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Anyone collect samples from ATS by year of issue? (Update 7-22-16)

18 posts in this topic

Update - IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR GENERATIONS 1-13, THEY HAVE BEEN DIVIDED INTO SEPARATE THREADS COVERING GEN 1-5, 6-7 AND 8-13 - KEY WORD FOR SEARCH IS "GENERATIONS".

 

SAMPLES SAMPLES SAMPLES

 

So, if you buy into the PCGS generations I proposed in another thread PCGS Generations - an attempted update., it makes organizing PCGS samples easier. The classification scheme presented here is based on the PCGS generations as a foundation. After all, it only makes sense that samples were distributed at the same time as the generations listed above to promote them (well, there are some exceptions, but they will be noted in each section). It's real strength is in being able to find a sample quickly and efficiently and knowing whether you already have it or need it. Cameron Kiefer (CK) was the pioneer who started organizing samples from many TPG's and it's a great asset that can still be found at Sampleslabs.com (referred to as SS from here on out). The weakness for me is that his generations relate more to when the sample was discovered by him rather than how they relate to each other by generations. Since it hasn't been updated for several years, it makes organizing more recent samples difficult. This thread will hopefully bring us up to date and newer generations can be easily added.

 

Rarity This is somewhat subjective and is based on what I and a few friends have seen. Also, if not on SS (up until it was no longer updated), it's probably at least scarce!

 

Somewhat problematic are special issues that defy simple classification by generation. The more recent Asian issues for example will be classified by their date of issue rather than by generation.

 

If you have information that can make this more useful or accurate or if there is misinformation posted here, please PM me - the idea is for it to be continually updated. Especially needed are dates when specific samples first appeared within each generation.

 

Typo's are being corrected. The original version froze on me and PCGS couldn't fix it. I had to cut and repaste every picture and paragraph, one by one, with all the emoticons and bold designations having to be redone. I'll be reviewing now and then to be sure the original intent carries over.

 

The numbering will change as new samples are discovered and an attempt is made to place them in proper chronological order (rather than being based on discovery date). The general scheme is as follows. The first number will be the generation followed by a number that attempts to place in chronological order when that sample appeared. Some later samples require a more complicate scheme (the buffalo herd) and it will be explained with those samples. Finally at the end are slabs that don't fit in the general PCGS generations scheme. These will be listed at the end by year of issue. It was developed somewhat by the need for my photo files to be organized in proper chronology.

 

 

 

Samples that defy being pigeon-holed into a generation! The holders/samples that follow just don't fit neatly into the PCGS generations scheme but are still collectible. I've chosen to simply put them into the year of issue as that is the easiest way to find out if you need them or not. Each year will be the heading followed by the holders/samples that fit best in that year. This includes the Asian and European samples. Listing by year facilitates finding them to see if you have vs need them.

 

2005

 

 

Sam_2005_Silver_Rndtable_zpsaf9d82a3.jpg

 

Shown earlier in Sample generation 6, posted here as well because of the date on the reverse.

 

2006

 

Lunch_2006_ASE_zps5kifjbps.jpg

 

ASE given out to celebrate 20 years in business.

 

2007

 

 

Sam_2007_50c_Kenn_zpse16fdbfd.jpg

 

Presumably a corporate promotion but I don't know the details - PM's appreciated if you do. :D

 

Sam_2007_EERC_zps37b52831.jpg

 

Christmas gift from Rick Snow in 2007 for his customers.

 

Asia_2007_China_Visit_zpse46c5929.jpg

 

Issued in 2007, 200 made. One of the more attractive Asia issues.

 

Sam_2007_Washington_zpsv2gly8lx.jpg

 

This one, like the 2008 Presidential samples which follow, is a mystery. Not sure when/where these were given out. No grade on this one, MS as opposed to Proof on the 2008 issues.

 

2008

 

Sam_2008_Jefferson_zpsfa146688.jpg

 

Sam_2008_Jackson_zps3771f5be.jpg

 

These 2 were said to be "VIP" samples. I don't know anything more than that and have put them here because of the 2008 on the holder. If you have any more specific information or examples with different Presidents, please let me know.

 

Sam_2008_Jackson_P69_zpsktmqlqdh.jpg

 

Another Presidential sample, unsure of when these were issued. So far no info on the US Coin forum regarding date of issue or what shows.

 

2009

 

Sam_Xmas_zpsaa20ca2e.jpg

 

PCGS sample, limited edition for Christmas 2009, likely for dealer submitters. Total made?? Given the bullion value, I imagine many of these were cracked out. The survival number is unknown.

