The Red Copper Collection

The largest coin show in America, the ANA World's Fair of Money, takes place in about a month now (July 30 - Aug. 2, 2008.) As part of this stupendous numismatic extravaganza, collectors from all walks of life the world over set up displays and exhibits to share their collections. Of particular interest, of course, are those world class collections that make us tear up with awe as we gaze through the acrylic windows at such things as the 1913 Liberty Nickels or the world's most valuable coin. This year, easily one of the most exciting exhibits will be Stewart Blay's legendary "Red Copper Collection."

The "Red Copper Collection" is a #1 Rated PCGS Registry Set that contains the finest known specimens of many important U.S. Copper coins. Some highlights from the Collection include:

• 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent graded PCGS MS-67 RD - Tied for finest known for the date.



• 1877 Indian Head Cent graded PCGS MS-66 RD - Nicknamed the "Golden Princess."



• 1796 Half Cent graded PCGS MS-66 RB - The finest known early American copper coin.

The coin that got me the most excited was the PCGS MS-69 RD 1919 Lincoln Cent, which is the finest known Wheat Cent in the series. The coin was struck from fresh dies, and received a lovely, well-centered, strong strike which brought up amazing detail in Lincoln's portrait. I thought I'd seen some awesome Wheat pennies, but I hadn't seen anything until I saw this perfect Wheat Cent gem. I can't wait to see it in person!

The "Red Copper Collection" display is being sponsored by PCGS. The Collection includes:

• Half Cents from 1793 to 1857, all in Mint State including a 1793 graded PCGS MS-65 BN and an 1828 with 13 stars graded PCGS MS-65 RD, the finest known.



• Flying Eagle Cents including patterns and regular issues from 1856 – 1858, featuring an 1856 graded PCGS MS-65.



• Indian Head Cents dated 1858 – 1909, including patterns.



• Lincoln Cents from 1909 to date, including circulation strikes and proofs. Lincoln Cent features include a 1914-D graded PCGS MS-66 RD, (formerly from the David Hall Collection); the 1922 no D graded PCGS MS-64 RD, and also in PCGS MS-65 RB; a 1958 doubled die obverse graded PCGS MS65 RD; and a 1969-S doubled die obverse graded PCGS MS-65 RD. Most of these coins are the finest known for their dates.

If you attend the ANA World's Fair of Money in Baltimore this summer, don't miss the chance to see these beautiful coins!

Here's a preview of a couple of my favorites from this set:

• The 1877 PCGS MS-66 RD Indian Cent - The "Golden Princess"



• The 1919 Wheat Cent - The Finest Known Wheat Penny

Photo courtesy of PCGS.