Owner Comments:
The 35-D is a a supreme condition/strike rarity. They are virtually impossible to find fully struck in any grade. Mint state examples are not particularly rare and circulated coins are fairly common. However, rarity ratings do not consider strike characteristics. Bruce Fox states that he has never seen a fully struck 1935-D and has only read one book where the author indicated that he had. I laughed when he stated that fully struck MS 65 coins would/should be considered R8 rated rarities! He is correct!!
Even though tthe thumb, skirt-lines and trailing leg are exceedingly difficult to find well struck up; the head is still the toughest detail to find well struck up on this issue. Some examples exist with 80 to 90% head detail but the majority have less than 60% with many exhibiting a nearly flat head. Surface abrasions are also a big problem, as in many other Denver mint issues, making higher grade mint state coins that much more difficult to locate and obtain. Investment potential is well above average for grades MS 65 and higher graded pieces.
Important varieties:
None noted.
This current example is housed in a first generation PCGS 'rattler' slab with a CAC green sticker for PQ eye appeal. I find myself drawn to these older slabs (both NGC and PCGS alike) and I enjoy collecting them, if the coin inside is good, as well. I feel that these coin/slab combos are tougher and tougher to find these days and will certainly bring a good premium on down the road. Having a green bean sticker, in addition, only sweetens the pot.
The obverse thumb is just crazy-sharp on this example but the head is more typically flat. The center skirt-lines on the obverse are mostly complete, too. The reverse breast feathers and trailing leg are also quite complete. The luster is great on this example with prominent 'flow halos' and the fields and devices are mostly very clean and un-abraded. Through my research; I have determined that this piece is FRESH to the market and has NOT ever appeared in any major auctions.
Mintage is at 3,003,800.
About 1800 survivors known in all MS grades.
PCGS population is 463/110 and NGC Census is 153/6 in MS 65.
CAC pop is 33/13 in MS 65.