Proof Set Error? 2016 150th Anniversary Of The Transatlantic Cable Proof Set

Jake, Sorry can you explain just a bit from your last post here. The label says mint error, but not which error. and I am not familiar with the word "Palnted" Can you elaborate?

As I recall and perhaps the OP might clarify but it was believed the coin was a gold-plated error because somehow the mint stamped the gold-plating onto the 2nd version of the Transatlantic Atlantic SD in the same manner as the design of the 1st type.

But the location of the gold-plating on the 1st version is totally different. In the era of technology, I refuse to believe gold-plating is hand applied on tens of thousands of mass produced coins.

I can't figure out how to post the two types side by side, but it's obvious there's only a small amount of gold plating on the upper half, unlike the OPs alleged gold-plated sample. .
http://www.mint.ca/store/coins/pure....WHUXYctfOhA

It can't be a "error", it would have to be intentional. A prototype? Then it's sold in a cracked case in a damaged box at a post office.

I'm not convinced CCCS has resolved the mystery.

Adding, Jake what's on the other side of this coin? Could you pls post a photo. Curious if the effigy is gold plated as well.

CCCS will post shortly.

I was just off the phone with cccs and he explained to me how he certified the coin and like Nicklesguy said he will be posting it soon. Wilflowerab there is a pic on page 1 of the other side of coin.

Thanks Jake, I notice a side shot on page 2. The reason I asked, I was also mildly curious what was responsible for the lower PF67 grade.

As for CCCS's reply, just my opinion but if a TPG confirms a coin to be a Mint Error, it would seem logical that there be at least one possible explanation for how the error might have occurred at the mint. To satisfy our curiosity here, unfortunately that information doesn't appear to be forthcoming.

I'm not an expert and I've only watched RCM videos of coloured (gold-plating?) and their automated processes. Hundreds of coin going through per minute, stamp, stamp, stamp as the design is being applied.

If this was an mint error, it would appear the mint had to go to the effort of creating a unique gold-plated design component within the production line because no gold plating would have otherwise appeared on the coin. . As this SD was later discovered being sold at a standard price, what would have been the point? The other gold-plated SD in the higher priced pure silver set had already been released several months earlier.

On the other hand, I just happened to notice that Gold-Plating kits are commonly sold on the internet. They are also likely what's used to make counterfeit gold bars as well, the gold plating apparently looks fairly genuine.

Could it be?

In my unprofessional opinion, this explanation is far more likely in terms of probability (considering the cracked case as well).

An unsolved mystery.

Coin Chick you make a very good point. We've all see aftermarket coloured SMLs on ebay that originated at RCM.

On the off-topic of counterfeit, I think part of the reason people so often get taken in is because if it looks gold (or silver) in colour and is connected to a mint, then it's assumed it must be real. Here's a very recent news article about fake gold bars reminding me the saying "All that glitters is not gold."

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/cri...-city-police

But within that article this point was made:
"To avoid suspicion, the bars are packaged in plastic so buyers can't get them tested without opening them."

The similarity to this coin, it's now been slabbed even though the TPG appears unable to acertain the origin of the gold-plating. Is that a good thing or not?

TPG go with the best of their knowledge.

A few years ago we certified a 1996 silver dollar with antique finish and people here blasted us, turned out we were right on! The owner even got a letter from the Mint to confirm the origin of the coin. a few months later 2 more showed up.

Our Canadian competitor stick to "real" coins, yet, they have certified a $2 with a rotated core...a 1914 10 cents with Edward on the obverse...a 25 cents 1921 and a cent 1891 both also counterfeit...need I say more.

I have a coin in my inventory graded by PCGS as MS65RB 1880 Oval 0 NFLD cent and the coin is a Round 0, major difference in price. Did I mention that I have never been able to obtain from them that they buy it back since they made such a major booboo.

My point is all TPG are worked by human being and we take the best care and errors will happen. There is no pleasing everybody...

Yours truly
Louis