RWB

Very informative observations. Thanks!

The OP was referring to the 1946 half, not the '68-D Kennedy

Agree on the possible counterfeit. Fuzzy details, wrong color, messed up date. stains, etc.

Are the removed stickers properly called "has beans?"

The question was, "What is that utilitarian purpose?"

Here's a short letter to the Boise Idaho Assay Office regarding delayed mail service.

21, 27-D, and 33....but I should have been clearer. I was referring to the dates between 1929 and 1932, specifically 1930-S, as being worthy of similar or greater recognition.

I am not sure if anyone has a definitive answer. They might have been introduced as a device to discourage clipping, then transitioned to an ornament and finally to something expected on larger coins. Note the conversion of denticles into a dot-dash-dot pattern on the SL quarter, and their absence on the other "new" design coins of 1916 and 1921/22. It could make for an interesting article from someone with a good background in European numismatics.

Inscriptions are well formed and rounded. The hair seems separated and defined. The prime weakness is in the tiara rays. Most coins, even ones with good central detail, have chisel-shaped lettering. Having neither seen the coin in person nor having spent a lot of time enhancing the original images there is always a disadvantage. The central part of this coin is the most obscured by discoloration.

#1 Never shuck oysters while examining your proof coins. #2 Repeat #1.

Start working part time for an established professional numismatist and reseller. Also, go to a college or university offering degrees in American history, finance, European history and archeology.

They were accumulated from published sources, Bowers' Hoards book (which I helped edit), and a few dealer references that could be checked. Quantities were small, so any errors would also be minor and acceptable.

Another chat board includes an interesting observation and discussion about a 1921 Peace dollar recently sold by Stacks-Bowers. The gist is that Lot 11342, 1921 Peace Silver Dollar. High Relief. MS-64 (PCGS), OGH, sold for $3,600, which was thought to be very high for a visually unappealing coin. Some speculated the buyer thought it was a MS-65 coin. [https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1055026/oh-my-another-crazy-1921-peace-dollar-result] We know that for some coin types visual appeal is more important than detail quality; for others it is the reverse. For 1921 Peace dollars, design detail is generally more important that visual appeal. In-person examination is always preferable to photos, but if it is not practical, there are techniques to draw useful information about wear, detail and color from good quality photos, such as those made by Stacks-Bowers. In this case, I wanted to separate the surface stains/tone/tarnish etc., from damage, and also get a better view of detail. The exact processes change depending on what kind of emphasis is wanted. In the sample below, the left image is the auction original, the middle is a green channel grayscale from the original, and the right image is a composite of an inverted grayscale green channel, modified blue channel and an inverted grayscale original. Note that each image provides a clearer view of the surface or design detail, by both enhancing and minimizing ranges of pixel values. Based on image modification and analysis results, my opinion is that the coin has above average detail, but is closer to MS-63 than MS-64; grading MS-65 would be out of the question. The detail alone seems sufficient to justify the price. The coin might also benefit from careful "conservation."

Suggest that in future you post your coin here before spending $$$ on authentication and "grading."

What are these...?

True. In 1906 Saint-Gaudens suggested adding the word "JUSTICE" to the DE design. President Roosevelt replied that he thought it would have to be approved by Congress, and the less he had to deal with Congress the better. Coinage, as the unique purview of the Federal government, operates under the Dillon Rule doctrine concept. This means coins can include only such materials and inscriptions as defined by law. That is the consistent approach in US coin. Therefore the word "PEACE" was not legally included on the coin....however, no one noticed (or objected that we know of) including the President or members of Congress, until after the fact.

Feel free to ask questions or request data locations.

Nice find from the auction! Will be interesting to learn if it is a new DD variety.

GoldFinger1969's comment is a reality check. They can't come back because they never left - except of their final journey to be melted. Records of the various mints show that 27-Ds along with many other date/mint DE never left their place of production. The quantities were not trivial - but millions. The data and sources are in the Saint-Gaudens DE book for all who care to follow the facts.

You might have an expert check your coins first. Some Accugrade coins are indeed accurately graded. Why would you spend an extra $100 to know what you already know?

Likely brass medals. There should be some sort of identification on the holder.

The Apmex link was posted in the bologna section thread ATS. The "details" are new because they are of recent invention. However, with the originator of the "hoard finding" being mute on the subject, we'll never know "the whole truth and nothing but the truth."

That tongue depressor has seen a lot of tonsils !

Yes. That was why the president's push to have 1921-dated coins. The conference ended in January 1922. It's interesting that no one authorized adding the word "PEACE." There is no discussion of it until afterward. DeFrancisci's model was the only one with this added. [Details in RAC 1916-1921.] (Zerbe had no influence on this coin or any other of that period. He had screwed up the 1915 PPIE commemoratives and Treasury wanted nothing to do with him. [Details in RAC 1909-1915.])

Why ruin a good thing?