I wanted to enter and settled on one of my older errors and one of my favorite coins.Purchased as a normal higher grade 1864 cent at a low price,I noticed quickly something was going on here and sent it into ANACS.I am quite disappointed with the grade as I thought (as do several of my fellow collector friends) it was an easy ef40 with a shot at ef45 coin.

[cableman]

This is my entry for best overall.I was going to post another error coin as best overall but decided it may be confusing for voters.

[mhonzell]

:thumbsup:
Wow!
There are some really impressive coins being displayed here. Really enjoying the views. I can't wait to see how the voting goes.
Meanwhile, I'm starting to photograph the prizes so you can choose from them.

I hope you can find your pick amongst:
1857 Flying Eagle (F), 1858 Flying Eagle-LL (F)
1880 Indian Head Cent (XF), 1888 Indian Head Cent (XF)
500 Wheat Cents (P, D, S : Teens-50s) [bagged]
1960D Jefferson Nickel (MS65)
1942D Mercury Dime (MS66FB)
1963 Franklin Half (PF67)
1976 Eisenhower Dollar
1988 Silver Eagle (1oz. Silver)
320 AD Ancient Coin (several)
And, I'm still looking at possibilities...

Two of these require you to win both categories, but we'll see where it goes.

Had to correct one of the descriptions above.
Best of luck!

[Maineman750]

I'll add my most valuable find from circulation.I won't tell you which variety it is, but it broke a record at auction in 2011 when it sold for $2900...not especially pretty, but it was a beautiful thing when I first saw it lol:

[sidingguy]

My favorite coin is a 5 coin set...It's the 2011 25th Anniversary Silver American Eagle set...I was very lucky to be able to get mine thru the mint on the one and only day they were available...Just added a picture of the reverse (again)...Hope it sticks this time

[Paul]

My favorite coin is a 5 coin set...It's the 2011 25th Anniversary Silver American Eagle set...I was very lucky to be able to get mine thru the mint on the one and only day they were available...

5coinSet6.jpg

5coinSet5.jpg

5coinSet4.jpg

5coinSet3.jpg

5coinSet2.jpg

5coinSet7.jpg

5coinSet.jpg

:trophy:

[mhonzell]

Very nice set of coins, sidingguy!
:yourock:

[jrkicc1]

March Madness Contest 1982 Bronze Large Date Lincoln Penny

[mhonzell]

Alright...
It's starting to get really quiet regarding new entries, so maybe it's time to get voting on this. I originally said April 3rd, but that may be too far out there.

I'll give you another twenty-four hours to post your entries and then I'll see if I can create a poll that works.

New deadline: March 27th, Noon, CST, DST.

Entries, so far, will fall into categories as follows: (correct me by PM if I got them wrong)
Overall

• dipper13[tab=35]1963[tab=10]Franklin Half Dollar
• sourdough[tab=30]----[tab=15]Lincoln Memorial Cent, Brokage
• epop[tab=58]188A[tab=7]German, 2 Mark
• Rigo[tab=60]1965[tab=10]Austria Schilling
• shoeshine[tab=31]2006[tab=8]Britania 1oz. Silver, Gold overlay
• soshadaddy[tab=20]1915[tab=10]Austria, 100 Corona
• OdedPaz[tab=38]----[tab=15]Elongated Kennedy Half Dollar
• PALH1[tab=50]1883[tab=10]Shield Nickel, Proof
• cableman[tab=31]1909S[tab=3]Lincoln Wheat Cent, VDB
• Maineman750[tab=8]1972[tab=10]Lincoln Memorial Cent
• sidingguy[tab=35]2011[tab=8]25th Anniversary Silver American Eagle 5-coin set

Variety

• PALH1[tab=50]1862[tab=10]Indian Head Cent, DDR FS-801
• mikev50[tab=38]1864[tab=10]Two Cent Piece, Small Motto
• cableman[tab=30]1864[tab=10]Indian Head Cent, No L, Double Struck In Collar
• scubaredneck[tab=8]1957D[tab=2]Lincoln Wheat Cent
• jrkicc1[tab=48]1982[tab=10]Lincoln Memorial Cent, Brz, Large Date

[PetesPockets55]

For Greatest overall!
This is an1783 silver 8 Reale from the El Cazador wreck. Much prettier coins out there but this one means the most to me as it was a surprise gift from my 28 year old son for fathers day. Even though he has no interest in coin collecting he went online and had this sent to me as a surprise. I was surprised to say the least because I thought I was being scammed. I knew I hadn't bought one (by coincidence I had viewed some online) and there was no shipping label or contact information through Amazon. I rushed to my bank account expecting it to be cleaned out or at the very least some odd charges.. :l When my heart settled down I put two and two together and for some reason I thought to call him. He sure got a chuckle out of my panic- older folks and the internet, don't you know. Any way thanks for reading and thanks for the contests.

[Paul]

For Greatest overall!
This is an1783 silver 8 Reale from the El Cazador wreck. Much prettier coins out there but this one means the most to me as it was a surprise gift from my 28 year old son for fathers day. Even though he has no interest in coin collecting he went online and had this sent to me as a surprise. I was surprised to say the least because I thought I was being scammed. I knew I hadn't bought one (by coincidence I had viewed some online) and there was no shipping label or contact information through Amazon. I rushed to my bank account expecting it to be cleaned out or at the very least some odd charges.. :l When my heart settled down I put two and two together and for some reason I thought to call him. He sure got a chuckle out of my panic- older folks and the internet, don't you know. Any way thanks for reading and thanks for the contests.

:trophy:
these are
i bought one shortly after NGC came out with the fancy dancy wood display box, info booklet insert, in the orig shipping box. the guy was in london, & must have bought a bunch to re-sell. i asked him if he could pick out the nicest one for a few bucks more. i look at the ones for sale now & again, & the one he sent me blows all of the others 'out of the sea'! i think i got REAL LUCKY that time. i have it put away, or i would post a few pics. i do need to add to my registry set of the coins i never posted there, & that one is with those, off site here. so i will try to pic it when i can get over there to get the other 288 slabbed coins.

[mhonzell]

While I welcome you to continue posting favorite coins for all to share.
New entries for the contest are closed.

[cableman]

Here's another of my favorites.When I sent this in,I wasn't into Vams at that time.I have since determined it is the elusive Vam-2C.Also looks PL and I will probably send it back for at least the Vam designation and hopefully the PL also.This coin is not included with the vote.

[Daniel]

Nice coin and good see people sharing their coins even after the contest is over. I like threads like these.

[cableman]

I forgot to mention this is a Hit List 40 Vam.
This coin is a Hit List 40 Morgan Vam.

2C III22 · C3b (Doubled 882, Break Cap Back, Doubled Lip Counter Clash) (177) I-3 R-6
Obverse III22– Clashed die that has been polished as in VAM 2B. Further clashing with slight die rotation that produced one or two curved clashed lines at top of left and right wreaths. Single curved clash line shows doubled upper lip from counter clash and double curved clash line also shows small die break at back of Phrygian cap from die clashing.
COMMENTS: Since the discovery of VAM-2C in 2006, VAM-2C1 and VAM-2C2 have been added.
The counterclash is the stage difference - early 2C is just the counterclash, later it also has the break.

[mhonzell]

:trophy:

And the winner of Best Overall category is:

Cableman

And the winner of the Best Variety category is:

MikeV50


Congratulations!!!
(Check your PM)