New Die Variety by JAA USA/Philippines Collection

[CSJournals-migration]

1944 S 50C with obverse of 1921

 

On January 30, 2012 coin928 posted a Journal entry describing what he believed was a new die variety of the 1944 S US/Philippine Fifty Centavos. http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=10460

 

In my journal entry of the same date http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=10463 I responded that the coin appeared to be a new die variety but that I would really like to see pictures of a mint state example of this coin to be sure.

 

A dealer in the Philippines recently offered one of these coins on eBay and provided some very nice pictures depicting the two die varieties. http://www.ebay.com/itm/170812855005?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649b

 

The coin, which was uncertified, was listed as "1944 S 50 Centavos OBVERSE of 1921 NEW Discovery Unlisted Error". It was described as Lustrous Uncirculated, previously cleaned, with light contact marks, and sold for $22.49.

 

The attached photo is from the dealer's eBay posting. The difference between the two die varieties is the detail and contours of the volcano.

 

If you are interested in learning more about US/Philippine coins please visit my US/Philippine Type Set at http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=51257

 

See more journals by JAA USA/Philippines Collection

[coin928]

I was first introduced to this variety in early 2009 when this same eBay dealer listed ten of these coins for sale as a single lot (which I bid on and won). The detail picture from that listing is included below. Note the difference in descriptive text from 2009 to 2012.

 

 

Another picture of a high grade mint state example can be found at CoinFacts Wiki 1944S 50Centavos. Click on the picture several times to get a full screen view. I think this coin may also be included in one or more current NGC registry sets.

 

Literally hundreds of 1944S 50 Centavo pieces are offered on eBay every year, but this variety seems to appear roughly six to ten times per year. The variety is generally not identified in the listing