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Faceless GW dollar found

DENVER - Mary and Ray Smith can't make heads or tails of a new presidential dollar coin they found last week. It doesn't have either. A week after the revelation that some of the coins slipped out of the U.S. mint in Philadelphia without "In God We Trust" stamped on the edge, the Smiths said Tuesday they found one with nothing stamped on either flat side.

It does have "In God We Trust" on the edge. What's missing is the image of George Washington on the front and the Statue of Liberty on the back. Instead, the Smith's coin is just smooth, shiny, golden metal.

"We're just so excited," Mary Smith told The Associated Press. "I'm just dumbfounded that we actually found something significant."

U.S. Mint spokesman Michael White said officials had not confirmed the Smiths' find. But Ron Guth, a professional coin authenticator in Newport Beach, Calif., said he is certain the coin is authentic.

"It's really pretty rare," Guth said. "It somehow slipped through several steps and inspections."

It could be worth thousands of dollars, maybe more, he said. The value will depend on how many similar misprints are found, but the Smiths' will always be worth more because it will be the first one to be independently authenitcated, Guth said.

The first "Godless" coins, which went into circulation Feb. 15, initially sold for $600 but were attracting bids of up to $152 on eBay Tuesday. It's not certain how many were made.

Douglas Mudd, curator at the American Numismatic Association's museum in Colorado Springs, said Guth is one of the best known-coin authenticators in the country.

The Smiths' coin bears a "D," meaning it was produced by the Denver Mint. The "Godless" coins were all believed to have come from the Philadelphia Mint.

The Smiths, who live in Fort Collins about 50 miles north of Denver, are coin collectors who bought two rolls of the presidential dollars on March 7 after hearing about the earlier mistake.

Mary Smith said she thought they might find a "Godless" dollar of their own.

"I opened the first roll, and I looked at all the edges, and they all had printing, so I just set them down and left the stack there," she said.

On Thursday, she pocketed the top two dollars to use during the day, and her husband noticed the next one in the stack looked odd.

He checked, and it was blank on both sides.

"I could tell right away something was strange," Ray Smith said. "I knew what we had immediately."

Guth still has the coin, but the Smiths say that when they get it back, they'll store it in a vault at their bank for now.

"I'm not sure what we'll do with it," Ray Smith said. "I think we'll hold on to it for a while."

The U.S. Mint struck 300 million of the coins, about half in Philadelphia and half in Denver.

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Comments

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    I've seen a few around
    Having Fun At Other Peoples Expenses, One Day At A Time!
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
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    zennyzenny Posts: 1,547 ✭✭


    << <i>I've seen a few around >>




    lol
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    topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭
    As per the old Dag Hammarsjkold stamp error, I think the mint should make all these varieties available to all and declare a national tiddly wink day in honor of the reliability of the minting process.
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Link >>



    Strange that Michigan can't seem to figure out how to do that.

    Russ, NCNE
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I've seen a few around >>



    Cool. Post some images.

    Russ, NCNE
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    ColonialCoinUnionColonialCoinUnion Posts: 10,087 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Link >>



    Strange that Michigan can't seem to figure out how to do that.

    Russ, NCNE >>



    Farvre is know for his athleticism and creativity on the field, not for reading defenses.
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    topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Strange that Michigan can't seem to figure out how to do that. >>



    Perhaps he is just younger and less "devil-may-care" about it.

    The procedure cost me 29 brain cells but just age alone takes out several more than that each day.

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    topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    So these people get the $2500 reward from PCGS?
    Having Fun At Other Peoples Expenses, One Day At A Time!
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    shirohniichanshirohniichan Posts: 4,992 ✭✭✭
    It could be worth thousands of dollars, maybe more, he said.

    Um... maybe less.
    image
    Obscurum per obscurius
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    MichiganMichigan Posts: 4,942


    << <i>

    << <i>Link >>



    Strange that Michigan can't seem to figure out how to do that.

    Russ, NCNE >>




    Yes, some things will always remain a mystery. image
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    DesertRatDesertRat Posts: 1,791
    but the Smiths' will always be worth more because it will be the first one to be independently authenitcated, Guth said.