 

Sam_eCollector_11_zps97413dae.jpg

 

This was one of the coins given away by PCGS to a subscriber of the e-zine, the monthly newsletter, 3-31-09. They started the giveaway in November 2008. I tried to buy the first coin ever given out but after contacting the listed winner, he claims to have never received the coin even after contacting PCGS. :Funny;

 

2009_Members_Show_PCGS_zps852b767d.jpg

 

This was likely a dealer sample given out at the Las Vegas show. While it's a "member" show, typically the trinkets are given to the dealers who attend and have a table. Same for the PCGS Members Only shirts.

 

 

2010

 

 

eCollector_2010_March_zps5dc5993f.jpg

eCollector_2010_PCGS_Pic_zps1277f260.jpg

 

This was given away March 2010. Grades "88". :Funny; Interesting to see the mock up of the slab from the PCGS website in comparison (second photo below the actual slab).

 

2011

 

Sam_2011_WMF_Berlin_zpsfkjkbztd.jpg

 

These were given out during the World Money Fair in Berlin January 2011.

 

 

PCGS_2011_25th_Ann_zps053bcfee.jpg

 

These were produced to celebrate the 25th anniversary of PCGS's founding.

 

 

Asia_2011_Aug_HongKong_zps519c3e63.jpg

 

Issued for the 2011 Hong Kong Int. Coin Convention August 2011. Web site on the reverse is www.pcgsglobal.com which by 2013 changes to www.PCGSAsia.com.

 

Sam_2011_11_BICE_zpsly7v1fal.jpg

 

From the Nov. 2011 BICE show.

 

2012

 

 

Asia_2012_HongKong_Opening_zpsd3360106.jpg

 

Probably a dealer vs VIP sample given the value of the 2012 ASE within. 2012 date on the obverse, PCGS Opening on the reverse. Interesting that an American coin would be used for a Chinese show. These are at least scarce and not often offered.

 

Asia_2012_Bejing_zps5e3ca447.jpg

 

This was issued for the Beijing International Stamp and Coin Exposition, again featuring a US coin. Not sure why a 2009-D Lincoln was chosen?? This one shows moderate spotting.

 

Asia_2012_April_HK_Opening_zps347ad4cd.jpg

 

Another Hong Kong Opening sample, April 2012 with a 2011 5 Jiao coin. Coin grade is 80! Nonsense serial number with sample in small letters after the barcode.

 

Asia_2012_August_HK_zps02509c1f.jpg

 

This one is very similar to the preceding sample but w/o the red background and from August 2012.

 

Sam_2012-LB_Sept_zps9d5f7a28.jpg

 

Issued at the Sept. 2012 Long Beach show, a James Monroe $1.

 

Sam_2012_Germany_zpshpmcn4tw.jpg

 

Not sure when this was issued, guessing 2012. If you know, PM appreciated.

 

2013

 

2013_Feb_LB_2009_Linc_zps41336a68.jpg

 

February 2013 LB show with a 2009-D Lincoln 1c.

 

Asia_2013_April_HICC_zpse394a097.jpg

 

Another Asian sample, HICC with specific dates this time, April 5-7, 2013. No bar code or web site address on the reverse.

 

Sam_2013_June_LB_800_zpsb3e69486.jpg

 

This was given out during the June 2013 Long Beach show - it has the month but not the dates.

 

Sam_2013_June_Grading102_800_zpsc6413bd0.jpg

 

Graduation "sample" handed out at the completion of the grading classes taught by PCGS at the Long Beach shows. Not really an advertising "Sample" so placed here as a PCGS collectible slab.

 

Sam_2013_Sept_LB_800_zpsefa75027.jpg

 

Another LB PCGS sample, this from Sept. 2013. Interesting to see the 2011 date on the reverse. I've seen these with D and S MM's. Any P's out there??

 

2013_LB_YN_TRoosevelt_zps5f3e5976.jpg

 

Not exactly sure if this was given out at the Sept. 2013 or earlier. Bought it in a lot of coins that included the Feb. and Sept. 2013 LB samples, so am guessing it was given out in 2013. If you know specifically, let me know. Features a Teddy Roosevelt dollar.

 

Sam_2013_Oct_Korea_zps396892e4.jpg

 

Sample from the October 2013 Korea show. This from CoinWeek. The three-day show in Seoul, October 26 – 28, 2012, was sponsored by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, the Bank of Korea and Shinhan Bank. A PCGS Authorized Dealer in Korea, Coinstore (www.pcgs.com), hosted a meeting to introduce PCGS services to the presidents of local coin clubs.

