Henri Charriere

I know it's been a long time. Would you happen to recall the auction result?

This is like Jeopardy. Let's just say you were quick on the draw. That possibility, dealers, after wading through replies posted by members before yours, just did not occur to me. You're a good sport! 👍 🐓

I am constrained to agree. It is a shame, there are members -- myself included -- who have consigned this coin to the same category (silver melt) as those, on another thread, that were absolutely gorgeous, but cleaned. A real crying shame.

Looks like I had been away from the hobby for some time. I kept every 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar I'd ever been given -- it was a watershed year for me, and could not recall exactly where the designer's initials were until I picked up my loupe. Based on what I see, I cannot envision a circumstance that would allow wear to occur in such a localized "alcove" area protected as it is by high terrain on three sides. It's either there, or it isn't. I had no idea 1972 Kennedies were worth so much. All of mine are sitting in a kitchen drawer. In my mind, a clad coin is incapable of attaining any value beyond face. But, then again, I hadn't realized so much time (50 years) had transpired.

I thought the very first coin I saw and bought on eBay looked "odd," and due to having no prior internet experience, thought, rather incredibly now that I think of it, that the only way to find out was to buy it. I outbid 30+ other interested buyers only to find out that that "glint" captured in the accompanying photo appeared to be a glancing blow to the last numeral, just like yours, and was likely caused (in my case) by a sharp instrument. It was a bright, shiny coin which otherwise appeared to be problem-free. And then I submitted it for certification. And it came back AU-58. I was more curious than disappointed. I quickly concluded there was wear there. Then gold prices shot up (this was a gold coin from Venezuela, not a few people wanted dearly) and I recovered my investment by default. The melt value is worth a lot more than what I paid for it. Imagine that. I deprived some serious collectors the opportunity to own a coin I never really wanted to begin with just to satisfy my curiosity. Unbelievable! I really ought to put it back out there.

I will defer to seasoned veteran @Coinbuf on this one. He's got the knowledge and experience.

It's too bad it's illegal to simply pick up the phone and place a call to David Vagi, NGC's go-to guy on Ancients. I've never seen him stumped on anything brought into Rick's of Pawn Stars fame. 🐓

How about POP: "Pre-Owned Proof"?

This is first mention of this type of "strategic vandalism, in reverse," I have ever heard of. Decapsulation, or guilty, with an explanation. You will do very well here. Welcome! 🐓

Agreed. Time to play Rooster Chess! 🐓

My understanding is many of the lower denomination notes, which bore the brunt of wear and tear, like Silver Certificates, exhibit this look. This bill was printed by the BEP in Washington, D.C., c.1934, for distribution to the FRB's district in Philadelphia, PA. [The BEP also printed larger denominations such as $500 - McKinley, $1000 - Cleveland, $10,000 - Chase [and $10,000 - Wilson, for dedicated, inter-FRB use between the twelve districts in the nation.] Considerations in grading are many but are centered primarily on age, paper quality (exeptionally crisp versus worn out used bills; with little or no folding, holes, staining) and scarcity. Obviously, the older notes withdrawn from circulation after being forwarded to the FRB, and then, on to Washington, D.C., command the highest premiums. Their respective availability gets smaller or remains the same with each passing year. Price, as always, is predicated on demand.

Q.A: I am thinking of doing the unthinkable. 🐓: Throw yourself into the frigid river? Q.A.: No, silly! Locating a copy of @RWB's 📖 book. This whole double-eagle presentation has piqued my interest.

🐓: I wonder how he knew that? Q.: Intuitively, at that? 😉

@Mohawk I don't know anything about Canadian coins but your argument is persuasive -- even compelling, and very well written!

VIEWER DISCRETION! 🐓 : No more than ninety-nine posts per day? Q.A.: And, a curfew... I'd complain, but who'd listen? 🐓: Why can't you just admit you've ruffled a few feathers, again, and Moderation slapped you with a 3-point Warning!? Q.A.: I never did trust you, Rickey. You [Roosters] talk too much! 🐓: Intermittent log-in problems? If not me, who? If not here, where? If not now, when? Moderators:

@Woods020 ["Morbid"? Not at all. Food for thought. Timely and invigorating!]

"Broke the bank," yes; "broken bank," no, never. Just curious, what is the use of this term in reference to?

[I always knew there was another "magic bullet," 🎩 but how did it manage to traverse time zones?]

I don't know but there are a lot of knowledgeable members here. Be patient, and you'll get your answer.

I must say I love these excruciatingly detailed posts. 🐓

I believe you're right! (Early signs of senility.)

Why do I feel I am missing something here? So without the benefit of enhanced magnification, we would not be able to see what the OP is attempting to show us? 😕 Okay, how about a cross-member consensus: for grading purposes, a 5- to 7-power is indicated, but the 30-power loupes may be used for post-mortem examinations only, to broaden "the body of knowledge." 🤔 ❓️

In my view, regrettably, it will only prove right ol' W.C. Fields' adage that a sucker is born every minute. They absolutely 💯 % were once beautiful coins.

[How else is one to interpret.. "The coin finally came in [!] Very excited to have this one in my date set." Not to mention a recitation of provenance?] Anyone who mentions delectable denticles, particularly with that Federal look, is alright in my book!

Notice the similarity between herloin and heroin? Not charming! (poetic license aside, I do love the homey atmosphere in the older but wiser neck of the woods.)