I have always wanted one of these commenoratives and I finally got one off E-Bay. This is a 1925-S California Diamond Jubilee. It is said to be un-circulated, but it has a very smooth thin strike. Does anyone know if this is normal for this silver half dollar ?
Hard to tell from your pics if it's a thin/weak strike. The 49er & Bear appear to be raised well, but can't see the detail or lettering in your pics.
According to Kevin Flynn, in his book, The Authoritative Reference on Commemorative Coins: 1892-1954, most were well struck, but a weakness in some strikes is sometimes seen on the outer letters on the obverse and the details of the grizzly on the reverse. He adds that the first wear point on the obverse is on the sleeve and on the bear's shoulder on the reverse. Chris
I appreciate your comments Ken & Statequarterguy. Hard to shoot through the holder. I'm trying to get better shots, but I am having trouble up-loading the files for some reason.
Dave. From the second set of pics I'm getting the impression that there might be some wear on the coin, which was not what I felt when I viewed the first set of pics. Still a tad blurry but the pic size is terrific. I can blow it up nicely. Don't worry about the reflection. Try another shot and this time hold your breath when you press the shutter.......
Thanks Ken, I always hold my breath when shooting but it's not for shakes, it's only because I don't know if the picture is even going to turn out. Ha ! Just kidding. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm 74 years old so I do have a tendancy to shake the camera. I'll try again for some clearer shots.
Another option is shooting the pic with the camera mounted on a tripod while employing the camera timer option. No shake at all. Trouble is I don't have a decent tripod for the point and shoot camera. One of these days I'm going to spring for a copy stand. That will open up a world of new options......
I'd agree, from the 2nd set of pics, it appears the coin has wear all over it, which may be just the pics. Does the coin have wear on it and is that what you thought was a weak strike?
I'd go with XF on these Dave...... Read more here Dave....... http://www.coincommunity.com/commemorative_histories/california_diamond_jubilee_half_dollar.asp
Hi ! Ken, Many thanks for the sample images. I can readlly see that I really got took on this purchase. Those AU jubilee's shown are in no comparison with my coin. I think you guys nailed it. It is either a very weak strike or possibly worn. Live & learn, HUh ?