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 Replies: 14 / Views: 2,912 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3540 Posts |
Very lucky to purchase both of these "proof" sets. As you view the pictures, remember this: Some unscrupulous person tried to alter business strike coins to make them appear as proof strikes, obviously, for financial gain. Unfortunately, somebody paid up for these, at some point in time. It is my opinion, the 1936 set was "enhanced" first, because the polishing was rather complete. The 1937 set still leaves a lot to be desired. (Will upload the 1937 pictures later today) With this, knowledge is power, especially in the hands of the numismatist!! Leave no stone unturned. Check as many resources as possible. Ask fellow numismatists. Consult experts. If the deal is "too good to be true", walk away. Do your homework!!     The polish job on the obverse took off the high points!!  Reverse of the 36 actually looks frosted on the wheatstalks.  Look at those CLEAN fields!  Got color?  Collectors DREAM of Buffalo nickels with this color and detail.   Ugh...the fields tell the story on this Mercury.   When the "upgrader" selects an XF coin, even polished, the example will always be XF!  "moonlike surface" is a good description of the fields?!?!   At arms length and bad lighting, the half might just pass initial inspection.  The reverse even has flat rims and a "gently aged" look.  *** Moved by Staff moved to a more appropriate forum. ***Edited by acloco
04/15/2018 4:14 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3540 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4963 Posts |
Interesting. Someone certainly mad quite a profit with these. How did you come across them?
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12819 Posts |
At $9k, someone got taken for a serious ride. Ouch.
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New Member
United States
21 Posts |
You are so right about doing as much due diligence as possible. I'm finding that if we as collectors/buyers do not remain "aware" then we'll get just what we are hoping for. And this is only possible at real costs, not the bargains of the century.
Good hunting and good luck to all.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Do you think it's possible that some, but not all, of these could actually BE proofs (lower denominations) that were combined with other non-proofs to give a certain overall "look" to the sets?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3540 Posts |
I purchased from another coin page - he purchased a collection that was presented to him. Of course, told the seller that these were not proof coins at all.
The plastic envelopes that the coins are stapled in, were never used in the 30's.
Absolutely, without a doubt, every single coin in these groups, is a business strike that has been polished.
I think they did a fair job with the 36 dated set and ran out of patience when they tackled the 1937 set.
The 1937 quarter is extremely odd, because a mint mark was obviously removed....on an XF coin!
Edited by acloco
04/16/2018 12:11 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5826 Posts |
The two set add together isn't worth 1/10 of what the price labeled as. Incredible!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1695 Posts |
What a crazy story. Thanks for posting this.
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Rest in Peace
10197 Posts |
Edited by Crazyb0
04/16/2018 12:24 am
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Moderator
 United States
188213 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8137 Posts |
It's a good thing that you got these sets, so they can't fool future collectors. Makes me wonder how many the set did fool before you bought it.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19947 Posts |
WOW! Trying to pass it off to somebody that doesn't know anything about coins.....truly sad!
Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3540 Posts |
Special thanks to Wes of Utah Coin. Will be presenting these sets to both coin clubs that I am a member of. Eventually, will, more than likely, donate to ANA. Would like to do this when I have the time and spare $$ to attend a summer seminar session. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8137 Posts |
acloco, I sent you a PM.  |
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Replies: 14 / Views: 2,912 |
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Posted 04/15/2018 4:20 pm
Until I saw the quarter...
