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Gold Chocolate Franklin in a PCGS Holder - how would you grade it??

LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,443 ✭✭✭✭✭
Was offered this a couple weeks ago. Must have been done by an insider but not sure how it got by the finalizer. image

Ebay listing
"My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.

Comments

  • BStrauss3BStrauss3 Posts: 3,641 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Oh, really, you missed the pun?

    Not mint, milk spotted...image
    -----Burton
    ANA 50 year/Life Member (now "Emeritus")
  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,443 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image

    I was too fixated on the not-genuine to see that angle...... image

    edit:spelling
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,220 ✭✭✭✭✭
    See's candies are good. Had they tried gross, waxy chocolate like Palmer's, it wouldn't have gotten past the finalizer.
  • astroratastrorat Posts: 9,221 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ironically ... the seller writes, "The Numismatist plans to publish my feature article on sample slabs in May 2015, so you can believe me when I say I know samples. If I write a book on samples, this one is going on the cover."

    Placing that slab on the cover of a sample slab book would be hilarious ... especially considering it's not a sample slab. While certainly interesting and likely unique (according to the seller), it's not a sample slab, it's a novelty slab.

    Sample slabs, by their very nature, are "samples" of a grading company's slabs used as examples or prototypes of a proposed or actual finished product.

    Just because an employee, "on a lark," slabs something, doesn't make it a sample slab.

    As an aside ... I am surprised PCGS allowed this to leave the building.
    Numismatist Ordinaire
    See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
  • winkywinky Posts: 1,671
    I say crack it out and eat it.
  • DrBusterDrBuster Posts: 5,432 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Missed the FBL
  • OldEastsideOldEastside Posts: 4,602 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Is that another unknown piece from the Ignatz Estate image

    Steve
    Promote the Hobby
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,220 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>As an aside ... I am surprised PCGS allowed this to leave the building. >>


    I have a feeling the maxim, "It is easier to get forgiveness than permission" came into play here.
  • C0INB0YC0INB0Y Posts: 627 ✭✭


    << <i>I say crack it out and eat it. >>



    Looks like a real good overdate on this, otherwise not a lot of hits, better yet, it Melts in your Mouth and in the Mail.


    imageimage

    I was ‘COINB0Y' with 4812 posts and ‘Expert Collector’ ranking (Joined in 2006).
  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,913 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Gee, if we can resubmit the OP's Chocolate Coin
    in a PCGS holder, and my PCGS holder with a
    (actual) Cricket encapsulated in it, we'd have a :

    PCGS Chocolate-covered Cricket



    (I've eaten chocolate-covered grasshoppers & ants
    before - along time ago)
    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • OldEastsideOldEastside Posts: 4,602 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think it would fit more appropriately in an "Old Fatty" holder image

    Steve
    Promote the Hobby
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,225 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Ironically ... the seller writes, "The Numismatist plans to publish my feature article on sample slabs in May 2015, so you can believe me when I say I know samples. If I write a book on samples, this one is going on the cover."

    Placing that slab on the cover of a sample slab book would be hilarious ... especially considering it's not a sample slab. While certainly interesting and likely unique (according to the seller), it's not a sample slab, it's a novelty slab.

    Sample slabs, by their very nature, are "samples" of a grading company's slabs used as examples or prototypes of a proposed or actual finished product.

    Just because an employee, "on a lark," slabs something, doesn't make it a sample slab.

    As an aside ... I am surprised PCGS allowed this to leave the building. >>




    Maybe it's a clever and effective way for to get someone to pay for reject slabs instead of throwing them into the trash. Or are they maybe sent back to be recycled as regrind like the old phonograph records were?
    theknowitalltroll;
  • braddickbraddick Posts: 24,613 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It's, "See's Candies".

    Not, "See's Candy" so you also have a rare insert error to boot.

    peacockcoins

  • ms70ms70 Posts: 13,956 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'm thinking it's a Chinese counterfeit slab that was used?

    Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.

  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,443 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Fred:

    You own that slab?? I heard it was a roach. image

    edit to change emoticon.....
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
  • astroratastrorat Posts: 9,221 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Gee, if we can resubmit the OP's Chocolate Coin
    in a PCGS holder, and my PCGS holder with a
    (actual) Cricket encapsulated in it, we'd have a :

    PCGS Chocolate-covered Cricket



    (I've eaten chocolate-covered grasshoppers & ants
    before - along time ago) >>

    I think I need to alert PETA.
    Numismatist Ordinaire
    See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,443 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think it's spelled PITA. image
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
  • MGLICKERMGLICKER Posts: 7,995 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I'm thinking it's a Chinese counterfeit slab that was used? >>




    My first thought as well.
  • BStrauss3BStrauss3 Posts: 3,641 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nope, it's a genuine PCGS slab. From the listing:

    << <i>"Late in 2005, a PCGS employee made this slab as a lark. With the permission of his employer, he encapsulated a See's Candy chocolate Franklin half dollar in a standard PCGS holder sized for a Silver Eagle. Because the computer could not print a label for such an unusual item, another worker hand wrote the label you see. The other staff were amazed to see that the chocolate coin survived the slabbing process and remained in good condition. It was the talk of the breakroom for the next three or so days afterwards. As a testament to the well-known quality of the PCGS holder, the coin has not changed in the slightest since the day it was made." >>




    David (the seller) is also a sample slab collector and we've exchanged email several times on other aspects of slab history. He is quite knowledgeable and I've bought odd samples from him in the past. I'm looking forward to his article.

    It is certainly true that items are slabbed without the knowledge of the company. But that's another thread if I get around to it.
    -----Burton
    ANA 50 year/Life Member (now "Emeritus")
  • UtahCoinUtahCoin Posts: 5,366 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If it sells, we'll start seeing counterfeits out of China by the end of the month....image
    I used to be somebody, now I'm just a coin collector.
    Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.
  • AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,885 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Oh my, now PCGS is killing crickets????

    dang,

    bobimage
    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • garrynotgarrynot Posts: 1,874 ✭✭✭
    Imagine how much I could sell them for if I encapsulated Frango Mints
  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,913 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It's a Cricket, not a Roach,
    that's sealed in my PCGS
    holder.....gotta be close to
    15 years now that I've had it.....
    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,443 ✭✭✭✭✭
    gotta be close to
    15 years now that I've had it.....


    That thing is legendary - is it available?? image
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,850 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Oddly enough, if things ever got really, really bad, a person would be better off with this than a slab holding a 1933 double eagle........
  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,913 ✭✭✭✭✭
    No, not available for sale, if that's what you mean.

    If someone wants to remind me in July, I'd be glad
    to bring it to the ANA in Chicago for fun !


    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • roadrunnerroadrunner Posts: 28,313 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'd vote bogus. Easily made up from a cracked slab or a fake slab. Amateurish.

    If I were a PCGS manager I'd be ticked off to see this out in the market. And now for $999? Tall tale if you ask me.
    And realistically, without an official PCGS insert, it's worth no more than a fake one anyways. Where's a certificate of authenticity from the grader/approving manager? How about just a letter?
    The reverse is badly wiped so I'd grade it "genuine" chocolate.

    Late in 2005, a PCGS employee made this slab as a lark. With the permission of his employer, he encapsulated a See's Candy chocolate Franklin half dollar in a standard PCGS holder sized for a Silver Eagle. Because the computer could not print a label for such an unusual item, another worker hand wrote the label you see. The other staff were amazed to see that the chocolate coin survived the slabbing process and remained in good condition. It was the talk of the break room for the next three or so days afterwards. As a testament to the well-known quality of the PCGS holder, the coin has not changed in the slightest since the day it was made.

