Hi all ... this is my first post to this forum so please have mercy. I came across this presidential dollar in a bank coin roll. My limited research has told me this: Presidential dollars with S (San Francisco) mint marks are proofs Edge lettering for proofs are applied with a 3-part collar, not direct strike So two questions on this coin: What's with the coloring? Aren't proofs generally mirror-like with frosted parts? This one seems to have more of a matte finish. Would a proof have such obvious collar marks (3 spaced over the diameter of the coin)? I haven't been able to find any answers anywhere else, so I thought I'd pose the questions to the experts on here with what I assume would be millenniums-worth of combined coinage experience. The third question, and most important... is this coin a unique specimen to keep for my collection? Thank you in advance for your opinions (I hope I posted this in the right place).
Everything you've described defines a proof. The mint mark, the collar marks. I expect that what you have is simply a circulated proof coin that folks touched.
It's a good thing it's not a valuable coin. Because you are holding it the way you are. Aggggggggggh. *runs screaming from the room*
@SlyCynic First, welcome to the neighborhood! When a proof coin enters circulation, it is considered an "impaired proof", and your coin has probably toned from the body oils that have contacted it through ordinary handling. Chris
I wasn't so enamored with the coloring as with the collar marks. Seems odd to me, but based on what you're saying - it ain't worth more than face. I'll hang onto it in my oddities jar, I guess. Thanks for the responses!
Hm, have you weighted the coin? It is possible that it may have been struck on a foreign or another type of Planchet. If the weight and diameters is checked and correct than Corrosion is another possibility , maybe left in the rain but i can't come to an conclusion that it just look all faded because it's been "I quote from previous notes" in "Handled" circulation. These golden pieces were only Minted 8 years ago (2009) hence, they wouldn't lose their coating if in handled circulation, unless as said earlier, if the coin has been in touch with some type of element that would cause corrosion. First , I would definitively look into the measurements and weight and see if it match an original one. If it doesn't match then Sir you may probably have an extraordinary and rare Mint Error ! and you should of course submit your new discovery for grading/slabbing, to an approved and respected TPG service. Here are the specifics : Weight: 8.1 grams Diameter: 26.5mm Thickness: 2 mm Edge Engraved with date and both mottos Positions A and B on Presidential and Sacagawea Dollars... The major grading services recognize the up or down orientation of the edge lettering on Presidential Dollars and Sacagawea Dollars, as follows: POSITION A - Edge lettering reads upside-down when the President's portrait faces up POSITION B - Edge lettering reads normally when the President's portrait faces up Materials used : (Cu 88.5%, Zn 6%, Mn 3.5%, Ni 2%) Metal Manganese-brass The manganese brass in the coin is part of the outer layer. Like any brass, its color will eventually become darker, giving these coins an antique finish. As the coins are handled frequently, the darker "patina" may wear off the high points of the coin, leaving golden-colored highlights that accent the darker background around the border, lettering and other less exposed areas. So really if handled in change I just couldn't see it degrade in lust and losing that "Golden " color. It may be probably a corrosive element(s) that turned this one into what it looks like presently (chemicals, minerals or the natural elements) or a Major Die flaw (die deffect) or at last ,as I have already mentioned earlier; incorrect/Foreign Planchet . My 2 cents worth P.S Also,the edges looks flat and thicker in comparison to the regular one . I would need to see additional pictures to further investigate.
Yes, the kitten is holding it correctly! Unfortunately, if the kitten is not careful or needs to chase something, only one paw on the edge will allow the coin to fall, and that is not good. It's actually better for a kitten not to hold the coin, and to allow it's human to do so the proper way. Besides, most coins don't really interest kittens. Obviously, this one is different.
You know, I actually like the appearance of the impaired proof better than the more lustrous coin next to it in post #1.
Edge Lettered Proof coins ALL have the exact same edge lettering orientation. (Position B) (Whomever decided on these Position A/B orientations, had it exactly backwards IMO.) The raised edges are a direct result of a "3 Part Collar". In 2007, some of the Jefferson Proofs had the "3 Part Collars" improperly positioned in the press resulting in lettering which was out of sequence.
