1903 USA Philippines 50 Centavos- Is it a proof coin?

Hello,

I wanted to get some opinions if this was a proof coin. What would be the diagnostics (squared rims?)?
Photos are from the seller and the coin is in an old PCI holder marked as proof.

 

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If it is not, you can return it, yes?? Inspecting it in hand is the only way to begin. It certainly has the required details. Nice volcano and slopes, her cheek looks good, eagles breast looks good. But again you need to actually hold and examine the coin to determine.

 

I could probably return it, but the seller doesn't claim that it is a proof coin (so there would be no legitimate reason to return).

It is also an auction, so I'm trying to decide how much to bid.

 

Doesn't look like a 'proof' coin to me........

 

Communicate with the seller, and ask if its proof. Save his/her reply. Then bid accordingly, I would stay around $200. But only if he/she makes the proof claim. If not -- you are taking a gamble, and for $200 or more, I would first make sure it is as the holder says it is.

 

There's always a 'legitimate' reason to return an item on ebay. Even if the seller states 'no returns accepted' you can still return the item. As the buyer, you're in the drivers seat on that venue.

 

You may or may not be able to trust the PCI slab. Do you have images of the front and the back of the slab? When PCI graded it is really important. At one point in time, they would have got it right if they called it a proof. Images would tell me when it was graded.

 

Here are a couple of others, I would stay in the 200 - 300$ range, but only if you can get written proof it is proof. FIRST ask the seller, communicate with him/her. Then bid accordingly, here below are some current bids: EBAY snags:

 

It is one of the old rectangular PCI holders. I usually think these are ok.

 

I'm about to ask right now.

I know this, but I am not a fan of doing this. I don't like when someone else tries to return something without cause, so I don't want to do it to anyone else.

 

After seeing the holder, it looks good to go. However, does this auction provide for returns, if you are not happy, or if it is not what the holder says it is? It is a very nice coin!! If it turns out to simply be a nice MS coin, it would still be worth about $150.00. But it does appear to be proof in my eyes, and the holder confirms this. I have a 1903 one centavo, and I really prize it. NOTE: the slab alone is worth $150.00 to collectors of slabs. It is rather rare!! If it is proof (and I suspect it is) and with that rare holder do not be surprised to see it go above $500.00.

 

Right, but if you find out it's not a proof (once you have it in hand) you have justification for sending it back.

 

The seller does take returns.
I believe the bidding will go high; it's already over 100 with several days to go!

 

Update: the seller replied saying they don't think it is a proof.

 

I would trust the slab on this coin but only because of the price level. The seller is probably doing the same. It might even grade a bit higher today.
Proof or not, it's a cool coin. I'll guess it brings a bit more just because of the slab.
Please let us know what it brings.

 

Even from the blurry photo provided, there is so much fine detail on the coin that it looks proof to me. A business strike generally won't have as well-defined minor details.

Also, in the future you shouldn't post on forums about coins you want to buy that are still up for auction. Not if you're trying to get a deal at least. I understand you were trying to be sure about this one and learn more, but I also know you now put the coin on the radar of other potential buyers who didn't know about the auction until you posted... I know of one for sure

 

That is true, but I also wanted to make sure as I don't have much experience with the Philippines issues (besides liking the design). The watch count is now at 12, so this one will likely be a win for the seller.

 

Yeah, the designs are great on the U.S. Philippines issues. And I agree with trying to learn more about a new series before jumping in, especially when you're thinking of jumping in with a purchase of more than what it would cost to buy a lunch. These coins used to be much cheaper, but more and more collectors are figuring out how cool these are.

Also, they are in the Redbook now so more U.S. collectors are treating them as U.S. coins, and they should! They were made by the U.S. Mint, they say United States of America on them, the silver coins feature Lady Liberty and the Philippines were a territory of the U.S. at the time they were made.

Fortunately, most of them are still inexpensive compared to regular U.S. coins of the same time period and condition.

 

I'm thinking it may have been made with new or proof dies as it does have a lot of detail . Though IMHO the rims and dentils look nowhere to be proof like . Hope I'm wrong .

 

It doesn't look like a proof to me, but PCI was pretty descent back in the day and would suspect that they got it right with the coin in hand.