Henri Charriere

Having eyes and good health. (And acquiring a 1900 French 20-franc gold rooster in MS-65, or better, condition.) Not necessarily in that order.

"FAIRly graded?

[This has been gnawing away at my brain now for four months. Sources, regardless of attempts at wordsmithing--and @Oldhoopster may correct me if I am wrong, are usually referred to as unimpeachable. Now, if the source was dressed impeccably, that's an entirely different matter. So sayeth Quintus...]

[It's almost mid-nite. My wife is asking me what I'm rummaging around for. My forbidden 30-power loupe with which to examine the markings on the few antique spoons I have. I have nothing with COIN on it (which I maintain is an acronym). Unfortunately, w/o that loupe alI I see is Reed & Barton, two with distinct hieroglyphs and Tiffany & Co., all apparently junk silver. I adamantly and unapologetically reject the notion that "COIN" stands for coin silver. Why was that done, to distinguish it from the ©️ symbol? It's way too gaudy and ostentatious. I gotta find that loupe!

[I smell a RATzie in here somewhere... "Wait, did somebody say multi-sided? An '86? That's mine! I want it back!" To the OP: Late night private joke. Before you became a member here. I do hope you get a definitive answer!]

The problem as I see it is, not being a collector of the series with full access to the finest photographs taken of the best examples available, I have no point of reference. There are undoubtedly members intimately familiar with the series who have formally authenticated, certified, and granted this uncommon attribute on a number of occasions. My opinion is of no moment. Frankly, I would like to hear from a few more members--or trust my lying eyes...

This is a most curious assertion which begs the question: Are you and she both satisfied with the responses you've received?

@Oldhoopster: I can't believe you buttressed your argument with that "picture is worth a thousand words" copper waterfall!

Absolutely correct. As a matter of fact, had that coin suffered soft and even wear, date still discernable but mint mark expertly polished away, I suspect it would suffer the same fate. Plenty of Jefferson nickels were struck at Philadelphia without mintmarks. But my feeling is on so-called wartime nickels that mintmark is an integral part of the date and without it--I am guessing here--it would not be authenticated and certified. Then again, the 1922-no D Lincoln cent is recognized, but for good reason: none were authorized for minting in Philadelphia.

I see a massive bureaucracy mired in inertia. Institutional knowledge is apparently lacking but I wonder if it would make an appreciable difference. It seems as though the ranks of the few notable sculptors and engravers have been lost through attrition.

I could have sworn it was a Canadian cent struck on a U.S. cent, but decline to speak for attribution.

To be fair, what exactly are the requirements to do what is essentially assembly-line work? I've heard the expression "going postal," but has there ever been a case of "going mintal?"

I seriously doubt this would be authenticated and certified judging by the condition it's in. Oddly, if it were four years younger, or only a year older, it would but whether it made economical sense would be the only question left to contend with. According to P---, low-balled sets are notoriously difficult to assemble.

[It's late, maybe I can get away with these takeaways... For the sake of argument, it is always safest to assume @RWB is absolutely, positively RIGHT unless proven otherwise by a preponderance of the evidence. Two, this may come as a surprise to some but @VKurtB's claim he'd rather be right than be nice, is superfluous as more often than not he is both. (I personally like his bluster and assertiveness which is sorely lacking at times on the Forum). The gentleman another member prohibits me from referring to as the Great @zadok may appear to be a man of few words, and often is, but when a subject tickles his fancy, not even the Yellowstone geyser can spew forth the body of knowledge he imparts, as though it were an inconsequential personal recollection. Kudos to @FlyingAl; a true master of diplomacy and a credit to the Forum. Last but not least, @MarkFeld who has the rare luxury of resting on his laurels and pouncing only after he has given the unsuspecting and undeserving enough web to make disentanglement, gracefully, all but impossible. To those fortunate enough to have seen this post, I thank the moderator on duty, and bid you all a good nite!] 🐓

[Here was my strategy with eBay when I used to collect raw. Firstly, cut to the chase. Jump right up to current melt, then sit back and watch. Next, jump right up to what should be 70% of the appropriate selling price. Finally, things will have quieted down enough to know who the real contenders are. I always felt sorry for them because I already knew who the winner was the moment I laid eyes on the merchandise.] 😉

[Absolutely incredible the words incandescent and fluorescent were not mentioned once in this entire thread.]

Is it possible, just possible, that because we are talking about at least three different metals, of varying fineness, and industrial strength usage utilized by different people at different times, 100% uniformity in results is perhaps expecting too much? Maybe with the advances that have since been made, a more precise definition can be arrived at. The technology, I assume, is available and, with so many variables to consider, a departure however minute, would be ascertainable and acceptable to everyone's exacting standards.

@tigerbait: There is much more to this coin than meets the eye. If and when its formal grade is declassified, I believe this coin would be a good candidate for Guess the Grade. What say you?

Two dollars puts you in the running to win one thousand million dollars. Who cares how much money you wind up with eventually? My understanding is every state has its structure. I have no problem giving the USG its fair share. 🐓

You're right, of course! But it goes everything I've been taught to be that forward. If he discloses it, that's one thing. But I don't believe being that intrusive would be proper on my part. I am sure you would agree.

(Now the Mega Jackpot is over $1 billion.)

Breen, cats, pedigree... do Norway rats fit into any of this?

Wow! Judging by the last two photos, presto! Now we've got cartwheels and the mysterious terrain is but an afterthought. I asked an older woman in thr supermarket what the "medical" name for that was, and she cheerfully said, "Why, that's a liver spot, Sonny!" (Wait'll the Hon. @VKurtB hears you bought the coin sight unseen! Personally, I think you've done very well for yourself, all things considered.

Agreed.