Found 55-S/S/S

[ray_parkhurst]

I am embarking on a mini-project...sorting through the many 1955-S BU rolls I have picked up over the last couple years. I won't be opening any OBW, only tubed rolls, and they can be quite a hodgepodge. I've already found one very nice original roll, but also several made-up rolls. Interestingly, one of the made-up rolls had two 55-S RPM#1, the first #1's I've found in a long time. I usually keep nice original rolls together, unless they have a bunch of varieties in them, but will be breaking up all the others and pulling out varieties and VEDS coins then sorting by quality level. When I'm done (will take a while, I have about 60 rolls to go through) I'll publish the stats...Ray

[copperlover]

I was anticipating a pic as usual but the find sounds really great. Good luck with the other rolls.

Lucien

[GrumpyEd]

Nice find, I find those but among circs. Never pulled one from an unc roll even after searching a lot of them.

[ray_parkhurst]

I was anticipating a pic as usual but the find sounds really great. Good luck with the other rolls.

Lucien

I was in searching mode, not picture taking mode, so no pics yet. Maybe when I write the final report...Ray

[jhcons]

Did you find those in the roll you already had or just bought an original roll to look at.

[ray_parkhurst]

Did you find those in the roll you already had or just bought an original roll to look at.

I'm celebrating finishing the major construction on the inside of the house by going through some older rolls. I have a box of 50 rolls of 55-S, plus about 10 extras that have been waiting a LONG time for me to search them. They were purchased over the last couple years. I love going through groups of rolls of a single year/mint since it makes it easier to pick out the varieties (fewer to look for) and to see the quality differences between the rolls.

I just finished an interesting made-up roll. It had about half the coins of the "Slash-S" variety, a quarter BIE, and the rest a mix of various varieties and non-varieties. The tape on the roll was very old and intact, so it probably has been sealed for at least 10 years. Always interesting to go through these, you never know what you will find...Ray

[eaxtellcoin]

1955-S RPM#1 I've only found a couple over the years and both were singles in a roll. Nice to find two, It's your lucky day!

[flyhi3]

Awesome find! way to go!

[BadThad]

The triple MM's are one of the few MM varieties I really like. GOOD LUCK!

[ray_parkhurst]

Thanks BT...you broke my dry spell! I found the 2 RPM#1 in the 2nd or 3rd roll I looked through, then nothing for 40 rolls. I was starting to think I was not going to find any more, then I read your post and picked a couple more rolls to search...and voila! My best find so far...5 pieces in one roll!! And the roll was a very unusual one, with nice purple highlight toning, a very rare coloration in original rolls. Also found a few RPM#5 in that roll, and put away a bunch of very nice gems.

I am still in searching mode, so still no pics, but soon...I have 16 more rolls to go out of almost 60.

I also found a few VEDS examples that show a VERY light curve that looks like chatter from the punch. Something else to take pics of and see if it could be something of interest...Ray

[jhcons]

And the roll was a very unusual one, with nice purple highlight toning, Ray

I got the ends from that roll I opened that were toned beautifully. I collect toned wheats Ray if you plan on getting rid of a toned one of those let me know Thanks jim

[Magers]

I cant wait to see the pictures. I'm sure they're going to be spectacular!

[ray_parkhurst]

I got the ends from that roll I opened that were toned beautifully. I collect toned wheats Ray if you plan on getting rid of a toned one of those let me know Thanks jim

I've been putting the roll ends aside. Even though these rolls are no longer OBW, many of them used to be OBW and the original end coins are often still in the rolls. There are also quite a few really nice toners (a couple rolls were particularly pretty) so no shortage of coins to choose from.

[jhcons]

Hook a brother up :) let me know what year u need for bw collection Im sure I have.

[BadThad]

Thanks BT...you broke my dry spell! I found the 2 RPM#1 in the 2nd or 3rd roll I looked through, then nothing for 40 rolls. I was starting to think I was not going to find any more, then I read your post and picked a couple more rolls to search...and voila! My best find so far...5 pieces in one roll!! And the roll was a very unusual one, with nice purple highlight toning, a very rare coloration in original rolls. Also found a few RPM#5 in that roll, and put away a bunch of very nice gems.

I am still in searching mode, so still no pics, but soon...I have 16 more rolls to go out of almost 60.

