OK, here is a recent purchase from ebay. I bought it based on the pictures showing an interesting coin that is NOT known in matte (M). Still stranger things have happened with the FM. What do you think about this 1977FM 20 Balboas, PL or M? Discussion may follow if interested:
Yea. The mattes supposedly stopped in 1976. I think I will post some photos of the 1975 and 1976 mattes for comparison, which are different IMO from the earlier 1971-1974 mattes [slightly]. I have to say, I think this may be a PL that has toned but am not quite sure. I will share other pictures... Yes, sad about the rim ding which interestingly is not as apparent in hand - but haven't seen another.
I think it's just a very hazy/impaired PL. I got a proof Bahamas 50 cents with a somewhat similar appearance a while back, until I saw it in hand I assumed it was matte.
I tend to agree (although the reverse is tricky) but will show here the obverses on two definite 75 mattes (very rare) and two 76 mattes, as well as a definite 77 PL:
