physics-fan3.14

So we are delaying the one that would have been at FUN 2025?

Any update on this issue? Or, any update on a decision to accept CAC Graded coins into the Registry? I don't own any yet, but I'm looking at a couple.

No. I recently (Feb-March) submitted a world coins order, and it took 2-3 months to get them back (early May). No. It has actually gotten longer... increased demand for world coins means longer times. NGC has posted job positions for anyone interested, but the demand for coins graded seems to have outstripped qualified graders. Turnaround times are now in the 2-3 month range for world coins.

The difference between a good smartphone used well, and an actual camera with a proper lens and lighting..... Its like the difference between a Walmart steak and the nicest steak you've ever eaten. They just can't compare. Some imagers don't charge much... they enjoy taking pictures, and enjoy seeing the coins, and that's how they enjoy the hobby. The best photog I've used charged $10 per coin, plus shipping.

For me personally, I've invested a few hundred bucks into my photography setup and I take really good pictures of most of my coins. This has helped me win "Best Presented" Sets in the NGC Registry 3 times. I'm proud of my pictures... and I take them to share on the forums, Registry, etc. However... I can't compare with the pros. @leeg I don't know who you've sent your coins to. I'll say that Robec (Bob Campbell) is very, very good. I've sent him quite a lot of coins in the past, before I built my own setup. I'll say that Sir Messy is also exceptional. I've sent him some of my very difficult coins... well worth the modest price he charges. If you don't buy his calendar each year, what are you doing? I will also add... there are some "professional" photographers that charge a fee and I've been incredibly disappointed with their pictures. I'd absolutely avoid Todd, aka BlueCC. Great guy, very friendly... he just didn't do a good job with the coins I sent him.

This thread would probably see more results if you posted in the US coins forum - you have this listed in the marketplace. As for the coins... that 1956 is an incredibly harshly polished business strike coin. The 1952 shown in an earlier post is most likely a business strike coin which has been polished and possibly plated after it left the mint. Both of these coins are damaged... there is no secret, unknown die state shown on these coins. And, a VEDS (as you call it) is not an "undefined subtype" with unicorn characteristics. Its just an early die state. These are well understood, and graded appropriately.

Wow! That is gorgeous!

I own a 1963 MS-65+* FBL Franklin:

I love rainbow toned bust halves. Big fan.

When you say the next QDB, what exactly do you mean? Elder statesman? Writer of too many books of generally okay quality? Long time dealer with stories of legendary collections? I don't think there will be another QDB, and I don't think there needs to be. Don't get me wrong, he's a legend. But, like Eliasberg, Ford, Pittman, etc., each brought something different to numismatics.

Yes, many years ago "Architect" granted a few of us custom titles. I don't believe the Architect is still involved here, but the custom titles stuck.

I used to! I assembled a collection by monarch, as you did. I have since sold that collection and moved in a different direction. This was one of my favorites:

She doesn't really need that much numismatic knowledge - as the director, she won't be writing the things. But, judging by the sounds of what she's doing, a fresh (outside) perspective is what is needed to revitalize these programs. She can rely and a whole team of people to actually write the learning - the director's job is vision and direction.

That is a cast reproduction of an Athenian owl. It is not a genuine coin.

Roger - FMtM and Renaissance trilogy are your best book covers. Simple, evocative, title is bold.... I don't care for extraneous imagery. In that vein, I like the Eagle and Lion cover better. Just make sure the imagery conveys the message of your book.

Ok, I can accept claims of differences in position and shape of lettering. None of this has been mentioned by OP, or anywhere in this thread until now. OP shows no pictures of Q, and has different lighting on Unum. If we can get clear and identically lit pictures that show these differences, we'll make progress. If the claimants have access to modern photographical suits, an overlay would be another great tool to clearly show differences. The pictures must be shot from the same angle, same magnification, and same lighting to be useful. But modern photo suites should have a way to overlay images to clearly show differences. I agree - die wear does not preclude doubling. But, most of what you have shown can be more easily described by die wear instead of new types. Occam's Razor. The "double peak" on the A can just as easily be explained by die deterioration that has advanced to the state where it also has radial "starburst" grooves. The coin you show is clearly a very late die state, and starburst die grooves are common on many of the images you show. Your "notch" may in fact not be a notch at all. Just google die deterioration doubling. It has exactly the appearance that you show. Different coin, different era... but this 1999P Jefferson shows something extremely similar.

I'm just not seeing anything between the two so-called types that can't be explained by hubbing pressure and die wear. There is no variation in the shape of letters, distances between them, or any distinct variation. Yes, one is thicker - but more pressure on the hub will do that, and then a much later die state will also lead to thicker elements (as shown on the pictures in the OP). And, the single squeeze process wasn't even starting to be developed until 1985. It didn't receive widespread use until the mid-90s. The OP is claiming this is a 1983D (although, he must be confused because he's labeled a proof coin as 83D as well).

Not really much cheaper, haha.

As a Carolina Boy, I've always wanted one of the Bechtler pieces. Availability, priority, and budget have just never aligned.

I'm familiar with the one cent (although I don't own one). I didn't realize he struck other denominations.

What I'm seeing on the Type I vs Type 2 can all be explained by regular die wear, from a late die state. And, while I agree that the so-called DDR looks weird... it looks a lot like "die deterioration doubling".... again, from a late die state. If you want recognition on this one, it will have to be submitted to several of the leading variety attributers. You should start with CONECA. Instructions can be found here: https://conecaonline.org/attribution-services/ If Mike Ellis agrees that you've got something good, then you've got something good. It's not unheard of to find new varieties - I myself am listed as discoverer for a Franklin DDR.

I fully understand you have a backlog, no worries. I'm just hoping you consider adding it to the list And yes, I have a Custom Set that I'm overhauling this year. Thanks

Hi, Ali! I'd like to request a new set for Morocco: Coins of the French Protectorate. In Krause, it is numbers Y# 34.1 through Y# 54 (dates 1921 - 1956). This a cool set, with lots of variety. We currently have a type set for the era (and, I won Best Presented Set this year), but I'd like to see the full set. We've slowly been expanding the Morocco sets in the Registry, so I'd love to see this added. Thanks

When did they start sending coins with the awards? This was the first time I've gotten a coin, so it must have been after 2017.

Got my plaque today, and there was a sweet surprise! I wasn't expecting the coin. Super cool! Thanks NGC.