PCGS Authenticates a "Specimen" Morgan Dollar

And quite spirited. I've enjoyed the debate immensely. I always thought that 'specimen' referred to something that was made in a different manner, and contrary to proof or business strike designation. Now I must re-think things..........

 

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The Branch Mint "proofs" should really be notated as Specimens. Canada didn't issue true proofs until 1967 because they didn't have the capability to make true proofs, so they called them specimens. A specimen is a special coin that didn't meet the criteria of a proof. It may have had specially prepared dies, but not planchets, or were not at least double-struck. Nothing wrong with calling them something that is a term well known in the numismatic community.

 

Pattern - an experimental coin made as a test of a new design, material or
technology.

Definition from NGC.