What on earth is this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1917-PCGS-L...446?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4a49ba46
I believe this enters the realm of "sample slabs". I know theres people on here who collect sample slabs so hopefully they can chime in.
Makes sense for active buyers and traders to collect old slabs, as it helps them identify (other) bogus holders they might encounter; I would think that a bogus holder is likely to hold a bogus coin, no matter how skillfully manufactured. Just an additional layer of protection.
There was a collector's kit available in the mid-'90s that contained these samples along with a few other things.
Scott Travers did a coin collectors kit with Random House in 1996 [http://www.amazon.com/Coin-Collector-Starter-Scott-Travers/dp/067660045X] They did teens and 20s coins [I don't have my set in front of me or I would remember the right dates]. It can be a fun short set to assemble - they are often found on eBay around $5-10. David Hall was quoted as saying they did a huge # of pieces, I've seen it said 100K
The dates range from 1917 to 1929, but there are no 1921 or 1922. To my best knowledge, all Philadelphia. Well circulated. Scott Travers "Find a fortune in your pocket change", ISBN 9780676600452 See here: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/pcgs-authentic-slab.258302/ where I posted a picture of the book.