Why no proof SLQ's?

XpipedreamR

airplanenut

They didn't mint any proofs during the time of the SLQs (except for a few matte proof cents in 1916 and the few matte peace dollars). That said, I don't know why they didn't make any proofs then...

XpipedreamR

I didn't think of that. Can you think of any other coins offhand for which there are no proofs? No, the really old ones don't count.

coinguy1

The general absence of Proof coinage during the years 1917-1935 was, according to Walter Breen "At first ostensibly because of the war, later more likely because of the administration changes (there being no coin collectors in the high office until William H. Woodin became Secretary of Treasury, 1933), no proofs were publicly sold. The few made went to VIPs, and most are controversial. The only ones to reach public notice were the 1921 Dollars and 1928 Hawaiian commemorative halves."

airplanenut

<< <i>I didn't think of that. Can you think of any other coins offhand for which there are no proofs? No, the really old ones don't count. >>

No proof steelies... and only 1 year of proof war nicks (1942, so that was only a few months).

Other than that, I can't think of any non-really-classic design that hasn't been manufactured at some point in proof.

Jeremy

PS- Maybe it was that nudity scene in 1916/1917 that caused the SLQ to be punished, and all denoms. were punished because of her

kamehameha00

According to coinfacts.com there were an estimated 5 proofs of 1916 Standing Liberty Quarters and an estimated 10 proof 1917 Standing Liberty quarters minted. Where they are now, or if they were even minted remains a mystery.

rainbowroosie

There was one advertised a couple of years ago -- 1917 I think -- if memory serves me, a noted SLQ dealer (with the hat!!) had it in his case.

RGT

<< <i> PS- Maybe it was that nudity scene in 1916/1917 that caused the SLQ to be punished, and all denoms. were punished because of her >>



That was a wardrobe malfunction.

relayer

<< <i>wardrobe malfunction >>

richbeat

And this from David Lange's "Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents:"

"By 1916 there was consideration within the Mint of discontinuing proofs altogether. The new designs planned for the silver coinage held up the production of silver proof sets, as these coins weren't ready for minting until very late in the year, and the Mint didn't anticipate striking any silver coins of the old type dated 1916. The Philadelphia Mint had already determined that it would not coin gold for circulation in 1916, so proofs of these coins were also on hold. That left only the minor coins as the sold proofs offered bearing the date 1916, though a few silver pieces of the new types were ultimately coined with the dates 1916 and 1917 and distributed privately. These too were of the matte or satin finish, and the disappointing results suggested that there was no point in offering them publicly."

"Collectors and dealers beseeched the Mint throughout 1916 for silver and gold proofs to complete their sets for that year, but officials continued to point to the delay in adopting new designs as the cause for inaction. As the year drew to a close without such coins being struck, the Mint was compelled to issue a curcular dated January 1, 1917 which announced the end of proof coinage:"

"Owing to the designs of gold, silver and minor coins not being adapted to the striking of proof coins readily distinguishable from the regular issue, the manufacture of proof coins has been discontinued."

lloydmincy

It is well known their are proof 1916's and 1917's. Most in the smithsonian. Call Jay Cline and ask him about it. SLQ expert. Tryto find his website and call him. He has a great book on SLQ's, and pages on the proof stories.

magikbilly

Hi,
I also recall hearing of the 1916 and 1917 Pr SLQ. I think this design would probably be more beautiful in MS than Proof - especially Brilliant Proof.

Best,
Billy

jonesy

That's really too bad.