Without looking through hundreds of threads, to see if we have done this topic dozens of time, can someone tell me what the diff is between the Cook 50c unc and the Cook 50c specimen coins please ?
Quote from: 'lacey' pid='42695' dateline='1393371344'Without looking through hundreds of threads, to see if we have done this topic dozens of time, can someone tell me what the diff is between the Cook 50c unc and the Cook 50c specimen coins please ?
The business strike coins had a mintage of16.5 million and the specimen coins in their little purple boxes had a mintage of 554,000.
The difference between the two types of coins is instantly recognizable when the two coins are placed side by side.
I will endeavor to get a couple of pics shortly.
Getting the specimen coins graded as such at PCGS however is IMHO simply a matter of pure luck and they normally come back with a MS designation instead of the correct SP designation.
Quote from: 'trout' pid='42697' dateline='1393371709'I will endeavor .......
:mocking: ... sounds like a good name for a boat!
QuoteI will endeavor .......
Mocking ... sounds like a good name for a boat!
I wondered if you would pick that toung in cheek statement :laugh2:
Here are the pic's and scans.
The Specimen coins were struck at higher pressure and have a better finish to them.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/cooks3.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/cooks2.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/cooks1.png)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/cooks.png)
Thanks Trout. So where does the tilted '7' come into it? Is it on one or both of them?
Quote from: 'lacey' pid='42702' dateline='1393380821'Thanks Trout. So where does the tilted '7' come into it? Is it on one or both of them?
I imagine that they would only be found on the circulation strike coins.
I don't know for sure but I haven't come across the tilted "7" on the many specimen coins I have examined .
:ok:
Quote from: 'lacey' pid='42702' dateline='1393380821'Thanks Trout. So where does the tilted '7' come into it? Is it on one or both of them?
The tilted 7 is a Business Strike variety only.
You do need to be carefull with the Red Case "Cooks".
Specimen strike coins went into them, but these days
it is not unusual that a business strike coin has been
substituted for them.
There was an article in ACB magizine a year or so ago
that delved into the actual subtle design difference between
the "Specimen" and Business strike types.
Perhaps one of the members here who have the ACB Index
may be able to point to the actual issue.:angel:
OK thanks guys.
I did buy a cook coin in a red case a few years back, but didn't know anything about any differences then. And I removed the coin from the case, so now I can't tell whats what. And even with those scans of Trout's I still can't see any diff to comparing mine. so me thinks they are just unc.
yeah you wont be able to tell by the planchets cos they would be all uncirculated - circulation type planchets, I don't think the are prepared like proof coins or anything.
it would come down to the strike and I guess you would have to tilt the coin on an angle to see the details, I don't have one that I am ware of so I cant take pics for ya, but I google one to show ya
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1970-50c-Specimen-Quality-Captain-James-Cook-Coin-/310842101871
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Coin-1970-Australia-Captain-Cook-50c-piece-choice-SPECIMEN-grade-in-red-holder-/370803688395
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1970-Australia-Captain-James-Cook-Botany-Bay-cased-Fifty-Cents-coin-PP9-/221346129561?pt=UK_Coins_BritishComm_RL&hash=item338941e699
QuoteI don't have one that I am ware of so I cant take pics for ya,
You will have one in a week or so Mate :)
aww ya spoiling me don't have to, I have to much stuff to sort thru as it is
Thanks AC and trout. What a pity they only sold for $5.50.
I will have to keep my eyes open to find one and if I do, I might come and ask for someone in the know, to see it b4 I buy.
PS the seller in England takes a nice photo.