    Employees made this with the approval of the employer? And they didn't have the technology to assign it a computerized label, even an altered one? Not much ingenuity. Think of all the one-off error coins that get odd ball labels all the time...many of them undated. Not buying this story. I'd eat the coin though. Who says you can't eat gold?

    ]The Numismatist plans to publish my feature article on sample slabs in May 2015, so you can believe me when I say I know samples. If I write a book on samples, this one is going on the cover.

    The next owner of this should take the seller up on that guarantee. If it doesn't make the cover, they should get a FULL refund. And as Astrorat mentioned above, this seller would be a FOOL to put a poc on the cover of their proposed sample slab book. If they ever had any credibility, it just went out the window.
    Barbarous Relic No More, LSCC -GoldSeek--shadow stats--SafeHaven--321gold
  • ms70ms70 Posts: 13,956 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Well if it is in fact real, I thing PCGS should acquire it and David Hall should eat it on some noteworthy PCGS anniversary. image

    Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.

  • Timbuk3Timbuk3 Posts: 11,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Neat and "sweet" !!! image
    Timbuk3
  • astroratastrorat Posts: 9,221 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Well if it is in fact real, I thing PCGS should acquire it and David Hall should eat it on some noteworthy PCGS anniversary. image >>

    Well ... unless the person who made it had permission to remove it, then it's likely still PCGS property. So, maybe David could "acquire" it for much less than the asking price. image
    Numismatist Ordinaire
    See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
  • BlindedByEgoBlindedByEgo Posts: 10,754 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Bet it doesn't cross
  • EXOJUNKIEEXOJUNKIE Posts: 1,622 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Ironically ... the seller writes, "The Numismatist plans to publish my feature article on sample slabs in May 2015, so you can believe me when I say I know samples. If I write a book on samples, this one is going on the cover."

    Placing that slab on the cover of a sample slab book would be hilarious ... especially considering it's not a sample slab. While certainly interesting and likely unique (according to the seller), it's not a sample slab, it's a novelty slab.

    Sample slabs, by their very nature, are "samples" of a grading company's slabs used as examples or prototypes of a proposed or actual finished product.

    Just because an employee, "on a lark," slabs something, doesn't make it a sample slab.

    As an aside ... I am surprised PCGS allowed this to leave the building. >>



    image

    This is high on the list of the dumbest things I've seen in my 35+ years in the hobby. I guess you can either laugh it off or let it tick you off ... at the "sample slab expert" seller's price I'm more on the ticked off/disgusted side. image
    I'm addicted to exonumia ... it is numismatic crack!

    ANA LM

    USAF Retired — 34 years of active military service! 🇺🇸
  • illini420illini420 Posts: 11,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I saw this chocolate coin and held it in hand at the Long Beach show the other day. Didn't hold it too long as I didn't want it to start melting image

    It was a legit slab and was pretty cool. While holding it, I kept thinking I had seen a chocolate coin in a slab before, but I wasn't sure where. Did some searching this morning and found this posted by Cameron Kiefer in 2006:




    << <i>

    << <i>I heard that in Arkansas there is a chocolate coin in a PCGS slab. >>



    From my slab files:

    image

    Before people start arguing that this picture is photoshopped let me tell you that IT IS NOT. The sugar in the choloate has actually leaked out of the foil and crystalized in the slab. I have held this coin in my hands and took the picture.

    Cameron Kiefer >>

  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,443 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks for posting that one! Looks like what will happen to any chocolate piece as it degrades unless frozen?? image
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
  • Looks like it might be a defective Planchet to me!image
    All the best,

    Rob

    image

    Successful Trades with: Coincast, MICHAELDIXON

    Successful Purchases from: Manorcourtman, Meltdown
  • bigjpstbigjpst Posts: 3,164 ✭✭✭✭✭
    So it appears the coin in the OP is not so unique. I also held the infamous Franklin and while it is cool, there is no way I would pay that kind of money for a hand written insert. Would much prefer a different kind of Candy Coin in a slab.

    image

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