    Really? Would it be slabbed as "First non-strike?"
  • Options
    topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Farvre is know for his athleticism and creativity on the field, not for reading defenses. >>



    I was in basic training with Ray Nitschke and nobody wudda sed that AROUND him.

    image

    Actually, he was a pretty laid back guy. Cept on weekends.
  • Options
    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I've seen a few around >>



    Cool. Post some images.

    Russ, NCNE
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    << <i>

    << <i>I've seen a few around >>



    Cool. Post some images.

    Russ, NCNE >>



    I will.

    As soon as I get them back..............
    Having Fun At Other Peoples Expenses, One Day At A Time!
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i><< I've seen a few around >>

    Cool. Post some images.

    Russ, NCNE >>

    I will.

    As soon as I get them back.............. >>



    image

    Russ, NCNE
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    shirohniichanshirohniichan Posts: 4,992 ✭✭✭


    << <i>but the Smiths' will always be worth more because it will be the first one to be independently authenitcated, Guth said.


    Really? Would it be slabbed as "First non-strike?" >>



    image
    image
    Obscurum per obscurius
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    topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'd rather have it than Contursi's first strike.
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    leothelyonleothelyon Posts: 8,542 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>It could be worth thousands of dollars, maybe more, he said.

    Um... maybe less. >>



    To my whimsical knowledge image, I wouldn't treat any planchet with or without edge lettering any more different than any other blank planchet. They're worth about a dollar if you'd ask me. If they slab those things, the lettering will be obscured by the pastic so what's the point?

    Leo

    The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

    My Jefferson Nickel Collection

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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>If they slab those things, the lettering will be obscured by the pastic so what's the point? >>



    Incorrect. They use a special slab for these.

    Russ, NCNE
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    << <i>

    << <i><< I've seen a few around >>

    Cool. Post some images.

    Russ, NCNE >>

    I will.

    As soon as I get them back.............. >>



    image

    Russ, NCNE >>



    He who laughs last, laughs best.
    Having Fun At Other Peoples Expenses, One Day At A Time!
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    topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭
    How does one properly hold a lettered edge but blank coin? By the surfaces?

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    << <i>How does one properly hold a lettered edge but blank coin? By the surfaces? >>



    There are some already graded on Ebay, do a quick search.
    Having Fun At Other Peoples Expenses, One Day At A Time!
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    Having Fun At Other Peoples Expenses, One Day At A Time!
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i><< How does one properly hold a lettered edge but blank coin? By the surfaces? >>

    There are some already graded on Ebay, do a quick search. >>



    Wrong.

    Russ, NCNE
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>HERE IS ONE GRADED >>



    You should probably read - or at least try to comprehend - before responding.

    Russ, NCNE
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    i think russ needs a hug today.
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>i think russ needs a hug today. >>



    I'd guess that you missed some of this troll's previous posts.

    Russ, NCNE
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    << <i>

    << <i>HERE IS ONE GRADED >>



    You should probably read - or at least try to comprehend - before responding.

    Russ, NCNE >>




    This dude thinks he owns the boards. From what I gather, he has no life, so he spends it all here. Sad, really sad.
    Having Fun At Other Peoples Expenses, One Day At A Time!
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i><<

    << HERE IS ONE GRADED >>

    You should probably read - or at least try to comprehend - before responding.

    Russ, NCNE >>

    STFU. >>



    You should take your own advice. You'd look far less stupid.

    Russ, NCNE
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    DarkmaneDarkmane Posts: 1,021
    I think Russ is fine...

    Some people have problems reading.
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    I think it's the Mint's way of stimulating interest in the coin. release a few "errors" and people who normally would have no interest will get the coins. Just my opinion of a Government plot. It didn't work for me.
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    WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    HERE IS ONE GRADED

    lol


    Steve
    Good for you.
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    << <i>I've seen a few around >>



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    GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,500 ✭✭✭✭✭
    PCGS Certifies Blank Planchet, Lettered-Edge Presidential Dollar


    March 13, 2007
    Newport Beach, CA - Professional Coin Grading Service of Newport Beach, California (www.PCGS.com) has certified the first known lettered-edge, blank planchet Presidential dollar. As part of its previously announced reward program, the owners of the coin will receive a $2,500 finder's reward for being the first to submit an example to PCGS.

