Why did the mint seemingly have no problem creating Cameo proof coinage in the late 1800s but rarely did they strike any in the late 1930s early 40s?
jom
The tradition of how proof dies were prepared changed several times at the mint over the years. It was deliberate. The mint experimented with several different proof finishes during the first two decades of the 20th century.
Collector and dealer in obsolete currency. Always buying all obsolete bank notes and scrip.
@oldabeintx said:
Here’s one that may be answerable. The foreign coins accepted as legal tender changed over time and successive coinage acts. Were these changes simply due to assay results or we’re there political motives?
The most significant one that I'm aware of is the 1857 Act that made foreign coins illegal.
I think that any country would have preferred to have only their currency in circulation as legal tender but the U.S. was unable to produce enough coins on a consistent basis and keep them in circulation until the 1850s. Yes, I think that the 1857 change was political and not based on the metal content.
Collector and dealer in obsolete currency. Always buying all obsolete bank notes and scrip.
The problem with doing a Google search on "P & R.R. Smith" is that all of the results relate to the Dcarr restrikes' except a single link to the sale of the surviving die.
I wonder about the the O mint Morgan Dollar counterfeits, too, not only who but also how were they made so good to be undetected for so long. We know the "why"?
Collector and dealer in obsolete currency. Always buying all obsolete bank notes and scrip.
@oldabeintx said:
Here’s one that may be answerable. The foreign coins accepted as legal tender changed over time and successive coinage acts. Were these changes simply due to assay results or we’re there political motives?
The most significant one that I'm aware of is the 1857 Act that made foreign coins illegal.
I think that any country would have preferred to have only their currency in circulation as legal tender but the U.S. was unable to produce enough coins on a consistent basis and keep them in circulation until the 1850s. Yes, I think that the 1857 change was political and not based on the metal content.
Don't forget that the U.S. silver coin supply increased dramatically in the 1853-1857 period after the weight changes of 1853. Look at the mintage figures. A case can be made that foreign silver coinage was simply no longer needed to handle day to day commerce.
BTW, foreign coinage did not become "illegal." It simply lost its "legal tender" status.
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
@dcarr said:
Maybe not "unanswerable", but "unanswered" at this point:
1) Who made the VAM-listed "privately-made" Morgan Dollars (1896/1900/1901/1902 micro-o & family) ?
2) Who was "P & R.R. Smith" (the dies for this coin exist, but no coins have ever turned up) : ?
I still wonder if the Russians had anything to do with the VAM counterfeits. I have been trying to find a 1923-D or 1930-D dime, commonly attributed to them though I don't think ever proven, to do some serious metallurgical testing of them vs. the VAM counterfeits.
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
@jacrispies said:
Here is one that stumps me! Is this double struck or a dramatic double profile? If a double profile, it is unique in location and displacement to my knowledge. Clear separation in the eyes and mouth demonstrate double striking qualities. Something going on at the breast line as well. A sight to see nonetheless!
I vote double struck because of the two shield clashes under the ear.
Striking a planchet does not cause clash marks.
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
@Married2Coins Taking a look at the ear section, there does seem to be some doubling in the hair. Tough to differentiate the clash marks but they seem relatively similar to comparable die states of the same marriage.
I think there are effects of both double striking and machine doubling. Perhaps the die bounced after the first strike and shifted, producing a unique combo of the two.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
@MsMorrisine said:
why is the end of the blank die conical before pressing into the working hub?
I believe (from observation only) it is because the face of a coin is slightly concave, or dished, which makes the face of a die slightly convex, or domed, and since the hub has the same topography as the coin the conical shape of the die blank helps it achieve that convex shape.
TD
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
exchange a silver cert for a dollar's worth of silver?
is it that silver dollars had less than a dollar's worth of silver why there are raw silver assay office ingots running around?
(a backwards admission they were short changing americans?)
@MsMorrisine said:
why is the end of the blank die conical before pressing into the working hub?
I believe (from observation only) it is because the face of a coin is slightly concave, or dished, which makes the face of a die slightly convex, or domed, and since the hub has the same topography as the coin the conical shape of the die blank helps it achieve that convex shape.
TD
.
I think the reason is to prevent the expansion of the die diameter.