I also found a few VEDS examples that show a VERY light curve that looks like chatter from the punch. Something else to take pics of and see if it could be something of interest...Ray

HAHAHAHA.....excellent! Let see some pics!

[ray_parkhurst]

OK, I'm back from some unexpected family business that kept me away for a week...

I just finished going through the remaining rolls, and have an overall tally to share. Unfortunately I did not find any more RPM#1, so out of 58 rolls there were only two that had any RPM#1 (one with 2 coins, the other with 5 coins). I have not yet segregated the "variety" rolls, and that will take some time. And no photos yet as I'm still in searching mode. But I can share the overall statistics of the 58 searched rolls. But first let me explain my sorting process:

1) Dump coins on velvet mat, turn all face up, rotate all facing same direction, sort into 10-15 coin stacks
2) View each coin with stereo microscope at 10x, and put aside the following:
a) Any "special" coins that really stand out like VEDS, very high grades, strong toners, targeted varieties...put into flips or snaps
b) RPMs, Doubled Dies, BIEs, minor errors like clips or laminations...put into tube marked "Var"
c) Any problem coins such as non-BU, cleaned, heavily spotted or fingerprinted...put into "Cull" tubes
3) Look through the remaining coins w/o magnification (I am very nearsighted) and sort the coins in 5 groups:
a) Choice/Gem (MS65-66)
b) BU (MS63-64)
c) Culls (anything below MS63 that I missed from earlier viewing)
d) Strong Toners
e) Roll End coins

In a big group of rolls there are occasionally original, choice rolls that don't contain many/any major varieties. These are almost always tubed rolls taken from OBW and thus have obvious toned end coins within the roll, consistent toning (or lack of toning) and edge coloration, and usually fairly limited die pair representation. If a roll has these qualities, I will keep it intact and mark it as an "Original" roll. Sometimes rolls like this have strong toning as well, though this is far less common.

Here is the tally, out of 58 rolls:
5-1/2 rolls of mixed Varieties
11 rolls of MS65-66
26 rolls of MS63-64
3 rolls of culls
7 Original Red rolls
1 Original Toned roll
1/2 roll of VEDS from multiple dies
2/3 roll of "slash-S" die gouge
16 Special coins including 7 RPM#1
1 roll that had obviously been cleaned
1 roll of Toners
1 roll (almost full) of 1968-S Proofs marked as 1955-S BU

Next step is to go through and sort the Varieties into the different RPMs and other stuff I put into the "Var" rolls. Then I'll start taking pictures...

[jhcons]

Wow ray that was alot of rolls. That sounds like a good way to sort out a year when you are going to do a lot of rolls. That way you can have everything ready and marked. I always just put all varieties in tubes and never really had any organization. So it was always difficult to figure them out. Well congrats on the score.

[seal006]

What are ya going to do with all the leftovers?

[ray_parkhurst]

What are ya going to do with all the leftovers?

I will sell or trade them once I get them all identified and some photos taken.

Now that I've said that I'm wondering if publishing this thread is within the guidelines of the forum. I intended to simply chronicle my search through the rolls, but most everything I go through like this I end up selling eventually. I certainly don't intend to offer anything for sale on this thread, but will likely list rolls and singles on the Trading Post when the time comes. If anyone has an issue with me continuing on the path of identification and publishing photos of these coins, please speak up...

Ray

[simonm]

I see no issues with the thread, Ray. It's chronicling a project. Keep on posting. As long as no direct advertisements are made, then you have nothing to worry about.

[BadThad]

WOW Ray! That's a crazy amount of work brother! Thanks for sharing the results.

People, stop begging Ray for coins. When he's ready to sell some, he'll let us know. This thread is for education purposes.

[seal006]

My reason for asking was because it was for education. I could not forsee what one would do with all of the non variety coins, especially since it is a fairly common year when it comes the wheat cents. Geez, you guys kill me sometimes.

[ray_parkhurst]

OK, here is my last non-picture post regarding the 55-S roll search. I sorted through the coins I put into the "Var" tubes and this is what I came out with:

1+ roll RPM#2
1/2 roll RPM#3
1- roll RPM#4
1- roll RPM#5
~10 1MM-007
2/3 roll 1MM-010
2/3 roll BIE (full and partial including some I have not seen before)
~20 RPM North from a previous post of mine
1- roll mixed / unattributed RPMs that I may need help identifying

I plan to pull a nice example of each of the above, in each stage represented, and post photos to this thread, along with a few of the nicer toners and gems. Should be fun!

