!942-S Proof Walker?

batumi

I am quoting what I read in an old, but interesting book on Walkers. "in the June 1986 sale by Superior Auctions, lot number
1087 wqs labeled as "possible unique proof 1942-S Half Dollar." The description was as follows:
'This is the first time that we have heard of such a coin, and although it does not quite meet all the criteria to be a true Philadelphia Proof, it appears to have been struck more than once.The features are almost needle sharp, particularly when taking into consideration that a typical 1942-S is a softly struck coin and lacks central detail, especially on the hand and on Liberty's head. In addition to this, the edges are squared, it contains some prooflike surfaces and even has the "look" of a proof coin. Some handling marks are evident, but are really only visable under stron magnification. A film of natural, light mottled toning obscures some of the proofsurfaces. Perhaps if the coin was dipped, its full mirror surfaces might come through. Neertheless, we suggest you view this yourself, as it is being sold as is. To the best of our knowledge we know of no verified Proof 1942-S to exist."
"I have examined this coin. It was definitely unique in its strike and square edges. I have never since seen an equal. I don't know who the current owner is, but would like to know if any of the grading services have rendered an opinion. A very interesting coin"
Book is by Bruce Fox copyrighted in 1995 I believe.
I really like Walkers, and recently completed my intermediate set in gem plus proofs lacking only the 1942 proof!. I found the 1936-S was my most difficult to find with what I find most attractive on my Walkers-full or close to full strikes with lots of luster.
Any skinny or even any rumors anyone has on the 1942-S 'Proof' will be greatfully appreciated!

thefinn

One possibility is that it could have been struck by retired proof dies that were sent out to SF for business strike use, but was sharply struck. I have a friend that would find Merc Dimes from S or D struck on proof obverse or reverse dies. Pretty impressive to see, and very odd.

Ablinky

Interesting, I have seen certain Washington quarters and Mercury dimes displaying prooflike characteristics. But almost never on walkers, perhaps this is an example of that.

cameonut2011

The description has Walter Breen written all over it. Breen commonly made the argument that coins with PL fields and purported sharp strikes were struck multiple times and were proofs. Check out @RogerB 's books, but contrary to popular myth, my understanding is that proof coins from the era you reference were only struck once, but with much higher pressure. The coin you describe sounds like a prooflike business strike. These do exist and are very, very rare.

RogerB

No such critter. Proof-like pieces can exist, however, as cameonut2011 noted.

Walkerfan

I agree with the others.... no 1942 proof examples exist from San Francisco. No proofs were ever made in San Francisco. However, I don't doubt the existence of PROOFLIKE examples of that issue but such examples with a sharp strike would be exceptionally rare, as it is a leading strike rarity.

Timbuk3

!!!

ricko

That would be an impressive piece to see - and one that I would really like to have '42 being such a great year Cheers, RickO

WinLoseWin

Here is a link to the page with the lot on the Newman Numismatic Portal. It was ANACS graded Proof-60/60 on 9-12-85, which would be a photo certificate.

It shows $577.50 in the prices realized. Not a level that would indicate that more than one bidder would have considered it a real proof. Walker prices were much higher then than now as can be seen in the estimates and PR. One example is a 1942-S on the next page called MS-63 that brought $176.00 and has a current wholesale price of $58.00

Maybe a typo on ANACS's part or just overstating it. Wonder if it ever re-appeared and where it is now.
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https://archive.org/stream/june86sale1986supe#page/56/mode/2up

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MarkInDavis

Thanks for the link. Really tough to tell from that picture. While the rims appear nicely squared off, there still seems to be some central weakness typical of the date. I have seen a few of this date that exhibit some proof-like qualities (I even own one - it's in my signature line). I am exceedingly skeptical in regards to it being a proof. But then again, I have never seen the coin in hand.

breakdown

There are two MS 67+ coins graded by PCGS and both are shown in CoinFacts. One was auctioned by Legend Auctions recently and has an exceptional strike for a 42-S but I don't see anything else that makes me think proof. It does have toning that could be described as mottled.

RogerB

"Sold as is..."

Tells it all: bologna.

CaptHenway

Whatever happened to that 1933-S from Europe? (Or was it a 1929-S?)

Walkerfan

@CaptHenway said:
Whatever happened to that 1933-S from Europe? (Or was it a 1929-S?)

It was a 1933-S from the Czech republic.