 

Sam_2013_11_BICE_zpswu0ujver.jpg

 

If I’m reading the international date correctly , this sample was issued during the Nov. 2013 BICE show.

 

2014

 

 

2014_2-1-14_Treasure_zps47e60c4b.jpg

 

PCGS "sample" given to YN's for completion of the treasure hunt held at the Feb. 2014 show.

 

Sam_2014_2-14_WMF_Berlin_zpsuqzx80ue.jpg

 

Neat looking label from the Feb. 2014 WMF in Berlin.

 

Sam_2014_HICC-4-4-14_zpsec421e37.jpg

 

Hong Kong show, HICC, 4-4-14. Comes with the newer version holder introduced in 2014 but with a solid color insert on one side, colorful on the other, no hologram.

 

Sam_2014_LB_June_Delaware_1_zpsaa22743e.jpg

 

Sam_2014_LB_June_McHenry_25c_zps8a861e52.jpg

 

Sam_2014_LB_50th_Ann_JuneLB_zps5d4fd44c.jpg

 

These 3 are from the June 2014 Long Beach show. I'm told that the YN's were able to choose from a variety of samples at the end of the treasure hunt. The 50th Anniversary LB sample was said to be the least common and least selected by the YN's. It will be interesting to see how many appear on the secondary market. Update These were also available at the Sept. 2014 LB show. On 9-14-14 the 50th Anniversary Kennedy's were offered on ebay, the P version bringing $132, the D version $188!

 

Sam_2014_8-13_Canada_zps9bc45e71.jpg

 

This is a very interesting sample for several reasons. It's the first from a Canadian show that I've seen. PCGS wasn't physically in attendance but the sample was included in the convention packet for the dealers. The show was in Toronto August 13-16, 2014. There were 43 dealers with 63 tables, so the number made could be as low as 45. If anyone knows how many were made and who else might have gotten them, please let me know. Finally, the slab/hologram is a style from a earlier generation pre-dating 2014. The coin is a 2014 50c piece. The queen isn't sneezing - it's a scratch in the plastic. One brought $89.89 on ebay 11-26-14.

 

Sam_2014_China_HICC_8-22-14_zps9b53c6a8.jpg

 

Sample from the HICC show in Hong Kong 8-22-14. It's interesting that the Asian samples will occasionally have the date range for the show, something you don't typically see on the American samples.

 

Sam_2014_Sept_LB_YN_10c_Duo_zpsdc20d481.jpg

 

This dime made it's appearance at the Sept. 2014 Long Beach show and like the others, was a prize for the YN treasure hunt. A enterprising YN consigned several to Mike Kittle, this one bringing $81 on ebay 9-14-14. Photo's courtesy of Mike Kittle.

 

Sam_2014_Sept_LB_5c_Obv_zps69dded1e.jpg

 

This 5c piece made it's debut at the Sept. 2014 LB show as well. It comes with the P and D MM's. On 9-14-14 the P version brought $76.57, the D version $81.80. Photo's courtesy of Mike Kittle.

 

Sam_2014_Sept_LB_1c_Duo_zps1e5be2db.jpg

 

This 1c sample made it's debut at the Sept. 2014 LB show as well. On 9-14-14 2 were offered on ebay, one selling for $56.55, the other for $61.62. Photo's courtesy of Mike Kittle.

 

Sam_2014_Sept_25c_GBNP_Duo_zps23949b4c.jpg

 

This Great Basin NP 25c sample was first spotted at the 9/14 LB show. It brought $50.52 on ebay 9-14-14. Photo's courtesy of Mike Kittle.

 

Asia_2014_BICE_10-26-14_zpsnyc9xj3u.jpg

 

This is from the Beijing International Coin Expo (BICE), the largest coin show in China held 10-26-14.

 

Asia_2014_12-2_MIC_APE_zpsgz1hk55e.jpg

 

The 1st Macau International Coin & Precious Metals Expo, MICAPE opened 12-2-2014. As noted in a PCGS press release, While supplies last, each submitter in Macau will receive a free coin housed in the new, crystal clear, scratch resistant holders introduced by PCGS earlier this year. Each holder features a specially-designed Macau commemorative insert label. I'm not sure how many were made or given out.