[seal006]

Amazing. It is refreshing to know that there are still gems out there waiting to be found.

[ray_parkhurst]

OK, here are the first photos...

I figured I better start with the reason I started the thread...finding two 55-S/S/S. Here is one of those two:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3713_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3714_01.jpg

And here is one from the second group of 5 found in another roll:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3715_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3716_01.jpg

And here is one of the "Gems" from a roll that yielded quite a few nice coins. Looking at this magnification always shows a lot more dings and scratches than you normally see at 5-7x...


http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3717_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3718_01.jpg

And the last pic for today, a wild toner. This is the wildest one I found in all the rolls...


http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3719_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3720_01.jpg

[coulsonmd]

Ray: Did you find cracks and chips on LIBERTY or the date? How about the reverses with possible cuds or retained cuds? Cracked skulls or spiked heads? I look for everything on the coin. I LOVE it. Thanks for your posts and photos. Always a pleasure to view your work.

[ray_parkhurst]

Ray: Did you find cracks and chips on LIBERTY or the date? How about the reverses with possible cuds or retained cuds? Cracked skulls or spiked heads? I look for everything on the coin. I LOVE it. Thanks for your posts and photos. Always a pleasure to view your work.

I did put aside the cracks and chips on LIBERTY, and ended up with about 1 roll of them. All were between the B and E in various stages. I didn't keep coins if they were just cracks on one letter...they had to go across between the B and E or be a full chip. There were also quite a few chips on the 9, the 5, and the S but I did not put these aside unless they also had an RPM. I saw a couple large reverse die breaks but I think they are associated with RPMs so I did not put them aside separately. I don't care much about cracked skulls or spiked heads unless they are very dramatic, which I did not find. I think if I put everything aside that was a break or crack or chip that about 33% of the coins would be represented...Ray

[BadThad]

As always Ray....great coins and pictures! Thanks for sharing!

[ray_parkhurst]

Here are a few more...

Another non-Variety toner:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3721_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3722_01.jpg

A toned RPM#5 / 1MM-009:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3723_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3724_01.jpg

A toned 1MM-010:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3726_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3727_01.jpg

[ray_parkhurst]

Here's an interesting one...1955-S (non-Variety) Prooflike. I've only found a few Prooflike 55-S Cents before, and only found one in the 58 rolls searched. Anyone else have an example? There may be just one Prooflike die pair out there.

My standard photo technique does not show proofs well. I need to change the setup over. My technique emphasizes surfaces and color first, and luster second, and de-emphasizes surface reflectivity. Once I get through with the whole coin shots on others from this group I may go back and take this one again as a proof, if there is any interest...

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3728_01.jpg

[twoyankees]

Dang Ray, no fair making us wait so long for the pics......!:LOL_Hair:
Tom

[ray_parkhurst]

Dang Ray, no fair making us wait so long for the pics......!:LOL_Hair:
Tom

Sorry for making you wait, but hope you're enjoying them! Here is another Toner and another Gem:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3729_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3730_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3731_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3732_01.jpg

[simonm]

Oh man...I love that first toner! What amazing color!

[ray_parkhurst]

Here's the first BIE...

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3733_01.jpg

[ray_parkhurst]

VEDS coins are some of my favorites to search for. They almost always "pop" when you've viewing a group of coins as their qualities really stand out. But I also actively look for die wear at the back of Lincoln's neck to identify them. Another area to look is the outer edges of the letters on IGWT, as this is a high wear area. Most VEDS coins have lots of small scratches and gouges that wear quickly and smooth into the field. I've rarely seen VEDS coins in TPG holders because they usually have a lot "going on" that makes them look battered and with lots of scratches and scrapes. But these go away after a thousand or a few thousand strikes. The one below has both obverse and reverse dies as VEDS, which seems to happen about half the time or less. Both dies must have been worn and replaced with brand new dies, and this might be one of the first hundred or so (I don't really have that good an estimate) coins struck with the new die pair. Anyway, I find these extremely interesting and would love to find some VEDS examples of various RPMs.

