Owner Comments:
The 1963 is generally an attractive issue, with excellent luster and brilliant surfaces. Unfortunately, bagmarks play a big role in keeping most of these from gem status. The strike is usually less than desirable, although the 1963 is easier to find than earlier dates of the 60’s. This date is extremely scarce with Full Bell Lines!
My coin is very well struck, with bell lines as full and bold as you could ever hope for on this date. They are clear, full, and undisturbed, truly a pleasure to behold. What sets this coin apart, however, is the extraordinary rainbow toning on the reverse. The obverse is blast white except for a small area underneath the bust, but the reverse has incredible toning which is highly unusual for this date. The luster is strong, and the mark free surfaces literally glow under the light. It is fully worthy of the Star designation which it has earned. I re-submitted this coin hoping for a 66FBL, which I believe it deserves, but no such luck. I paid $1450 for this coin on Teletrade.
Update: I brought this coin to FUN 2012 to show to Mark Salzberg, the president of NGC. He was doing a free review of three coins for any collector who wanted, for free. I showed him this coin, and wondered what was holding it back from a 66. He said that the biggest issues were the small tick on the rim at k3, and the minor striking weakness of the motto around the edges, particularly on the obverse. He was quite impressed with the coin, and said it was a solid 65+*, but wasn’t quite worth a 66. He changed the grade on the spot, and had them update the holder for free. This is now the only coin graded such at NGC – and is without question one of the top finest coins of this date known. Given that a 66FBL is worth about $17k, I estimate the true value of this coin is about $10k.
Notable Events in 1963:
Business and travel with Cuba is made illegal.
Alcatraz is closed.
The Beatles release their first album.
Zip codes are introduced in the US.
Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his “I Have A Dream” speech amidst the civil rights movement.
JFK is assassinated.