Appalachian Toned Jefferson Nickel--Green with Envy!

How does this one differ from the coins that you believe aren't AT, if you don't mind me asking? How does one go about telling the difference between natural and artificial toning? I understand that, in some cases, it can be quite difficult.

Either way, the coin you posted looks fantastic!

 

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Yes, they're beautiful.

 

I know that , what I really want to ask is: were you able to see anything that would enable you to definitively conclude they are AT?

Don't get me wrong, I am not declaring the hoard NT. All I am saying is that if they are AT, they might be one of the best coin doctoring jobs in history. I am working on an anaylsis of these coins, but I don't have photos of enough of them to make any conclusions at this time. The early indication is however that the second batch submitted to NGC are much more suspect than the first batch. I will show you what I mean a little later.

 

Other than they are "unique" with respect to the look (i.e. I've never seen a coin made from nickel tone similarly), no, I didn't notice anything that jumped off the page saying to me AT.

 

I agree!! Sure more colors than most but how could anyone tell? Well, maybe someone can, but those Appalachians look great both in color and overall definition. :thumb:

 

That is the coolest jefferson nickel i have ever seen.

 

Paul - will you answer? It was a honest question.

 

Oops! Sorry Cat. I just looked at it under a loupe. I would say that is exactly what it is.

 

NT or AT that is one damn fine looking coin! I am also in the 66 boat as far as the grade, I don't think toning should promote it to a 67. But if NGC is willing to slab it I have to say NT... has PCGS slabbed any of these too?
If it is an AT job definitely the best i've seen!

Thanks for sharing!
J

 

Perhaps someone more familiar with these can comment (Lehigh?), but I have not seen any of these coins in PCGS plastic.

 

No, all of the Appalachians were slabbed by NGC in several different submissions as far as I know. The submission numbers I know of are:

1. 291239-xxx
2. 291240-xxx
3. 291279-xxx
4. 291281-xxx

I own coins from the first three submissions, but do not own one from the last submission. Here is a link to a Heirtage auction where one sold for $300.

http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=26114&Lot_No=13173

While both PCGS and NGC have certified AT coins in the past, I believe these coins will permanently remain in limbo between NT & AT. The NGC slab gives them market acceptability even if a large portion of the numismatic collecting community does not.

 

If you don't mind me asking what exactly was the "T" for on the original slabs? Was it like the star back then on NGC holders?
How come I've never seen a slab with the "T" on it? Was it only done for those toned nickels?
Beautiful coin, btw.

 

T$,

The "T" & "W" designations were created in early 2000 in an attempt to help identify toned and untoned coins. The designations were discontinued in late 2002. Here is a link to the press release from NGC about discontinuing the "W" designation.

http://www.ngccoin.com/news/viewarticle.aspx?NewsletterNewsArticleID=327

Essentially, the "T" designation became the star designation. As far as the reason why you have not seen many of them, most have probably been re-slabbed and now bear the star designation instead of a "T" designation. NGC's policy is to remove the "T" designation when they re-slab a coin. I however am lucky enough to own an Appalachian Jefferson that NGC messed up the label. They gave this coin both designations.



Another cool feature of this coin is the Bingham pedigree. Gregg Bingham played linebacker in the NFL for the Houtson Oilers and became a big time coin collector after his retirement. His collection consists primarily of monster toned commemoratives with monster grades. The fact that he owned this coin is a testament to it's quality. Some collectors think that slab pedigrees are silly, unless the name is Eliasberg. IMO, Bingham might be on the same level as Eliasberg with regards to toned coins, specifically toned commemorative s. Here is a link to his NGC classic commemorative set. Look if you dare.

http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=1648

My guess is that someone informed Gregg that Appalachian Jeffersons were AT and he dumped them. I currently own four of them with his pedigree.

 

Thanks for the links and info, Paul!
I wonder who would want to get those coins re-holdered though? I certainly wouldn't. I think it would be kinda neat-o to have a W or T labeled coin.
I guess the market might have something to do with it? Are the premiums low for these coins ("W" and "T" labeled coins)? Do most people not know what they are, and think they are mistakes?

 

I personally find the emerald look on the obverse a very nice look although I care less for the pinks on the reverse. The coin has a unique look and pleasing -- based on these photos I would have given it a star.:thumb:

 

My guess is that the sole reason to have them re-holdered was to add the Bingham pedigree. My registry set 1944-D Appalachian is still in the original slab.

 

Why not just write "Bingham" on the slab with a sharpie....
Thanks for the info Paul, and once again, nice coin

 

You should send him a PM and ask. IIRC, Monsterman is his name at PCGS, and a heck of a nice guy, BTW, and he knows his toners. FWIW, I know he was having a little heath problem a while back, but last I heard he was doing better -- so be patient in getting a response. Hope this helps...Mike

 

Mike,

I might do that. He offers his help to anyone who wants it right in his registry set, even lists a cell phone number. I think the question I would most like to ask him is why he doesn't have his collection professionally photographed.

 

Please do and report back!

Something else interesting to do in your spare time, do a search of his old posts in the archives of PCGS (I think he was a member over on NGC too, but not sure). Regardless, I thiink you'll learn a lot from Greg's words -- I know I have.