RWB

I used then about a year ago to slab a cat I ran over with the car. They do, indeed, have flexible policies.

Much pent-up demand ! Good for business; bad for getting a full night's sleep.

You'll find out when it is carefully examined.

I agree on the 1855 cent. The "pure copper" used at that time (from Crocker Brothers, Corp.) has noticeable impurities, so it does not "age" the same as copper we see today. Every batch of planchets from Crocker Bros. was slightly different in composition. This can be very helpful in authentication - and a very simple way to show original 1840s half-cents from later novodels ("restrikes") from 1869.

Take a look on your receipt. If you can't find it drop me a note with your email and I'll send it to you. Same for anyone else who bought the FF&F book and did get the download code.

An embossing die is a mirror of the obverse relief, but with less detail. Using this avoids large metal movement and therefor requires little pressure to bring up the design. It is intended to create an obverse of optimum detail without stressing a production die (or using a soft testing die of brass).

A simple approach is for the sponsor to require dealer active presence during specified dates and times. Violation means forfeiture of a security deposit, or public display of those who left w/o approval, or no future invitation. Once several promoters enforce similar conditions, dealers will stay and at minimum occupy the space. Using fill-in is another useful way to use vacated space; however, if the original dealer has a contract and made payment for 3 days, and leaves after 2 days, reselling the same space will require an additional contract provision including how to determine that a table renter has actually forfeited some of their time. Personally, I disagree with Mark's dealer-is-dominant approach. IF - IF - a bourse is intended for collectors, then the rules must benefit collector attendance, regardless of any dealer inconvenience. A clear contract, with clear statements of purpose and appropriate enforcement should solve the problem. ON THE OTHER HAND - if a bourse is intended for dealers' benefit, then the logic changes, and no one should complain if one, some, or all of the dealers vanish in the dark of night. (See 1984 treatise of Robert Irsay on skipping town under cover of darkness.)

No. A "show" is defined by its organizers and promoters, others merely assume it aligns with their own point of view.

The central question (related to above) is:"What is the purpose of the coin show/bourse?"

I'll send you the file.

These appear to have been made with a face die and a "backing die" similar to an embossing die. That accounts for the detail.

You should have received a code # to enter on the Wizard site. This will permit a PDF download. The purpose is to give collectors a searchable "index" without anyone having to have a CD reader or USB drive.

They are all sales cons, unless backed by proof of the claim. "First day of issue" is the easiest to verify since the original bag will have a date on the tag, and the official release date is known. "First strike" has no clear definition but is commonly thought of as the first small group of coins made from a pair of new dies; these will differ in appearance from subsequent coins by their smooth satin-like fields and absence of luster. The "first coin struck" has occasionally been reserved for presentation to the President or some other officer, or like the 1921-D coins that were engraved with their status. T. Louis Comparette, curatorof the Mint Cabinet, is recorded as taking coins straight from the press to use in his distribution to major collections....but not necessarily the first from new dies.

Both are nice quarters, but not among the first off new dies. A true "first strike" (about 25 pieces) will have very little luster - merely satin fields created by the final acid dip after hardening and tempering.

Why so defensive leatherneck1967? Your advice to have worthless obvious counterfeits authenticated is bad for new collectors and bad for the hobby. It's not helpful and can easily result in a potential collector giving up. These are simply truthful statements built on experience and much observation. Consider learning a lot more.

Ah....greed Trumps honesty. "Instant expert" happens on both sides of the table. The dealer assumes he/she is knowledgeable because they are on the sell-side of the table. The customer assumes that anyone selling coins (not "cons") at a show MUST know about the coins being sold - otherwise they would not be selling coins.

This is a point of contention between some (me) and the TPGs. To call any coin a "specimen" requires proof that the piece was made for some special purpose or in some clearly modified manner - that is my view. This places terms such as "specimen" or "branch mint proof" in the category requiring extraordinary evidence for an extraordinary claim. Pattern pieces differ in that they are generally well understood and documented, even though many of those cataloged as "patterns" are really novodels, mules and routine testing pieces. I feel that in EVERY instance a claim of "specimen" must include publicly disclosed objective criteria. To be blunt: no coin can be determined to be a "specimen" "branch mint proof" or other specially made piece merely by casual examination. Some TPGs seem unable to do this and even when they publish information, their data and analysis are faulty. That kind of lazy, sloppy research makes all of their authentications open to question, and degrades the TPG's attribution authority.

One might spend more for postage than for the issues.

"Is this quarter worth anything" Nope. Pocket change 25-cents.

Remember to find something special for her, too!

A grade is a grade is a grade. Does not matter the category.

If your wife ever names one of her plants "Audrey II" - better evacuate. Your pop guns will be useless.

Look for the publication on World Cat., identify a library with the issue you want, and request an interlibrary loan. This will cost about $3 per request. You can then make a copy at your local library. I've found no PDF or other public use copies of the articles.

Maybe it's a vast conspiracy discovered by the pillow-fool on TV, and they are really his brand of pillows, not clouds, on the coins...?

...or maybe an ewe for a greater range of bucolic appreciation.