This coin is probably a pattern for a commemorative set that was never issued, and got out of mint by accident. I have enclosed pictures of normal proof 1983 FM 1/4 Balboa proof also. Has anyone seen any other 1983 small denomination proofs with this fineness error? Any theories how it came in to existence. This coin is struck in copper nickel so the fineness is of course not correct. Fineness "errors" are known from 1975, 1976 and 1982 in the currency series with coin struck in copper nickel, but only for 1 Balboa and 5 Balboa coins. The 1982 5 Balboa proof actually was struck in 0.500 but is known with fineness "error" indicated as "Ley 0.925"
Could this coin be the apex of Panama Franklin Mint issues as far as rarity? Well, since it is my coin that sounds good. LOL
Has anyone contacted the Franklin mint for more info? Not sure if they'd be able to tell you, but worth a shot.
I was under the impression that they were defunct and had passed through many hands, receivership, etc. since the 1980s... There must be records somewhere; interestingly they were rather fastidious with record keeping 1980 and before, but after that became a grab bag affair with some reported mintages that IMO do not match up with how many have become available to the market since (restrikes, etc.?). Actually quite intriguing. As I have stated before there are little anecdotes that (special) members of the Franklin Mint Collectors Society/Club were allowed privileges with not just keys and cards & medals, but evidently ?special strikes?? of some coins that I can not find any more details on....
Hi all. Thought I would resurrect this old thread as I have not been able to find out anything more about this coin. Perhaps a reader may be able to add something about such an enigmatic coin. I believe this is a pattern coin, and not an error for the following reasoning: The diework appears legitimate, and I don't see any sign of it not being a legitimate Franklin Mint issue. There can't be an error as the die appears to be otherwise essentially identical to the regular specimen. There NEVER was a later date (or even from earlier times) a 1/4 Balboa struck in such an alloy, or with, "Ley 0.500" from any date, so it is not a mule. I have never seen another Panama minor of similar "faulty" presentation.
