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U.S. & World Major Mint Errors • Die Trials • Numismatic Rarities
Mike Byers ’ Catalog of
U.S. & World Major Mint Errors and Die Trials
Contact us to confirm availability and our best price.
Unique
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Unique 4 pc. Set
Unique
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Two Known
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Byers Numismatic Corp mikebyers.com T he Lar ge st Dea ler of the World’s R are st M i nt Er ror s
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U.S. & World Major Mint Errors
•
Die Trials • Numismatic Rarities
Unique Set of Four Paraguay Gold Overstrikes NGC Certified
1865 2¢ Deep Obverse Die Cap & Brockage
1920 Buffalo Nickel Struck on Copper Planchet NGC AU 55 UNIQUE
Unique Jefferson Nickel Die Trial PCGS Certified
1898 Barber 25¢ Obverse Die Cap & Brockage PCGS MS 62
1901/0-S $5 Liberty Gold 10% Off-Center PCGS AU 55
1853 U.S. Assay Gold $20 Double Struck NGC AU 55
1965 English Penny Struck on Gold Planchet PCGS MS 62
1875-CC $20 Liberty Gold Partial Collar NGC MS 62
1904 $20 Gold Double Struck ANACS MS 60 Proof-Like
Indian Cent on Half Dime Planchet Uniface Obverse PCGS MS 63
1910 Lincoln Cent Uniface Test Strike PCGS AU 58
1864 2¢ Obverse Die Cap Mated With Brockage PCGS MS 62
Martha Washington Dollar Test Piece Clad Plan w/Exp Edge NGC MS 64
1851 3¢ Obverse & Reverse Die Trials Struck on Cardboard
1856 Large Cent Obverse Cap/ Brockage Reverse Gem BU
Martha Washington Dollar Test Piece Sac Plan w/Exp Edge NGC MS 64
1869 Indian Cent Struck on Silver Dime Planchet PCGS AU 55
1920 SL 25¢ Struck on Peru 20C Planchet NGC MS 60 FH Unique
1838 $5 Die Trial Splasher J-A1838-6 PCGS MS 65 UNIQUE
1906-D $20 Liberty Gold Broadstruck NGC AU 58
Pair of Indian Head 1¢ Die Caps Obverse & Reverse PCGS MS 64
Barber Half Full Obverse Brockage PCGS AU 58 UNIQUE
Ike Dollar Double Struck on a Dime Planchet PCGS MS 64
1921-S Morgan Dollar Struck 45% Off-Center NGC MS 63
1895-O Barber Dime Obverse Die Cap PCGS MS 64
1871 3¢ Nickel Struck on 1¢ Stock NGC MS 62 BN
1924 SL 25¢ Double Struck ANACS AU 55
1862 Indian Head 1¢ Deep Obverse Die Cap PCGS MS 62
1818/5 Cap Bust Quarter Struck 5% Off-Center NGC MS 65
1887 $3 Indian Gold Proof Triple Struck PCGS PR 63
1942 Walking Liberty 50¢ Struck on Silver 25¢ Planchet PCGS MS 65
1860 $5 Reverse Hub Trial Struck in Copper NGC MS 64 BN
Mike Byers’ 2010 Catalog of
U.S. & World Major Mint Errors and Die Trials Contact us to confirm availability and our best price. It is the largest selection of U.S. & World Major Mint Errors and Die Trials ever offered for sale including many unique and spectacular pieces. Mike Byers is president of Byers Numismatic Corp. He has been a Professional Numismatist for over thirty years, has handled major coin collections and attends every major coin convention. He is the Publisher and Editor of Mint Error News Magazine and the website minterrornews.com. Mike Byers is a life member of ANA since 1985, a charter member of NGC and a featured dealer/member of PCGS. He is also a founding member of the California Coin & Precious Metals Association, a life member of the Central States Numismatic Society and a member of ICTA. He is member A71 in the Certified Coin Exchange (CCE). Mike Byers was a consultant to ANACS for Mint Errors from 2000 to 2006.
Terms of Sale Prices are subject to change without notice and all items are subject to prior sale. You must confirm the availability and price since some of the inventory is on consignment from dealers and collectors. All coins, currency and related items are guaranteed genuine and are delivered registered, insured, and prepaid. We offer a payment plan for those collectors who can not pay the entire price at the time of purchase. On purchases of $3,000. or more we will accept a $1,000. non-refundable down payment. The balance is then due within 45 days, interest free. Contact us for more information. We sometimes accept offers on items that are less than the listed price. This depends on the value of the item, the length of time the item has been in our inventory and whether it is a duplicate or a unique piece. If you are serious about purchasing an item and would like to make an offer, please contact us. We do welcome trades. Contact us for more information. We accept credit cards through PayPal. There is a 5% fee for any returned items that were paid using PayPal. You may also pay by personal check (items will be shipped upon clearance), Money Order, or Certified Funds. Make all checks payable to Byers Numismatic Corp. Seven day return privilege upon receipt. Coins must be returned in original holders. There is no return privilege on any item that is purchased using our extended payment plan, any discounted item, or if coins were traded as partial payment. Unless a proper resale number is provided, all orders under $1,500. require California residents to add 7.75% sales tax. All transactions (or related transactions) involving cash payments exceeding $10,000 are reported on Form 8300 and sent to the IRS. We do not purchase nor accept bullion related items in trade on any of our inventory. All coins are kept in a bank vault. Please allow two business days for order processing.
