RWB

The coin is EF 40 to 45 for abrasion, but is dull and lifeless - probably from cleaning. Alloy in 1851 was 0.750 silver which discolors more easily than standard 0.900 silver. Coins dipped in an acid to remove tarnish often have a very slight "pink" hue cause by the copper alloy. The repunched date is a very good example of use of a 4-digit logotype beginning with distortion of the left "1." Value (not "price") is about $75. Not worth the cost of slabbing. Study the photos EagleRJO posted, and look at other examples from auction sites.

Sorry to hear that. There are two groups of counterfeits - those made to take advantage of the authentic pieces' market premium in the late 1940s; and ones made to cheat collectors and tourists. The first group will be approximately correct weight and gold content, but sloppy execution. The second will have correct to debased gold and much better prepared. None are all that great once you know what to look for. (On this, Boosel is incorrect.)

RE: US Mint stock numbers. Did not know the Mint was now selling socks. Are they signed?

Henri -- Yes. Truth is soooo boring.

RE: "2021-P Crossing the Delaware 25c..." Hummm...I thought it was "Washington crossing the Delaware" ?

They aren't. 10-cents each is too high! Clear your browser cache, delete the junk, and put related emails in your Spam folder. The pop-ups are cheap click-bait which is how the perpetrators make money.

OK. A large proportion of people posting "errors" etc. do so after watching U-Tube videos with extravagant claims about error coins and their values.

From the fuzzy photos, it appears to be intentional damage. Not a US Mint error. Now, please stop watching those click-bait U-Tube videos about get-rich-quick-from-pocket-change schemes.

Junk slab. Ignore anything on the label. If you like the coin, buy it for its FMV -- Only (in this case, offer 5-cents with prepaid postage).

The piece was graded MS 64 by PCGS before I bought it. But the real challenge for anyone grading this kind of item is reconciling flat, almost 2-dimensional relief, broad unstruck planchet areas, and crude mechanical inscriptions. Some of these are also problems in grading Indian $2.50 and $5 coins, certain classic commemoratives, and territorial gold pieces. Relief --- Raised design elements are flat on the top surface of the eagle (rev) and will clearly show every tiny scratch, nick or ding. Where there are recessed details there is very little transition between top and bottom. Obverse lettering is barely rounded on top, but only slightly canted to facilitate release from the die. How does a grader evaluate this kind of surface. Planchet --- Except for relief and the depressed areas surrounding obv letters, the planchet is largely untouched. That is, the original planchet with all its scratches and marks is clear and obvious. The grader has to separate marks that were on the planchet to start (as struck) with damage acquired in shipping or use. This is analogous to the field on Indian $2.50 and $5. Mechanical inscriptions --- Reverse hubs were cut with a cheap mechanical cutter, the the standard Janvier reducing lathe. There was no plaster or bronze model. Digits were punched with items from the cutter set. So, a grader has to separate pre-strike marks, from post-strike marks, then assess their severity and visual impact, and finally determine the overall quality. That's a tough job on these pieces and similar coin and medal designs. Give it a try and see what you come up with. Then try your skill at grading some of those Indian QE and HE.

This was posted on another forum by member Zoins. https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1089903/the-roger-burdette-collection It's a fun thread (and a surprise to see!), but I mention it because of the good reference to NGC's authenticity comments about these, and the completely inaccurate history of the gold pieces. (Check the links in the post.) The incorrect history originated with a short US Mint press release, a brief listing in the US Mint publication Domestic and Foreign Coin Made at U.S. Mints, and an article written by Harry X. Boosel. The article combined the two sources with speculation, guesses, rumors, and some incomplete history of ARAMCO. At the time, there was so little information available that ANY attempt to tell the story behind these gold discs was condemned to be wrong. I can't really fault Boosel or the hobby for "adopting" the fake story -- it was, from a simple view, plausible. Plus the Treasury Dept./Mint did nothing to present what actually occurred. Anyone who'd like an interesting experience, or who might question the numismatic value of good factual research, should compare Mr. Boosel's article, with the chapter on this subject in my new book Saudi Gold and other Tales from the Mint.

An on-line search will pull up several types and manufacturers. Only look for "optical" or "non contact" profilometers. I have used a Keyence, as in the "mushy details" thread -- but they are very expensive...even to rent (I don't own one). A university, college or materials research facility might run some tests for you.

The late Johnson wrote a lot about specific collectors, and there is an on-line source called numismatic biographies. You can also search for sources on NNP.

RE: "State quarter on an experimental planchette." ...and how did you determine this? Who did you consult for this definitive pronouncement?

Greed must never be ANA's creed.

If its mechanical doubling, why aren't the digits affected? All are close together and all are raised.

Just turn it around -- it'll be OK.

The ANA exists to benefit collectors and numismatic knowledge. Those ideals exclude most who are in the coin business for the money.

Autographed copies are available on request. There is no extra charge. Include the request with your order. [NOTE: This also applies to any of my books sold through Wizard Coin Supply.]

ANA does not need more coin dealers on the Board.

Accurately graded approx EF-45, but with several rim cuts that might preclude putting in a plastic slab.

It's not a coin struck from a doubled die. Please stop watching those stupid U-Tube videos. They are misleading you to sell advertising.

Nope. Better halves are available in original bags...and there are a lot of 'em. It's worth about melt.

Eagle's chest, head and upper wing have ordinary abrasion, not bag or contact damage.

1968 cents originated with a very badly deteriorated master die made in 1916 (not hub) that had been in use far too long. A new master die was first used in 1969. The 1942-dated hub was used to make about half of that year's working dies, and a different hub for the remainder. It is impossible to make coins of normal and high relief from the same hub.