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3734_01.jpg
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3735_01.jpg

[ray_parkhurst]

There don't seem to be very many BIE collectors left, and indeed I only accumulate as I am not a BIE specialist, but when you go through 58 rolls of 55-S you find quite a few of different types. The one I showed before is a "full BIE", as the die chip extends fully between the B and E, forming what looks like an I. Before the chip gets to this point it may go through several stages of "partial BIE", usually but not always starting as small die breaks along the edges of the B and E and then progressing to a break between the bottoms of the B and E (I call these B_E). Occasionally they start chipping at the top or middle between the B and E.

Here is one that started in the upper space between B and E, what I would call an "upper BIE"

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3738_01.jpg

And here is one that started on the lower side and has progressed about 2/3 up. Still not a "full BIE" but almost:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3737_01.jpg

Here is one that is more than a B_E die crack but has only progressed as a small die chip on the bottoms of B and E:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3740_01.jpg

And finally, here are two more full BIEs from different dies from the first:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3741_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3742_01.jpg

Does anyone on the forum specialize in BIEs? If so then more info on these would be appreciated.

[ray_parkhurst]

I just got a pleasant surprise! The first two RPM#1 I found were Stage C, which is the stage I have always found before. I did not check stage markers on the five I found in the second roll until just now...and they are Stage A !! Not sure why I did not check them...

[BadThad]

Here's an interesting one...1955-S (non-Variety) Prooflike. I've only found a few Prooflike 55-S Cents before, and only found one in the 58 rolls searched. Anyone else have an example? There may be just one Prooflike die pair out there.

My standard photo technique does not show proofs well. I need to change the setup over. My technique emphasizes surfaces and color first, and luster second, and de-emphasizes surface reflectivity. Once I get through with the whole coin shots on others from this group I may go back and take this one again as a proof, if there is any interest...



Yes, proof type surfaces are a whole different ball game. I suspect most noobs would say this coin has been harshly cleaned but it's just die polish lines which explain the finish you see in hand.

[BadThad]

Sorry for making you wait, but hope you're enjoying them! Here is another Toner and another Gem:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3729_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3730_01.jpg






Sweet neon green toner!!! I have a few just like that with diagonal green lines! I'll have to dig up some pics.

[BadThad]

Here's one of them, these were pulled by me from an OBW so I know it's completely natural.

[ray_parkhurst]

Nice toner BT.

I need to start imaging the coins from the "toned" roll. Should be fun...

Ray

[seal006]

Sweet neon green toner!!! I have a few just like that with diagonal green lines! I'll have to dig up some pics.

Awesome coins, and AMAZING PHOTOS. This is my fave so far.

[ray_parkhurst]

OK, I picked 13 coins from the "Toner" roll I set aside and imaged them all. Hope you like them...Ray

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3757_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3758_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3759_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3760_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3761_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3762_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3763_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3764_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3765_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3766_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3767_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3768_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3769_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3770_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3771_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3772_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3773_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3774_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3775_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3776_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3777_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3778_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3779_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3780_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3781_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/IMG_3782_01.jpg

[Antiquity]

Almighty Ray should run seminars on how to take coin photos. I would take the class. :tinysmile_twink_t:

[GrumpyEd]

It's interesting how abundant 55-S rolls are.
If you find old coin magazines from the 60s when hoarding rolls was popular there were ads for rolls.
The rolls of 55-S were listed for $20+ and 60-P SD were in the hundreds of $ and 60-D SD were $20+.
People thought these rolls were going to be a super investment.

Last year I brought a co-worker to a coin show. He had been a collector in the 70s and still likes coins but hasn't been into it for years. He wandered the show while I talked to some friends. After the show I saw he had some stuff, it was a bunch of 55-S BU in 2x2s. He bought every one he saw for 50 cents or a buck. I asked why he bought only the 55-S cents. He said he remembered filling the 1941-58 wheat cent folders and how tough it was to find the 55-S in circulation. He thought it was a gold mine to buy an unc for a buck or less. He had about 10 folders with everything but the 55-S that he had since the 70s and was happy to fill them. I told him there are a lot of rolls if you look. He was amazed, he thought they were a rare key coin. I guess they were the key of the set if you were searching circ coins. Just a funny story :)

[seal006]

When searching "unsearched" wheat lots, the 1955-S is always the hardest to find from 1941-1958. So I guess there is something to that.

