The Mint Error News article link and text which were provided in this thread, describe both the hoard from the 70’s and the safety-deposit box sale 20 years ago:
“In the early 2000's, a group of several hundred U.S. error coins were found in a safe-deposit box. Fred Weinberg purchased this group which included coins struck for proof sets and also coins struck for circulation. This group was auctioned by the California State Controller's Office of Unclaimed Property. The U.S. Secret Service inspected and released this collection to the State of California determining that it was legal to own. The State of California then auctioned the collection and the rest is history.”
“Another example of U.S. error coins escaping the Mint occurred in the 1970's. A hoard of proof error coins were smuggled out of the San Francisco Mint inside the oil pans of forklifts that were being serviced outside of the Mint. This topic was discussed in the June 6, 2022 Issue of Coin World, which covered Fred Weinberg's account of this story. The Coin World Managing Editor concluded:
Obviously, the marketplace accepts these coins, and some collectors are happy paying thousands of dollars for coins that show every indication of having been created through illegal means.”
John Devine sold the double struck proof Bicentennial Ike Dollar and other mint errors in the 70’s, 30 years before the safety- deposit box sale. Possibly he acquired them from this group in the 70’s. I do not know for sure.
mikebyers.com Dealer in Major Mint Errors, Die Trials & Patterns - Author of NLG Best World Coin Book World's Greatest Mint Errors - Publisher & Editor of minterrornews.com.
I was just letting everyone know that I disclose if it was intentional in the text, provide the intentional section and link to Fred’s video.
At that point moving forward, if a dealer or customer still chooses to purchase an intentional 50 year old mint error for $10k or $100k, I obviously have them.
The most important thing is that the buyer understands how it was produced.
I appreciate the fact that you let buyers of "intentional", yet legal to won, errors, know that. That is the proper thing to do.
Here is a fascinating intentionally produced double struck gold coin, but not as a mint error. The first strike was off- center. The second strike was centered properly. It subsequently passed inspection and was released.
This occurs occasionally with early type coins, usually on copper and silver denominations. There are a few gold coins double struck this way too but are very rare:
mikebyers.com Dealer in Major Mint Errors, Die Trials & Patterns - Author of NLG Best World Coin Book World's Greatest Mint Errors - Publisher & Editor of minterrornews.com.
@braddick said:
I personally have difficulty comparing these "after-hours" mint errors with the smash and grab crimes taking place today.
That's just me.
The comparison I am trying to make is pretty simple. Just because authorities allow it to happen, doesn't make it right or legal.
@braddick said:
I personally have difficulty comparing these "after-hours" mint errors with the smash and grab crimes taking place today.
That's just me.
@braddick said:
"Intentionally made errors is an oxymoron."
What about waffled coins?
They were intentionally made yet escape scrutiny and are labeled as errors by all the major services.
@JBK
None of the three major TPGs label waffled coins as "errors". On every label I've seen they are called "Mint Cancelled" or "Waffle Cancelled". The word "Error" is no where on the label. They do however charge the mint error fee.
@braddick said:
I personally have difficulty comparing these "after-hours" mint errors with the smash and grab crimes taking place today.
That's just me.
The comparison I am trying to make is pretty simple. Just because authorities allow it to happen, doesn't make it right or legal.
Apparently it is legal (at least not prosecuted) for what happened in the past.
These coin are now part of numismatic history so how is it not "right" for someone to collect these?
@braddick said:
"Intentionally made errors is an oxymoron."
What about waffled coins?
They were intentionally made yet escape scrutiny and are labeled as errors by all the major services.
@JBK
None of the three major TPGs label waffled coins as "errors". On every label I've seen they are called "Mint Cancelled" or "Waffle Cancelled". The word "Error" is no where on the label. They do however charge the mint error fee.
Thx for the clarification. I was just going based on a previous post.
@braddick said:
I personally have difficulty comparing these "after-hours" mint errors with the smash and grab crimes taking place today.
That's just me.
The comparison I am trying to make is pretty simple. Just because authorities allow it to happen, doesn't make it right or legal.
Apparently it is legal (at least not persecuted) for what happened in the past.
Unfortunately that is correct. It's a sad commentary on this great nation. However I don't think I know what you mean "for what happened in the past". Actually I do think I know what you mean. If I'm right we don't need to go there. This is not the place for it.
These coin are now part of numismatic history so how is it not "right" for someone to collect these?
