In Search of the Blast White Arkansas (part II)

Iwog

As I said in my previous thread on the topic, I think David Bowers is incorrect about how Arkansas commemoratives were issued. (he claims Arkansas were minted to look greasy, dull, and dipped out) To help prove this I've been looking for a coin that still has a bright lusterous surface, but would look like the majority of Arkansas coins today if it was subjected to repeated dipping/toning cycles or simply left in the cardboard to rust away.

I picked up the following coin at Long Beach this past weekend. It's an interesting coin because the reverse is VERY frosty, almost identical to the matte finishes of some modern "uncirculated" commems (and silver eagles), while the obverse is more blast white and reflective. This coin doesn't appear the slightest bit dipped out or dull, but the reverse also doesn't have the intense reflective luster that an Oregon Trail or Boone would have. I can see why collectors in the 1950s and 1960s might repeatedly dip this coin in the mistaken belief that doing this would change the surface to better match the other commems, and thus leaving MOST Arkansas coins looking sucky.

Coins in this series that are attractive and have a good cartwheel are very rare. I must have looked at hundreds of examples in Long Beach (including all of the Heritage coins) up close, and only found two that appeared original. Needless to say I bought them both.

On a side note, here is yet ANOTHER coin that is an easy MS65 or MS66 on strike and marks, but wasn't given a bump in grade EVEN THOUGH it has luster that will blow your socks off when compared to 99% of the other Arkansas in the world. Luster is ignored by all the major grading services.

MFH

Paul, nice 1935-D. Finding gemmy Ark's sure isn't easy. Still looking for the 39-P in PCGS 65 with full frost.

Iwog

No problem bro, I'll be sure to forward you one when I find TWO.

MFH

"...when I find TWO"

Heck, I have been looking for three years and can't find ONE !

Iwog

The population of that coin is 117 in MS65 with 20 higher. I'd guess out of those, 5 or 6 might be brilliant and undamaged unless you cross one or find an upgrade. Not good odds unfortunately.

MFH

Paul...if you actually see a 1939-P you don't want... such as a MS64 in an old holder that's as blast white as we like them, I'd also be interested. You never know...although I'd like to upgrade my example to a 65. The rest of my Arkansas Set is MS65 with a lone MS 66. Each coin is thick skinned white and a few have a hint of rim toning.

All of the JFS Arkansas halves were stunning, and I can see why alot of collectors lean toward toning ... but as we have mentioned before, there are so many out there in 65 & 66 holders that were so overdipped in the past that they are dull grey now and although technically 65 & 65, they only have the eye appeal of a 61 or 62.