So I'm going to start a 1936 Proof set... It is now complete
ChrisH821
Posts: 7,100 ✭✭✭✭✭
Updates Below in this post. Changed formatting to have images in a more convenient table format.
Right now I have none. It's going to be a long road for this one, seven coins, all will likely be in the $1k-$3k price range for the grades I would want. I might sell some bullion and common coins to help fund it but I think the real challenge is going to be finding pieces that appeal to me and aren't priced out of reality. There are a few out there that I have my eye on but overall pretty slim pickings.
With that said, post some haze-free, well detailed, strongly mirrored(where applicable) 1936 Proofs here along with some helpful advice when looking for '36-'42 proofs in general. I think I have a decent eye for them but can always use some help.
Thanks!
Update 10/5/2019
Merc Dime. PCGS PR66 w/CAC
Update 1/25/2020
Walker- PR65 w/CAC
Update 6/1/2020
Satin Buff PR66 w/CAC
Update 10/13/2020
Brilliant 5C PR66 Update 10/11/21 now CAC
Washington 25C PR64
Update 10/11/21
Brilliant 1C PR65RD w/CAC
Update 11/3/22
Satin 1C PR65RD
Update 4/27/23
BRilliant 1C "upgraded" to PR66RB with nice contrast
Update 11/20/24
Upgraded quarter to PR66
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Collector, occasional seller
Comments
Often, proofs of this era obtain what might be termed "cellophane" toning where they show mostly streaky, brown toning lines across the piece. Many folks dislike this appearance, but it doesn't bother me too much. The hazy proofs of the era are the ones I don't care for at all. However, this era of coinage is recent enough that one might be able to find truly nice, nearly or completely white pieces and find them at reasonable price levels. I really like the look of Mercs and WLHs that are sparkling, nearly white jewels. I would avoid the pieces that have hard, established spots on them, regardless of if the spotting appears to be black carbon (mostly found on nickels) or white "stuff" (copper and silver). This is a great group of coins.
I realize this might not be exactly up your alley, but here is one of mine from the era that has pretty deep color on it. I find it attractive nonetheless-
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Having been in and out of this series over the years, I think the toughest pieces to find in nice shape are the cents.
I only have one '36 proof left - I like it so I will likely keep it for a while longer. I like the toning.
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
I love the color on that '36 quarter.
Here are the two 1936 proofs I own-a satin and a brilliant. The brilliant has very deep mirrors.-
I like the 37 Set... Same coins 1/2 price.
Completed a ‘36 to ‘42 set years ago in 65+. I agree that the cents (especially) 1936 brilliant we’re toughest to find without haze or spots. Next toughest for me was the ‘36 quarter. Prices are much more reasonable now. It took a 2.5 year Ahab-like obsession looking at websites multiple times per day to get first crack at the newps and going to regional and national shows to complete the job with the ‘36 Ty.2 being the last piece of the puzzle.
I know a collector who has been assembling one for over 12 years. My question is,,,,,,,,,how old are you?
@ChrisH821 Good Luck!! I like the year 1936, b/c it contains the rarest Walker proof. I don't own any proofs but a proof Walker or two may be in my future. Please be sure to keep us updated with pix and details throughout your search and progress.
@Veep Great to see a veteran member adding his valuable insight. Great story and I know about the 'Ahab-like obsession' all too well! LOL Glad you were able to complete it. It must've been incredible.
@koynekwest and @Cameonut Great 1936 Buffalo Proofs!!
@TomB your coins and pix are always amazing!!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
He's a millennial, so he's got plenty of time.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I’m fortunate that my set is currently ranked #4, 100% CAC. See hotlink below. My advice is to take your time, don’t fill holes. As noted by you and others, way too many coins have had their eye appeal impacted by the cellophane used by the mint, so be patient, and don’t buy ANY coin that’s hazy or with unattractive toning. My biggest challenge has been the quarter. Mine was a PR64 that got upgraded to 64+ upon Reconsideration. I’m still waiting after MANY years to find a real nice 66. Patience. The key is when you do find a coin with outstanding eye appeal, don’t be hesitant to pay a premium. Happy Hunting!
After clicking on the hotlink, click on any photo to see enlargements of each coin.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/proof-sets/1936-satin-brilliant-proof-set/publishedset/123075
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
@winesteven Nice set! Thanks for sharing!!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Nice examples posted above!
Thanks for the advice so far!
I'll keep up here, but it is going to take a while
35, an elder millennial
Collector, occasional seller
Very much a transitional time for proof coins. Cents were initially satin finish and then were converted to brilliant finish. Collecting "untoned" MS versions in RD or CAM can be very expensive. But this coin that I had to overpay for is a PR66BN Stain cent........
but Pop 2/0 is not going to be inexpensive.
Like the coin posted above, many 1936 coins have very attractive toning. They seem to age well.
OINK
I think @ricko will agree with you that Cent is “Stain”ed. 😂 (please don’t edit the spelling in your post).
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
""With that said, post some haze-free, well detailed, strongly mirrored(where applicable) 1936 Proofs here along with some helpful advice when looking for '36-'42 proofs in general. I think I have a decent eye for them but can always use some help.
Thanks!""
Maybe you already have this but if not, I would think Roger's book is a must have.
I think its awesome.
"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
Here's one...
One is on the way actually!
Collector, occasional seller
Here are the rest of my 36-42 Proofs:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/alltimeset/196911
I need to get on top of adding pictures for the non-Trueviewed ones.
