The Maine Collection
1920 Maine - Eliasberg
MS 64
Hands-down the most famous coin in my collection. Part of Louis Eliasberg’s complete collection of American coins, displayed at the US mint in Philadelphia during the Bicentennial where it was seen by millions before going on to be displayed on a tour throughout the country including New York City, Dallas, and Chicago. Sold previously in a 1997 auction for $700, it was described as displaying “lilac toning,” still visible best on the bottom of the obverse inside the D and O of DOLLAR. The toning has evolved into a most sophisticated golden shine around the periphery of fiery yellows and greens, the rest filled with a painterly quality of colorful browns like an old map on parchment, perfectly coloring both the DIRIGO scroll and moose!
Mintage: 50,028
Certification: PCGS 51881158
The first collector to complete a set of every US coin, the collection of Louis Eliasberg Sr. had the honor of being displayed at the US Mint in Philadelphia during the Bicentennial. Louis Eliasberg Jr. facilitated the display of the collection with the mint on behalf of his father, who only got to see the mint exhibit in photos before passing away shortly after. His son, who had sworn to his father that he would protect the collection, told them he would need a permit to carry a firearm in all US Territory and federal buildings without limitation. When the US Government responded that this was not possible, Louis Jr. told them in that case they would not be displaying the Eliasberg collection. All the displays had been made and the exhibit fully prepared to receive the coins, and so Louis Jr. was able to fulfill his promise to his father and personally oversee its interstate transport, display and exhibition with a one-of-a-kind permit, and every single coin that set out from the Eliasbergs’ home in Baltimore was returned safely.
Louis Eliasberg Sr.
“The King of Coins”
1920 Maine - Ryan
MS 64
This coin still takes my breath away every time I look at it. The colors are so bright they seem impossibly vivid. This is not an easy coin to find with attractive toning, and when I saw this coin, I knew I’d sell several body-parts to make it the flagship (non-Eliasberg) example of the Ryan’s Roosevelts Collection!
Mintage: 50,028
Certification: PCGS 90025625
A very unique piece if not exceptionally dramatic, with barely a nibble taken out from around 12:00 on the obverse (6:00 on reverse), it is still something I’m proud to have as part of my collection. Part of The Rippere Collection of Mint-Clipped/Incomplete Planchet Errors.
Mintage: 50,028
Certification: NGC 3228998017
1920 Maine Curved Clip - Rippere
MS 63
2003 Silver 25c Maine
PR 69 DCAM
Mintage: 1,125,755
Certification: PCGS 31792792
Another Example
Ungraded - Questionable Color
One thing I don’t have to question about this coin’s toning is whether or not I like it because I do, and particularly so how the tree is green and the milskpot like a celestial body above the horizon! Furthermore, in my humble opinion, if you were to fake toning on a silver state quarter, wouldn’t you do it on one that hasn’t been this smacked around? I for one am willing to believe this coin sat in an album in a loved collection, as was the well-established dealer from whom I purchased it.
Mintage: 1,125,755
Certification: PCGS 46198154
Daniel Carr’s proposed design for the 2003 Maine quarter dollar that he designed during his time at the US mint. The final design was to be completed by a native of each state, and you can see the “inspiration” this instilled in what became a Mainer’s final design! Which do you prefer?
Mintage: 284
Certification: ANACS 4581519
2003 Maine
MS 69
2003 Maine
MS 69
The same as previous coin but struck in shining brass.
Mintage: 82
Certification: 5171200
2003 Maine
MS 69
Daniel Carr also issued parody state quarter dollars! Someone better do something about that lobster though. Gonna need a lot of butter.
Mintage: 81
Certification: ANACS 5171199