Beautiful Coin: 1985 FM Barbados 100 Dollars Gold With Amphitrite Nymph & How Would You Classify?

7Jaguars

OK, the subject is quite impressive (was this done by Don Everhart, later engraver of US Mint?). However, even I who fancies himself to know something about FM material has trouble determining if this is a proof or proof-like uncirculated. I will label pictures of my recent EBAY purchase with standard photos of coins of known type.

I got this coin because it simply looked different to my eye:

Obverse and Reverse of the new coin below a known proof in "OGP":

Reverse Encapsulated Proof:

Detail of Known Proof Reverse:

Detail of Recent Purchase Reverse:

Reverse of Known 1983 Barbados 100 Dollars (U) proof like - picture taken of internet photo from recent Heritage Sale:

So, not sure which type this is and believe it may be a PL (U) type which is not known or catalogued - itself not necessarily an issue as the FM by this point was not so scrupulous.

MasonG

I'm certainly no expert on these, but it looks PL (or, not proof, anyway) to me.

coinkat

I would rather see it in hand before offering a viable opinion. At least you bought it and I doubt there will be any regrets as to that decision. The images are not persuasive for a proof- especial considering the quality of the FM coinage. It may be one of those coins worthy of submission. It is hard to predict what the end result would be of a submission as I am not sure what resources TPG have for FM issues to confirm exactly what you have.

I also think seeing coins and posts such as these helps illustrate that some FM coins are attractive and not that easy to locate. Hopefully over time there will be greater interest in FM issues... for several issues in the 1980-1985 time frame, interest already exists.

7Jaguars

Yes indeed. I hope actually that it IS a proof like versus the proof. Recently a TPG we will all know failed on a designation of a Philippines 1982FM Peso (U) because it was not in catalog but came from the same set as the other 1982FM denominations of like designation - it definitely is whereas even though I suspect this coin is (U), I can no absolutely confirm.