If the die blank was flat, the entire face of the new die would be squashed and enlarged in diameter (like a broad-strike).
When the new (blank) die has a domed profile, the hubbing process forms the central details first and the outer rim last. When the outer rim is the last thing to be impressed, it is less likely for the die to expand in diameter.
The tradition of how proof dies were prepared changed several times at the mint over the years. It was deliberate. The mint experimented with several different proof finishes during the first two decades of the 20th century.
I would have to think (Yup), that this statement is the, never ending achievements, of progress.
I present to you the 2020 P dime. Just one of many dates, falling under, a no S heading, of an achievement.
( nose) A bullet font ? Why ?
. Give it to me, I'll find an S.
I do have a few of these sporting different dates. All are put aside after a few hours of "researching", the old fashion way. The dates will tell the trail. I have a starting point.
@Silvano said:
Is there any chance that the Sacagawea first day covers released by the mint may have the Cheerios type in them?
The ones I have seen do not have the obverse die marker I have observed on all "Cheerios Dollar Reverse" coins.
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
@MsMorrisine said:
why is the end of the blank die conical before pressing into the working hub?
I believe (from observation only) it is because the face of a coin is slightly concave, or dished, which makes the face of a die slightly convex, or domed, and since the hub has the same topography as the coin the conical shape of the die blank helps it achieve that convex shape.
TD
.
I think the reason is to prevent the expansion of the die diameter.
If the die blank was flat, the entire face of the new die would be squashed and enlarged in diameter (like a broad-strike).
When the new (blank) die has a domed profile, the hubbing process forms the central details first and the outer rim last. When the outer rim is the last thing to be impressed, it is less likely for the die to expand in diameter.
.
An excellent idea.
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
Who won the fight between Jesse Lipka and Martin Paul over an auction lot (during said auction)? Plenty of people must have been witnesses. And what was the coin on which they were bidding when the fight took place?
"Vou invadir o Nordeste, "Seu cabra da peste, "Sou Mangueira......."
Ooh, ooh! Here’s another one: The 1839/6 N-1 cent. Is this an inverted 6 over an upright 6? 1839 mintage? The plain cords would seem to disagree! Thing is, the reverse appears to have not been used until 1839, so the real question is: When was this obverse die produced?
If you lived in a McMansion and had a trophy wife who gets botox injections, and other enhanced upper body treatments and looks like a Kardashian would you, your kids or even your wife be more or less likely to collect coins, and what would that be?
@logger7 said:
If you lived in a McMansion and had a trophy wife who gets botox injections, and other enhanced upper body treatments and looks like a Kardashian would you, your kids or even your wife be more or less likely to collect coins, and what would that be?
Ehh I think I might be somewhat qualified to answer that, though she’s more of a young Michelle Pfeiffer and less Kim K….but I'm full steam ahead with coins and I have set that as precedent. Now, she likes to collect handbags, bracelets, and steerstreet cats, but I don’t have to answer any questions gets to do her thing.
And I don’t think I qualify for “McMansion” status at 3k+ish sq ft, but it cost the same amount as 1500 sq feet a few miles closer to the coast. While i wish I had more than 1/4 acre lot and no HOA, the guard gated security is sure nice for someone with expensive toys. The market was out of control when I bought though, so I had to buy the crappiest house in the neighborhood and renovate while living here over a 2 year period, much of it myself. I ain’t goin anywhere for a while i suppose….gotta get my moneys worth now.
Got myself an attack dog too, no one would dare try this beast…
@PeakRarities said: @lermish how did you know?! Her safe space is up in the loft when the boys get too rowdy.
He's cute.
God comes first in everything I do. I’m dedicated to serving Him with my whole life. Coin collecting is just a hobby—but even in that, I seek to honor Him. ✝️
@PeakRarities said:
... Now, she likes to collect handbags, bracelets, and steer cats, ...
Posting this because I can.
As you should have, I would expect nothing less from you sir. In fact, I would have been disappointed if someone had not taken the opportunity before I corrected it!
If a coin falls in the forest and no one is around, does it still make a cha-ching?
Do ancient Roman coins ever get tired of being touched by sweaty museum tourists?
If a penny saved is a penny earned, but it costs 2 cents to make one… is the Mint in debt to reality?