Anyone can collect what they want, I haven't said otherwise. There are people in the world that collect stolen artwork.
These "coins" WERE stolen. I think we can all agree on that. Just because the Secret Service gave them a pass does not take away that they were stolen from the American people. It's a sad day in numismatics when it's history is the acceptance of stolen property.
It's sad that people think it's OK to steal, but what if it happened to you? What if a large part of your coins were stolen from you, found 20 years from now, and the authorities decided to not pursue it. Would you say "Oh well, it's now a part of numismatic history". I see no difference. Stolen is stolen. Period.
This has been going on for over 200 years. Many U.S. patterns, die trials, fantasy pieces and intentionally produced rarities have traded publicly between dealers, collectors and auction houses and are accepted numismatic rarities.
Billionaires and world famous numismatists have openly handled many of the listed intentionally produced rarities below.
This group includes the 7 figure 1913 Liberty Head Nickels, the 2 Pan Pac Halves struck in gold on cut down $20’s, the 1943 coppper cent from the Mint employee’s son, many mules listed as patterns in the Judd book, the Dr Berry proof error coins in the ANA Museum collection, a few of the restruck 1804 Dollars, the gold 1913 Buffalo Nickel, the 6 gold Indian Head Cents, etc etc etc etc etc etc.
The list goes on and on and on and on.
Yes, 50 year old proof mint errors that were intentionally struck obviously belong on this list.
But it’s nothing new and has been occuring for 200 years at our U.S. Mints.
mikebyers.com Dealer in Major Mint Errors, Die Trials & Patterns - Author of NLG Best World Coin Book World's Greatest Mint Errors - Publisher & Editor of minterrornews.com.
@ctf_error_coins said:
MWallace get off your high horse and stop beating it.
I do not own, buy, trade nor sell intentional mint error coins. I do have over 800 certified "legit" mint error coins.
IMO the 50 year old stuff is super cool and you do not think it is.
Collect what you like and stop bashing what others collect.
The point MWallace is making has completely gone over your head. Why?...because your blinded by bias. Why...because it's about the Benjamins, right? Like I said; everyone's making money.
Besides that, no one is really interested in your resume'
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
@ctf_error_coins said:
MWallace get off your high horse and stop beating it.
I do not own, buy, trade nor sell intentional mint error coins. I do have over 800 certified "legit" mint error coins.
IMO the 50 year old stuff is super cool and you do not think it is.
Collect what you like and stop bashing what others collect.
That's right, nothing else to say but to insult me. Typical.
I've not bashed anyone. I've kept this discussion above board even if we disagree. @Byers has kept it that way even though he and I disagree, and I appreciate that.
@ctf_error_coins said:
I do not own, buy, trade nor sell intentional mint error coins. I do have over 800 certified "legit" mint error coins.
To your first sentence, neither do I.
To your second sentence, so do I, but that's after selling off about 2,000 errors over the past 3+ years to thin my collection out.
I also notice that you are now using the term "legit" to describe errors that escaped by "legitimate" means. What's the opposite of "legit"? You've made my point completely. Thank you.
If the universe of these 1970s-style intentional "errors" is seen as closed and is properly defined, then as a practical matter they can be collected by people who are interested. The Secret Service made that decision, for better or for worse.
However, if the underlying process that led to their existence is deemed acceptable or is even condoned, then it cheapens or even destroys legitimate error collecting.
I found a double struck nickel struck in two different years. As a legitimate error it is an incredibly rare coin. But if mint shenanigans are allowed/tolerated/ignored then it's just a novelty because it could have been intentionally made.
@JBK said:
If the universe of these 1970s-style intentional "errors" is seen as closed and is properly defined, then as a practical matter they can be collected by people who are interested. The Secret Service made that decision, for better or for worse.
However, if the underlying process that led to their existence is deemed acceptable or is even condoned, then it cheapens or even destroys legitimate error collecting.
I found a double struck nickel struck in two different years. As a legitimate error it is an incredibly rare coin. But if mint shenanigans are allowed/tolerated/ignored then it's just a novelty because it could have been intentionally made.
What about everything else that was unauthorzed, deliberately struck, and intentionally produced, to create a rarity or error coin, etc????
So a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is ok since it’s 100 years old, and the countless other intentionally produced rarities are ok, but a 1973 proof error coin that’s 50 years old isn’t?
That’s a double standard!!!!
Here is my post from above:
——
“ This has been going on for over 200 years. Many U.S. patterns, die trials, fantasy pieces and intentionally produced rarities have traded publicly between dealers, collectors and auction houses and are accepted numismatic rarities.