Published by Mike Byers • Copyright © 2010 Byers Numismatic Corp. All rights reserved. Page 3
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Byers Numismatic Corp mikebyers.com T he Lar ge st Dea ler of the World’s R are st M i nt Er ror s
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U.S. & World Major Mint Errors
•
Die Trials • Numismatic Rarities
Consign Your Coins to mikebyers.com Terms and Conditions We are offering this service for error collectors and dealers alike. In order to post your item on our web site you must agree to the following terms and conditions. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
All major U.S. mint errors are accepted if they are certified by PCGS, NGC, ICG or ANACS. The approximate value of each item must exceed $5,000. Each item must meet our inventory criteria in terms of desirability and market value. Byers Numismatic Corp charges a 10 % commission for each sale. The minimum time for any listing is thirty days. Seller agrees to a seven day return privilege from date of receipt. Seller agrees to use an escrow service if requested by the buyer. We reserve the right to deny or cancel any listing at any time. All listing are subject to prior sale.
Please do not offer us the following: 1. 2. 3. 4.
More than two coins bonded together. Caps more than ½ inch high. U.S. Errors that were obviously and intentionally struck as error coins. No impossible mint errors. We only accept consignments of U.S. Errors that were legitimately released through normal distribution channels.
Scanning Specifications 1. Scan both the obverse and reverse of the entire holder. 2. Scan with a resolution of at least 300 dpi. 3. Save the picture in jpeg format (jpg).
Information Requirements In addition to e-mailing a photo of your item, please include the following information: 1. Name, Address & Phone Number 2. E-Mail Address 3. Asking Price
After your item is listed, we will contact you by e-mail with any offers and questions. Once a price is agreed upon we will handle the entire sale for a 10% transaction fee, which includes all costs (eBay fees, grading fees, webmaster charges, postage and registration fees, insurance, paperwork, etc.). If you have a Mint Error collection for sale or would like to sell your duplicates and do not want to consign your coin(s), we can purchase your entire collection outright. Please contact us at
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Issues of Mint Error News Magazine are available for you to read online at:
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Mike Byer s is the Publisher & Editor of Mint Er ror News M aga zine
“S” Walking Liberty Half Dollar Double Struck 50% Off-Center on 25¢ Planchet MS 65 PCGS • Unique
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his Walking Liberty Half Dollar has to be the most incredible mint error in the series. Not only is it struck on a silver Quarter planchet, it is also double struck. The second strike is 50% off-center with a uniface obverse. Even though there is no date, it was struck at the San Francisco Mint since the “S” is clearly visible. It is in gem mint state condition and was recently certified by PCGS. It is also the cover coin of Issue 24 of Mint Error News Magazine.
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Unique NGC Set of Four Paraguay Gold Overstrikes
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his is a unique set of nineteenth century Paraguay patterns that were overstruck on previously struck gold coins. NGC recently certified this spectacular discovery set which was first published as a Mint Error News Magazine cover story. Throughout history, some overstrikes were intentionally produced for several reasons. Sometimes overstrikes occur due to a coinage shortage. Another factor is the lack of available planchets to strike a new design. In modern times, overstrikes are considered mint errors. Overstrikes are coins that have been struck over a struck coin. Generally speaking, there are two major types of overstrikes. The first type would be a double denomination (a Lincoln Cent struck over a struck Dime). Although these are overstrikes, they are referred to as double denominations and are known on many denominations of coins from many countries. The second type of overstrike is a coin which is struck (either deliberately or as a mint error) on a previously struck coin from a different era and country. In ancient times, it was not uncommon to strike coins over previously struck coins with portraits of earlier Kings. In Colonial times, coins circulating were sometimes struck using other coins that were in circulation, regardless of whether they were from the country striking the coin or from a different country. An example of a rare overstrike is a 1915 Panama Half Commemorative which was struck in Proof over a cut down St. Gaudens $20 gold piece. Another example is a rare overstrike from Mexico. It is a gold 8 Escudos struck over an earlier type and is listed in Krause as rare. The Panama Half and 8 Escudos were intentional overstrikes. There are also examples of unintentional overstrikes which are classified as mint errors. The fascinating aspect of this unique set of Paraguay overstrikes is the fact that the dies used were unfinished pattern dies which had incomplete dates and that these four patterns were struck over struck gold coins. These gold coins were from Paraguay, Chile and Argentina and are on different denominations with different dates. Several of the gold coins that were overstruck are either rare dates or rare types and were in spectacular condition when they were hand selected. There is no doubt that this was a presentation set that was struck in the Mint and preserved to this day in mint state condition. This set is one of the most historic, dramatic and unusual numismatic rarities ever struck by an official Mint.