What do coins talk about when they’re stuck in a piggy bank together for years?
If a coin has no date, does it age in reverse like Benjamin Button?
Do coins resent being flipped to settle arguments when they themselves had no say?
If your coin collection is so valuable you can’t afford to spend it… is it money or art?
What does a coin feel when it gets rejected by a vending machine? Existential despair?
If you clean a coin too much, does it get amnesia and forget it's rare?
Can two-headed coins ever make up their mind?
God comes first in everything I do. I’m dedicated to serving Him with my whole life. Coin collecting is just a hobby—but even in that, I seek to honor Him. ✝️
What is the actual, specific cause for the black, soot-like substance that finds its way onto the surface of all the European vault stored gold coins when repatriated? Otherwise known as “euro-soot” or “euro-dirt”, what is it exactly (____-oxide?) , and why does it happen?
With no RWB or Insider here, I think my money would be on maybe @MFeld or @CaptHenway to answer this? @crypto or @TomB perhaps? Some type of oxide?
@PeakRarities said:
What is the actual, specific cause for the black, soot-like substance that finds its way onto the surface of all the European vault stored gold coins when repatriated? Otherwise known as “euro-soot” or “euro-dirt”, what is it exactly (____-oxide?) , and why does it happen?
With no RWB or Insider here, I think my money would be on maybe @MFeld or @CaptHenway to answer this? @crypto or @TomB perhaps? Some type of oxide?
@PeakRarities said:
What is the actual, specific cause for the black, soot-like substance that finds its way onto the surface of all the European vault stored gold coins when repatriated? Otherwise known as “euro-soot” or “euro-dirt”, what is it exactly (____-oxide?) , and why does it happen?
With no RWB or Insider here, I think my money would be on maybe @MFeld or @CaptHenway to answer this? @crypto or @TomB perhaps? Some type of oxide?
how do you get it off?
Either solvents or acid probably, though many coins look more natural with it on and I haven’t conserved any for that reason so I’m not positive. I’m not a fan of Dirty Saints in MS tho, I would probably hit them with A solvent before grading. Many of the fairmont coins have the soot that I’m referring to though.
@PeakRarities said:
What is the actual, specific cause for the black, soot-like substance that finds its way onto the surface of all the European vault stored gold coins when repatriated? Otherwise known as “euro-soot” or “euro-dirt”, what is it exactly (____-oxide?) , and why does it happen?
With no RWB or Insider here, I think my money would be on maybe @MFeld or @CaptHenway to answer this? @crypto or @TomB perhaps? Some type of oxide?
In a bit of wild speculation it might be byproducts of higher concentrations of burning coal in the air pollution prevalent in most European capitals until fairly recently coupled to longer slower exposure periods. The Sulfur dioxide and VOCs released by coal, maybe even from the ship ride over prior to air travel or diesel engines. I’ve seen it by have no Unique knowledge
@PeakRarities said:
What is the actual, specific cause for the black, soot-like substance that finds its way onto the surface of all the European vault stored gold coins when repatriated? Otherwise known as “euro-soot” or “euro-dirt”, what is it exactly (____-oxide?) , and why does it happen?
I always thought it was caused by poor hygiene on the part of many Europeans.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
@PeakRarities said:
What is the actual, specific cause for the black, soot-like substance that finds its way onto the surface of all the European vault stored gold coins when repatriated? Otherwise known as “euro-soot” or “euro-dirt”, what is it exactly (____-oxide?) , and why does it happen?
With no RWB or Insider here, I think my money would be on maybe @MFeld or @CaptHenway to answer this? @crypto or @TomB perhaps? Some type of oxide?
In a bit of wild speculation it might be byproducts of higher concentrations of burning coal in the air pollution prevalent in most European capitals until fairly recently coupled to longer slower exposure periods. The Sulfur dioxide and VOCs released by coal, maybe even from the ship ride over prior to air travel or diesel engines. I’ve seen it by have no Unique knowledge
Most technical explanation I've heard to date, certainly sounds plausible. TY
Is it still a “green bean” if it’s expired, or does it become a “numismatic legume of questionable freshness”?