Billionaires and world famous numismatists have openly handled many of the listed intentionally produced rarities below.
This group includes the 7 figure 1913 Liberty Head Nickels, the 2 Pan Pac Halves struck in gold on cut down $20’s, the 1943 coppper cent from the Mint employee’s son, many mules listed as patterns in the Judd book, the Dr Berry proof error coins in the ANA Museum collection, a few of the restruck 1804 Dollars, the gold 1913 Buffalo Nickel, the 6 gold Indian Head Cents, etc etc etc etc etc etc.
The list goes on and on and on and on.
Yes, 50 year old proof mint errors that were intentionally struck obviously belong on this list.
But it’s nothing new and has been occuring for 200 years at our U.S. Mints.”
——
mikebyers.com Dealer in Major Mint Errors, Die Trials & Patterns - Author of NLG Best World Coin Book World's Greatest Mint Errors - Publisher & Editor of minterrornews.com.
@Byers said:
What about everything else that was unauthorzed, deliberately struck, and intentionally produced, to create a rarity or error coin, etc????
So a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is ok since it’s 100 years old, and the countless other intentionally produced rarities are ok, but a 1973 proof error coin that’s 50 years old isn’t?
That’s a double standard!!!!
I'm agreeing with you Mike on the point that at it's gone on for 200 years. I didn't say the others were OK either, so speaking for myself only, no double standard here.
Mike- glad that you don’t have a double standard. But some people do.
Mint shenanigans were involved creating the intentional, unauthorized 1913 Liberty Head Nickels.
So these, and every other intentional fantasy coin, are novelties since they were intentionally made.
mikebyers.com Dealer in Major Mint Errors, Die Trials & Patterns - Author of NLG Best World Coin Book World's Greatest Mint Errors - Publisher & Editor of minterrornews.com.
@Byers said:
What about everything else that was unauthorzed, deliberately struck, and intentionally produced, to create a rarity or error coin, etc????
So a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is ok since it’s 100 years old, and the countless other intentionally produced rarities are ok, but a 1973 proof error coin that’s 50 years old isn’t?
That’s a double standard!!!!
Here is my post from above:
——
“ This has been going on for over 200 years. Many U.S. patterns, die trials, fantasy pieces and intentionally produced rarities have traded publicly between dealers, collectors and auction houses and are accepted numismatic rarities.
Billionaires and world famous numismatists have openly handled many of the listed intentionally produced rarities below.
This group includes the 7 figure 1913 Liberty Head Nickels, the 2 Pan Pac Halves struck in gold on cut down $20’s, the 1943 coppper cent from the Mint employee’s son, many mules listed as patterns in the Judd book, the Dr Berry proof error coins in the ANA Museum collection, a few of the restruck 1804 Dollars, the gold 1913 Buffalo Nickel, the 6 gold Indian Head Cents, etc etc etc etc etc etc.
The list goes on and on and on and on.
Yes, 50 year old proof mint errors that were intentionally struck obviously belong on this list.
But it’s nothing new and has been occuring for 200 years at our U.S. Mints.”
——
I, for one, think the 1913 Liberty nickels are not legitimately collectible U.S. coins. Either they were struck and spirited out of the Mint secretly or they weren't made by the Mint at all.
The "patterns" are a little less obvious. It depends on the specifics of their creation and distribution.
While I'm never one to argue with The Market, the relative value of legitimate errors and shenanigans is rather odd. What's the highest priced legitimate error? What's the highest priced shenanigans? That seems out of whack. [I'm no expert. ]
It’s actually an error in the production of the blanks in the planchet strip…
But deliberately struck!
mikebyers.com Dealer in Major Mint Errors, Die Trials & Patterns - Author of NLG Best World Coin Book World's Greatest Mint Errors - Publisher & Editor of minterrornews.com.
•Intentionally created unauthorized U.S. coins have sold for 7 figures…( 1913 Liberty Head Nickels).
•Intentionally created unauthorized U.S. mint errors have sold for 6 figures. Some proof and some mint state:
Proof- the Heritage Ike Clover at $105k, and a few private sales that I made.
Mint State- some of the mules from 100k to 200k, the gold Buffalo Nickel that I sold for 400k, and (3) gold Indian Head Cents that I sold for 6 figures each.