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18XX Paraguay Peso Struck Over a Chile 1849 8 Escudos - NGC MS 66
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18XX Paraguay 50 Centavos Struck Over a Chile 1853 10 Pesos - NGC MS 66
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18XX Paraguay 50 Centavos Struck Over a Chile 1859 10 Pesos - NGC MS 65
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18XX Paraguay 20 Centavos Struck Over an Argentina 1887 5 Pesos - NGC MS 65
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Unique Jefferson Nickel Die Trial PCGS MS 62 Coin World Article - Oct. 27, 2003 page 82.
This recently discovered and certified Jefferson Nickel Reverse Die Trial is unique and also the only known die trial for the entire Jefferson Nickel series. It is a reverse die trial of a design for the Monticello that was not adopted. It was struck in copper with a diameter of .854 inches and the weight is 109.4 grains.
This recent discovery was unknown to the numismatic community and is not listed in Judd, Pollock nor any other numismatic reference book. It was discovered in an estate including coins and other numismatic items. I immediately purchased this die trial from another dealer upon certification by PCGS. Uspatterns.com has given this piece the designation of JC1938-1.
This die trial was designed by Anthony De Francisci, who also designed the Peace Dollar which replaced the Morgan Dollar in 1921. De Francisci’s models including this reverse design are in the Smithsonian and were donated by Teresa De Francisci.
This unique Jefferson Nickel die trial was featured on the cover of the third issue of Mint Error News Magazine. It was also featured on coinfacts. com, CoinLink.com and uspatterns.com. Coin World featured this unique die trial in a half page illustrated article on page 82 of the October 27, 2003 edition.
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1920 Standing Liberty Quarter Struck on Peru 20C Planchet NGC MS 60 FH • Unique This is the only known Standing Liberty Quarter struck on a foreign planchet for the entire series. Standing Liberty Quarter Off-Metals are so rare that there are only a handful known struck on any other planchet. This unique off-metal is a very recent discovery and was unknown to the numismatic community and not listed in any reference book or catalog. It was struck on a Peru 20 Centavos planchet with a weight of 6.9 grams, a diameter of 24mm and a composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel. In the reference Domestic and Foreign Coins Manufactured by Mints of the United States, 1793-1976 published by the U.S. Treasury, we find that in 1920, the Philadelphia mint struck 20 centavos pieces for Peru that were made of 75% copper, 25% nickel with a diameter of 24mm and a gross weight of 7 grams. This Standing Liberty Quarter off-metal has a copper-nickel look instead of silver, is full size and is considerably thicker than a silver quarter blank. This is one of the most incredible and rare major mint errors that I’ve ever had the pleasure of offering for sale. It is an extreme rarity and would be the centerpiece of any mint error or Standing Liberty Quarter collection.
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1861 Indian Head Cent Obverse Die Cap PCGS MS 64 SOLD
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here are only a few known Indian Head Cent die caps. This is an incredible Indian Cent obverse die cap. It was struck on a 1860-1864 Cu-Ni planchet. This die cap is in gem mint state condition and would be the highlight of any mint error collection.
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1898 Barber Quarter Obverse Die Cap & Brockage PCGS MS 62
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his is the only known obverse die cap in the Barber Quarter Series. It is very deep and barely fits in the PCGS holder. The reverse has a brockage of the obverse design. This spectacular major mint error is in mint state condition with attractive toning. It would be the highlight of a type coin collection, a Barber coin collection or a mint error collection.
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1921-S Morgan Dollar Struck 45% Off-Center NGC MS 63
his is the furthest off-center Morgan Dollar known. Even though the date (1921) does not show, the S Mint Mark is on the reverse and this die pair was used to strike 1921-S Morgan Dollars.
Off-center Morgan Dollars are scarce but not rare when they are struck slightly off-center in mint state or 10% to 20% off-center in circulated condition. To have one this far off-center and in choice mint state condition is unbelievable. This is a very famous major mint error and has been known to the mint error specialists in the numismatic community for over forty years. It is widely considered to be the furthest off-center Morgan Dollar known. Fred Weinberg owns an 1880-S Morgan Dollar struck 40% off-center and certified MS 63 by PCGS. He values it at six figures and it is one of two featured mint errors photographed on his website banner.
