RWB

The source of mintage figures published in hobby books and on-line is a frequent collector question. We seem to presume that "if it's published, it's right" when some quantities are not really as accurate or reliable as once thought. Most mintage quantities after about 1862 were copied from official US Mint reports. Proof coin mintages come from a few contemporary documents and a list of gold, silver and minor proofs prepare by the Philadelphia Mint in 1939. Earlier mintage figures often require matching coin deliveries with availability of dies for the next calendar year to separate coin date from the year of manufacture. A further problem occurs when large deliveries of coins fail assay or weight tests and have to be destroyed - this melting was not always subtracted from reported mintages. Confusion can increase when we realize that mintage quantities are not necessarily all the pieces struck. Defective pieces were routinely subtracted, but the Coiner also had discretion in making his deliveries to the Director or Superintendent. He could hold back good coins for any reason - and not simply to make even-numbered deliveries to simplify accounting. In many years, proof coins were reported separately from circulation strikes, or were rolled up into a single number. Additionally, when coins were removed from Annual Assay or other testing, the quantities destroyed were not subtracted from published data. Over the past 20 years, there has been a considerable increase in access to original internal mint documents and coinage journals. These can be used to refine and validate mintage quantities from other sources. Below is a sample of a proof coin table for 1913. Normally, this would be accompanied by sources for every number in the table.

"Natural" or "original" tarnish occurs without intentional human intervention. Anything else, even if not augmented by human manipulation, is "artificial." The quandary is distinguishing one from the other - especially when it involves incidental circumstances. (I.e., silver coin wrapped in a napkin and given to you by Grandma for your birthday, and a silver coin wrapped in a napkin by a collector to enhance appearance. If both Grandma and collector are the same, well, have some warm gingerbread and let her 'splain it to you.)

Nah --- that's the pizza break.

Is this the old "Polish light bulb" joke? It doesn't matter how many people are involved in grading a coin. What counts is: repeatable accuracy in applying fixed standards without regard to any external factors.

Damaged. Nothing more.

Show members the auction listing and final price. Nothing you have posted is worth more than face value. Any of the inflated values are lies, or complete ignorant misunderstanding. If you are serious about learning about coins, then find a local coin club, attend meetings, and ask questions.

Please, listen to the folks here; and STOP watching those lying U-tube coin videos. This 1943-D cent, like the 1943 you posted, is worth 1-cent.

Notable for their collections and knowledge would count. "Big name" in some other field -- zippo.

Quite likely responses. If someone had read the 1905-1908 book, they would have a shot at identifying it. Corroboration would have to come from the US Mint since there are no photos known.

Thanks! We've finally gotten the 1907 and 1908 presscopy letters digitized and can now check for more information. Director Leach said in a March 1908 letter that "This work is very discredible to the service..." Have located the initial delivery and possible cause -- not related to the die.

This letter orders destruction of all 1908 pattern half eagles of both designs. It's curious that Dir Leach did not have one or two pieces saved for the Mint's Cabinet of Coins. No Saint-Gaudens half eagles survive and only 1 Indian half eagle pattern survives. This was the coin given to President Roosevelt who then presented it to William BIgelow. In turn, Bigelow donated the coin to the Boston Museum, who sold it - unattributed - as an ordinary coin when they deaccessioned their numismatic collection. The coin likely sits in some anonymous collection awaiting a keen-eyed numismatic discovery. (A description is in my book Renaissance of American Coinage 1905-1908, and the master hub is at the Philadelphia Mint.

Is anyone aware of aware of defective or odd 1907-O or 1908-O half dollars? Some newly located mint documents indicate that a complete delivery was ordered destroyed due to poor quality, but that the coins went out anyway.

This letter, written long before William Bigelow became involved in half eagle coin design, suggests that no Saint-Gaudens half eagles were struck for circulation because of Congress' debate about requiring "In God We Trust" on the new coin designs.

Don't know what it "would be," but it is Very Good grade with a lot of bumps and dings - A TPG would likely call it "details," or possibly "Fred," "Maury," or "Ermaline."

Finding an original that nice might be difficult.

The content is informative but the description is confusing. There are 4 horizontal sections and 4 vertically stacked sections. Further, the illustration is of poor quality and barely helps one separate one thing from another. (Details -- A plinth is not part of the steps. Jefferson's design has a portico not a stylobate.)

When a die is pressed into metal, moist cardboard, etc. it is called an "impression." Same as "strike" in coin usage.

Also....remember to put your hands in the gloves first.... I made the mistake of not doing that and some of my 1860s proofs got scratched -- but just the gold ones....

Costco could likely leverage currency valuations between US and Canadian, and also get a lower price because the "Canadian Mint" is a company, not a real government facility like the US Mint.

This was a common item from the US Mint's medal list in the 19th century. Personally, I feel it's not worth half the quoted auction sale prices except in original condition. In the base metal fob, it's an antique store novelty.

The report, although lacking detail, is factual. It also explains why Costco is doing this -- it's for the "treasure hunt" mentality of buy it now 'cause it might not be here tomorrow.

CNN article: https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/07/business/costco-silver-gold/index.html

Uhhh, I don't know. I just have wooden floors, so no gold to stand on.

Archive correspondence I saw long ago indicates the Mint Bureau made several souvenir medals and coin packages for ANA use 40-50 years ago. I recall reading a note that said sales were poor and recommending ending the program. But I did not pay much attention to it back then.

Collecting for a month and "knows all." Hmmm a superior Wally Breen ? Let's review the facts as simply as possible: 1. The standard cent composition for 1943 was low-carbon steel coated with zinc (to delay rusting). None were copper plated at the US Mint. 2. All normal 1943 cents are attracted to a common magnet. 3. A very small quantity of bronze alloy planchets used in 1942 were apparently stuck in some of the large bins used to move planchets from the upsetting machines to coin presses. Some of these mixed with the zinc coated steel planchets and were struck with the date 1943. This happened at all three mints, but those from the Philadelphia Mint are the most numerous. 4. When a cent dated 1943 or 1944 is attracted to a common magnet it means the coin is made of steel - regardless of the color or appearance. 5. Thousands of genuine 1943 cents have been copper plated by private parties either for amusement or in an attempt to defraud people into thinking they have a rare 1943 bronze alloy cent. 6. That VasquezJ, or anyone else has a copper plated 1943 steel cent is unremarkable. Such coins did not leave a U.S. Mint with a copper coating, and are simply altered 1943 zinc-coated steel cents. These pieces are of no interest to coin collectors and have a value of exactly one cent. Those who wish to learn more about the WW-II coinage experiments in various metals, plastics and even glass, can read my book: United States Pattern and Experimental Pieces of WW-II – 2013. Coinage experiments for the cent and nickel before and during World War II. Completely erases all previously published information on these fascinating pieces. Released February 1, 2013. NLG Best Specialty Book, 2014. Full color printed edition of 190 pages.