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1936-42 proof coins book - Project update

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I have finally gotten to the mature draft stage of the 1936-1942 Proof Coin book. Thanks to all who have generously provided comments, suggestions and images.

 

Here is the basic table of contents:

 

1. Origin of Modern Proof Coinage

2. Manufacturing Proof Coins, 1936-1942

3. Summary of Proof Coins by Date

4. Proof Coins by Denomination

5. Bibliography

 

The origin explains the first official sales to collectors and then gives details of how proof coinage was restarted in 1936 and why this was done (and almost undone).

 

Chapter 2 goes into detail about how the dies and coins were made. It also discusses things like arc-shaped die scratches, cameo coins and various defects. These are things that apply to all proofs in the series.

 

Chapter 3 is filled with information relating to each annual production including the official letters stating mintages, compiled delivery data and sales/returns information. Mint documents explaining why proofs were suspended in 1943 are included.

 

Chapter 4 examines each denomination by date. It includes photos, varieties, explanations, die use records (including numbers of coins per individual die), details of deliveries including planchets, defective strikes, etc.

 

At present the page count is over 300, but I hope to edit that down a little by rearranging some images and cutting a few duplicate paragraphs.

 

Overall, there is surprisingly little duplication of content between the chapters. It has been amazing to go through the data and analysis, and then see results and explanations appear – almost magical. There is no timetable for publication, but probably the first quarter of 2016 in time for the 80th Anniversary of the coins.

 

PS: It's OK to re-post this on other message boards or club newsletters.

 

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Sounds like a very cool book, Roger. Congrats on the progress! I look forward to reading it one day. (thumbs u:applause:

 

Is there any information that you believe you are still seeking?

Edit: I posted it ATS.

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For now, I have to go through the draft and make sure it all flows and that I've answered most questions collectors have. After I do that, I will know more about the gaps.

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If only they had held on one year more, we would have had a Proof Steel Cent!

 

 

I am a bit sad about that too, and would love to see one in steel and with cameo contrasts. I wonder if there is a pattern out there that fits this description.

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If only they had held on one year more, we would have had a Proof Steel Cent!

Can you get a mirror finish on zinc? And if you could how well would it hold up?

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If only they had held on one year more, we would have had a Proof Steel Cent!

Can you get a mirror finish on zinc? And if you could how well would it hold up?

 

Yes. There are many Steel cents graded PL. In fact, the only year that wheat cents are known with PL surfaces is 1943. They give us an intriguing glimpse at what a Proof Steelie would have looked like.

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If only they had held on one year more, we would have had a Proof Steel Cent!

Can you get a mirror finish on zinc? And if you could how well would it hold up?

 

Yes. There are many Steel cents graded PL. In fact, the only year that wheat cents are known with PL surfaces is 1943. They give us an intriguing glimpse at what a Proof Steelie would have looked like.

 

I see a total of only 10 PL steel cents - all 1943-S - on the NGC census report.

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If only they had held on one year more, we would have had a Proof Steel Cent!

Can you get a mirror finish on zinc? And if you could how well would it hold up?

 

Yes. There are many Steel cents graded PL. In fact, the only year that wheat cents are known with PL surfaces is 1943. They give us an intriguing glimpse at what a Proof Steelie would have looked like.

 

I see a total of only 10 PL steel cents - all 1943-S - on the NGC census report.

That is misleading. ATS, they are not designated as PL. Rick Snow had 10+ examples all fully PL in PCGS MS66. He has sold a few but still has many left. Some members have picked them up and remarked on their qualities in hand. You can see them HERE.

 

Just because a holder doesn't say PL, doesn't mean the coin isn't.

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A few zinc coated steel proofs were tested, but the Superintendent said they did not work well.Trying to polish plated planchets (say that real fist 10 times!) made with soft zinc was probably futile.

 

Silver nickel proofs had twice the rejection rate of CuNi coins of 1942.

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A question was asked about whether the book will be in standard book format or the JNR format.

 

The book will be in a standard format, probably 8.5x11-inches, color. Not sure if I will use soft or hard covers....hardcover is nice, but it is also heavy and costs more. I also plan to include a CD with searchable PDF files in several resolutions. This will help those with ebook readers, or those who want to put the book on their tablets or smart phones.

 

The JNR format is better suited to multiple articles that are linked by related subjects.

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If only they had held on one year more, we would have had a Proof Steel Cent!

Can you get a mirror finish on zinc? And if you could how well would it hold up?

 

Yes. There are many Steel cents graded PL. In fact, the only year that wheat cents are known with PL surfaces is 1943. They give us an intriguing glimpse at what a Proof Steelie would have looked like.

 

I see a total of only 10 PL steel cents - all 1943-S - on the NGC census report.

