1870-S Half Dime Question

Veep

The current Coin World has a story about this unique coin. In the story, it’s mentioned that the coin was discovered in a Chicago dealer’s junk box in 1978. Does anyone know whom that dealer was?

rokky

I don’t know, but I’d love to. See if he’s still around so I can pay him a visit and do some cherrypicking myself Lol

oih82w8

Not buying that "junk box" find story. A MS coin that was found in a junk box? Not unless someone "planted" it to get rid of it, or a similar story like the Salvation Army kettle gold coins that are donated at Christmas time. Very doubtful.

Treashunt

@oih82w8 said:
Not buying that "junk box" find story. A MS coin that was found in a junk box? Not unless someone "planted" it to get rid of it, or a similar story like the Salvation Army kettle gold coins that are donated at Christmas time. Very doubtful.

agreed

rhedden

I believe the coin was stolen from the cornerstone of the San Francisco Mint, and a cover story was cooked up to obscure its origins. I have no evidence to support this conspiracy theory whatsoever, but wouldn't it be one of the greatest numismatic crimes ever?

bkzoopapa

Having been involved with this coin as the Vice President of Rarcoa at the time, I can assure you the coin did turn up in a local coin shop in Orlando Park. It was purchased over the counter without being noticed for what it was at the time. While putting up purchases for stock the dealer discover the coin was not in the Redbook. He came to us with the coin to find out what it was and if it was real. We made An agreement with him and proceeded to prove its authenticity. This process has been fully reported in detail previously.

Veep

Amazing story! I knew someone here could add-in some details