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Question regarding 1945 "No AW" FS-901 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

apollo14apollo14 Posts: 146 ✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
This is a question for anyone who could provide an expert answer to the following ...

I just obtained a 1945 "No AW" FS-901 Walking Liberty Half Dollar in what I believe will grade MS-64 and possibly MS-65.

The coin is blast white and, when I view the reverse straight on, I cannot see the designer's initials. However, if I tilt the coin at certain angles I can just barely make out what might be a shadow of part of the initials.

Can any experts here explain exactly what is needed in terms of what can (or can not) be visible with this exact die variety for PCGS to accept the coin as a "FS-901 No AW"? For example, I thought I read somewhere that only part of the initials were polished off, which may or may not be correct.

Thank you!

David

Comments

  • apollo14apollo14 Posts: 146 ✭✭✭
    This is a question for anyone who could provide an expert answer to the following ...

    I just obtained a 1945 "No AW" FS-901 Walking Liberty Half Dollar in what I believe will grade MS-64 and possibly MS-65.

    The coin is blast white and, when I view the reverse straight on, I cannot see the designer's initials. However, if I tilt the coin at certain angles I can just barely make out what might be a shadow of part of the initials.

    Can any experts here explain exactly what is needed in terms of what can (or can not) be visible with this exact die variety for PCGS to accept the coin as a "FS-901 No AW"? For example, I thought I read somewhere that only part of the initials were polished off, which may or may not be correct.

    Thank you!

    David
  • fcloudfcloud Posts: 12,133 ✭✭✭✭
    photos would help.

    President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay

  • IrishMikeyIrishMikey Posts: 1,561 ✭✭✭
    I know of no definitive die diagnostics, which means that a visual inspection is the determining factor. Based upon this, sounds like it is 50/50 for your coin getting the designation.
  • apollo14apollo14 Posts: 146 ✭✭✭
    Many thanks for your reply, but I am afraid that I don't have the ability to supply an image (the shadow is only visible at an angle). For this specific error, does the "Cherrypickers Guide" description (which I don't have access to) describe exactly to what degree the initials may (or may not) be visible? Indeed, how exactly do they define the error?

    And would anyone at PCGS care to offer any insights about this specific error?

    Many thanks!
  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
    All I can add is that on the 1954-S Dime "no JS" variety absolutely none of the JS can show at any angle to make the variety.
  • apollo14apollo14 Posts: 146 ✭✭✭
    .... but is the same true on this specific variety? What does the Cherrypicker's guide have to say about the error from someone who has a copy?

    Thanks!
  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have the CPG and it does not state. I don't know this variety. I don't know if the initials were never there or if it is like the 54-S Roosie where the initials were there and then polished away.

    Sorry I couldn't be more help.
  • mariner67mariner67 Posts: 2,746 ✭✭✭
    The one I had did not show any hint of initials at any angle.
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  • oih82w8oih82w8 Posts: 12,609 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would be inclined to say the same, no indication of intials when held at any angle.
    oih82w8 = Oh I Hate To Wait _defectus patientia_aka...Dr. Defecto - Curator of RMO's

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  • apollo14apollo14 Posts: 146 ✭✭✭
    ... many thanks, Guys!

    David
  • WoodenJeffersonWoodenJefferson Posts: 6,491 ✭✭✭✭
    That's what some would pawn off as a 'weak' AW but in reality, that designation does not exist.

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