VickySilver

Looks PMD, possible liquid contact and then increased oxidation there - maybe the coin was in or had something spilled on the obverse.

I suppose olive oil with cotton bud GENTLE application would be relatively safe, with the residual oil removed with liberal rinse and soft detergent with more water irrigation and tamp dry with the high nap white cotton towel.... Don't blame you for being a bit nervous. Good score on that coin, and one I'd be happy to own.

I don't think a lot of spares out there!

I believe that the Baldwin cited March 2020 is NOT the one you have listed under die 88 as that used to be pictured on PCGS is my own PCGS55 specimen. The other pictured above is an NGC55 graded specimen.

As I look at this, the "medusa" head looks like it might well be a single die that was engraved, and somewhat crudely at that.

Ah, sorry mine are 88 and either 93 or 95

I will check tonite as I have two encapsulated AU55's, one each from PCGS and NGC.

Uggh, I think this has happened to many of us. I find it to happen when they are flying through the lots on different venues....

IMO, very poor offering and very, very little of interest...

Precisely, and I know that you have experienced the same in searching for your "goodies". To me, these quests are what collecting coins is all about. That is why collections such as the Hansen being formed in the States really doesn't mean much to me. So you have an enormous checkbook, big deal. I wish we could have a club of sorts with people of similar interests to "Mr. T" and me....

Mine in hand looks 0.500 but did not run a test on it. I believe the other NZ issues of smaller denominations went 0.500.

It is OK, not the most common of the later dated ones. I suspect, although the RM will not ever confirm - maybe under Freedom of Information - the actual number struck AND released is considerably less than 500. So, decent set but not that lovely to look at. LOL

Thanks for the assists all! I am waiting to see the others as I bought a couple of USA coins including what may be a 1918/7 D buffalo nickel a bit beaten but for I think it was 22 USD, and a couple of other cheapies.

Here goes gents (& ladies): PS : not my fingers checking

Will send that tonight.

Hi all, looks to be....I bought this from an eBay vendor on a lark as I was actually buying a couple other small items:

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!