I was wondering if everyone has read any of the stories concerning the disappearing numbers in the dates of some of the coins in the 2003 Silver Proof Sets? People on eBay are making statements such as the mint has produced four error coins in the set as well as the COA listing the wrong composition of metal in the silver coins. Are these coins really considered errors? I have not seen this proof set discussed on Coin Talk. Here is a list of what I found on eBay: 2003 Silver Proof Set 1. With the Lincoln cent that has the Error 3 with the weak strike that every one is calling the dissappearing 3. Which dissappear's as you tilt the set back and forth. 2. The Missouri quarter which has the same Error 3 on it. 3. The Maine quarter which has a weak strike Error 1&2 on the obverse in the 1820. 4. The Roosevelt Dime which also has a weak strike Error on the 200 in the 2003 and the In God We Trust phrase Thank you, Jim
First, let me say that I am not a "error" expert. I own only a couple of off-centered cents. However, from what I understand these kinds of mint production irregularities would be considered varieties, not errors. This is to say that the production of coins with the characteristics mentioned is repeated hundreds or thousands of times, perhaps for the life of the die or at least for a given day's run, until the problem is discovered and corrected. These varieties sound more like variations in the die production where the numerals are poorly rendered on the die, rather than an error in striking pressure. An error is just that, a mistake: off-centered, broadstruck, wrong planchet, brockages, and all the other types of blunders occasionally created by the mint. As with all collectibles, if people become interested in such things they could become more valuable than the run of the mill varieties. It helps if the variety is obvious to the naked eye: the 1922 cent, the 1955 double-die cent, three-legged buffalo, etc. If it gets listed in the price sheets, then it could rise in value, at least briefly, like whatever variety of SBA dollar that was that took off. Write an article about it and get someone to publish it. Then it could be worth more.
Ben_Bovas is correct. These coins in question are filled dies, worn dies, and small varieties. None should command a premium unless dramactically missing large details. The wrong information was placed in the first thousand or so silver proof sets. These cards were printed with the wrong metal content of the 90% silver coins. While some national mail-order dealers are selling these sets for a premium, no dealer that we are aware of is paying a premium to buy them. The coins in the sets are correct in metal composition and are not an error.
i have this proof set and it does indeed have the 'dissappearing' effect. would love to figure out how to take pics to post for you folks
From the ones I've seen the "disappearing 3" is actually just the result of an insufficiently frosted die. The poorly frosted 3 "disappears" because there is little contrast between the 3 and the fields around it so when it is tipped the right way the contrast is reduced and the 3 fades from view because the eye is attracted to the high contrast details on the rest of the coin. It's actually an optical illusion.
thanks Conder. i was debating it taking it out of the case for futher investigation but will rest easily withyour explanation. now i just need to hone my photography skills lol
