When is a gold CAC not a gold CAC?
Weiss
Posts: 9,942 ✭✭✭✭✭
A few months back I was re-imaging some of my box of 20 pieces and I got that sinking feeling again about one of them: My Pan-Pac $1.
I got it originally from Mark Feld in 2011. He had hand-selected it because the color is pretty incredible. Your standard bright pure yellow shifts to fiery red copper and every other Autumn color in the spectrum with just the slightest movement of the slab.
PCGS MS65, green CAC.
But something had always bothered me about the piece. The high points seemed to have a different sheen to them, and the word "putty" kept popping into my head.
I posted about it here without naming the coin and asked what people thought I should do. Most people said either send it to PCGS or send it to CAC and see what they say. I called CAC and asked their advice. Offered to send detailed images via email. John himself called me back and asked to see the piece in person, so I sent it off without any expectations.
A couple of weeks later he called me back. He said he had absolutely no concerns about putty. The high points of these pieces often look this way. He praised the coin, said its toning was some of the best he'd ever seen and could tell why Feld had offered it. Further, he said he thought nicer toned gold was considerably undervalued and he's been buying it whenever he can, then asked if I had any interest in selling the piece.
I thanked him but declined..
Then he offered to submit it to his graders anonymously, without comment, to see if they agreed with his evaluation.
I got the coin back today with the attached note from John. It may not be technically a gold bean. But if I ever wanted that pride of ownership warm fuzzy, I got it. John's a totally top-notch guy to work with and a credit to our hobby.
Here's a short video of the coin under shifting light
I got it originally from Mark Feld in 2011. He had hand-selected it because the color is pretty incredible. Your standard bright pure yellow shifts to fiery red copper and every other Autumn color in the spectrum with just the slightest movement of the slab.
PCGS MS65, green CAC.
But something had always bothered me about the piece. The high points seemed to have a different sheen to them, and the word "putty" kept popping into my head.
I posted about it here without naming the coin and asked what people thought I should do. Most people said either send it to PCGS or send it to CAC and see what they say. I called CAC and asked their advice. Offered to send detailed images via email. John himself called me back and asked to see the piece in person, so I sent it off without any expectations.
A couple of weeks later he called me back. He said he had absolutely no concerns about putty. The high points of these pieces often look this way. He praised the coin, said its toning was some of the best he'd ever seen and could tell why Feld had offered it. Further, he said he thought nicer toned gold was considerably undervalued and he's been buying it whenever he can, then asked if I had any interest in selling the piece.
I thanked him but declined..
Then he offered to submit it to his graders anonymously, without comment, to see if they agreed with his evaluation.
I got the coin back today with the attached note from John. It may not be technically a gold bean. But if I ever wanted that pride of ownership warm fuzzy, I got it. John's a totally top-notch guy to work with and a credit to our hobby.
Here's a short video of the coin under shifting light
We are like children who look at print and see a serpent in the last letter but one, and a sword in the last.
--Severian the Lame
--Severian the Lame
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Joseph J. Singleton - First Superintendent of the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega Georgia
Findley Ridge Collection
About Findley Ridge
This is the John Albanese I know. Although sadly reading this forum could give those who don't know him a different impression.
+1
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
How does one get a hater to stop hating?
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ZeroHedge makes debut at White House press corps briefing
I love that combo. Got a few with that combo myself and those coins are definitely highlights of my collection.
I'm a nobody in the numismatic arena. I seldom sell and I am definitely not a dealer or even a whale when it comes to purchases.
That said, JA took time personally to call me on a few submissions I had and walked through, coin by coin.
That was amazing. He also told me a few stories in the industry that he has personally seen.
All this was him talking to a nobody.
That guy not only knows his stuff but he is pure class. No one is perfect, and no company is perfect, but to hear some folks on these forums.....well, I will just say that I think most of the problems are with them.
Nice coin.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Andrew Blinkiewicz-Heritage
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
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I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
Weiss, really nice looking gold. I love the dolphins on these little coins.
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My sets: [280+ horse coins] :: [France Sowers] :: [Colorful world copper] :: [Beautiful world coins]
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Knowing it's not puttied should give you some peace of mind.
Nice story---an insight into John Albanese---the man.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
Click on this link to see my ebay listings.
Mike
A great coin with a great story. Love the handwritten note. I have always said the most important thing about our hobby is feeling that there are people out there that enjoy and understand the hobby from a personal level as much as we all do!
Latin American Collection
Nice story and a really nice coin.
My YouTube Channel
Nice story and a really nice coin.
Then someday your grandkids could gush over this frame and admit that you had one awesome day as a collector out of thousands!
PS- The coin looks like a great piece - you should compare your coin to others and it will show that your coin is one of the better ones worthy of a green bean!