Henri Charriere

And an important consideration.

[No offense intended but this creation exhibits all the classic tell-tale signs of a tertiary stage ratzie reject.] A most peculiar pattern of wear and damage that virtually obliterates the date and other legends while leaving every hair on Jefferson's head untouched.

I wouldn't know how to explain this to you if I even tried. I guess Iike organization and that is why I chose to participate in the Set Registry. I began by filling the respective slots with encapsulated coins and am now [theoretically] upgrading. I don't know that I would want to go beyond saying that. [I once tried to get a TPGS to honor me with the lowest grade in existence but was unaware the date, at the very least, had to be legible.] Use your free grading credits wisely.

[I keep hoping that one day provocative exchanges not unlike the above would come to the attention of a direct descendant with the real inside story instead of him just sitting there and dismissing the theorizing with a loud guffaw and a wave of the hand saying, "that ain't the way it happened. Here, son, pull up a chair. Let me tell you the real story." 😉

My understanding of proof "sets," being raised by the Red Book as a primary source of information for U.S. coins, is they began to be sold as such beginning in 1936. If that is true, to what "proof sets" were you referring or was the context of your parenthetical reference made ambiguous [to me] by literary license?

Quite frankly, yes with one curious exception: MS-69. An MS-67 is laudable where that grade applies. However -- and this is my own peculiar stance, I make two exceptions: a). I do not believe assigning a grade to a Proof coin makes any sense and, b). in my admittedly skewed viewpoint, MS-69 is an appraisal, by a respected authority confirming, in writing, that what you the proud owner have in your possession is "less than perfect," in a universe against which perfection is compared. I know that many will find this ridiculous if not offensive but that is how I feel about it.

Another method... Type in Mint State Gold. Scroll down to "History of Popular Coins". Tap: "French Gold Rooster."

I checked your link. Sorry, what I meant was on eBay which will permit you to enlarge the photo.

Forgive me, Goldfinger1969, but I am not 'net savvy knowing nothing about links save for big cats and small jewelry chains. If you would be kind enough to look up mintstategold.com, under "French Gold Rooster Investor Education" you will come across as fine a recitation of all the facts you seek (including the answer to the question I posed in this, my first and only post).

It's 51° in New York City, as we speak.

I would like to stress that my coin, the 1909, which both NGC's Paris submission center and PCGS concurred was a MS-67 after cross-grading, is not the problem. My problem is purchasing a coin one recognized TPGS has rendered a professional opinion on only to find it failed to pass muster with another (for what I believe was entirely justifiable reasons after I took a closer look under magnification. Now you would suggest submitting it to CAC. But if my understanding of CAC (which accepts encapsulated coins only) is correct, they have the power to reject a submission but lack the power to overrule a grade, i.e., compel a seller to quarantine the coin in question pending re-certification. At present, buyers are limited to returning a coin and accepting a refund which reputable dealers have no problem doing, returning the coin to stock for re-sale thereby making their problem someone else's. Declining to sticker a coin is too passive and ineffective. It does not compel an owner to take action because it would be against his financial interest to do so.

My learned colleague, if you lose in District court, you can take your case to an Appeals court, and if you lose there you can go to the Supreme Court, the final arbiter and Law of the land. That appears to be what is needed in this hobby: an independent authority with no vested interest in the outcome. When there is a marked, discernable difference between two high-grade coins, the one in question, a 1910, and my own from 1909, only a year earlier graded by the same TPGS, something is rotten in the state of Denmark, and all the crack-outs and returns for resubmission or refund does nothing to address the problem.

Unfortunately, the web runs rampant with inaccuracy and self-serving commentary. I will consult a few sites, here and abroad, and should have an accurate historical explanation for you shortly. (Those lurking on the sidelines are free to jump in with what they may have heard or read as they see fit.) Incidentally, so high in regard is the rooster held in France that recently one municipality posted a sign at their municipality limits stating ambient noise such as pre-dawn crowing roosters are an integral part of rural life and city folk who object are no longer welcome.

Just to clarify... a member asked to see a nice Rooster -- no particular date, with which he could compare to the one in question. I supplied a 1909 MS-67. (I don't know if your coin, one of only 7 graded 66+, is detailed enough to demonstrate the point I was trying to make. Have you viewed the coin in question?) The number of 1910 French 20-franc gold roosters currently graded MS-67 by the two top TPGS can be counted on two hands; no Rooster of any date has been graded higher.

[With all due respect to Tyrock, can anyone tell me whether Richard Snow's "Eagle Eye Photo Seal" plays any role in the history of CAC, and if so, how?]

You did the right thing and kept your cool. Better that than sitting in a bullpen somewhere being asked, So what are you in for?!

Not only are you right, but I have since found out these things are still redeemable and have been around since the late 19th Century. I'll bet some of our younger numismatic brethren have no idea what we are talking about.

If't'd been a 377, you'd've had a problem. I "liked" a member there who ignored me here -- the only time I ever spoke up, and was promptly excommunicated. By the time you read this, all should be copacetic.

Reminds me... whatever happened to S & W green stamps?

[Not to worry, EdG_Ohio. Not 10 days ago, an admonition came from on high: "Back on track. We should be on Walkers." After an interval, a member snuck in a Lincoln Cent, without comment... followed by your Large Cent, indisputably one of the finest to grace over 7,300+ posts spread over 244 pages going back nearly 15 years. With over a hundred years of Lincoln Cents not to mention several mint marks, the lineup will likely change by summer. 😉

Your advice is well-taken. I also cannot help but feel that in the run-up on precious metals prices, some individuals use the opportunity to rid themselves of problematic stock. Caveat emptor! *** Note: I do not know if this is "legal," or against Forum guidelines or "simply isn't done," but for fellow members who were kind enough to test their grading skills and weigh in on an example of a top-shelf coin -- and anyone else who may be curious to determine the veracity of my claims as heretofore set forth, I provide (in the absence of a direct link) an eBay reference containing four views of the contested coin which may be found by typing: 1910 France Gold 20 Francs NGC MS 67. (Certification No.: 607 7 279-005) spacing in numbers to make identification easier. Bear in mind, the MS 67 grade has never been surpassed by any TPGS in this 16-coin series with a total mintage of some 117 million pieces. I have dealt with the seller before who has a 100% satisfaction rating and has always treated me with courtesy, accommodation and professionalism befitting his sterling reputation. For the seasoned grader amongst us, you need look no further than the ability, if the device you use permits it, to magnify view #4, the reverse -- and render your decision, accordingly.

Your advice is well-taken. I also cannot help but feel that in the run-up on precious metals prices, some individuals use the opportunity to rid themselves of problematic stock. Caveat emptor!

[Spoken by a true collector.]