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Unique 1866 $2½ Struck on a 3 Cent Nickel Planchet NGC MS 66 T
his numismatic discovery was just certified in 2007 by NGC. It is one of two known U.S. Liberty gold coins struck on wrong planchets and certified by either NGC or PCGS as a mint error. The other known piece is a unique 1851 $20 Liberty struck on a cent planchet and certified by NGC. Coincidentally, in 1975 I bought the 1851 $20 Liberty on a Large Cent planchet from Fred Weinberg. It was one of the highlights from the famous Dr. J. Hewitt Judd Collection. Judd listed it with illustration in Appendix B of his pattern book as a mint error. Until the discovery of this 1866 $2½ struck on a 3 Cent Nickel planchet, it was the only known U.S. gold coin struck on a wrong planchet. The $20 struck on the Large Cent planchet now resides in an East Coast collection of mint errors and is valued by many mint error specialists at over $150,000 should it ever become available. This unique 1866 $2½ is an incredible discovery for many reasons. An 1866 $2½ has an extremely low mintage with only 3,080 struck and is one of the rarest dated $2½ Liberties known. It is a five-figure coin in just mint state 60 and a true gem, if it existed in this grade, would be worth well into six-figures. This mint error is in gem condition. It was fully struck and has pristine fields and a flawless portrait. I would describe this coin as struck. It weighs 2.04 grams since it was accidentally struck on a 3 Cent Nickel blank planchet. It is incredible that this coin was preserved in this condition. I’m proud to announce that I recently purchased (via private treaty) the finest known mint state 1866 $2 1/2 struck in gold. It is certified MS 65 by PCGS. It was previously in an NGC holder with the same grade. Current population reports published by PCGS and NGC, as well as the auction archives on the Heritage Auction Galleries website, clearly show that this piece is the finest known and the only one certified mint state 65 by both PCGS and NGC. Without exageration, this major discovery is one of the most exciting and breathtaking mint errors that I have ever handled since 1975. To have a unique combination of an extremely rare dated gold coin, with a six figure value in superb condition, that is also a mint error (struck on a 3 Cent Nickel planchet) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This numismatic rarity is unique, spectacular and would be the showpiece of any collection of U.S. gold coins or major mint errors. This discovery mint error was featured on the cover of Mint Error News Magazine Issue 20.
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1806 $5 Capped Bust to Right Heraldic Eagle, Pointed 6, 8X5 Stars Triple Struck Rotated 90° PCGS AU 50
his 1806 $5 Capped Bust to Right, Heraldic Eagle, Pointed 6, 8X5 Stars Gold Piece was actually struck four times. John Dannreuther’s research and scans clearly illustrate the four strikes as this coin was struck off-center, rotated and then centered. With only six to ten pieces known of this rare die variety and considering that it is also struck four times, this discovery coin is a significant numismatic rarity.
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1965 English Penny Struck on Gold Planchet PCGS MS 62
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his is one of the most spectacular major mint errors of all time. It is a 1965 English Penny struck on a gold planchet weighing 18.3 grams instead of being struck on a copper planchet. This unique numismatic rarity first surfaced in 1975 when Fred Weinberg bought it in a deal. I was in his office a few days later and immediately purchased it after admiring and examining it. I then sold it to one of my customers. It is a pleasure handling this Gold Penny again after thirty years. It has been authenticated and certified Mint State 62 by PCGS and is still the only one known. It is slightly larger than a U.S. Kennedy Half Dollar blank and is in choice mint state condition with spectacular luster. Upon certifying this coin, Fred Weinberg stated that “it was totally unexpected when I saw this ‘old friend’ cross my desk, since I authenticate the mint errors for PCGS. I bought and sold this unique English Penny struck in gold thirty years ago. After selling it to Mike Byers at that time, I remember the thrill of holding this heavy English gold Penny in my hand. It was just certified by PCGS in January 2007 and is still one of the neatest, exciting and most obvious ‘offmetal’ coins of any type that I have ever handled.” Recently, in the ANR auction on 04/15/05 of the Eliasberg collection, a small group of coins struck in gold were sold. Here are a few of the prices realized: 1902 English Pattern Crown in Gold by Spink NGC MS 62 - $39,100 1845 2 Gulden Struck in Gold NGC PR 63 - $23,000 1684 English 30 Florins in Gold NGC MS 61 - $27,600 (1923) China Dollar in Gold NGC MS 64 - $21,850 1818 German Thaler Struck in Gold NCS AU details - $18,400
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1895-O Barber Dime Obverse Die Cap PCGS MS 64
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here are only a few die caps known in the Barber Dime series. This major mint error is phenomenal since it is a super deep die cap on a very rare date and is in gem mint state condition. Unique.
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Martha Washington Test Piece Struck on SBA Dollar Blank Planchet With Experimental Edge Judd #2184 • NGC MS 64
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his Martha Washington Test Piece was struck on a clad SBA blank planchet. It is listed in the 9th Edition of Judd, which photographs and lists other Martha Washington Test Pieces.
