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coppercoins.com Forum Index arrow Other U.S. Coins (even Morgan dollars) arrow Another strange story

Another strange story
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GarryN
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 01, 2003 9:26 am Reply with quote

I was on Harlan Berk's website and they had a Morgan Dollar for $39 on there, it was raw and it was graded MS64. It purported to be an 1884-O that had an E clash on the reverse. It was described as an unlisted VAM variety, which would be quite true. The 1884-P is known to have an E clash variety. The E clash comes form the word LIBERTY in the headband. So I looked at the coin on the website and I could not see the mint mark. I looked at an 1885-O, similar photo, and I could clearly see the mint mark.

So I called. I spoke to a well known published numismatist there. I asked about the 1884-O and he got it from the vault and brought it to the phone. I asked if it was an 1884-O and he said yes. He said he was surprised when he saw the E clash and did not see it listed. He said that the entire reverse shows evidence of clashing. He said the E was a partial clash. I said OK I will take it. I get the coin and it is the 1884-P. I paid 39 forit, an MS64 of this variety should go for at least $100. Unbelievable. How could that happen?? How could he make a mistake like that??


Last edited by GarryN on Tue Sep 02, 2003 7:46 am; edited 1 time in total
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Robert
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 01, 2003 2:11 pm Reply with quote

Just goes to show that you can still find good varieties of anything.

Knowledge is the key. Learn all you can.

Good job!
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Bob P
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 01, 2003 3:22 pm Reply with quote

I see no way that a 'well known' numismatis could make a mistake like that. I guess it is possible that someone else actually packaged and sent it to you, but being a different date all together makes you wanna go Hmmmmmm. In all likeyhood, it was unintentional as you actually spoke to the individual. I guess it all depends on your satisfaction with what you got as far as whether or not you mention the faux pas to him.

Bob P
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GarryN
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 01, 2003 7:32 pm Reply with quote

I agree Bob, the coin is worth 3 times what I paid for it and the coin is the same in the photo so there is no way it was switched. But it was Tom DeLorey I spoke to. He is one of the best. I dont think I will call.
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Bob P
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 02, 2003 3:46 pm Reply with quote

Well, what can I say? I certainly think Tom DeLorey is more than capable of determining one coin from another, and he is one of the best in the business. But based on the photo and your conversation, I guess I wouldn't call either! Congrats on the nice coin Garry.

Bob P
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