Can a Blast White 1937 Proof Half Dollar be Original/Undipped?
JBN
Posts: 1,913 ✭✭✭✭✭
A recent purchase. I’m extremely pleased with it.
The coin appeared stable (6 year interval between the 2 auction appearances) and a brief in hand examination at CSNS confirmed that the coin was acceptable for its critical position in my proof WLH collection.
I’ve now had a day and a half to look this coin over carefully. This coin is a home run type acquisition, IMHO. In hand it is exquisite to me. The obverse could be taken for an ASE proof (except for the deep cameo featured on ASE proofs).
Anyway, is it possible for a blast white proof coin to be original/undipped?
This example is pure white. The fields are deeply reflective. The stunning brightness, flow lines and deep reflectivity, along with the white, even and untoned edge tells me this example displays its first brilliance. No spots, splotches, or other obvious signs, and I’ve hunted. The area below the L in Liberty (that is readily seen in the dinner-plate sized pictures) does not seem to be a spot, but a small area of very light toning.
Examination of the one toning spot found on the reverse rim below AR finds near terminal toning falling on both the reverse rim and edge, displaying even coloration and rounded shape. Nearby reeds feature tiny toning areas nestled on portions of the reeds. The toning of the spot, its consistent shape over the edge of the coin with no run marks or odd shapes, and the small areas in the reeds suggest to me the coin was not dipped.
If I do assume the coin was never dipped, it flies in the face of what I’ve experienced. I suppose the coin could have been removed from its original packaging soon after purchase and stored in glass (or plastic?) and not toned. Anyway, am I wrong to think that this coin could be absolutely original?
Very curious to hear what forum thinks on this piece.
2018 Auction:
2012 Auction:
Comments
The short answer to your question is, "yes." A bright white modern Proof coin from the 1930s can be original, although I tend to think that it might be toned a little from the haze that it gets from the celluloid envelops that these coins were shipped in from the mint. I used to think that tiny marks in the field were indication that a piece had been dipped, but after reading Roger Burdette's book on the 1936 - 42 Proofs, I've learned that those are chromium flacks that came off of the dies.
I think that this 1936 half dollar is totally original. It shows some light haze from the mint sleeves in which it was stored for a few years. This is a PCGS PR-66. It is mostly white with a little haze when you see it in person.
I suppose if millions of Morgan Dollars could lie around for nearly a hundred years without toning, which most did, they it seems possible that this coin could also be original.
This is a hot topic in class and in chat rooms. My answer to it is: "Who cares?" You have a very beautiful coin (perhaps a little color on the rim at 12 OC) that still looks original and as made. If it has been dipped in the past, it must have been done properly.
I guess the only actual evidence that silver can stay blast white over time can be found in the case of GSA CC dollars.
I'm not an expert. But congratulations on that coin. I was watching that one during the auction, not really with the intent to be a buyer, but curiosity. It looks amazing in the photos (haven't seen it in person
) and it sold for a significant fraction less than the last time it was for sale. Envious.
Successful transactions with: wondercoin, Tetromibi, PerryHall, PlatinumDuck, JohnMaben/Pegasus Coin & Jewelry, CoinFlip, and coinlieutenant.
During research for the 1936-42 proof coins book, I had the privilege of being present when several 1937 proof sets were opened. Outer envelopes, packaging, everything was as it should be. The sets came from two original owners' families located in different parts of the US. The set kept in the Philadelphia/ Trenton, NJ area in a bank box was toned to various degrees - nothing really objectionable, but nothing overly attractive. The other set came from an Arizona family and had also been in a bank box. The cent was a rich burgundy - nearly uniform on both sides and the edge. The silver was brilliant - completely untoned on faces or edge. Reeding was knife-sharp.
The usual comment is that even protected silver will acquire a slight 'aging' to the surfaces over time. We often see that as a mark of untouched, original surfaces....But - that's not always true.
So moral is: Yep, I agree with Bill.
Agree that location, and storage, has a lot to do with it.
While everyone chases 2 year old rainbow toned ASE coins.....I have a 20 year old ASE coin that is still white after being stored in nothing but a Dansco album. Southern California...non smoker...and apparently not enough rainbows in my life.
Yes and it don’t matter. No way to be proof positive. Couldn’t help myself
That’s a FINE specimen! Congrats!
m
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......
This forum is great. I appreciate the information.
NOTE: I do have a copy of the 36-42 proof book on the way. I look forward to receipt.
This is great education. Thanks.
If it resided in Nevada, then yes. Nothing tones here.
bob
I know of a few collectors that have coins submerged in mineral oil for decades they don't want to tone.
I do believe that it is possible that a coin such as this can remain white and original. No way to be really sure, though.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
IMHO, no.
JBN
Great coin you should be happy with. Anything is possible but I assume it has been expertly dipped at some point. On the other hand, the fact that it has not changed between auction appearances is a positive because most dipped Walker proofs are likely to show some clouding at some point ( which just leads to another dip). No way to know for sure so just enjoy it. I have always assumed any blaster white Walker was dipped at some point. I think it is a safe assumption.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
When the book arrives, PM me if you have any questions.
This is what I had assumed. The only test I have is to tilt the coin to the slightest angles/ obtuse angle view. Did that during lot viewing and could not draw even the slightest clouding. In hand, the only clouding I can get is with more straight on views making the flow lines show be less reflective.
The half is so so wonderful in hand - the "we'll never know" certainty is good enough for me.
That is a very kind gesture. I do look forward to the book.
Regardless, it's a nice coin, congratulations !!!
That is a super WLH... very nice and you obviously very proud to own it. It is definitely possible that it was never dipped...storage environment is the key. If it has been, it was done very well since there is no residual hazing.... Enjoy your marvelous coin... Cheers, RickO
If it’s PQ do u care?
Many slabbed coins are conserved, this is a good thing. I would take a conserved PQ piece over a toned but original. Originality for me is coin looking as pristine as day came from mint not tarnished / spotted.
Anyway, is it possible for a blast white proof coin to be original/undipped?
Why wouldn't it be possible, but, as others have said, it doesn't really matter. The coin is very nice, either way.
I have no 'expert' opinion on the OP's question....................but I do have an 'expert' opinion on this coin forum web site.............
This site and forum are an excellent source of information and opinions from some of the "BEST" people in the coin world.
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko
Bad transactions with : nobody to date