God comes first in everything I do. I’m dedicated to serving Him with my whole life. Coin collecting is just a hobby—but even in that, I seek to honor Him. ✝️
What happened to the 1870-S Three Dollar Gold Piece that was supposed to be in the cornerstone of the San Francisco Mint? Is the one, which is known, the piece which was stolen at the time? Did that piece “go underground” as a watch fob? Is there a second example somewhere?
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
If you were fortunate enough to be selected for a design of a coin (any coin, pick one), the coins design would be officially authorized and approved by legislation or by the Secretary of the Treasury. Your initials would be displayed on the coin, identifying you as the coins designer or artist.
If your design was modified, altered or manipulated from it's (your) original design during the minting process, wouldn't you want to know why?
Although, I'm sure somewhere in the small print of the regulations or directives it says "subject to change" by the Secretary of the Treasury. In the big scheme of things, it's most likely a low priority.
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
I would assume you have similar rights as writers do when they sell their book to be made into a movie. William Goldman once wrote that "When you see this message before a movie; 'Adapted from a book by __________' you can safely assume one of the screen writers used the book to prop open a window." james
@BillJones said:
What happened to the 1870-S Three Dollar Gold Piece that was supposed to be in the cornerstone of the San Francisco Mint? Is the one, which is known, the piece which was stolen at the time? Did that piece “go underground” as a watch fob? Is there a second example somewhere?
Theoretically there is a complete set of 1870-S coins, Half Dime through Double Eagle, still in the cornerstone. I suspect that the location of the cornerstone is still known, but it is inaccessible without deconstructing part of the building.
As to the currently uniquie1870-S Half Dime and $3, it is odd that both pieces were found outside of numismatic circles, though the person from whom the $3 was bought back around 1908 had family connections to the SF Mint, IIRC. I know nothing about the person who brought the Half Dime into a coin shop in Illinois where it was bought as a common type coin, though I would bet you that they did not own a Redbook!
Since the SF Mint did not have an old-fashioned screw press which made it easy to strike just one of something, it is possible that the Half Dime and the $3 were merely press overruns caused by starting up and then stopping a flywheel-driven press. Don't know. Can't prove it.
It is knows that at least one 1870-S Quarter was struck, presumably still in the cornerstone. Having handled both the $3 and the Half Dime, raw, if a Quarter ever shows up I demand the right to handle it raw!
TD
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
Comments
The tradition of how proof dies were prepared changed several times at the mint over the years. It was deliberate. The mint experimented with several different proof finishes during the first two decades of the 20th century.
The most significant one that I'm aware of is the 1857 Act that made foreign coins illegal.
I think that any country would have preferred to have only their currency in circulation as legal tender but the U.S. was unable to produce enough coins on a consistent basis and keep them in circulation until the 1850s. Yes, I think that the 1857 change was political and not based on the metal content.
The problem with doing a Google search on "P & R.R. Smith" is that all of the results relate to the Dcarr restrikes' except a single link to the sale of the surviving die.
I wonder about the the O mint Morgan Dollar counterfeits, too, not only who but also how were they made so good to be undetected for so long. We know the "why"?
Don't forget that the U.S. silver coin supply increased dramatically in the 1853-1857 period after the weight changes of 1853. Look at the mintage figures. A case can be made that foreign silver coinage was simply no longer needed to handle day to day commerce.
BTW, foreign coinage did not become "illegal." It simply lost its "legal tender" status.
I still wonder if the Russians had anything to do with the VAM counterfeits. I have been trying to find a 1923-D or 1930-D dime, commonly attributed to them though I don't think ever proven, to do some serious metallurgical testing of them vs. the VAM counterfeits.
Striking a planchet does not cause clash marks.
@Married2Coins Taking a look at the ear section, there does seem to be some doubling in the hair. Tough to differentiate the clash marks but they seem relatively similar to comparable die states of the same marriage.
I think there are effects of both double striking and machine doubling. Perhaps the die bounced after the first strike and shifted, producing a unique combo of the two.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
why is the end of the blank die conical before pressing into the working hub?
I believe (from observation only) it is because the face of a coin is slightly concave, or dished, which makes the face of a die slightly convex, or domed, and since the hub has the same topography as the coin the conical shape of the die blank helps it achieve that convex shape.
TD
exchange a silver cert for a dollar's worth of silver?
is it that silver dollars had less than a dollar's worth of silver why there are raw silver assay office ingots running around?