[ray_parkhurst]

It's interesting how abundant 55-S rolls are......

Agreed. By the end of 1955 people were aware it would be the last year for the SF mint and hoarded rolls of all denominations of 1955-S coins in roll and bag quantities. It is sort of similar to 1931, in that it was hard to find these coins in circulation. There is a rumor of a 7-million coin hoard of bank rolls and bags of 1955-S that is either intact or has been gradually dispersed over the years. Because of their availability, I consider 1955-S Cent rolls to be a commodity, and have used their pricing for many years as a gauge of both the BU roll market as well as overall coin market.

One thing that going through all these 55-S tubed rolls has made me decide is when I'm done, I won't be buying any more tubed 55-S rolls! I've gone through hundreds and hundreds of them and they have been interesting to say the least. 55-S has a rare and dramatic RPM (#1) and several other interesting RPMs, and is famous for its die chips (BIE, blob letters and numbers, etc) and other varieties and errors. The date is a nice one to look through because of its availability and stable pricing, and is a good year for beginners because being a commodity item with so many around kept many rolls intact and unsearched. A good number of the rolls I searched out of this group of 58 were truly unsearched before, which is somewhat rare in tubed rolls (even "OBW"!!) and even many of the ones that were obviously searched still had interesting stuff in them. Both rolls that I found RPM#1 in were previously searched! Who knows what they found and removed, if anything.

Ray

[BadThad]

Nice toners Ray! The range of colors is quite interesting.

[ray_parkhurst]

Nice toners Ray! The range of colors is quite interesting.

The most interesting I think is the purple one. The roll with the 5 RPM#1 had this purple toning, which I have not seen before. The toning only seemed to occur on the shiniest areas of the coin, where there was a lot of die abrasion, etc. Strange pattern and must have been due to specific storage conditions.

[ray_parkhurst]

Here is one that I'm having issues identifying. It show separation to the West on upper curve, and doubling on both serifs. Anyone recognize it or have a similar example?

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55-S-West_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55SWest_01_01.jpg

[ray_parkhurst]

I changed my high power technique a bit to reduce contrast. Here is another RPM I need help identifying. It looks a lot like RPM#3 but is tilted a bit CW while RPM#3 is tilted a bit CCW.

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55-S-West2_01.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55-S-West2-2_01.jpg

[Scott99]

That is by far the clearest image of a mint mark I have ever seen. I can nearly see your reflection LOL j/k. :) I'm of no help, I just needed to drool a little on the images.

[ray_parkhurst]

Looking at this a bit closer, I think it's RPM#2, stage B. Lack of die breaks/chips in the wheat and other markers through me off...Ray

[seal006]

I changed my high power technique a bit to reduce contrast. Here is another RPM I need help identifying. It looks a lot like RPM#3 but is tilted a bit CW while RPM#3 is tilted a bit CCW.



Now you are just showing off!! :)

[coop]

They are RPMs. I like the second better. I round something similar in a different year. Very nice images.

[ray_parkhurst]

OK, I figure the best way to wrap this thread up is to show a high resolution image of one of the 55-S/S/S RPM#1 Stage A EDS coins. Here it is:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55SSS1_02.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55SSS1-2_01.jpg

[seal006]

OK, I figure the best way to wrap this thread up is to show a high resolution image of one of the 55-S/S/S RPM#1 Stage A EDS coins. Here it is:



Wow Ray, what a stunning coin and image. I did a quick Teletrade search. A PCGS MS66 sold for $320 a week and a half ago. A MS65 sold for $110 this past Sunday. Get a few slabbed and it could make this little project of yours pay off nicely.

[BadThad]

The most interesting I think is the purple one. The roll with the 5 RPM#1 had this purple toning, which I have not seen before. The toning only seemed to occur on the shiniest areas of the coin, where there was a lot of die abrasion, etc. Strange pattern and must have been due to specific storage conditions.

I've seen the purple before, not often, but it does happen. I have a toned 37 proof (I think) in an NGC holder that looks like that. I'll have to dig up the images. I remember it was very difficult for me to capture the purple toning in the slab because it's fairly subtle.

