Flawed Gold $5 Apollo 11

Good Day All!

Like many others, I could not pass up the opportunity to acquire what I think is the most beautiful modern commemorative to date. Like many others I placed my order right at noon on January 24. Aaaand like so many others I missed out on the 5 ounce silver pucks and am now patiently waiting until the announced backorder date of May 1.

I did receive the remainder of my order which includes the proof half dollar, the proof silver dollar, and the proof half eagle, along with a few proof quarter sets. All truly beautiful coins! The silver dollar, especially, looks and feels amazing in hand! I can only imagine how incredible the 5 ounce Frisbee will be. So yes, I am very pleased with these coins.

Once my excitement of opening a package full of new coins subsided I proceeded to thoroughly examine every item. Upon looking over the half eagle I noticed what appears to be a blemish at twelve o'clock, specifically between and into the words "STATES" and "OF." This is not the best quality photograph (if I had a dollar for every time I saw that statement on here), but convex surfaces are more difficult to keep in focus. Nevertheless the imperfection is clearly visible in the image. It is pretty clear that this is not PMD and was a part of this coin's production. It appears to be incomplete frosting or misplaced extension of the proof surface. Still not sure what the cause may have been. Possibly grease in the dies or maybe even a minor struck through foreign object? Maybe a slipup during the polishing process? Would be interesting to hear any opinions on this or if anyone encountered similar issues.

As interesting as this is, I cannot help but feel just a tad bit disappointed. First I missed out on the pucks and now this. After all, commemorative coins are supposed to be flawless. If I was looking for mint error varieties I would stick with Large Cents of Early Lincolns. Still have a few days do decide to return this coin to the mint for a refund.

Looking forward to hearing any and all opinions on this!

VZ

 

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To me, it looks like a problem with the die (like grease). That is a real shame. I'm sure you would be able to send the picture to the seller and they should send you a new one at no cost, since you paid for a practically flawless coin. Other than that, it is a beautiful coin

 

Interesting. I wouldn't return it just yet. It may be worth more as an error.

 

The seller is the United States Mint. They have a seven day return policy, so that's not an issue. But who knows if the replacement coin would be any better.

VZ

 

That did cross my mind. Wonder if it would grade as such by a TPG or if it's even worth the expense.

 

Here's a bookmark and reminder to myself to check mine when I get home. I'm pretty sure there wasn't anything like this on the one I got.

 

I'd return it for a replacement immediately, unless they are sold out, then I'd keep it.

 

They aren't (officially) sold out just on back order. And the Mint does reserve part of the mintage for replacing defective coins so he can probably get it replaced. (but he may have to wait until they strike more.)

37 posts to go

 

Think it may be worth holding on to since they're on back order. I didn't realize that the initial batch of gold $5's was bought out as well. May cause a craze by the backorder date and result in an actual sellout. Time will tell.

Not sure what is meant by "37 posts."

VZ

 

I don’t know if it’s the picture but the frosting through STATES seems not 100%

Here’s mine in the same area

 

I hope you get the 5ouncer
It’s magnificent compared to the 1 oz.

 

Photo is a bit blurry, but I definitely see what you're talking about.

 

His count down to 20,000 posts

 

I called the mint yesterday and the customer service representative assured me that I'm in line to receive mine. Said that even though the payment is no longer showing on the credit card statement, come May 1st my card will automatically be charged and the coins will ship. Sounded pretty convincing. Like I said, we'll wait and see (fingers crossed).

VZ

 

I haven't seen mine yet, but if it has that blemish, I'm sending it back.

 

No visible blemish on mine. I'll try to photograph it over the weekend. Not sure how I'll make it work with the extra relief, but I'll do what I can.

 

These are a magnificently beautiful design. And the flawlessness of the design is part of what makes it breathtaking. I am sure sorry, OP. I believe I would have to have them replace that.

 

I just got a chance to look at this on the computer versus my phone.
@paddyman98 @CoinCorgi does this look like the beginnings of MD ??
look just above the top of the letters of (unite)D STA(tes of) ... AM(erica)

 

Don't forget that holder is convex. I could sure see a doubling effect happen through that holder while trying to take a photograph..... Not disagreeing at all. Just a thought.

 

I agree. Hopefully they have replacements in stock.

VZ