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1838 $5 Die Trial Splasher J-A1838-6 PCGS MS 65 UNIQUE
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CGS recently authenticated and certified this spectacular $5 die trial. It was stuck in white metal in 1838. It is the reverse design for the regular No Motto with Small Letters, which was struck in 1839 and 1840. Technically it is a splasher since it was struck only on one side on oversized white metal. It is a dramatic die trial of an early design for the $5 gold piece and is in gem mint state condition. It is the plate coin in the 9th Edition of Judd. Unique.
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1865 2¢ Deep Obverse Die Cap Brockage Reverse PCGS MS 64 RB SOLD This is a spectacular 2¢ Die Cap. This cap is very deep and has a brockage on the reverse of the obverse. This die cap is in gem mint state condition and would be the highlight of any mint error collection.
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1910 Lincoln Cent Uniface Test Strike PCGS AU 58 et another unique die trial has surfaced. This 1910 Lincoln Cent Uniface Test Strike was certified by PCGS and is unique and unreported. It is not listed in Judd, Pollock or any other numismatic reference.
It was purchased from an east coast estate which included several other unique and spectacular United States major mint errors. Considering the fact that the Lincoln Cent series is one of the most popular and collected series of U.S. Coins, it is amazing that there is no reference to this 1910 Test Strike Piece anywhere. There are two 1909 Obverse Lincoln Cent Die Trials struck in lead. One is ex-Judd, the other is the Pollock plate coin. It is fascinating that a test strike was made in 1910 of the obverse on a copper planchet with a uniface reverse.
This Unique Discovery Piece was featured and illustrated in a half page Coin World article in the September 22, 2003 Issue page 94.
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1920 Buffalo Nickel Struck on Copper Planchet NGC AU 55
his Discovery Coin is a 1920 Buffalo Nickel struck on a full size copper planchet of the same diameter, thickness and weight of a Buffalo Nickel!! Its composition is 89% CU, 8% ZN and 3% SN. The weight is 4.96 grams which is 76.54 grains. This unique Off-Metal Buffalo Nickel is unreported in Breen, Judd and Pollock. Buffalo Nickels struck on Cent Planchets are very scarce. Buffalo Nickels struck on Dime Planchets are extremely rare. This is the first and only reported Buffalo Nickel struck on a Full Size Copper Planchet. Type Coin Mint Errors have been undervalued for over twenty years and have just started to realize their true value. This piece was originally in a West Coast collection of U.S. Off-Metal Mint Errors. It was sold to a well known dealer who specializes in Patterns, exotic coins and other rarities. He submitted it to NGC for authentication, and upon certification I immediately purchased it.
This discovery coin was featured in a front page Coin World article.
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1901/0-S $5 Liberty Gold Struck 10% Off-Center PCGS AU 55 SOLD
his is one of three known U.S. $5 Liberty Gold pieces struck off-center. One was struck approximately 5% off-center and the other was struck a full 10% off-center. This dramatic $5 Liberty was struck at least 10% offcenter. As the coin was struck, the pressure from the dies forced the blank to expand in size since it was struck out of the collar. It is also an overdate from the San Francisco Mint which makes this a rare and unusual combination of mint errors. This is one of the most spectacular U.S. Gold major mint errors known.
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1875-CC $20 Liberty Gold Partial Collar NGC MS 62
ajor mint errors on U.S. gold coins are very rare. This is only one of two major mint errors on a gold coin from the U.S. Branch Mint in Carson City, Nevada that I am aware of.
A slightly double struck Carson City Morgan Dollar recently sold for approximately $30,000. There are many serious collectors who place special importance on mint errors from the Carson City Mint due to its history. This Carson City $20 Liberty has a full partial collar which is easily seen in the new NGC holder which displays the edge. This date is also rare and in this condition is a five figure coin, even without the partial collar. This Carson City $20 Liberty is a recent discovery and is very exciting since it combines the rarity of a major mint error on a gold coin with the popularity and history of the U.S. Branch Mint in Carson City.