•Unintentional mint errors range from 1.7MM for the 1943D copper cent down to $5 for a blank planchet.
mikebyers.com Dealer in Major Mint Errors, Die Trials & Patterns - Author of NLG Best World Coin Book World's Greatest Mint Errors - Publisher & Editor of minterrornews.com.
@ctf_error_coins said:
What is so cool about these types of coins is the mystery and intrigue behind them not to mention the policing agency is the Secret Service.
These are coins with untold stories behind them which promotes massive speculation about these coins and all major error coins.
There was a bunch of employees at the San Francisco Mint in the late 1960's and early 1970's. They made error coins on purpose, and one of the ways they were secreted out was by putting them into oil pans of vehicles.
It was a big operation, to say the least.
Pete
"I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
@ctf_error_coins said:
What is so cool about these types of coins is the mystery and intrigue behind them not to mention the policing agency is the Secret Service.
These are coins with untold stories behind them which promotes massive speculation about these coins and all major error coins.
There was a bunch of employees at the San Francisco Mint in the late 1960's and early 1970's. They made error coins on purpose, and one of the ways they were secreted out was by putting them into oil pans of vehicles.
It was a big operation, to say the least.
Pete
Oil pans you say? @Slickcoins would like to have a word.
From my article posted here, which apparently some have not read yet:
“ Another example of U.S. error coins escaping the Mint occurred in the 1970's. A hoard of proof error coins were smuggled out of the San Francisco Mint inside the oil pans of forklifts that were being serviced outside of the Mint. This topic was discussed in the June 6, 2022 Issue of Coin World, which covered Fred Weinberg's account of this story. The Coin World Managing Editor concluded:
Obviously, the marketplace accepts these coins, and some collectors are happy paying thousands of dollars for coins that show every indication of having been created through illegal means.”
mikebyers.com Dealer in Major Mint Errors, Die Trials & Patterns - Author of NLG Best World Coin Book World's Greatest Mint Errors - Publisher & Editor of minterrornews.com.
@ctf_error_coins said:
What is so cool about these types of coins is the mystery and intrigue behind them not to mention the policing agency is the Secret Service.
These are coins with untold stories behind them which promotes massive speculation about these coins and all major error coins.
There was a bunch of employees at the San Francisco Mint in the late 1960's and early 1970's. They made error coins on purpose, and one of the ways they were secreted out was by putting them into oil pans of vehicles.
It was a big operation, to say the least.
Pete
Oil pans you say? @Slickcoins would like to have a word.
Yes. OIL PANS.
Pete
"I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
It’s impossible to know if this unique Bust Dollar, likely struck on a Half Cent planchet, was a die trial strike, unintentional mint error or an intentional mint error.
I sold it for $375k and it’s one of my all time favorites!!
mikebyers.com Dealer in Major Mint Errors, Die Trials & Patterns - Author of NLG Best World Coin Book World's Greatest Mint Errors - Publisher & Editor of minterrornews.com.
Chinese also have intentionally made coins. The Chinese coin book called them Mint sport that's also how PCGS label it. It is very hard to find but I find one example. This coin sold by SB for 24K in April 2023.
Comments
I think it was in the PCGS holder at the time.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
We're these acquired by Mr. Devine from the SDB sale, and he in turn sold them on the open market? If not how did acquire them for resale?
For myself I prefer to collect errors that got out of the mint by error,not intentionally. In a way it makes their discovery that more rewarding.
BLUEJAYWAY
The Mint Error News article link and text which were provided in this thread, describe both the hoard from the 70’s and the safety-deposit box sale 20 years ago:
“In the early 2000's, a group of several hundred U.S. error coins were found in a safe-deposit box. Fred Weinberg purchased this group which included coins struck for proof sets and also coins struck for circulation. This group was auctioned by the California State Controller's Office of Unclaimed Property. The U.S. Secret Service inspected and released this collection to the State of California determining that it was legal to own. The State of California then auctioned the collection and the rest is history.”
“Another example of U.S. error coins escaping the Mint occurred in the 1970's. A hoard of proof error coins were smuggled out of the San Francisco Mint inside the oil pans of forklifts that were being serviced outside of the Mint. This topic was discussed in the June 6, 2022 Issue of Coin World, which covered Fred Weinberg's account of this story. The Coin World Managing Editor concluded:
Obviously, the marketplace accepts these coins, and some collectors are happy paying thousands of dollars for coins that show every indication of having been created through illegal means.”
