RWB

This will give you a painless start: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ducat

This facebook post by sculptor Nicolas Salagnac from Lyon, will give members some idea of the work medallic sculptors do. Note that the artist is not using digital technology -- and the superior quality that results. Detail photo, below, shows use of a graver to cut hit name into the die. (The final scene shows a lead cast of the completed die.) https://www.facebook.com/atelier.salagnac.graveur/posts/209890541140289

Will a coin found in a 7-11 store parking lot suffice?

I usually read something before sleeping that is completely different than what I worked on during the day. The last few evenings it's been about precursors to Population III stars.

The CDs and PDF files that accompany some of the books are compliant for visually impaired reader software.

Understood. The "chatter" in a toggle press was caused by excessive mechanical wear, improper lubrication or a defective part of the press. Any of these could produce repeated vibration and shifting press mechanisms such as feeders, central stake holding a die, or other parts. All of the press parts were moved by gears and any gear could be worn or damaged. Once the defective press part was replaced, the mechanical doubling would disappear - until something else wore or broke. (See also the toggle press patent in Journal of Numismatic Research, Issue #1.)

The book "From Mine to Mint" explains how most mechanical doubling occurs. [Disclaimer -- I wrote the book.]

To better absorb key facts, place the book under your pillow at night. You will awake knowing more-or-less and with a stiff neck. The "tidbits" are glued into the back cover. They come plain, glazed or with sprinkles.

No. The information was 2nd hand.

There was no further information available.

Next come wind sprints and blocking sleds....

OK. You are awarded 1/3 of a winning prize! (Now, to figure out what the prize is for you and Conder101....)

Contact tracing is not an infringement of anything except possibly stupidity and ignorance. Dystopia is rejection of objective science in favor of knuckle-dragging ignorant dogma. It is a standard, proven method used to interrupt the spread of contagious disease, and has been in use since the early days of Queen Victoria (establishing cholera source).

Nice - other than the absence of facts, and the obvious bias against science.

There is no stigma to returning an item that was misdescribed or is unsatisfactory. Let the seller know and include the reverse detail photo.

At present rates, Covid 19 will wipe out possibly 10% of the stupid who refuse to be vaccinated, and disable another 20% of the same. Those with long Covid and other associated conditions will also ADD to the welfare and public assistance roles. Consider how that could change election outcomes....

Conder101 is correct. You win! #6 is repetition of a long-accepted practice at US and European mints. Government contracts could be offered for bid to sculptors to any qualified artist, including the mint engravers. All work had to be done outside of normal Mint hours and with private equipment.

Worthless.

Nice protective proof set cases (similar to the one in your photos) cost about $1. Wizard Coin Supply, Whitman and other hobby supply sellers have them.

None of the sets described are worth having individual coins authenticated and graded - the expense is more than the coins' values. Also, having a grading company remove ugly tarnish will further add to the cost.

"Comfort Rules" ?

My home town was so small and so poor that when someone tried to make wooden nickels, all they could make were wooden cents -- which the populace promptly burned to keep warm during very long, very cold winters. It was so cold that Frostbite Falls, MN was considered a thermal spring spa.

Here are director Henry Linderman's published rules for the sale of pattern pieces and proof coins. The intention was to place sale of patterns on a similar basis as proofs and eliminate future ad hoc dealing. Can members spot the loop-holes? Rules – Effective July 1, 1867 1. No coins, nor pattern pieces, shall be struck after the year of their date; and to insure this, the dies shall he rendered unfit for that use. 2. No coins, nor patterns, are to be issued in any but their proper metal. 3. Any experimental or pattern piece can he obtained at the Mint, within the year of its date, but not after. Standing orders for such pieces will be registered, and attended to. Any patterns that remain on hand, at the end of the year, must be defaced; it is not desirable to make them as common as the proofs of regular coinage. If any sets of regular proofs remain over, they may be sold in the next year, but not later. 4. The price of any pattern coin, in any but precious metal, will be three dollars ($3.00) in currency; if in gold or silver, the value of the metal is to be added. But when a pattern piece is adopted and used in the regular coinage, in the same year, it will then be issued as a proof, at a price near its current value; or if it comes out early in the year, it will be placed in the regular proof set. The Director reserves the right to send a pattern piece, without charge, to any incorporated Numismatic Society in the United States. In such cases, if the pattern is in gold or silver, the value of the metal will be expected. 5. The price of the regular proof set of gold, will be forty-three dollars ($43.00) in gold; the proof set of silver and copper, three dollars in silver ($3.00), as heretofore. To suit the convenience of many, payment may be made in the currency equivalent. 6. The profits of this whole department are reserved to the Medal Fund, which is a part of the public moneys; and are not to be a perquisite to any person holding a place in the Mint. All such persons are expected to refrain from dealings in this line, or affording aid to friends or dealers outside. If this expectation is counteracted, it will call for serious notice. The rule, however, does not apply to such coins and medals as are not within the scope of this department. And it is, of course, intended that our Engravers shall be compensated for their work on medals that are to be paid for. HENRY R. LINDERMAN, Director

EF. Too much wear for any sort of real AU grade.

Yep. PS: There's no "exquisite patina" on that coin; it's just dull from wear, etc.