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Proof Coins From 1936-42
asheland
Posts: 22,688 ✭✭✭✭✭
I'm finding these more and more interesting as time goes on. Am I to understand these were sold as single coins from the mint?
Not in sets? And how were they packaged?
@RogerB I understand you are knowledgeable about these...
I think this will be a new direction for my collecting, I have only two examples so far.
Lets see what you all have! 
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So far:
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And this:
It’s nice to find them not all hazy and discolored unless it’s an attractive toning
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These proofs could be bought separately. Evidently most ordered one of each denomination, but others bought a "set" plus one or two extras.
The book on 1936-42 proofs is available from hobby book sellers. It includes a CD which serves as a complete index.
I just found out about this book today and will very likely order a copy soon. I look forward to reading it!
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You can request an autographed copy -- no extra charge.
The book is not like previous ones that mention 1936-42 proofs - this is filled with details, facts, die life, actual production, sales, and lots of other things that have never before been published.
That sounds good!
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You'll also find that nearly all standard published mintage figures are wrong....Although, the differences don't amount to much as a percentage, collectors like accuracy.
Just ordered a copy from Wizard!
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An area I have always wanted to jump into.
Pricey halves have always slowed me.
one thing that has been debated and discussed here many times is the method of packaging. since they came as single coins it's hard to imagine what they used. it is a fascinating era, fresh out of the Depression and headed for the Great War.
I figure most of the nicest ones of these coins are slabbed in plastic at this point in time.
Dollars and patience seemingly would allow one to put a nice collection of these together.
I want to have a proof type set eventually, I am really looking forward to the Mercury dime and the Walker!
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Agreed.
Getting a Proof Walker from this era is on my radar.
I find it to be an interesting period for coins and they are relatively affordable in modest grades.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
RE: "...the method of packaging. since they came as single coins it's hard to imagine what they used."
The book includes clear photos and descriptions of coin packaging and shipping materials. One must remember that this was all done within the established Medal Department. Much of the handling and packaging used the same materials and followed similar procedures.
@sparky64 very cool!
Can we see a close up of the quarter?
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Sure!
PR65
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Cool!
Good idea Ashie boy
I love the proof coinage of this era and even like them completely untoned!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Here is my 1938 Proof
.
Here is my 1940
Here is my Washington Quarter Variety Registry Set
This is my Washington Quarter Proof Variety Registry Set
Great quarters!
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- Bob -
"Central Valley" Roosevelts
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
@SanctionII - I love your tantalizing photos of your 1941 set...
These are fun coins.... Look at this '41 quarter - I love the color and "skin" of the coin, but boy did they polish away the details of the coin! George is sinking below the surface! @RogerB Makes the point that finding coins with MORE details than business strikes can actually be a challenge! (Compare with the 40 immediately below.)
I drool over some of the colorful 36-42 halves, but I like this one:
My current "Box of 20"
@asheland I have always liked the 1936 to 42 proofs. Many of these proofs are more affordable now than a few years ago, so it is a nice opportunity if you are looking to add any pieces to your set.
If one has interest in this series, Roger’s book is essential.
Personally, I love the cams
I am looking forward to receiving the book!
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I've probably read Roger's book at least a dozen times in total. I put together the set some years ago, now enjoy going back and forth between the coins and the book a few coins at a time. Very enjoyable way to pass an evening or afternoon.
The Nickels should be fun as there's three types to find...
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Oddly I do not have an image of the normal non engraved type
FS401
FS402
FS403
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
@Justacommeman ought to be posting to this thread. He has some killers.
My only proof from this era...
U.S. Type Set
Yes.
A one year only type.
So happy to have one.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Haven't seen a buff yet, so here a satin proof example:
I found his one raw a few months ago. FSH
http://www.silverstocker.com
Anyone can PM me Any Time about Any thing.
Nice '36 cents-both the satin finish and bright finish are pricy, as are the Buffalos. The halves have come way down as well as the Mercs and Washingtons. A really great time to put a set or two away!
Even more if one likes varities such as the '39 and 40's that come with both types of steps.
Yours is a kuller in itself, Skyman. Nice contrast! Possible cameo?
I started with the pf merc and quarter from 42 then eventually did the whole 42 set within a year or so. Believe it or not it was actually a little bit of a challenge finding a nice penny and war nickel nice in my area!!
Love proofs from this era.
Sorry for the scuffed up holder ...
Had a 42 set in the same type holder but sent that to our host to individually holder.
Just have pics of the Walker with me from that set. One day I'll take pics of the others.
Great coins everyone!
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Love it!
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Just ordered a signed copy of Roger's book...
I hope mine is signed, I didn't see an option. I got it from Wizard Coin Supply...
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Satin
Brilliant
There's a discussion of auction sale trends in the front part of the book. Graphs clearly show that most items have declined, and continue to do so, with a few obvious exceptions. However, it is difficult to assign specific causes to this - there is not enough objective information.
I would think the cause is simple. Original collectors of these coins are no longer living. So it is all secondary collectors, people have gotten hurt for decades on proof coins purchased from the mint. So they stay away from proof coins.
Skyman's coin is in a NGC PF66 CAMEO holder, and it was one of the first cameo walking proof half dollars certified by either service. It is also one of the stronger ones I have seen. If he ever bothered to resubmit it, I would not be surprised if it came back with a star in addition to the cameo designation.
I like these coins, but despite their low mintages they are not that rare at least for the later years relative to the number of collectors wanting them. Nor do many of them have the additional eye appeal collectors might expect from a more modern proof. You can find many plain jane versions. Ones with a little cameo or nice color are pretty special though in my opinion.
I was talking with a dealer about the prices for these coins over the years - they have come down at lot from the late 80s!
My current "Box of 20"
I like early proof sets. I have been told they came down in value as the original matched sets were broken up and the nice coins switched out. So all sets now are put together sets which is fine if they're all 66's but not if they're batches of dogs.