(a backwards admission they were short changing americans?)
Who exactly is the mysterious Polly C. Gilmore?
You didn't know? She's the brands new spokesperson, using her initials for discreet shipping was just a happy accident.
Founder- Peak Rarities
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.
I think the reason is to prevent the expansion of the die diameter.
If the die blank was flat, the entire face of the new die would be squashed and enlarged in diameter (like a broad-strike).
When the new (blank) die has a domed profile, the hubbing process forms the central details first and the outer rim last. When the outer rim is the last thing to be impressed, it is less likely for the die to expand in diameter.
.
I would have to think (Yup), that this statement is the, never ending achievements, of progress.
Give it to me, I'll find an S.
I present to you the 2020 P dime. Just one of many dates, falling under, a no S heading, of an achievement.
( nose) A bullet font ? Why ?
.
I do have a few of these sporting different dates. All are put aside after a few hours of "researching", the old fashion way. The dates will tell the trail. I have a starting point.
Is there any chance that the Sacagawea first day covers released by the mint may have the Cheerios type in them?
The ones I have seen do not have the obverse die marker I have observed on all "Cheerios Dollar Reverse" coins.
Ask Dan Carr. When he purchased his coin press, he commented that it came with numerous coins that dropped put.
Pete
An excellent idea.
Who won the fight between Jesse Lipka and Martin Paul over an auction lot (during said auction)? Plenty of people must have been witnesses. And what was the coin on which they were bidding when the fight took place?
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
Legit question: What happened that day (night?) in 1856 when they struck these:
Empty Nest Collection
Ooh, ooh! Here’s another one: The 1839/6 N-1 cent. Is this an inverted 6 over an upright 6? 1839 mintage? The plain cords would seem to disagree! Thing is, the reverse appears to have not been used until 1839, so the real question is: When was this obverse die produced?
Empty Nest Collection
If you lived in a McMansion and had a trophy wife who gets botox injections, and other enhanced upper body treatments and looks like a Kardashian would you, your kids or even your wife be more or less likely to collect coins, and what would that be?
Ehh I think I might be somewhat qualified to answer that, though she’s more of a young Michelle Pfeiffer and less Kim K….but I'm full steam ahead with coins and I have set that as precedent. Now, she likes to collect handbags, bracelets, and steer street cats, but I don’t have to answer any questions gets to do her thing.
And I don’t think I qualify for “McMansion” status at 3k+ish sq ft, but it cost the same amount as 1500 sq feet a few miles closer to the coast. While i wish I had more than 1/4 acre lot and no HOA, the guard gated security is sure nice for someone with expensive toys. The market was out of control when I bought though, so I had to buy the crappiest house in the neighborhood and renovate while living here over a 2 year period, much of it myself. I ain’t goin anywhere for a while i suppose….gotta get my moneys worth now.
Got myself an attack dog too, no one would dare try this beast…
Founder- Peak Rarities
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@PeakRarities and who is going to protect that dog against her cats? I bet he gets bullied!
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
@lermish how did you know?! Her safe space is up in the loft when the boys get too rowdy.
Founder- Peak Rarities
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He's cute.
God comes first in everything I do. I’m dedicated to serving Him with my whole life. Coin collecting is just a hobby—but even in that, I seek to honor Him. ✝️
I usually get called striking or dashing, sometimes debonair, but I'll accept cute. Thanks!
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
Posting this because I can.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
would it be worth it moneywise to change from reeded edges to smooth edges on circulation strikes?
As you should have, I would expect nothing less from you sir. In fact, I would have been disappointed if someone had not taken the opportunity before I corrected it!
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i'd imagine the mint sets would go smooth ... but what about the silver coins?
This thread makes no CENTS.
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
If a coin falls in the forest and no one is around, does it still make a cha-ching?
Do ancient Roman coins ever get tired of being touched by sweaty museum tourists?
If a penny saved is a penny earned, but it costs 2 cents to make one… is the Mint in debt to reality?
What do coins talk about when they’re stuck in a piggy bank together for years?
If a coin has no date, does it age in reverse like Benjamin Button?
Do coins resent being flipped to settle arguments when they themselves had no say?
