BACKGROUND: The 1941 proof WL half comes in two varieties, NO "AW" and WITH "AW". "AW" is the designer's initials (Adolph A. Weinman) and they appear on the reverse. It appears that the proof dies were produced from the business strike dies, just highly polished. Sometimes so highly polished that the initials (AW) were often removed resulting in the NO "AW" variety. From what little could find about this, the general feeling is that there are fewer coins with the initials than without. MY DISAPPOINTMENT: I've got one in an NGC holder labeled: 1941 NO "AW" 50C/PF 65. That's good. I bought another in an NGC holder labeled: 1941 50C/PF 66 (Just as an aside, I bought it from Island Coins in Dec 09. That's the dealer we just found out passed on.) I looked at it carefully and the initials are there albeit weak. So I sent back to NGC to get a definitive opinion. Of course I was hoping it would get the WITH "AW" attribution. I got the coin back in the same holder. No attribution. I called and the response was if there's no attribution on the label then it is understood to be the WITH "AW" variety. So I have the coin I wanted. Just disappointed (and $60 poorer) that the label doesn't say so.
That's a shame Kanga. Still it sounds like you have a couple of very nice coins there. I concur with everyone that we would very much appreciate a photo.
I've got pictures of the coins but I need some closeups of the initials. Proof coins are a REAL pain to image, but I'll see what I can do about the initials. Probably tomorrow.
Well, half of that was for S&H back and forth. The other $30 was for the examination and opinion. Here's the two coins: No "AW" With "AW" The comment was that although a bit weak, this coin is definitely a With "AW" variety. The reason I sent it in was to get a reading on at what point it is considered a With "AW" variety. I've seen plenty with a partial "AW" but I've only seen one with a stronger "AW". But the one with the stronger "AW" was so toned (flat grey) that if the slab hadn't said PF I would never have known. Actually I'm still not convinced. If I can find one with a strong "AW" AND nice proof surfaces I'll probably buy it. The Baltimore Whitman show is in a couple weeks.
Next time you want to send anything to NGC, call and ask first. They are more than happy to answer any question. On the NGC fourm they also have a section where you can ask NGC about anything and include picture. It does take they a few days to get back on the fourm.
I think you should take it with you to Baltimore, stop by the NGC booth, and continue the conversation. If the rep and you can both read it, ask why the grader can't? Your phone call sounded to me like a fast answer to a perfectly sound question.
I am confused - none of the NGC slabs have "with AW" on them. So are you disappointed that they do not put "with AW" on the sticker? Or are you disappointed it cost you $60 to find out the slab stickers without "no AW" automatically mean they have the AW.
Kanga Sorry it cost you to find this out. Walker varieties for the most part, bring little premium and the two varieties of the 41 Proof bring very similar prices. Part of the reason for this is PCGS doesn't even acknowledge the distinction. I sold most of my Walker proofs a while ago but I had a 41 "No AW" and remember when I bought it, I thought there must be some value difference between the two. In any event, I like both your coins, particularly the "With AW" -- very nice look.
True, BUT since NO "AW" is not an automatic attribution by NGC, a coin with no label cannot automatically be considered WITH "AW" (or am I wrong about this). I was hoping to avoid future confusion by having the coin labeled WITH "AW". Also $60 was the total cost including S&H. The requested attribution was only $30. I'll drop by their table at the Balto Whitman show and see what they say. I would hopefully get the $30 back.
Kanga , you still have 2 beautiful coins , hopefully they'll start using the with or without designation , since they have it in the '75 Redbook I'm currently using that the '41s come with or without AW . Getting your $30 back would be nice too . rzage