    The unusual looking error coin was found by Ray and Mary Smith of Fort Collins, Colorado in one of two 25-coin rolls of George Washington Presidential dollars obtained from a local bank. The Smith's contacted Coin World magazine and were informed about the PCGS reward offer. Coin World submitted the coin to PCGS on their behalf.

    "The lettered-edge, blank Presidential dollar planchet is an extremely unusual and exciting error," said Ron Guth, PCGS President.

    "Although we anticipated its appearance, we never expected one to appear so quickly. Nonetheless, PCGS is thrilled to be able to certify the discovery example, and we congratulate Ray and Mary Smith on their lucky find. We're also happy that our reward program is helping to bring important rarities to light."

    The Smith's coin is a type two (raised rim) planchet that did not receive an obverse and reverse design strike or burnishing of the planchet, but did go through the final stage of the Presidential dollar minting process at the Denver Mint to receive the incuse edge lettering. All intended wording on the lettered-edge is visible: the date, 2007; the Denver mintmark, D; and the two mottos, In God We Trust and E Pluribus Unum.

    PCGS continues to offer a $10,000 reward for the first person who submits for verification a genuine, Sacagawea golden dollar coin mistakenly struck with the edge lettering intended for the new Presidential dollar coins. A $10,000 finder's reward also is being offered to the person who submits the first over-struck example with the both the Sacagawea and Presidential designs on the same coin.

    PCGS is the world's largest rare coin authentication company and a division of Collectors Universe, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLCT).

    Additional information is available from Professional Coin Grading Service at (800) 447-8848. E-mail: info@PCGS.com.






    PCGS Link
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    <<Cool. Post some images.>

    Go get a gold crayon, scribble a piece of paper Russ!!!image
    The Accumulator - Dark Lloyd of the Sith

    image
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    WOW, some of you guys take this wayyyyy, too seriously.
    Having Fun At Other Peoples Expenses, One Day At A Time!
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    can't we all just get along...

    (another post point) getting close to 100....image
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    CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 33,859 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>but the Smiths' will always be worth more because it will be the first one to be independently authenitcated, Guth said.


    Really? Would it be slabbed as "First non-strike?" >>



    How about "Pre-Strike?"

    TD
    Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
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    CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 33,859 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>So these people get the $2500 reward from PCGS? >>



    Yes.
    By the way, the story and some good pictures are also up on Coin World online.
    TD
    Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
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    So, I live here in Fort Collins. Should I go and get a bunch from the bank and post them on ebay for 200% profit???
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    << <i>Link to blank george washington >>



    This auction is for a blank planchet without the edge lettering... how could you distinguish it from a blank Sac planchet?
    Dave - Durham, NC
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    FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭✭✭
    In theory, you can't distinguish them, as they
    are both on the same copper-core/manganese
    planchets.

    I can say, however, that the scan in the listing shows
    a different upset rim type that those I've seen on
    the hundreds of Type 2 Planchets for the Sacagawea
    Dollars that I've seen.

    Can't tell if the rim is now upset differently for the
    Presidential Dollars (which it might be), or if it's
    just the scans.
    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
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    BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    Do you think that the Mint will issue a three coin proof set

    of Washington Dollars. (1) godless, (1) faceless and (1) inverted proof ?
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
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    ziggy29ziggy29 Posts: 18,669 ✭✭✭
    I still think some of these "errors" were intentional, in order to create interest in these coins.
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    TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 45,023 ✭✭✭✭✭
    So my phone rings a couple hours ago. My brother in law says : "JOE, CNN is reporting a blank with edge lettering. It's gonna be worth thousands". I called my girlfriend up who is mad that I bought a bag on speculative theory and listed it on ebay to see what would happen before this news even broke.
    She asked me to buy her two bags from philly image.

    You people are tooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much.

    Russ and Nick, I want you guys to hug, now image
    It's all Michigan's fault.

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