Need infomation on a proof set

ajaan

Today I ordered a Swedish 1950 Proof Set. The coins are all certified proof by PCGS. The problem I have is the set isn't listed in Krause. Krause also doesn't have a proof listing for the individual coins. Any information such as mintage on this set is greatly appreciated.

spinaker2000

told ya it was fake!!

ajaan

<< <i>told ya it was fake!! >>


You mean just like my Proof 1958 1/2d?

spinaker2000

yea! just like that one!!

tbirde56

Do you have a picture?
Longshot: There are patterns of that date listed in Krause that have PROV on them. Perhaps that was misconstrued as proof? They're listed as Rare.

MadMuffin

The Swiss did not really make proof strikes at that time - at least not proof strikes the way we understand them today. They did, however, each year make a few "first strikes" with polished dies and called the result "specimens". I have seen quite a few of these specimens offered as proofs and that is probably the explanation to your "proof set". They look fantastic, but they are not proofs.

Some of the early specimens are made in very limited numbers and that might be the reason why Krause does not list them. Besides, Switzerland is not the only country where Krause either has missing proof- or specimen versions of circulation coins or list such coins that do not exist! In the Danish listings you will find quite a few examples of coins listed as separate proof strikes where no such strikes were ever made.

Marcel

ajaan

Marcel, thanks for the info but my set is from Sweden, not Switzerland.

Refrema

I have two books on Swedish coins, and neither of them mentions proofs. 1950 is the year when the monarch changed from Gustaf V to Gustaf VI Adolf.

It might be some sort of special set for the new king or something in memory of the former one depending on which king it is for. Do you have any pictures?

I have several friends in Sweden, and will ask them.

Bob

ajaan

I don't have pictures at this moment. The set was shipped out yesterday and I should have them tomorrow or Saturday. I'll try to get images when they arrive.

Refrema

I just checked a third book, and there is a listing of Provmynt (Trial coins)and there is nothing listed for them there also.

Bob

MadMuffin

Oops!

Well, fortunately I also know a bit about Swedish coins
Sweden did not officially strike proof coins in the fifties - or sixties for that matter. However, occasionally the coins can be found in superior mint state with a slight cameo effect and free of scratches. Such coins are designated as "brilliant uncirculated" in Sweden where grading is very strict.

If these coins are slabbed by PCGS as proofs I would consider that an error. On the other hand, a perfectly struck circulation coin on a good flan could qualify as a proof by US definitions, couldn't it? Anyway, these coins might be accepted as proofs in the US but not in Scandinavia.

The Swedish grading is so strict that if a coin does not have a full, strong strike, full original lustre and a planchet free of the usual nicks and scratches it will not even be labeled UNC. I know a Swedish coin dealer that I often buy world coins from. Most of the stuff he considers AU is UNC by my definitions and that reduces the price somewhat

Marcel

MSD61

Interesting information Marcel it explains why it was so hard to find info on ajaan's set

1jester

"On the other hand, a perfectly struck circulation coin on a good flan could qualify as a proof by US definitions, couldn't it?" --MM

I don't believe so. It might look mighty nice (and I avidly collect such coins from circulation when I can find them) but a proof coin has to undergo a special process at the mint, hence excluding any circulation issue from being called a proof.

ajaan

Marcel, what you are describing are Proof Like coins. Perhaps similar to the coins Canada produced before 1982. hmmmm . . . now I REALLY want to see these coins but I'll have to wait at least until tomorrow.