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1851 3¢ Obverse & Reverse Die Trials on Cardboard - Judd 9th Ed. Plate Coin JA1851-1 One of Two Known
This is a spectacular 1851 3¢ Obverse and Reverse Die Trial struck on cardboard. This glaze-surfaced card is .35mm thick and measures 85mm wide by 50mm tall. It is clearly embossed with lettering and design elements raised. After the dies struck the cardboard, a bronze-gold ink was applied to show the high relief. This die trial is featured in the Judd 9th Edition of United States Pattern Coins on page 296 as the Plate Coin JA1851-1. There are two known examples, one in the Library Company of Philadelphia collection that includes a March 24, 1851 letter from James Longacre to the Secretary of the Treasury stating that “It is the first impression I have taken from the dies I have been preparing for the three cent piece ordered by congress.” This example includes an August 17, 1857 letter from George F. Nesbitt, who was contracted to supply imprinted postal stationery to the Post Office Department from 1853 until 1870. He was searching for a die that could be used to emboss postal stationery. Longacre, who designed the three cent piece, supplied him with the proof that had been produced in 1851. Nesbitt’s letter to Third Assistant Postmaster General:
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1869 Indian Cent Struck on Silver Dime Planchet PCGS AU 55
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his spectacular Indian Cent was struck on a Silver Dime blank planchet intended for the Seated Dime series. It is also dated 1869, which is a rare date in the Indian Head Cent series. It is a unique Silver Indian Cent for the date, and one of approximately ten known for all dates. This is a famous Mint Error and its pedigree dates back to at least 1913. It was originally in the Woodin Collection of Patterns, Die Trials and Mint Errors and was subsequently listed in the Adams and Woodin Reference Book, which was published in 1913. It was assigned AW# 825. It was subsequently sold to Brenner and was included in his collection, which was exhibited at the American Numismatic Society in 1914. It was then in the Olsen collection and has subsequently sold and traded hands several times since then. It is also listed in Judd as a mint error and has been recently featured on uspatterns.com. It is a breathtaking and dramatic mint error because it is a SILVER INDIAN CENT! It is well struck, which is unusual for Cents struck on Dime Planchets. It has razor sharp detail including the word Liberty, the feathers in the Indian’s headband and the diamonds by the neck. It has a bright silvery appearance with beautiful cobalt and red peripheral toning. Considering that it is unique for the date, is over one hundred and thirty years old and is a true classic Major Mint Error, this would be the centerpiece and highlight of a Major Mint Error collection or an Indian Cent collection.
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1906-D $20 Liberty Gold Broadstruck NGC AU 58
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ll major errors on U.S. Gold coins are very scarce, especially on the larger denominations. Although it is difficult to see the error since this coin is in the NGC holder, it is broadstruck out of the collar and does not have any reeding.
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1860 $5 Reverse Hub Trial Struck in Copper Judd # A1860-6 - NGC MS 64 Brown -Unique Plate Coin Judd & Pollock
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hy a $5 pattern in 1860? According to Judd, in 1860 the U.S. Treasury discovered that counterfeiters had been sawing $10 gold pieces in half edgewise and replacing the center with platinum. At the time, platinum was worth less than half the value of gold. These pieces were extremely hard to distinguish from the untampered coins, so an experiment was undertaken to produce a thinner and broader gold coin. The U.S. Mint experiment culminated in the production of a $5 gold pattern (Judd-271, Pollock-319) that was considerably thinner than a normal $5 gold piece and had the diameter of a $10 gold piece (27mm). An interesting feature of this pattern is that an inverted A was used in place of the V in FIVE in the legend FIVE DOLLARS.
FIVE. And finally, the punches used to produce both this layout piece and the gold pattern are the same. This unique reverse hub trial piece is pedigreed to the F.C.C.Boyd Collection, then in the Abe Kosoff Collection and eventually was lot 1166 of the Abe Kosoff Estate in the Bowers and Merena Auctions, Nov. 4, 1985. In addition to being the plate coin for all of the Judd and Pollock editions and having an extensive and famous pedigree, it is also listed in uspatterns.com. Considering that there are several thousand different U.S. Patterns known and 272 Splashers known, there are only 43 Hub Trials known for the entire U.S. Pattern series. This piece is unique.
Two of these pattern pieces are known in gold, and one was recently put up for sale by Don Kagin for $145,000 (Coin World, August 25, 2003, p. 54). The 8th Edition of Judd lists this Gold pattern as high as $250,000 and the Copper pattern with the same design as high as $10,000. This piece, which is the plate coin in Judd and in Pollock, is a reverse hub trial of the legends for Judd #271. It is 31 mm in diameter and larger than a $10 gold piece (27mm). The letters are both incused and reversed on the piece since this is an impression from a hub. The legend reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FIVE DOLLERS”. The misspelling of “dollar” presumably didn’t matter because layout was the primary consideration. Also of note, the V in FIVE is from an upside-down A punch, as on the gold pattern. The links between this piece and the $5 gold pattern of 1860 are clear. Legends on both this and the gold pattern have exactly the same diameter (23 mm), larger than the total diameter of a normal $5 gold piece. No other $5 patterns are as large as this. Both this piece and the pattern utilize an upside-down A for a V in Page 29
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1999-P SBA Dollar Reverse Die Cap PCGS MS 65
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1980 Canadian TWO TAILED Cent PCGS MS 64 Red - One of Two Known This discovery coin was featured in a front page Coin World article.
