The "mostly missing" letters having been attributed as missing by PCGS may merely indicate a previous attribution error by PCGS. One of the CoinFacts pictures doesn't have the die scratch or seemingly any trace of the initials, although the latter might be due to toning. The CPG cross-references a "Fox" number for this and other missing initial, from Bruce Fox's book on Walking Liberty Halves. If I had this book (I don't) I'd check to see what it says about just how missing they are for 1945. The picture in the CPG is a little unclear to me, as the coin is slightly toned at the edge, the light is not advantageous to seeing just how flat the field is, and the circle is in the wrong place. I'm reminded a bit of the 82-P Kennedy with missing FG. There has to be absolutely no trace of the initials in order for it to count, but that's unclear here. Bottom line is that I wouldn't send the coin anywhere until you can clear up what really is FS-901/Fox V-102. Maybe send a question to Mike Ellis. If the coin were sent to me for attribution, it's a question I'd want answered.
Comments
The "mostly missing" letters having been attributed as missing by PCGS may merely indicate a previous attribution error by PCGS. One of the CoinFacts pictures doesn't have the die scratch or seemingly any trace of the initials, although the latter might be due to toning. The CPG cross-references a "Fox" number for this and other missing initial, from Bruce Fox's book on Walking Liberty Halves. If I had this book (I don't) I'd check to see what it says about just how missing they are for 1945. The picture in the CPG is a little unclear to me, as the coin is slightly toned at the edge, the light is not advantageous to seeing just how flat the field is, and the circle is in the wrong place. I'm reminded a bit of the 82-P Kennedy with missing FG. There has to be absolutely no trace of the initials in order for it to count, but that's unclear here. Bottom line is that I wouldn't send the coin anywhere until you can clear up what really is FS-901/Fox V-102. Maybe send a question to Mike Ellis. If the coin were sent to me for attribution, it's a question I'd want answered.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Far out, Man!
Pete