Two years ago I bought a Bolen copy from Stack's. I'm not worried about it's authenticity, because of Stack's reputation. But just out of curiosity, is there third party authenticators who will authenticate (and slab) famous copies, such as the Bolen copies?
Of course, I'm not looking for our friends in China who are slabbing coins. I am wondering if anyone like PCGS or NGC would authenticate famous copies. It seems fair that if PSA (PCGS's sister company) will authentic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle re-prints, then legitimate copies of coins should be slabbed.
Actually, I'm not sure it's a re-strike. James A. Bolen made copies, but he made his own dies that were very close to the original, but not re-strikes.
I just looked to see if I could find an Evans copy (Massachusetts Cent) in a slab and I couldn't and I know I asked the main TPG's if they would authenticate a Henning nickel and all said no, so you may be out of luck with the TPG's and will have to rely on some other third party expert. Ribbit
Thanks for asking. Below is a link to another Bolen copy of the 1694 Carolina Elephant Token. This isn't the one I purchased, but it's the same. There were only 40 minted in copper. http://www.stacks.com/lotdetail.aspx?lrid=AN00062549
I'm not sure about the number being 40 but I had one of the originals in my hands a couple of weeks ago and I about melted. :goofer: They are pretty much impossible to find now but if one were to surface, it would go for a lot. RIbbit
I'm fairly certain that according to Breen's there were only 40 minted in copy. I'm surprised that famous copies can't be slabbed and copied. After all, PSA (the sister co. to PCGS) will authenticate cards that have been reprinted, i.e. the 1952 Topps Mantle reprints.
Now if our Chinese "friends" made copies of Bolen's copy, would they have to label it a "copy" as it isn't of the original, just of Bolen's copy of the original? Jim
You might check with SEGS. For some recognized copies and restrikes with established histories of collectibility such as the Bolens copies they might slab them. No guarantees but I think they might be your best shot. They seem to understand the odder niches of numismatics better than the other services.