 

Sam_11_FastCoin_Morgan_zpsf6033ef2.jpg

 

Non-Sample These started appearing on ebay Nov. 2014, the Morgan selling for $250 as a BIN. It remains to be seen how common these are (some are being sold 10 at a time!) and I'm more inclined to include them here in the year category rather than as a true sample since they are pieces being made/sold for profit by a company rather than a true PCGS sample. After being told it was a one-off sample (by the seller) several more appeared around Christmas 2014 (Morgan and Peace dollars). Other denominations seen so far include Lincoln cents, Jefferson 5c, Mercury and Roosevelt dimes, WA quarters and Franklin/Kennedy 50c pieces. After seeing one in person, it's the old style blue-tint holder with the newer reverse sticker but with the prior hologram rather than the Dupont hologram. If nothing else, it's an interesting transition style.

 

2015

 

There were no new sample styles given out at the Jan. FUN show or the Feb. Long Beach show. Prior YN leftover slabs were given out at LB (per Mike Kittle).

 

Sam_2015_WMF_Berlin_Jan_30_zps7mjzofhl.jpg

 

This sample is from the Jan. 30, 2015 Berlin World Money Fair in Berlin. This from the press release: "The PCGS team will be meeting with collectors and dealers and taking coin submissions in Berlin starting on 28 January at the Estrel Convention Center before the show begins there. PCGS then will have two booths at the show, B3 and H79, starting on opening day, 30 January," said Ms. Muriel Eymery, PCGS Vice President of International Business Development.

 

Sam_2015_HICC_April_3-5_zpsfciyvksb.jpg

 

Hong Kong International Coin Show & Antique Watch Fair (HICC) April 2015.

 

Sam_2015_June_LB_TH_zpseczbgxwg.jpg

 

Crossover appeal on this being both a PCGS sample and a YN treasure hunt prize - from the June 2015 Long Beach show.

 

Sam_2015_RCNA_Halifax_zpsiihsn3fs.jpg

 

RCNA convention in Halifax, NS July 21-26. Features the Generation 13 style slab, thicker plastic and the newer post-Dupont hologram. There were 44 dealers in attendance. Not sure how many of these samples were made. If you know, PM me!

 

Sam_2015_8-28_HICC_2_zpsv9hdgoyl.jpg

 

Sample from the Aug. 28-30 HICC show. Contains a 1997 HK $2 piece.

 

Sam_13.1_HK-SAR_2_zpspllapo5j.jpg

 

Although not indicated on the slab, these have been offered buy a seller from Hong Kong (Yus18) as coming from the HK HICC show August 28-30, 2015. Seems to fit the period of when these were first being offered.

 

Sam_2015_LB_Sept_TH_MtRush_zpsrhg2q1ai.jpg

 

Sam_2015_LB_TH_Kisatchie_zps1pw2vnrw.jpg

 

Sam_2015_TH_Sept_LB_GC_zpsjctmlrma.jpg

 

Sam_2015_Sept_LB_TH_Everglades_zpsxhtucnu5.jpg

 

These 4 treasure hunt samples from the Sept. 2015 Long Beach show were offered by Mike Kittle on ebay - they brought from $88 to $103 dollars each!

 

This was part of the description for each lot. At the September 2015 Long Beach Coin Expo, PCGS introduced a new registry set intended for young numismatists participating in the Treasure Hunt at the Long Beach Show. Upon completion of the Treasure Hunt at the show, young numismatists were given one or more coins in specially labeled Treasure Hunt slabs and were invited to track their collection in the online PCGS Set Registry. A total of six different coins were possible to collect at the September 2015 show, four quarters and two half dollars, and grades from MS62 to MS65 were possible. The young numismatist treasure hunters were encouraged to trade any duplicates they had with others in order to help each other build a more complete set. At future shows, it is possible that other coins will be added to the mix of these Treasure Hunt slabs so that the kids can continue to build their YN Treasure Hunt registry sets. Because of the popularity of the YN Treasure Hunt at the Long Beach Expo and the new set registry which helps the young numismatist collectors build and track their sets of these Treasure Hunt slabs, most of the children participating in the event kept their prizes and they were very difficult to obtain on the secondary market. In fact, I was unable to purchase a single half dollar in the new treasure hunt slabs at the show.

 

Sam_2015_Sept_LB_TH_Kennedy_zpsrmq0kh7o.jpg

 

After the Feb. 2016 LB show, Mike was able to offer this Kennedy half on ebay.

 

Sam_2015_10_Berlin_1Won_zpscctkjdhe.jpg

 

Sam_2015_10_Berlin_10Won_zpszkmkwwnt.jpg

 

These 2 are from the October 2015 Numismata Berlin show with South Korea 1 and 10 Won coins.

 

Sam_2015_11-4_BICE_zpsr0khgq8a.jpg

 

I believe this sample is from the 11-4-15 BICE show in Beijing. At least that's when they started appearing. LMK if you know otherwise. :)

 

Sam_2015_12-8_HK_SAR-HKINF_zpsusuhztkb.jpg

 

This sample is from the Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair December 8-10, 2015. SAR = Special Administrative Region. PCGS had on site grading during the show.

