Did PCGS pay the$10,000 first look reward??
fivecents
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I must admit I was VERY upset when PCGS(Collectors Universe) offered a $10,000 award to be the first to be shown the "lost" 1913 proof nickel. I figured PCGS was doing this strickly as a self serving promotion, just like Max B. Mehel(sp) had done in the past, afterall this coin had been missing since the 1960's. But low and behold if it did not bring this coin back into the coin market. My hat is off to PCGS for this. Did PCGS pay up on the $10,000 first see reward?
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Comments
Russ, NCNE
Kodo's to PCGS!
David
<< <i>For $10,000... they can look at my whole set! lol >>
Only if you have a sixth example of the 1913 proof nickel.
<< <i>Help me out. Was there only 1 1913 proof >>
These were Liberty (V) nickels. Only five are known to be minted. The fifth example was lost in a car wreck and had been missind for decades. If PCGS had not offer this $10,000 "first look"reward this fifth example it may never had been verified as real.
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<< <i>Help me out. Was there only 1 1913 proof >>
These were Liberty (V) nickels. Only five are known to be minted. The fifth example was lost in a car wreck and had been missind for decades. If PCGS had not offer this $10,000 "first look"reward this fifth example it may never had been verified as real. >>
Very cool, thanks..
<< <i>Help me out. Was there only 1 1913 proof?? >>
All five pieces were struck at the same time and over the years their Proof/MS status has varied. Originally, and for some years afterwards, they were all described as Proofs. Since then some have been slabbed as proofs (2 pieces) and some as business strikes. (One is worn and has been described as anything from XF-40 through AU-55. I don't belive they are proofs, I think they were all business strikes, but since they were the first five coins from a brand new die they were very prooflike in appearance.
The reward was offered by Bowers and Merena, then a division of Collectors Universe, the parent company of PCGS. The reward was paid to the owners.
Bowers and Merena was recently sold to Greg Manning/Spectrum and Collectors Universe is now out of the collectibles auction and direct sales busines. We now grade and authenticate coins, Sportscards and memorabilia, stamps, and autographs.
I believe the 1913 Liberty nickels are proofs. They are somewhat more crudely manufactured than other Liberty nickel proofs, hence their somewhat different surface appearance, but I do consider them proofs.
I believe the re-discovering of the "lost" 1913 Liberty nickel was one of the top events in the coin market in the last several decades. It was certainly one of the most exciting things I've ever been involved with.
David Hall
<< <i>I believe the re-discovering of the "lost" 1913 Liberty nickel was one of the top events in the coin market in the last several decades. >>
Personally, I don't think any other event comes close. This was akin to finding the Ark of the Covenant.
<< <i>I believe the re-discovering of the "lost" 1913 Liberty nickel was one of the top events in the coin market in the last several decades. It was certainly one of the most exciting things I've ever been involved with. >>
Hey David Hall.....Kudos to you and everyone involved on bringing the 5th example back onto the market.
Ever consider offering another first look award for another type of coin?