John Devine sold the double struck proof Bicentennial Ike Dollar and other mint errors in the 70’s, 30 years before the safety- deposit box sale. Possibly he acquired them from this group in the 70’s. I do not know for sure.
I appreciate the fact that you let buyers of "intentional", yet legal to won, errors, know that. That is the proper thing to do.
Here is a fascinating intentionally produced double struck gold coin, but not as a mint error. The first strike was off- center. The second strike was centered properly. It subsequently passed inspection and was released.
This occurs occasionally with early type coins, usually on copper and silver denominations. There are a few gold coins double struck this way too but are very rare:
https://coins.ha.com/itm/early-half-eagles/1812-5-wide-5d-bd-1-r3-double-struck-ms66-pcgs-off-center-rotated-double-strike/p/1371-3056.s
The comparison I am trying to make is pretty simple. Just because authorities allow it to happen, doesn't make it right or legal.
No, but it could be worse.
@JBK
None of the three major TPGs label waffled coins as "errors". On every label I've seen they are called "Mint Cancelled" or "Waffle Cancelled". The word "Error" is no where on the label. They do however charge the mint error fee.
Apparently it is legal (at least not prosecuted) for what happened in the past.
These coin are now part of numismatic history so how is it not "right" for someone to collect these?
Thx for the clarification. I was just going based on a previous post.
Too bad they charge the error tier, though.
Unfortunately that is correct. It's a sad commentary on this great nation. However I don't think I know what you mean "for what happened in the past". Actually I do think I know what you mean. If I'm right we don't need to go there. This is not the place for it.
Anyone can collect what they want, I haven't said otherwise. There are people in the world that collect stolen artwork.
These "coins" WERE stolen. I think we can all agree on that. Just because the Secret Service gave them a pass does not take away that they were stolen from the American people. It's a sad day in numismatics when it's history is the acceptance of stolen property.
It's sad that people think it's OK to steal, but what if it happened to you? What if a large part of your coins were stolen from you, found 20 years from now, and the authorities decided to not pursue it. Would you say "Oh well, it's now a part of numismatic history". I see no difference. Stolen is stolen. Period.
MWallace get off your high horse and stop beating it.
I do not own, buy, trade nor sell intentional mint error coins. I do have over 800 certified "legit" mint error coins.
IMO the 50 year old stuff is super cool and you do not think it is.
Collect what you like and stop bashing what others collect.
This has been going on for over 200 years. Many U.S. patterns, die trials, fantasy pieces and intentionally produced rarities have traded publicly between dealers, collectors and auction houses and are accepted numismatic rarities.
Billionaires and world famous numismatists have openly handled many of the listed intentionally produced rarities below.
This group includes the 7 figure 1913 Liberty Head Nickels, the 2 Pan Pac Halves struck in gold on cut down $20’s, the 1943 coppper cent from the Mint employee’s son, many mules listed as patterns in the Judd book, the Dr Berry proof error coins in the ANA Museum collection, a few of the restruck 1804 Dollars, the gold 1913 Buffalo Nickel, the 6 gold Indian Head Cents, etc etc etc etc etc etc.
The list goes on and on and on and on.
Yes, 50 year old proof mint errors that were intentionally struck obviously belong on this list.
But it’s nothing new and has been occuring for 200 years at our U.S. Mints.
The point MWallace is making has completely gone over your head. Why?...because your blinded by bias. Why...because it's about the Benjamins, right? Like I said; everyone's making money.
Besides that, no one is really interested in your resume'
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
That's right, nothing else to say but to insult me. Typical.
I've not bashed anyone. I've kept this discussion above board even if we disagree. @Byers has kept it that way even though he and I disagree, and I appreciate that.
To your first sentence, neither do I.
To your second sentence, so do I, but that's after selling off about 2,000 errors over the past 3+ years to thin my collection out.
I also notice that you are now using the term "legit" to describe errors that escaped by "legitimate" means. What's the opposite of "legit"? You've made my point completely. Thank you.
If the universe of these 1970s-style intentional "errors" is seen as closed and is properly defined, then as a practical matter they can be collected by people who are interested. The Secret Service made that decision, for better or for worse.
However, if the underlying process that led to their existence is deemed acceptable or is even condoned, then it cheapens or even destroys legitimate error collecting.
I found a double struck nickel struck in two different years. As a legitimate error it is an incredibly rare coin. But if mint shenanigans are allowed/tolerated/ignored then it's just a novelty because it could have been intentionally made.
Lots of food for thought in this thread.
