Just received in mailbox... Thx IRCWCoins!
bstat1020
Posts: 2,157 ✭✭
Thanks to Issac, smooth transaction and great coin. PCGS PF67 FS901 "superbird" 28/0. What do you all think?
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Comments
Congrats on the coin
K
it's fantastic.
Camelot
I never even knew that existed!
Thanks, GrandAm
Here is a article that was published a while back on the superbird.
"According to Bill Fivaz, co-author of The Cherrypickers' Guide, 1952 proof Washington quarters sporting what appears to be an 'S' mintmark on the eagle's chest will be assigned variety designation FS-25c-1952-3 in Volume 2 of the forthcoming edition of the Guide. David Lange, a director at Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, states that "NGC is already accepting and attributing this variety and will use the 'Superbird' moniker on its label." With this formal recognition, the unusual but easily remembered "Superbird" variety will soon join the ranks of many other varieties highly sought after by collectors of the Washington quarter series. As the only proof Washington to display what appears to be an "S" in the center of its chest, the 1952 "Superbird" is certain to become a popular variety among specialists of the series, and may appeal to all numismatists who share a sense of whimsy.
The nickname "Superbird" was first 'coined' by Val J. Webb and was published in his 1984 book Cameo Proofs 1950-1964. Mr. Webb opined that the "Superbird" was exceedingly rare in heavy contrasted proof cameo condition.
Ken Potter, in his March 1998 installment of the Varieties Notebook in Coin World newspaper introduced us to the first image of "Superbird" variety. Citing that it was an "oldie" known within the hobby, Potter speculated that the "S" which appears on the eagle's breast may have been the deliberate work of an engraver because lines strengthening the interior wing feathers are common to proof quarters of the era.
ANACS was the first grading service to use the "Superbird" moniker on its label, and has now certified at least 17 coins ranging in grades from PR63 to PR67.
How scarce is the "Superbird?" Only 81,980 proof 1952 sets were issued. If one assumes that the "Superbird" variety represents a single reverse die, which appears to be the case, then perhaps 15,000 to 20,000 strikes may have been made using this die according to David Lange. However, if hand engraving took place some time after the die was put into production, the actual number may be far less. With cleaning and damage to many existing 1952 proof sets, unimpaired survivors may be small, making it a very rare bird indeed."
GrandAm