As some of you know I recentrly got these two trial specimens, I knew these are very rare as they were only given out quietly for specific purposes. Last week I got a mail from NGC asking for more information and the history of purchase. I off course gave them all the information I know but spesific details on the seller is off limits to them ( They of course understood ) I think that they had a feeling " as these are so rare " that they could have been gotten illegaly. I dont mind them asking for spesific information for me it means they care ( wich is a good thing ) But what I´m afraid of now is that they might not get graded as the information is so limited on these trials. Crossing my fingers for some good resaults next week Siggi
Maybe NGC was just looking for more info on them because they didn't know what to label them as? I would think they should still be able to grade them . Good luck and keep us posted.
Siggi, I don't understand the reluctance in providing the seller info? It probably wouldn't be the first time that someone has obtained a coin illegally (not meaning you), cracked it out of one TPGS slab, sold it to another party who in turn sold it to another party who wanted to have it certified. If it is that rare, it would be all the more reason to have the history of ownership documented. Chris
Chris, First rule of being a coin dealer for me is never giving out any detailed information of people who I do buisness with. That´s being respectful of sellers. But I gave them all the other information gladly as to were it came from ( auction, dealer, private collecton ect ). I also gave them all information regards to what I have found out and names and e-mails off person who could confirm the authenticity of the trials. That information will help the determen that the coins are not gotten illegally.
The folks at NGC should have done the research themselves. If I found that coin in the street and sent it in to them I wonder what they would do? You paid NGC fees and your doing their work for them. Perhaps the fee only covers their opinion of grade? So Im told whenever NGC makes a mistake. Nice coin though! I just bought my first specimen the other day from the canadian mint. Its a $2 coin with a gray owl on the obverse. I also bought another specimen $2 coin they had. I will be sending them in to a TPGC hopefully.
For me that thought never crossed my mind. They simply can not know everything there is and it's natural to see information. It would not surprize me that these are the only samples they have seen with the markings trial.
I believe that is what they are doing, and the most logical source of information is the current owner so that they can work backwards. Chris
The coins got a " AUTHENTICITY UNVERIFIABLE ". So on with the show, I one rose in my sleeve. Let´s hope they see the light Siggi
Yo Siggi man could you define "specimen coin"? I found info online regarding British Proof Sets. Thanks bro!
Well speciemen in this instance just means two coins really, These would be called trial specimen or coins......
I believe trial strike would be more accurate. Siggi is using the word specimen to mean example in this case, and I believe that is what he is trying to tell you. Those coins are not specimens and they are not patterns. They are trial strikes. What that means is that the mint was testing the design to see how it strike up - to see if it was a viable design. These trial strikes occur before the design is ever given final approval. That is because when you design a coin you have to make sure that there will be enough metal in the planchet to fill all portions of the design - without having to use excess pressure. This ensures that the production dies will last and not break apart after only a few thousand strikes. As for NGC refusing to certify/authenticate them - I don't blame them. Genuine trial strikes, from any mint, are quite rare. And because of their very nature they are almost impossible to authenticate. And short of a letter directly from the mint verifying them, or provenance traced directly to and verified by the mint, you are not going to get a TPG to slab and label a coin as a trial strike. It just aint gonna happen. edit - But Siggi, those coins are quite a feather in your cap
Try PCGS, if that doesn't work, ANACS will probably grade them without question, maybe ICG if you just want them holdered
Thank you Sir, You are absolutly correct on the coins and their rareity. They were only given out for a specific purposes like these were. I sent out additional information to NCS wich i´m hoping will help them see that these are gradeble. I knew this would not be a walk in the park but I have done my homework and have some substantial evidence of their history and provenance as well as letters from the lions mouth so to speak. I will keep everyone posted and see how this will go. phdunay I would not like to send them to any other grading company. NGC is a fine company with amazing staff who are more then willing to give me great service as they have. Siggi
They are very rare there are three samples of this particilour coin known to exist. The other one is in a museum.
