Kunker auction

[bobh]

 

#1619: 50 kopeek 1910-EB

 

I just got this, no where as nice, but...

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...em=130191552614

 

There was a nicer one for $85.

 

I guess "Stempelglanz" is a x10 multiplier these days.

Now that is about what I would call a "normal price" for this year and grade of 50 kopeek coin ... or even a bargain! 1910 is a relatively tough year, although there are certainly tougher ones. While it exhibits a good deal of circulation wear, it appears to be problem-free WRT cleaning, rim damage, etc. For comparison, about one year ago I bought a 1913-EB (rare mintmaster) 50 kopeek from Alexander Basok for $60 which is very similar in grade. From what I have seen over the past few years, I would say that 1910 and 1913-EB are somewhat similar WRT scarcity.

 

What bothers me is when you compare prices spent for nice (but not uncirculated) Nicholas II coins, which are not that hard to find, with some very nice older roubles of Anna or Elisabeth sold in the same auction. To me, those would definitely be the more desirable purchases, e.g. this Rubel 1749, SPB which went for "only" EUR 750. Here are these two coins side by side:

Now, which of these would you rather spend $1,000 on?

[STEVE MOULDING]

First one