 

2016 2106 2016 2106 2016 2106 2016 2106 2016 2106 2016 2106

 

Sam_2016_Feb_LB_Homestead_zpsscaubszo.jpg

 

PCGS sample from the February 2016 Long Beach show. PCGS calls this their generation 5 holder (5th style ignoring the label and hologram changes). Transitional style as well with no QRS code on the reverse.

 

Sam_2016_2_LB_TH_5c_zpsiivsy6z7.jpg

 

Sam_2016_2_LB_TH_10c_zpsh3kui6gf.jpg

 

Sam_2016_2_LB_TH_25c_zpsphf9w6ss.jpg

 

Sam_2016_2_LB_TH_50c_zps17mtps3k.jpg

 

Here are 4 of the YN Treasure Hunt coins from the February 2016 Long Beach show. Reverse recognizes the 30th Anniversary of PCGS. Below is the YN registry - there are a few I still haven't been able to get pictures of.

 

Screen%20Shot%202016-02-20%20at%206.53.33%20PM_zpsy4a26dee.png

 

Here is the PCGS YN Registry composition as of the Feb. 2016 LB show.

 

Screen%20Shot%202016-07-21%20at%209.11.17%20AM_zpsmp2meobs.png

 

Here is the updated YN Registry as of the June 2016 LB show showing the addition of the Shawnee and Cumberland gap quarters.

 

Sam_2016_WW2_1-5c_FS_zps5ub3reoe.jpg

 

Interesting sample that appeared in mid-2016, duo holder with WW2 1c and 5c pieces, as shown. 2 appeared on eBay and brought strong prices, the one offered w/o the FS nickel brought $330, the one with FS $435!

 

Sam_2016_Nixon_JuneLB_zpsop8totse.jpg

 

Nixon sample from the June 2016 LB show. Ungraded, 80 following the coin number - maybe PCGS is moving to a 100 point scale??

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Interesting information. Maybe you should compile this and a similar article on NGC samples and send it to the Numismatist for publication. On-line is nice but it does not have the long-term accessibility that print media has.

 

BTW the comment on one of the samples about the SG $10 design being inspired by Longacre's cent is wrong.

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BTW the comment on one of the samples about the SG $10 design being inspired by Longacre's cent is wrong.

 

I don't know you well enough to bet, but my money is on Rick Snow.

 

RWB is Roger Burdette. He literally wrote the book on this topic. Also, the label calls it a $20 pattern, but isn't that the $10 design?

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The original Liberty head by Saint-Gaudens was from his work on the Sherman Memorial. He called this "Nike Erini." He planned to use it on the new cent design. President Roosevelt was very fond of Native American headdresses, and insisted that SG add one to the Nike portrait. Ergo, the "Indian Head" that was used on a single pattern $20 and then on the $10 coins.

 

Longacre's flying eagle from the 1856 cent was mentioned by SG as an example, but he did not base his flying eagle on Longacre's. (A good example of basing a coin design on an earlier work is the reverse of the $5 by Bela Pratt. This was adapted from SG's inaugural medal reverse and the $10 reverse at TR's direction - specifically to make the eagle more natural looking.)

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Great research. Thanks for posting it for us. I collect Sample Slabs from all TPG's but only those with a cent. To date I have 78 different sample cent slabs. Due to the OP's post I have some additions to my want list.

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78 all with cents?? Cool! :)

 

There are more ATS categorized by generation of the slab.

 

If interested, search "generations" ATS.

 

These are just the "oddballs" that don't fit the usual generational scheme.

 

 

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Thanks Lakesammmen I bookmarked those threads. Pics have been sent to David Schwager also, he was surprised by all the cent samples.

 

Trivia time: Did PCGS ever use a 2011 cent in a sample? It 's a trick question. Intentionally no they didn't, but the sample I picked up at their table at the 2013 ANA show in Rosemont is labeled as a 2012-D but holds a 2011-D cent

 

Edited to add pic:

2012-D%20PCGS%20w2011-D%20Sample_zpszfiujtrv.jpg

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FYI - between your work and mine, David has all the data on the 2016 LB samples for the next edition of the book!

 

As a tease...

 

PCGS database shows 442 samples, including 2015 Kennedy halves and various ATB quarters were made, not including the 1986 coins (in honor of PCGSs 30th anniversary). Grades range from MS62 to MS65 and PF67 to PF69.

 

 

 

 

 

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