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1871 3¢ Nickel Struck on 1¢ Stock NGC MS 62 Brown UNIQUE
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1872 $20 Liberty Head Type II Obv Die Two Known
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1988 $5 FRN Unique Double Denomination Error W/Authentication Letter from Fred Bart
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Canadian 1978 Cent Multi Struck Over 1974 $10 Olympic Commemorative
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Proof Ike Dollar Struck on a 2 Gram Aluminum Planchet PCGS Proof 64 Cameo
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Unique Pair of Paquet Die Trial Splashers White Metal Andrew Johnson Indian Peace Medals
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1893-O $10 Liberty Gold Broadstruck out of the Collar PCGS AU 58
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Ike Dollar Struck on a Dime Planchet PCGS MS 64
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2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Struck on a SBA Dollar Planchet PCGS MS 66 The discovery coin was featured in a front page Coin World article.
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UNIQUE 2000 Massachusetts Quarter Struck on an Experimental Planchet PCGS MS 65
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Chile 10 Pesos Double Struck on Feeder Finger
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Double Struck French 5 Francs Struck on Spoon!!
©mikebyers.com Page 36
mikebyers.com
2010 Coin Shows
About Mike Byers Mike Byers is the president of Byers Numismatic Corp., a California corporation dealing in numismatics and the largest dealer of the world’s rarest mint errors. He specializes in U.S. and World Major Mint Errors and Die Trials. He has been a professional numismatist for over thirty years and has handled major coin collections, and attends every major coin convention. Byers Numismatic Corp. carries an extensive inventory as well as solicits want lists and is always looking to purchase fresh inventory and collections.
Visit Mike Byers at the following shows:
January
FUN Show Orlando, Florida
February
Long Beach Coin & Collectibles Expo Long Beach, California Table #1041
March
Baltimore Coin & Currency Convention Baltimore, Maryland
April
Santa Clara Coin Expo Santa Clara, California
May
Long Beach Coin & Collectibles Expo Long Beach, California Table #1041
August
ANA World’s Fair of Money Show Boston, Massachusettes
September
Long Beach Coin & Collectibles Expo Long Beach, California Table #1041
November
Santa Clara Coin Expo Santa Clara, California
November
Baltimore Coin & Currency Convention Baltimore, Maryland
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In the last decade, Mike Byers has made more discoveries of major mint errors both in the United States and around the world than any other dealer. He is now the largest dealer of the world’s rarest mint errors. Mikebyers.com was launched in 1999 and today it is considered the most widely viewed and informative mint error web site. The website has over 600 pages filled with articles, discoveries, breaking news and thousands of images of the most spectacular and dramatic major mint errors available on the market today. Included in his premier inventory of U.S. and World major mint errors and die trials are many discovery pieces which have been featured on the front page of Coin World, the world’s #1 publication for coin collectors. Coin World published the following coins that Mike Byers discovered as front page articles: 1999 State Quarters Struck on Experimental Planchets Certified by PCGS Transitional Sacagawea & SBA Dollars Certified by PCGS Martha Washington Cent Test Piece Certified by NGC Canadian Cent Struck with Two Reverse Dies Certified by PCGS 1910 Lincoln Cent Uniface Test Strike Certified by PCGS Unique 1920 Buffalo Nickel Struck in Copper Certified by NGC
mikebyers.com
Other discoveries by Mike Byers that were also featured in Coin World include: State Quarters & Other Denominations Struck on Feeder Finger Tips Certified by PCGS & NGC Additional Martha Washington Test Pieces in Several Different Denominations Certified by NGC The Only Known State Quarter Dual Date, Dual State Certified by ANACS An Assortment of World Coins Struck with Either Two Obverse or Two Reverse Dies Certified by NGC & ANACS
Additional discoveries by Mike Byers featured as cover stories in different issues of Mint Error News Magazine include: Unique 1866 $2½ Struck on a 3 Cent Nickel Planchet Certified by NGC 1804 $2½ Capped Bust Double Struck Certified by NGC 1806 $5 Capped Bust Triple Struck Certified by PCGS Canadian Cent Die Cap with Two Reverse Dies Certified by PCGS 1971 ½ Pence Great Britain Struck with Two Obverse Dies Cu-Ni Certified by NGC Unique Jefferson Nickel Die Trial by Di Francisci Certified by PCGS Unique Five Piece “Two Tailed” Euro Set Certified by ANACS 1989-D Lincoln Cent Transitional Double Struck on Bronze Planchet Certified by ICG Unique 3¢ Nickel Struck on 1¢ Stock Certified by NGC
In 2003, minterrornews.com was launched, which was initially sponsored by Mike Byers and ANACS. Due to the popularity of mint errors and the magazine it is now sponsored by Mike Byers and several other mint error dealers. It is a website devoted to bringing the latest mint error news and information to the collector. There are now over 500 articles with features, discoveries, news stories, and mint error related info from the United States and around the World. This website became so popular that a print version, Mint Error News Magazine, was created and is read by thousands of readers.
