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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;7Jags, post: 3949535, member: 78719&quot;]Coming up for sale next month is a coin that represents something of a dilemma in the British series of Wreath Crowns. As many readers know, the wreath crowns were struck from 1927 through 1936 (excepting the one year 1935 &quot;Rocking Horse&quot; crown).</p><p>The 1927s were all issued in proof, though Brits often refer to the crowns of this year as &quot;specimen&quot;. After that in numbers ranging from the 1934 low of 932 pcs. to 1928 of some 7k pcs. these were struck and largely released through banks at Christmas time for service as presents, or at least so goes the literary records.</p><p>In addition, some specially prepared coins were struck each year, and these have been referred to in various sources as specimen, proof, VIP proof, VIP Record proof, etc.</p><p><br /></p><p>There are several problems with discriminating ordinary currency from these special issues in that the ordinary currency runs were very low with many proof-like pieces known from all dates. Some of these even have edges with finning and appearing rather sharp as far as devices, denticles, etc. </p><p>Another issue is that actual acknowledged proofs of even other denominations rarely demonstrate any cameo effect and in the silver coins especially, overall surfaces that are less than exemplary.</p><p><br /></p><p>In any case, with regard to Wreath crowns, the obverse is the &quot;weak&quot; area in that the strike up as well as rub and early wear show up on the cheek, brow and mustache (and hair). These are areas that should be examined carefully for strike or early stage friction/wear. The reverse has some telltale highlight areas, including the inverted &quot;T&quot; on the orb above the crown, and the stamens of the surrounding rose and central thistle areas, etc.</p><p><br /></p><p>In any case, the following coin concerns me first as to its proof status and also as to the numerical grade (PCGS Proof 65):</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1040717[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]1040718[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I apologise in advance for the distortion lines, and the low resolution that is all I can manage. But please look over the central device on the obverse: this appears poorly struck in the areas mentioned, and also significant hits/friction at these areas. The reverse fares better, but IMHO it is the obverse that is the downfall of this coin as far as proof or numerical grade. </p><p>I brought this coin up to alert readers to concerns, but also to perhaps to generate friendly discussion about the topic. I have no ax to grind on this coin but noticed it and am concerned. I have seen quite a few other&nbsp; &quot;proof&quot; Wreaths in recent years with what are similar issues....[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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