Canadian proof-like coins

laurentyvan

I purchased some wonderfully toned Canadian quarters, dimes, halves from 1964-67 this weekend which included the Bobcat and the howling wolf issue; what beauties! Couldn't find too much info on these other than a quick mention in Charleton. Could anyone briefly educate me? Were all of these taken from sets?

Edited to add: these are proof-like issues-should have mentioned that!

shirohniichan

If they are toned dark purple and blue or black, the 1967's are likely taken from the $20 specimen sets or silver medallion specimen sets. The cases toned the coins. PL coins stored in their pliofilm pouches usually don't tone much, though they might if taken out. There are some beautifully toned coins that came out of rolls, too. Since circulation coins were struck from chrome-plated dies, as were the PL's, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish them. I've seen frosty circulation strikes but no frosty PL's, though.

In other words, they could have come from anywhere. Can you post photos of the coins?

Bruce

I can't really add much to what Shiro said, so I won't try. I hope you enjoy the Coins though, and would love to see some pics.

laurentyvan

Bruce-I'm getting close to being able to post pictures. My old computer, a 266 megahertz ancient(which was totally buggy with windows 98) recently died and was just replaced with a nice Sony Vaio system. I am waiting for christmas or shortly after (skipping the scanner all together) to acquire a digital camera and then I will be happy to post. Not being able to got old months ago!

Clankeye

laurent--

To further confuse the issue, not only are some of the coins of this era graded PL, but ICCS also designates some of them SP (specimen proof). I have seen those mostly from the year 1967, and I believe they come from the sets Shiroh mentioned.

I have taken an arbitrary interest in the coins between 1960 and 1967, and I am collecting them in as nice examples graded PL or SP with "Heavy Cameo" as I can find. They really are beautiful coins. For once I am shying away from dramatically toned coins, because I am liberating most of these coins from ICCS holders and putting them in a Wayte Raymond holder. Where they will probably tone anyway over the years.

I am learning that regular MS coins in these years are harder to come by in the higher grades, and that Charlton prices reflect these coins--not the PL.

I am having a great time with the Grey Side.

Clankeye

shirohniichan

I agree with Clankeye about the 1960's Canadian coins, especially the dollars and 50 cent pieces. I doubt I will spend the big money on high grade circulation coins, however. Rolls aren't too terribly hard to come by, so I may end up searching through them. I have a mint-sealed bag of 1960 dollars, though I doubt I'll get so curious as to open it soon. Most coins left in bags were moved around so much over the years that they're really banged up. One dealer said he got a bag of 6,000 1967 dollars and that only 40% of them were in collectible condition (the other 60% went to the melting pot).

While modern US coins don't do much for me, Canadian coins from the 1960's do intrigue me. Strange, isn't it? Part of the interest is from seeing how the RCM changed from being a mellow minter of money to being a crown corporation churning out crazy collector coins.

Clankeye

<< <i>While modern US coins don't do much for me, Canadian coins from the 1960's do intrigue me. Strange, isn't it? >>



It is strange, Shiroh and I feel exactly the same way. I am surprised at my interest in these coins.

I also never liked modern cameo coins. I thought they were boring. But, the hunt for the 60's Canadian material in Heavy Cam has been fun. And as I said before the coins are really striking.

I mentioned it in another thread, but it is a geat help to me to be able to purchase ICCS graded coins designated Heavy Cameo off eBay and from Canadian dealers. I wouldn't have any other access to them. I don't see them at the few shows we have around here, and local dealers don't carry Canadian much.

Also, the raw coins I have purchased off eBay have either been overgraded or over represented in their degree of cameo. Even with scans it's just a crap shoot. ICCS makes this a better, more efficient process.

Clankeye

shirohniichan

Also, the raw coins I have purchased off eBay have either been overgraded or over represented in their degree of cameo. Even with scans it's just a crap shoot. ICCS makes this a better, more efficient process.

You're right about it being efficient, but I'm just too damned cheap to spend a few hundred on a "common" date coin. I found a few coins in a box of "junk" at a local dealer and bought them for 60 cents each. While they won't get a DCAM designation, they sure looked great for circulation strikes.

Clankeye

<< <i>too damned cheap to spend a few hundred on a "common" date coin. >>



Who is spending a few hundred? Most of the coins I have purchased fall somewhere in the range between $12 and $45.

$45 being the tops for say a nice PL64HC 61 dollar.

shirohniichan

<< <i>

<< <i>too damned cheap to spend a few hundred on a "common" date coin. >>



Who is spending a few hundred? Most of the coins I have purchased fall somewhere in the range between $12 and $45.

$45 being the tops for say a nice PL64HC 61 dollar. >>



Ah, I thought you were after super grades. When I see what some of the dealers are asking for MS-66+ coins I cringe.

Clankeye

No, I'm not chasing the super grades, Shiroh.

I don't have any interest in paying that premium for what (as you pointed out) are common date coins.

I am collecting those coins in 64-65PL HC. And to be honest, when I look at some of the 64's next to the 65's... even then I know that any of these coins in a nice 64 grade would be fine.

Nope--no 66's or 67's here. Just having fun.

Clankeye

shirohniichan

I would normally say something about paying "stupid money" for common date supergrade coins, but I know that would only fan the flames of controversy on this topic. Far be it from me to claim that those who collect numbers on slabs and who pay hundreds or thousands of time the amount of one grade for a minor uptick in Sheldon points have more zeal than good sense. No, I would not do such a thing.

Clankeye

We know you wouldn't, Shiroh. Your restraint is legend around here.

Clankeye