Proof Walker questions.

SanctionII

Proof Walkers were minted for 1936-42, seven years total. A very short set, which I am considering diving into. Earlier this year I picked up a 1942, NGC, graded Proof 66. It has light haze on it that detracts from the mirrors. The devices are frosted on both sides. If the haze were removed it would look like a cameo. I am giving thought to submitting to NCS to have the haze removed. Any thoughts yea or ney?

Further, if the haze is removed and regrades PF66 CAM, what would be the difference between the value for PF66 (as it is now) and PF66 CAM?

Further, what are the pops for PCGS and NCG 1936-1942 Proof Walkers in grades of PF66 and above, including CAM and DCAM designations?

Thanks, SanctionII.

coinguy1

PM sent.

Russ

Last time I looked, PCGS had graded only six proof Walkers in cameo for all years at all grades. None have ever been graded DCAM. I don't think NGC has graded many in cameo either.

The difference in value would be substantial, since cameo Walkers are extremely rare, (as are cameos for any of the 1936-1942 proof coins).

Russ, NCN

magikbilly

Hi,
for what it is worth, when I was searching for a Proof Walker I saw countless (dipped) white examples - I prefer the original haze and if the coin is already grading 66 IMHO it is not a candidate for "conservation" - so few examples have original (or close to it) surfaces that are attractive from what I have seen. I'd never dip such a coin.

Best,
Billy

BillJones

95% of the Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollars fall into two categories when it comes to preservation.

Class A – Original with a haze that dulls the surfaces which looks unattractive.

Class B – Dipped with the telltale “fry marks” in the fields that scream, “I’ve been dipped!”

If they have not been hairlined, both Class A and Class B Proof Walkers usually end up in PR65 or 66 holders from either service.

FAR less often you find the coin that has been dipped which does not the marks or a true original white coin.

There are also a few attractively toned original coins around. The toning is not intense. It’s usually more subtle. These coins are usually graded PR-67 and the prices can range from $1,400 or so to almost $3,000.

A few weeks ago I found this piece, which is an NGC PR-67. The picture does not do it justice, but this was the best that I seen for the money in many a day. This coin is not as hazy as it looks in this picture.

CarlWohlforth

Cameo proof walkers are rare. I wouldn't dip one though. I have a proof 20 cent coin I'm sure would cameo if dipped. In my opinion undipped original coins can only get scarcer.

This walker has some frosting on the devices and nicely mirrored fields. It has a touch of haze and some rim toning. I think it is really neat and deserves a premium to other PR 65s. It doesn't have enough frost to ever go cameo so I'm not worred this one will ever get dipped. I must get better photos of this one and will post them when I do.

SanctionII

Thank you all for your insightful comments and for your pictures. I will have to look into my proof walker in more detail and show it around for further analysis.

BillJones

To get a cameo label on the holder, the coin has got to be CAMEO. Not just a little contrast, but BIG contrast.

If I dipped my coin, I'd get some contrast, but I'd get a lot of bad stuff to go with it.

It's best to leave these coins alone unless the toning is really damaging the surfaces.

magikbilly

<< <i>To get a cameo label on the holder, the coin has got to be CAMEO. Not just a little contrast, but BIG contrast.

If I dipped my coin, I'd get some contrast, but I'd get a lot of bad stuff to go with it.

It's best to leave these coins alone unless the toning is really damaging the surfaces. >>



I think that is what we are all saying here. Dipping will never increase whatever amount frost is present, and most certainly can alter the surfaces. The gain in the appearance of the contrast from a dip is usually offset by an even more visible hairlines or other surface flaws. Unless there is a problem such coins should be left with original surfaces - they are in the minority from what I have seen. I prefer even a neautral haze over a dipped coin.

Best,
Billy

Baley

my proof walker (I need to take better pics of this coin)



IMO, not a candidate for conservation..

scher

cool coins..i like the colorful ones like carls..
bruce scher

lclugza

I would just forget about the set right now because I think the 1936 is WAY overpriced and will probably drop soon (I see it listed for $6600 and not too many months ago it was only $2500 in Coins magazine).

BillJones

Some coin designs stand up to dipping better than others. A Proof Franklin or Barber half can come through the process fairly well unless it is done for too long or too often. Most Walking Liberty half dollars don't seem to come through it well at all from the examples that I have seen.