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Looking for Proofs that aren't really there.
braddick
Posts: 24,807 ✭✭✭✭✭
Ok, so about fifteen years ago I was fortunate to locate what turned out to be a proof Two Cent piece off of a bid board at a local shop. It subsequently graded out at PR63RB with PCGS and I was pleased, of course.
Ever since then I've been on a little quest attempting to duplicate my success by checking out coins in mint state holders that are really proofs instead. I've yet to have a deal come to fruition! Not that it stops me from looking though.
I came upon this AUCTION and purchased it. I know the odds are totally against me, but honestly... doesn't it look- even just a little bit like it could
be a proof in a mint state holder?
A few months ago I did this with what I thought was a proof 1909 Lincoln cent and against my better judgement, sent that coin into PCGS and sure enough it came back (code 91!) as an MS example and certainly not a proof.
So my track record is like one in a dozen or so over the many years.
I still hold out hope! If not this Buffalo nickel, perhaps the next coin. Or, the next.
Ever since then I've been on a little quest attempting to duplicate my success by checking out coins in mint state holders that are really proofs instead. I've yet to have a deal come to fruition! Not that it stops me from looking though.
I came upon this AUCTION and purchased it. I know the odds are totally against me, but honestly... doesn't it look- even just a little bit like it could
be a proof in a mint state holder?
A few months ago I did this with what I thought was a proof 1909 Lincoln cent and against my better judgement, sent that coin into PCGS and sure enough it came back (code 91!) as an MS example and certainly not a proof.
So my track record is like one in a dozen or so over the many years.
I still hold out hope! If not this Buffalo nickel, perhaps the next coin. Or, the next.
peacockcoins
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WS
one thing I've learned to do with some coins listed at eBay, especially toned coins, is to view the sellers other listings to see if any listings mimic the coin I'm interested in. with the seller of the Buffalo you purchased it appears he has perfected a technique which causes the fields and sometimes the overall coin to look highly reflective. below is an example.
<< <i>I will say that the coin is not a Proof.
one thing I've learned to do with some coins listed at eBay, especially toned coins, is to view the sellers other listings to see if any listings mimic the coin I'm interested in. with the seller of the Buffalo you purchased it appears he has perfected a technique which causes the fields and sometimes the overall coin to look highly reflective. >>
While I agree with the first point to take a look at the seller's other listings for hints at what the coin really looks like, I don't think the seller means to be deceptive. On the contrary, he probably just does not have proper equipment and/or doesn't know how to use that equipment to shoot coins.
I also should have know certain low lighting conditions also bring out the type of "look" this Buffalo offers.
peacockcoins
The name is LEE!
<< <i>it sort of looks like the "lampshade" technique used on a Mint State coin. >>
Bingo.
Unfortunately, it appears to me to be a mint state coin photographed with extremely diffused light.
The other photos showing a similar effect confirm it.
Hope I'm wrong, Pat.
Drunner
<< <i>It CAN be done. Early in my collecting here in SLC I was able to cherry two Matte Proof Lincolns over the course of about a year at two different shops. Not high grade -- they came back 63BN and 64RB, but still . . very fun to grab a 1913 and 1912 listed as Mint State on the 2x2 !!!
Drunner >>
It certainly can. I've cherried 3 matte proof Buffs, 2 1936 satin proof Buffs, and even a brilliant proof 1937 Buff over the years.
Quick and dirty photos, until I can do better:
peacockcoins