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 Replies: 17 / Views: 3,990 |
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Valued Member
Canada
403 Posts |
I recently acquired a complete 1908 specimen set. Upon careful inspection of the coins, I noticed 3 errors: 1. The 50c piece has doubling on half of the legend on the obverse 2. 2 of the pieces have 2xDES 3. The 1c piece has a flawed planchette w/ resulting rim damage on the obverse I'd post pictures if I could but I don't have a way to photograph those kinds of details, and obviously I'd prefer to minimize my handling of the coins/case. Obviously these sets in particular are few and far between, but I don't know if these types of minting errors have ever been noted/observed elsewhere. Anyone heard of anything like this? Also, as an aside, any ideas of how many of these sets were produced/sold, or how many exist in the marketplace nowadays? I haven't made any decisions with respect to long-term storing or presentation of the coins. Although I appreciate the thought of having the coins hard-stabbed by a TPG and having more flexibility in being able to admire them, I also prefer them in their original case as issued by the Mint. In the event I decide to slab the coins, which TPG should I take them to (that will actually document the errors I've noted above)? I've been told ICCS won't provide such descriptors or do hard slabs, and I'm generally not a fan of PCGS. What to do? Finally, just for curiosity sake, what, if anything, would these types of errors do to the value of the affected coins? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all! |
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
9873 Posts |
IMO having these errors noted would devalue your set. Collectors expect specimen coins to be a big step above circulation strikes in all aspects.
"Dipping" is not considered cleaning...
-from PCGS website
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Pillar of the Community
Korea, Republic Of
1881 Posts |
Generally, planchet flaws (flawed planchets) detract the value of a Proof or Specimen coin and take away the eye appeal of the coin because flaws are not what people want on a coin that should be near perfect.
I believe planchet flaws are considered damage by TPGs and details-graded.
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Valued Member
 Canada
403 Posts |
I certainly appreciate that view. Personally, I think errors are cool and I enjoy finding them. I guess I'm more drawn to that "one of a kind" appeal, but that's not to say the market would react the same way. Notwithstanding, I have no intentions of ever parting with the set, but I am interested in finding out more about the existance of such errors, as well, I do need to make some decisions regarding storage & presentation.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3234 Posts |
I would hard slab them to help protect them and keep them away from any negative atmospheric effects.
In time and in the original case, they might continue to darken to an extreme.. and lessen their visual appeal.
If you could have someone get sharp pics for us here,..that would be nice and we could have a view of the doubling or flaw.
Considering the extra effort in preparing specimen strikes,..it's odd to hear of this many problems in one set..
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Valued Member
Canada
403 Posts |
Thanks Devlec. Is there a TPG you'd recommend? Or just slab them myself? I don't know anyone that can help me on the photo front. I bought one of those stupid lighthouse microscope cameras with terrible resolution and heavily flawed software, which I couldn't get to work properly so I returned it. Might buy one of those new macro lense things to attach to my smartphone... |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3234 Posts |
Seeing as it's an 08 set,..you're best to get it to ICCS or PCGS for validation as to them all being SP coins. Take care of that case also because the leather is also fragile.
I don't like the effect of my Lighthouse camera either..and almost always rely on a good camera with a macro lens now.
Excellent info in the coin photo section in the CCF forums. ..and always be extra careful when handling SP's.
Good luck with that nice set..
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1505 Posts |
need to ask you this:
are you sure the coins are the original coins which came with the set original, or is it possible that someone exchanged them at some time?
Because these coins were rigidly scrutinized before being placed into the purple red box.
I had one some time ago (large 8 in the 5 cent) and received an unsolicited offer which I could not refuse.
I understand the box alone is worth several hundreds of dollars.
they were all a perfect (ICCS SP 65)
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Valued Member
Canada
403 Posts |
Good question. I'm certainly no grading expert, especially when it comes to SP grades. Aside from the 1c, the remaining coins in the set appear to be original; showing the right balance of condition perfection and toning (mine is the small 8 set, by the way). The 1c did look suspicious to me in the onset simply because it's error was so obvious. The remaining "doubling" errors on the other pieces can only be seen using a 20x magnifier. The box itself is in reasonably good shape.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2632 Posts |
skip79 - can you post any pics? Some members have photo enhancing software including me, pics would be much more helpful. For anyone wondering what a 1908 set looks like here's a pic I found..  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3234 Posts |
Oh..pennyman..That is a sweet set..Easy to see that the cent was lacquered..at the mint..
Remember that the red leather case is prone to damage. I've wrapped my 1911 case up ..
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2632 Posts |
Devlec - I wish it was mine I got the pic off the net way earlier this year I believe..just for reference and drooling. lol
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3234 Posts |
A touch.."Off-Topic" ..OK....a little test.. Here's my 11 case..."Specimen Coins ..Silver and Bronze..Ottawa Mint..1911".. .what's right or wrong here..? ..as reported by Charlton..    Edited by DEVLEC
10/05/2014 3:34 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
21663 Posts |
Answer to DEVLEC.
Coin holder has 6 slots (1 for dollar coin) and was never issued.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3234 Posts |
BINGO..!! Give JimmyD a beer..  Well ..this is my 11 set..so who'd going to tell Charlton..? ....and sadly it was missing one coin when I bought this 5 coin set in the 80's...  The Charlton pic only shows a very rough 6 hole case with the top half missing and broken in half.. Very rough handling for sure.. |
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Valued Member
Canada
403 Posts |
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Replies: 17 / Views: 3,990 |
Posted 10/04/2014 12:10 pm
But alas, here you go. 