I know I've got myself re-thinking some of my earlier positions.
peacockcoins
Absolutely, 100% correct!!!!!
What about everything else that was unauthorzed, deliberately struck, and intentionally produced, to create a rarity or error coin, etc????
So a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is ok since it’s 100 years old, and the countless other intentionally produced rarities are ok, but a 1973 proof error coin that’s 50 years old isn’t?
That’s a double standard!!!!
Here is my post from above:
——
“ This has been going on for over 200 years. Many U.S. patterns, die trials, fantasy pieces and intentionally produced rarities have traded publicly between dealers, collectors and auction houses and are accepted numismatic rarities.
Billionaires and world famous numismatists have openly handled many of the listed intentionally produced rarities below.
This group includes the 7 figure 1913 Liberty Head Nickels, the 2 Pan Pac Halves struck in gold on cut down $20’s, the 1943 coppper cent from the Mint employee’s son, many mules listed as patterns in the Judd book, the Dr Berry proof error coins in the ANA Museum collection, a few of the restruck 1804 Dollars, the gold 1913 Buffalo Nickel, the 6 gold Indian Head Cents, etc etc etc etc etc etc.
The list goes on and on and on and on.
Yes, 50 year old proof mint errors that were intentionally struck obviously belong on this list.
But it’s nothing new and has been occuring for 200 years at our U.S. Mints.”
——
I'm agreeing with you Mike on the point that at it's gone on for 200 years. I didn't say the others were OK either, so speaking for myself only, no double standard here.
Mike- glad that you don’t have a double standard. But some people do.
Mint shenanigans were involved creating the intentional, unauthorized 1913 Liberty Head Nickels.
So these, and every other intentional fantasy coin, are novelties since they were intentionally made.
I, for one, think the 1913 Liberty nickels are not legitimately collectible U.S. coins. Either they were struck and spirited out of the Mint secretly or they weren't made by the Mint at all.
The "patterns" are a little less obvious. It depends on the specifics of their creation and distribution.
While I'm never one to argue with The Market, the relative value of legitimate errors and shenanigans is rather odd. What's the highest priced legitimate error? What's the highest priced shenanigans? That seems out of whack. [I'm no expert. ]
Here is a fascinating one!
It’s actually an error in the production of the blanks in the planchet strip…
But deliberately struck!
jmlanzaf-
•Intentionally created unauthorized U.S. coins have sold for 7 figures…( 1913 Liberty Head Nickels).
•Intentionally created unauthorized U.S. mint errors have sold for 6 figures. Some proof and some mint state:
Proof- the Heritage Ike Clover at $105k, and a few private sales that I made.
Mint State- some of the mules from 100k to 200k, the gold Buffalo Nickel that I sold for 400k, and (3) gold Indian Head Cents that I sold for 6 figures each.
•Unintentional mint errors range from 1.7MM for the 1943D copper cent down to $5 for a blank planchet.
There was a bunch of employees at the San Francisco Mint in the late 1960's and early 1970's. They made error coins on purpose, and one of the ways they were secreted out was by putting them into oil pans of vehicles.
It was a big operation, to say the least.
Pete
Oil pans you say?
@Slickcoins would like to have a word.
peacockcoins
From my article posted here, which apparently some have not read yet:
“ Another example of U.S. error coins escaping the Mint occurred in the 1970's. A hoard of proof error coins were smuggled out of the San Francisco Mint inside the oil pans of forklifts that were being serviced outside of the Mint. This topic was discussed in the June 6, 2022 Issue of Coin World, which covered Fred Weinberg's account of this story. The Coin World Managing Editor concluded:
Obviously, the marketplace accepts these coins, and some collectors are happy paying thousands of dollars for coins that show every indication of having been created through illegal means.”
Yes. OIL PANS.
Pete
jmlanzaf-
Another category is ‘undecided’.
It’s impossible to know if this unique Bust Dollar, likely struck on a Half Cent planchet, was a die trial strike, unintentional mint error or an intentional mint error.
I sold it for $375k and it’s one of my all time favorites!!
Chinese also have intentionally made coins. The Chinese coin book called them Mint sport that's also how PCGS label it. It is very hard to find but I find one example. This coin sold by SB for 24K in April 2023.
Tsk, tsk! Imagine collecting coins intentionally made by the Mint...
Actually I was wrong sb sold couple more examples. This one was made from two very popular coins. Sold for 84k.
This one from US collection. Sold for 24k.