If your coin collection is so valuable you can’t afford to spend it… is it money or art?
What does a coin feel when it gets rejected by a vending machine? Existential despair?
If you clean a coin too much, does it get amnesia and forget it's rare?
Can two-headed coins ever make up their mind?
God comes first in everything I do. I’m dedicated to serving Him with my whole life. Coin collecting is just a hobby—but even in that, I seek to honor Him. ✝️
the bronze is the same on different sized new release medals but the coolor is different. does one by chance resist spotting more?
What is the actual, specific cause for the black, soot-like substance that finds its way onto the surface of all the European vault stored gold coins when repatriated? Otherwise known as “euro-soot” or “euro-dirt”, what is it exactly (____-oxide?) , and why does it happen?
With no RWB or Insider here, I think my money would be on maybe @MFeld or @CaptHenway to answer this? @crypto or @TomB perhaps? Some type of oxide?
Founder- Peak Rarities
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Facebook
The "flap" nickel circa 65-67.
how do you get it off?
Either solvents or acid probably, though many coins look more natural with it on and I haven’t conserved any for that reason so I’m not positive. I’m not a fan of Dirty Saints in MS tho, I would probably hit them with A solvent before grading. Many of the fairmont coins have the soot that I’m referring to though.
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In a bit of wild speculation it might be byproducts of higher concentrations of burning coal in the air pollution prevalent in most European capitals until fairly recently coupled to longer slower exposure periods. The Sulfur dioxide and VOCs released by coal, maybe even from the ship ride over prior to air travel or diesel engines. I’ve seen it by have no Unique knowledge
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
I always thought it was caused by poor hygiene on the part of many Europeans.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Most technical explanation I've heard to date, certainly sounds plausible. TY
Founder- Peak Rarities
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Facebook
.
Is it still a “green bean” if it’s expired, or does it become a “numismatic legume of questionable freshness”?
God comes first in everything I do. I’m dedicated to serving Him with my whole life. Coin collecting is just a hobby—but even in that, I seek to honor Him. ✝️
What happened to the 1870-S Three Dollar Gold Piece that was supposed to be in the cornerstone of the San Francisco Mint? Is the one, which is known, the piece which was stolen at the time? Did that piece “go underground” as a watch fob? Is there a second example somewhere?
when did the mint start lubricating its dies?
My coin press (Denver Mint surplus, circa 1986) has oil mist spray to lubricate the planchets as they are being fed into the coining chamber.
I'm just wondering out loud.
If you were fortunate enough to be selected for a design of a coin (any coin, pick one), the coins design would be officially authorized and approved by legislation or by the Secretary of the Treasury. Your initials would be displayed on the coin, identifying you as the coins designer or artist.
If your design was modified, altered or manipulated from it's (your) original design during the minting process, wouldn't you want to know why?
Although, I'm sure somewhere in the small print of the regulations or directives it says "subject to change" by the Secretary of the Treasury. In the big scheme of things, it's most likely a low priority.
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
I would assume you have similar rights as writers do when they sell their book to be made into a movie. William Goldman once wrote that "When you see this message before a movie; 'Adapted from a book by __________' you can safely assume one of the screen writers used the book to prop open a window." james
Theoretically there is a complete set of 1870-S coins, Half Dime through Double Eagle, still in the cornerstone. I suspect that the location of the cornerstone is still known, but it is inaccessible without deconstructing part of the building.
As to the currently uniquie1870-S Half Dime and $3, it is odd that both pieces were found outside of numismatic circles, though the person from whom the $3 was bought back around 1908 had family connections to the SF Mint, IIRC. I know nothing about the person who brought the Half Dime into a coin shop in Illinois where it was bought as a common type coin, though I would bet you that they did not own a Redbook!
Since the SF Mint did not have an old-fashioned screw press which made it easy to strike just one of something, it is possible that the Half Dime and the $3 were merely press overruns caused by starting up and then stopping a flywheel-driven press. Don't know. Can't prove it.
It is knows that at least one 1870-S Quarter was struck, presumably still in the cornerstone. Having handled both the $3 and the Half Dime, raw, if a Quarter ever shows up I demand the right to handle it raw!
TD
How in the heck do your coins come out so perfect if the planchets have oil on them?