Fifty Cent Varieties - 1943

Hey that's cool. I didn't even know about the chrome plated die/mortar set thing. Thanks AB. now like oldmike, I too shall have to drag out the box!

Thank you and yes, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have connected with someone such as pginrh in the coin community who possesses such vast knowledge and is so willing to share it with others. He truly is an inspiration, a role model, and the future of the hobby will remain healthy only with more people in it such as him.

I have always believed the popularity of the 50c and its varieties to be underrated. Learning more about them has sure opened my eyes and I think it's what keeps the hobby interesting and enjoyable.

Which is why the more people who drag out those dusty, old boxes of 50c, the better! That means you too rockfish.

You gave me an idea! I could start an Ode to Paul thread but that might embarrass him so I'll just add my thoughts here.

I like to put my imagination to work from time to time. I can imagine the coin community similar to a typical village. When I refer to age, I'm definitely not referring to chronological age. The age groups mentioned are only intended to represent a person's attitude and general outlook on life.

Two groups, the active collectors and those new to the hobby are the children in the playground. They are happy, having fun, running about, digging holes, climbing trees, testing out different pieces of playground equipment, and looking forward to new pieces being installed in the future.

Another group is the old people clustered around a table in a coffee shop, generally miserable and disgruntled because things aren't the way they used to be. Much of the conversation begins with "when I was a kid....".
(No offence intended, I'm over the age of 60 myself.)

Paul however, he's not sitting there having coffee with them very often.

Look closely. He's the smiling, cheerful adult in the playground, pushing kids on swings, helping them learn to climb but on the lookout to catch them if they fall.

What the hobby needs is more Pauls.

Yup... you can always find Bill at a coin show, with his large cent binder in hand and wearing an orange shirt... so that new variety collectors can find him!!

A really great way to make oneself known! I like the idea!

Except.....

...I can only suggest if you all are to wear orange shirts and attend a coin show in Edmonton or Calgary you might want to be prepared to defend yourself! You'd share the very prominent colour of our NDP provincial government who's presently having some popularity issues.

Another little known secret about Paul is that he also is a nickel dollar variety collector!!

Not to wander off the subject of 43 50 cents, But hey DEVLEC What's the membership? I have an orange shirt, I'm old, and I fart.

Here is one of my two 43's. It has traveled a few miles as you can see. I think it is a low 4 near, even 3 and late die stage. But correct me if I'm wrong. I can see doubling on the 4 ,but maybe just late die wear. Pretty mean die crack, and chip I'm pretty new at this so help is appreciated.