The controversy over PCGS coins removal from World sets caused some delay in posting this Journal. But in the end NGC/PCGS/ICG/Anacs etc or simply raw coin as it was minted, the coin make core of a hobby.

So, here's the core of my interests lately, German occupation coinage, a small set, total of 6 coins: 4 zinc (mentioned in one of previous journals), 1 pure steel/iron and one, nickel plated iron coin - the first 2012's graded arrival.

This coin Is NGC MS 61, 50 groszy german occupation, Krause Y-38.

Although the grade is of little consequence for me here, I'd probably not buy one not slabbed, and here's why.

It's sister coin, non played Y-38a is extremely hard to get as iron tends to corrode and well, it's not like with copper or zinc where tarnishing is surface deep, for iron coin not to corrode it has to be stored in near perfect conditions, and well it was war....

Nickel plated one is easier to get but the nickel plating leaves much to be desired on most coins, and although much more resistant to oxidation than it's non plated sister, it still requires some special handling as to not damage it.

So, in the end, I've seen MS62's and 63's being sold for 2-4 times what I paid for this one, but truly, I would not have traded this one, not even 1 for 1 for any other I've seen come up for sale so far.

Happy collecting!

Thunaer