a charter member of NGC and a featured dealer/ member of PCGS. He is a founder member of the California Coin & Precious Metals Association. He is also a life member of the Central States Numismatic Society, the Florida United Numismatists and a member of ICTA. He is member A71 in the Certified Coin Exchange (CCE). In 2008, Mike Byers will be publishing his first book, Mint Error Guide. This book will bring the collector of mint errors up to date with the latest information on new discoveries, new types of errors and a collection of some of the most dramatic, unique and spectacular major mint errors and die trials from the United States and around the world. It will also include an extensive price guide with accurate values for many types of obsolete and modern errors. When Mike Byers isn’t at coin conventions buying and selling mint errors he is usually in his office with customers or editing the next issue of his magazine or catalog. His other interests and hobbies include snow skiing, playing the piano, traveling in Europe and racing sports cars. Below is his latest set of wheels, a Lamborghini Gallardo with 500 HP and a top speed of 192 MPH.
Mike Byers was a consultant to ANACS for Mint Errors from 2000 to 2006. He is the sponsor of minterrornews.com and the Publisher and Editor of Mint Error News Magazine. Mike Byers is a life member of ANA since 1985,
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mikebyers.com
Now Ava il a ble
Visit zyruspress.com or amazon.com to purchase
Byers Numismatic Corp mikebyers.com
The Lar ge st Dea ler of the World’s R are st M i nt Er ror s
TM
U.S. & World Major Mint Errors • Die Trials • Numismatic Rarities
buying & selling
MAJOR U.S. MINT ERRORS · PCGS, NGC, ICG & ANACS CERTIFIED MINT ERRORS · ALSO MAJOR CERTIFIED
U.S.
MINT
ERRORS
NOT
WORLD GOLD & SILVER MINT ERRORS · PCGS, NGC, ICG & ANACS CERTIFIED MINT ERRORS · MINT ERRORS OF ALL DENOMINATIONS: ESPECIALLY ENGLISH, CANADIAN & ALL COUNTRIES IN THE EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION (EUROS)
· U.S. 1¢ THRU $50 MINT ERRORS
· MAJOR AND DRAMATIC MINT ERRORS FROM $3,000 TO $100,000
· 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY TYPE MINT ERROR COINS: ALL DENOMINATIONS
· WORLD DIE TRIALS, SPLASHERS, UNIFACE & OFF-METAL STRIKES
· ALL U.S. TERRITORIAL GOLD MINT ERRORS · MODERN MINT ERRORS: STATE QUARTERS, KENNEDY HALVES, IKE DOLLARS, SBA DOLLARS & SACAGAWEA DOLLARS · MAJOR AND DRAMATIC MINT ERRORS FROM $5,000 TO $200,000
U.S. CURRENCY ERRORS · ALL SPECIMEN NOTES · ESPECIALLY ERRORS ON $2, $50, $100, $500 NOTES & LARGE SIZE NOTE ERRORS
· DIE TRIALS, HUB TRIALS, SPLASHERS, UNIFACE & OFF-METAL STRIKES
· DRAMATIC AND UNIQUE PRINTING & CUTTING ERRORS FROM $3,000 TO $50,000
· ALL PATTERN ERRORS WASHINGTON DIE TRIALS
· DOUBLE DENOMINATIONS, MULTIPLE IMPRESSIONS & MULTIPLE ERRORS
&
MARTHA
Mike Byers
P.O. Box 5090, San Clemente, CA USA 92674 Office: 949-276-7072 • Fax: 949-276-7073
Fed Ex Address only: 1001 Avenida Pico #C 612, San Clemente, CA 92673 E-Mail:
[email protected] • Web Design:
[email protected]
Mike Byers, Professional Numismatist since 1978 Byers Numismatic Corp. A California Corporation Since 1980 Mike Byers is the Publisher & Editor of Mint Error News Magazine
Byers Numismatic Corp mikebyers.com
The Lar ge st Dea ler of the World’s R are st M i nt Er ror s
U.S. & World Major Mint Errors • Die Trials • Numismatic Rarities
We are the largest dealer of the world’s rarest mint er rors. We handle the f inest Major Mint Er rors, Die Trials, Test Pieces, Numismatic Rarities, Cur rency Er rors and Discoveries f rom the U.S. Mint and the BEP. Our premier inventor y includes only the best, museum quality, world class and exotic U.S. and World rarities. Many of our purchases are immediately sold to our customers and are never offered on our website or in our catalog to be sold. Visit our Consignment Showcase to browse the mint er rors we have on consignment. Send us your want list, we may have just what you’re looking for.
Mike Byers P.O. Box 5090, San Clemente, CA USA 92674 Office: 949-276-7072 • Fax: 949-276-7073
Fed Ex Address only: 1001 Avenida Pico #C 612, San Clemente, CA 92673 E-Mail:
[email protected] • Web Design:
[email protected]
Mike Byers, Professional Numismatist since 1978 Byers Numismatic Corp. A California Corporation Since 1980 Mike Byers is the Publisher & Editor of Mint Error News Magazine
TM