Collector, occasional seller
NICE!! You're well on your way!!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I held a 1936 complete proof set in cyclopane, in original box with rusted staple. It is owned by a very wealthy family. Never held one before and this one had not seen the light of day in a long time. When I opened the box to view the contents I could not believe that I finally holding this unique item. Holding what used to be a 10K set, just opening the box was very exciting. It was a family item that would never be sold. The family wanted me to view some of the coins that were left to them. They had mostly gold 5$ coins and twenties but I was focused on the 1936 proof set. When I opened the box the first thing i saw was the cellophane and it was kinda hard to really view the coins because of it. The cent was ok nothing exceptional. The dime and quarter were nice the half was nice but what struck me was the 1936 nickel. It was outstanding, gorgeous, just perfect in every way. I don't know if that is normal for the nickel or if all the 1936 nickels are this nice. It had some blueish toning, super strike it was the best. I told them I would be interested in the set if they ever wanted to sell it. I guess they still own it but maybe someday they will call me back.
That's a set I've been eyeing to start as well................Good Luck and have fun
Steve
You may want to check this thread:
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1014320/proof-coins-from-1936-42/p1
I also recommend Rogers book as @sparky64 posted above. I got mine via ebay which actually was Wizard Coin Supplies. A must have for 36 - 42 Proof aficionados.
An excellent thread! I don't know how I missed it the first time around.
Collector, occasional seller
Thanks! If I have time this weekend I will shoot pics of the rest of them.
A lot of the 39-41 coins I had to save from improper storage(PVC residue/haze) Note the green q-tip
Collector, occasional seller
Depends on how fussy you are. I'm pretty sure you could have one by day's end if you really wanted one.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
I wouldn't use the word "fussy", but "smart" would be a better term to make your point, which indeed is valid.
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
"smart"? Maybe. Also possibly "fussy" and "budget conscious".
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
cent -- comes in both satin and brilliant finish.
nickel -- comes in both satin and brilliant finish
dime -- comes in both satin and brilliant finish. The satin finish is extremely rare and most people are unaware of it.
quarter -- brilliant finish only
half dollar -- brilliant finish only.
There are some 1936 buffalo nickel proofs that seem to be a hybrid of the satin and brilliant finish. Relatively unknown but they do exist.
Happy hunting!
a.k.a "The BUFFINATOR"
I like these coins alot.
Got a 42 Dime in 66 not long ago. Would like to put together a 42 set.
The 36 set is a beast. Good luck.
Look at alot of coins and take your time.
Good luck on this long term project. I have to say, it planted the germ of an idea in my head.. maybe a 42 proof set.. the year before my parents married and my dad went off to war...
I am working on a collection of hand picked proof and sms sets covering 1936 to 1970.
A Fun project that has been underway for about 20 years now. Currently complete from 1940 to 1970. Starting to look for 1936 to 1939 coins and/or sets.
Good luck putting together a 1936 set.
This is good reading for sure and I would like to add my preference for 1936 proof coins that have full or near full detail. Original die pairs were polished too many times to make decent coins. In Roger's book note just how few dies were used especially for 1936 coins. Also even though satin pennies show more detail I was more pleased with brilliant proof examples. Same with the nickels. I bought this beautifully toned half a few years ago. Note that although prices have generally fallen across the board, you wont get good deals on nice 1936 proof coins. There are just so few available.
This one is Pf 66 CAC crossed from PCGS Pf 66 CAC
BUFFNIXX, RE:
dime -- comes in both satin and brilliant finish. The satin finish is extremely rare and most people are unaware of it.
Never heard of these, there's no reference in PCGS pops or CoinFacts. Where's the info on them? Roger's book?
Proof Buffalo Registry Set
Capped Bust Quarters Registry Set
Proof Walking Liberty Halves Registry Set
I can also recommend Roger's book. I'm currently working my way thru it and so far, so good. Lots of useful info therein.
The book has arrived!
Collector, occasional seller
I am anxious to see your first coin.
Good luck and excited to see the progress. A PR66+RD Satin cent just sold for a record price in the latest Legend auction (lot 87)...
https://legendauctions.hibid.com/catalog/175726/the-regency-auction-34/?cpage=2
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase/2819
I’ve put together 1938-42 proof sets. The prices on the 36 and 37s turned me off from pursuing sets, but I’ve got a Buffalo proof on my list in the future.
Good luck on your 1936 project and keep us posted.
According to research done by Roger only the cent and nickel were intentionally struck with Satin dies. This was due to the fact that original designs were meant to have matte finishes and would not lend themselves to polishing like the dime, quarter and half were meant to have.
Page 28 explaining the preparation of planchets mentions that the gradual loss of mirror surface from the dies due to planchets not being fully polished could be the reason.
Collector, occasional seller
Cat approved
Added pics this weekend too.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/alltimeset/196911
Collector, occasional seller
Update 10/5
Merc Dime. PCGS PR66 w/CAC
It's more reflective than the pictures indicate.
Collector, occasional seller
GREAT! Your first coin is the Dime. Maybe it's a Satin Finish!
Bump for the Satin Nickel added to post 1
Collector, occasional seller
Good luck my brother. Looks like you’re off to a good start by gathering as much info you can before making the dive.
Please do keep us posted on your progress. I will be eagerly watching.
Would be fun to be Bezos rich and buy every 1936 proof that comes along.
If I were "Bezos rich", 1936 proofs wouldn't be anywhere near the top of my list of things to hoard. But to each his own.
At that point you could just hoard everything
Collector, occasional seller
Tough set to assemble from what I hear. Good luck.
I would surmise that the so-called "hybrid" finish is caused by the satin dies becoming brighter as the number of coins struck increases. This is just my hypothesis, tho, as I'm not an expert in these things.