That is misleading. ATS, they are not designated as PL. Rick Snow had 10+ examples all fully PL in PCGS MS66. He has sold a few but still has many left. Some members have picked them up and remarked on their qualities in hand. You can see them HERE.

 

Just because a holder doesn't say PL, doesn't mean the coin isn't.

 

My remark wasn't the least bit misleading, unless the NGC Census report shows a different figure than the one I posted..The comment to which I replied stated "There are many Steel cents graded PL". It didn't say "there are many Steel cents which are (or appear) PL".

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If only they had held on one year more, we would have had a Proof Steel Cent!

Can you get a mirror finish on zinc? And if you could how well would it hold up?

 

Yes. There are many Steel cents graded PL. In fact, the only year that wheat cents are known with PL surfaces is 1943. They give us an intriguing glimpse at what a Proof Steelie would have looked like.

 

I see a total of only 10 PL steel cents - all 1943-S - on the NGC census report.

That is misleading. ATS, they are not designated as PL. Rick Snow had 10+ examples all fully PL in PCGS MS66. He has sold a few but still has many left. Some members have picked them up and remarked on their qualities in hand. You can see them HERE.

 

Just because a holder doesn't say PL, doesn't mean the coin isn't.

 

My remark wasn't the least bit misleading, unless the NGC Census report shows a different figure than the one I posted..The comment to which I replied stated "There are many Steel cents graded PL". It didn't say "there are many Steel cents which are (or appear) PL".

You are correct, you were not being misleading. You stated a fact of what you saw in the pops. The number 10 seems to be misleading to me and others that might think there are only about that many out there when that isn't the case and when a well respected specialist has so many of them currently available. That is the part that I find to be misleading, the number 10, not your comment as that was a clear statement of simple fact.

 

Hopefully this is as clear as mud now. ;)

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If only they had held on one year more, we would have had a Proof Steel Cent!

Can you get a mirror finish on zinc? And if you could how well would it hold up?

 

Yes. There are many Steel cents graded PL. In fact, the only year that wheat cents are known with PL surfaces is 1943. They give us an intriguing glimpse at what a Proof Steelie would have looked like.

 

I see a total of only 10 PL steel cents - all 1943-S - on the NGC census report.

That is misleading. ATS, they are not designated as PL. Rick Snow had 10+ examples all fully PL in PCGS MS66. He has sold a few but still has many left. Some members have picked them up and remarked on their qualities in hand. You can see them HERE.

 

Just because a holder doesn't say PL, doesn't mean the coin isn't.

 

My remark wasn't the least bit misleading, unless the NGC Census report shows a different figure than the one I posted..The comment to which I replied stated "There are many Steel cents graded PL". It didn't say "there are many Steel cents which are (or appear) PL".

You are correct, you were not being misleading. You stated a fact of what you saw in the pops. The number 10 seems to be misleading to me and others that might think there are only about that many out there when that isn't the case and when a well respected specialist has so many of them currently available. That is the part that I find to be misleading, the number 10, not your comment as that was a clear statement of simple fact.

 

Hopefully this is as clear as mud now. ;)

 

Thank you.

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If only they had held on one year more, we would have had a Proof Steel Cent!

Can you get a mirror finish on zinc? And if you could how well would it hold up?

 

Yes. There are many Steel cents graded PL. In fact, the only year that wheat cents are known with PL surfaces is 1943. They give us an intriguing glimpse at what a Proof Steelie would have looked like.

 

I see a total of only 10 PL steel cents - all 1943-S - on the NGC census report.

 

Yes, that is correct. When I compare these to some of the other series or types I own, where there are only 1 or 2 graded, 10 is abundantly plentiful. (I am only considering coins designated by NGC - not semi-prooflike coins, or coins in PCGS slabs which might be PL).

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A question was asked about whether the book will be in standard book format or the JNR format.

 

 

Roger,

 

I believe that the question was actually about your distribution plan - that is, will these be distributed only by Wizard Coin Supply (like the JNR and some of your other publications) or will you be distributing through multiple venues?

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Roger,

 

I believe that the question was actually about your distribution plan - that is, will these be distributed only by Wizard Coin Supply (like the JNR and some of your other publications) or will you be distributing through multiple venues?

 

Yes, this is what I meant.

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Oh....I misunderstood. They will probably be distributed through a wholesaler, which is what Wizard does with the other books and JNR issues. The biggest problems are getting wide distribution and a reasonable printing cost. Print-on-demand was supposed to cut printing cost but it has actually increased it while also cutting availability of the books. I'd love to print 10,000 copies and cut the unit cost way down - but without a large distributor to send copies to on-line and physical book stores, that isn't possible.

 

Whitman and Krause are the only really national coin book distributors with the network of outlets to be profitable. Anderson, owners of Whitman, have a big advantage in distribution, but they only handle their own titles.

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