physics-fan3.14

Around 2009. 

You can read the thread on the PCGS forums where the name was coined: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/708987/when-did-this-happen-snakeskin-proofs/p1

I would really hope that's a typo and their turnaround isn't quite that long. Especially since Standard is shorter! 

Keep us updated on how long it really takes. 

On 9/7/2021 at 4:39 PM, Challenger said:

I have accumulated some ‘spare’ coins from building my gold type set. I like them and would be happy to keep them, but the market for CAC gem gold is really on fire lately and it seems like an opportunity.  All three are mid 4 figure coins.  How would you go about selling them?

I've consigned to Great Collections a few times, and have been well pleased with their service. The material you describe sounds perfect for them. 

On 8/19/2021 at 11:28 PM, GoldFinger1969 said:

I agree books are a valuable resource, but what's wrong about reading stuff on the internet and gathering information that way ?

Because every Jim, Bob, and Larry can post on the internet. You ask a question on a forum, and you could get two or three really knowledgeable people give you an informed answer, but you could also get a dozen other schmucks just making stuff up.

Books are usually going to give you more detail and context as well, and a more complete reference. Sure, I could quote you a sentence or two from Mine to Mint in answer to a question, but you'll get a lot more complete answer if you read the whole chapter which explains that snippet. 

Hey all! I have just listed a large collection of lamination error cents on Ebay. Some of these are quite dramatic! Have a look and a bid: https://www.ebay.com/sch/physics-fan3.14/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

     

Congrats Roger! I look forward to reading this. 

Here's a linky-text to make it easier: 

Fads Fakes and Foibles

These are the Gobrecht dollars you are referring to? 

Wow, yours is in really nice condition! 

Well, we already call small-time dealers "vest-pocket" dealers. 

If you come up with a new name, you have to decide who qualifies. And then there's hurt feelings of people who think they should be top dogs, but who aren't. 

Honestly, what I would really like to see would be some sort of professional qualification. Kind of like Wine has the "Masters of Wine" program, to both educate and certify that these individuals are top of the game. 

I highly recommend you look at obsolete bank notes, they are always a very interesting source of material for local collections such as you describe. 

I also would recommend looking into merchant tokens and store cards. Here is one I found in an estate sale that I am prepping for sale. 

Changing direction somewhat - one thing that really bothers me is when sellers (and especially large auction houses) repeat often-told legends about coins because they make a good story. When new research comes out that clarifies the story about a coin, an auction house has a responsibility to tell the true story of the coin instead of the fairy tale. In the modern age, there is a lot of back-to-the-source research that is being done which completely refutes the Legends of Breen, but people still repeat the stories. 

That's not a coin. 

At best, we'd consider it a fantasy piece. 

However, since the US Mint will be issuing 2021 dated Peace dollars, we should probably consider more negative terms for this. 

Some might congratulate you for this piece... I have extremely few nice things to say about problematic and legally questionable items like this from an individual who's fostered countless controversies. 

What do you intend to use it for? 

The title of your thread is wrong... it says CAC coins will *not* be awarded bonus points. I think you meant they will *now* be awarded bonus points. Huge difference. 

I hope for your sake that it is genuine... but I have strong doubts. That looks fake. 

While there is obviously a bit missing from that article, that is one of the most complete summaries available online. I'm sure Roger can fill in details. 

17 minutes ago, RWB said:

True. However the depth of reflectivity degrades and eventually vanishes.

Oh, absolutely. I think you used the figure 25-100 strikes.... I'm not sure that's ever been proven, but I'm quite sure that the strikes from a newly polished die which produced PL finishes was quite small. I can provide statistics for how many PLs are known in a series compared to grading events, for many, many series based solely on my purchasing history. 

For those interested: Roger's research and experience mostly applies to the mint era of mid-1800's to mid 1900's. If you're talking about PL coinage after 1960.... it's different. 

18 hours ago, RWB said:

Planchet surface affected proof and PL dies over from 25 to 100 strikes. The die surface gradually conformed to the average surface of the planchets, and thus lost its mirror.

While that is true, planchet surface also does not preclude PL or mirrored strikes. I'd love to see a "clock" as the captain mentions, but I have a couple of off-center coins myself which show this effect. Rough planchet, PL fields. 

On 2/16/2021 at 9:09 AM, leeg said:

Hi all,

    Did a search trying to find my answer with no luck.

I've noticed some set's as Best in Category that are dated 2014. Wondering what the criteria is for that award.

Thank you,

Lee

I'll just add, if you saw it dated 2014 then that means it was top that year - but was then dethroned in subsequent years. It's part of the game, if someone takes it away from you then you have to go buy nicer coins and win the top spot back!