VickySilver

Will send that tonight.

Yes, good point and would not be selling either the OP set or this Belize set. Buyer would not like the price tag to separate me from either!

Of course this brings us back to a perennial argument of strike and grade. IMO, a coin that is just as it left the dies with NO contact marks or handling would theoretically be a mint state 70 regardless of the crispness or softness of strike or whether there are die breaks, etc. The problem arises when some wear is introduced to the equation, and the qualities of strike and wear become inextricably mixed. Interestingly (or maybe not) with regards to this coin, I do appreciate a better strike for aesthetics. Not all 1860/59 pennies are equal in presentation or value. I have seen some slabbed MS62s that are superior if not technically then overall to 63s or maybe 64s. The above coin has a better strike but shows some wear signs, esp. the obverse that along with the grime would, if pressed, get a grade of 55 for me. OK, forgive me for the Sheldon grading...

Of parenthetical interest: About 3 years ago or so I bought a 1984 Belize specimen set from the Franklin Mint at ORIGINAL release price of USD 29.95. This set is probably even more rare than this 2002 Jamaica proof set. People have often spoken of the FM in rather derogatory terms, but the quality of their coins in terms of designs, strike and presentation was quite good. Anyway, I was just offered USD 1500 for it - which I turned down as I am a collector only. This begs the question: if you have a coin that is part of a series you collect, what offers would separate you from that coin or coins? With regards to this Belize set, I would not let it go for 5k, but maybe 10k.

Ah, yes, quite common. Some of the coins pleasant enough appearing. These were struck at the Franklin Mint to a fairly high standard.

Yes, that is so much the case, and you are so correct. The pictures showed, and I almost have to laugh at the portly runner on the crown. I suppose that sometimes George V and VI coins are not always that pleasant to look at and I almost feel that way about them, including proofs and all the Records and patterns, OMS, etc. They just cost a lot more...

Still somewhat difficult to navigate. Not the best for organisation, or clear as to what is newest and a bit of a struggle to get through. Still, Mark has gotten me some reMARKable coins over the years - truly spectacular on occasion. I suspect his interests these last few years have broadened/shifted a bit. Now if only he can find me the missing specimen 1920 3d and 6d! And resurrect my long-lost 1863 florin!

Thanks! The only problem is that the joy of the hunt is now off. Oh well! And I certainly appreciate all who have supported me and this particular search. Unfortunately, coins in my area of specialty - late milled copper and silver are way to expensive. Therefore because I am an addicted collector have had to find other things to chase.

Ten years later, I got this White Whale! DIdn't at first even know it existed but here it is. Now if I can only find the stablemate 1984 FM Specimen Set!

Isn't that the Pointer Sisters' song starting to play: "I'm So Excited"? I believe my Jammy 2002 proof set should be delivered tomorrow or at latest Wednesday. One heck of a White Whale I have been trying to get for TEN YEARS!

Yes, I quite agree. I wonder if he can work with Chris on such a book, replete with as many illustrations as possible. I know just from this forum there would be quite a few sales. In fact I will speculatively reserve mine right now! LOL

There was a response to this query on the PCGS forum. I also think it has the appearances of 5 over 5.

OK, you guys are pushing me to go back and look at my copper pennies with magnification. If I find anything, I will report. Heretofore I had just pretty much left it to the 1860/59 and the 1858/2-3.....Excellent. I will report back with any findings.

Uggh, I hate thinking about such but mercifully only one: 1863 GEF Florin (ex- Mark Rasmussen list 2006 #10, item 270). Raw, not slabbed. This coin is of prohibitive rarity IMO, and is possibly worth multiples of purchase price. My ex-wife took it with her when she left and was not returned on divorce even though stipulated in decree. As I rather love currency Vicky, that one did hit me. I have a Record Proof, but would rather have the currency version. Photo in next post

Yes, that damn 1984 specimen set was grabbed immediately as I signed on within 10 minutes and it was GONE! The less rare 1984 Jamaica proof set is scarce but that seller is crazy on his prices and I do not buy from him. I once tried to even up trade one of my Barbados rarities straight across for a much more common Panama Balboa, and he wouldn't do that either... I do believe this sale of the 2002 proof set will go through as it is indicated as having shipped. I know it is an UGLY design, but it is quite scarce (Royal Mint will not give information but I believe less than 50 sets) and so was delighted to apparently get it - not counting chickens until hatched.

News!!: I believe that I have secured this 2002 Jamaica proof set. I will post when in hand....At long last. Now for the 1984 Jamaica Specimen Set from the Franklin Mint......

Here is the type of coin you can get on Ebay and the type that keeps hope alive: 1983 Franklin Mint Uncirculated Barbados $1 coin. Mintage 141. Price? 0.99 USD

My Best penny of the year, 1853 PT from Goldberg. I apologise for the pieplate pictures that need some help. This ended up at about 300 USD with all the fees and is one of the very nicest that I have seen recently. As they like to say about Morgan dollars, this has booming cartwheel lustre that is very hard to show. I took a video as these pictures don't show the amazing cartwheel lustre this coin has. In hand it appears much more striking (like the pun?). I have really tried to get better pictures, but this was all I could do with iPhone and natural light:

With all due respect, please do. "Sh - - happens". Thankfully it was not a big ticket coin. My best to the Both of you, and I mean it.

Ah, thanks. I just looked at the example on PCGS World Coin pops that is supposed to be 65? Yikes, both of mine clearly better - that coin is NOT acceptable at the grade given.

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OK, I know I should find a picture for best effect (or be able to post it): Just bought a two coin Br. Honduras lot for USD13.20. In it was a 1954 50c that was usual crappy. The prize was a 1960 25c which is quite scarce to rare in higher (unc.) grades - it was really ugly with what could have been early verd. HOWEVER, the thing that struck me in pictures was that the rims were sharp (no, not a proof) and representative of what could be a nice unc. specimen. Not to mention a bunch of muck in the devices and lettering. Long story short, I cleaned it with ammonia - NO friction, just tamping with cotton buds - and then rinsed it well. Voila! I had what is likely an MS63 or 64 coin. As I had bought the Richard Stuart MS63 example for USD120 or so, this was quite a find. Really more about the difficulty of finding such more than the money. Perhaps I can email a reader and they can post pictures?? Sold Ebay item: 303634274564

Yes, there are a few false alarms here and there. A seller the other day had a set listed as 1984FM Jamaica specimen set and thought I had one of my "white whales"! Nope, it was a 1983 set....Scarce, but I have three already. LOL