[BadThad]

OK, I figure the best way to wrap this thread up is to show a high resolution image of one of the 55-S/S/S RPM#1 Stage A EDS coins. Here it is:





WOW! Excellent MM images....leaves nothing to the imagination! As always Ray, top-notch photography skills!

[ray_parkhurst]

Now you are just showing off!! :)

Now here is showing off:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55SSS-3_01.jpg

[seal006]

You are killing me Smalls.

[BadThad]

Now here is showing off:



Hell, that's better than I can see with a 10x loupe in hand! :LOL_Hair:

[coulsonmd]

Ray: I specialize in Cohen varieties and collect them avidly. Here are your BIE's and Cohen numbers: 1. B906 page 50; 2. No Cohen number; 3. B149 page 47; 4. B601 page 49; 5. 4 different numbers depending on how many reverse chips, page 49.

I would like to buy 1955-S varieties from you. BIEs and ALL. One of each for my collection. I think you bought a Cohen book. If so, use her numbers and let me know what you have and how much. Thanks, Ray

Michael

[ray_parkhurst]

Michael,

Excellent info! And a great reminder that I indeed do own a copy of Cohen, and just needed to dig it out of storage. I verified your attributions, and will look through for others using the book. Looks like I need to go through my BIEs! I guess that's my next sub-project, ie sorting and photgraphing my 55-S BIEs by Cohen numbers. I was wondering what my next step would be. Something always pops up...

Ray

[ray_parkhurst]

Armed with Cohen, I went through all my 55-S BIEs. Those rolls were very lucrative! I had some duplicate types found previously but most of the variety of varieties were from searching these 58 rolls. All told, here is what I attributed:

BA102
BA103
BA105
BA110
BA117**
BA119
BA123
BA143*
B149*
B159*
BA165*
B170**
B601
B603**
B604
B605*
B606
B610**
B906**

The single * are ones I only found a small number of in this group, while the double ** I found many, at least half roll each. It's not large enough of a group to make any statistical conclusions, though overall I was very pleased with the haul and I want to thank Michael (coulsonmd) again for reminding me about the Cohen book. Without it, these were destined to remain unattributed.

Ray

PS...I will try to image the above over the next few days. Cohen's illustrations are wonderful but it would also be nice to have pics for each type.

[jhcons]

Ray I am curious on how you go about attributing a large number of rpms after you have put them in tubes. For years I would look through rolls and just fill up tubes with the rpms or dd I seperated minor from major.
Was wanting input on your way that you would tackle that. All are by year ofcourse. For instance I have more than 20 tubes of 63-d,60-d and so on.

[ray_parkhurst]

Ray I am curious on how you go about attributing a large number of rpms after you have put them in tubes. For years I would look through rolls and just fill up tubes with the rpms or dd I seperated minor from major.
Was wanting input on your way that you would tackle that. All are by year ofcourse. For instance I have more than 20 tubes of 63-d,60-d and so on.

I use the small plastic tubes that you can buy at TAP plastics. They have two sizes...a smaller yellow tube that holds 15 Cents...and a larger clear tube that holds 31 Cents. I sort by type visually, without attribution, and get them all separated into tubes, starting with small and if I overflow I go to larger and if I overflow that to a full 50 coin tube. Only after all are sorted do start into actual attribution. After I have attributed the basic variety, I go through the stack to see if there are multiple stages represented. These get their own tube, each stage. After the stages are identified, I go through to identify a "keeper" that then goes into a Lighthouse snap holder, which I write on the backside what variety / stage is in the holder. These are usually the examples I photograph as well.

For the actual attribution, I use a stereo Microscope, usually a B&L 1x pod with 15x eyepieces. Sometimes I change to a 2x pod if I am going to do a lot of attributions. I find the only way I can do a lot of attributions comfortably is with the stereo microscope so I'd put a high priority on getting one that can go from 10x (or preferably 7x) up o 30x.

I use a combination of CC and Wiles CDR. I saved the CDR to disk so all I have to do is hit a quickstart icon and the home page comes up in the browser.

[jhcons]

I sort by type visually, without attribution, . .


When you say type. meaning north,south, etc or by strength of rpm

[ray_parkhurst]

When you say type. meaning north,south, etc or by strength of rpm

I mean by die. I usually look for an obvious and unique die marker that's easy to spot, then scan a stack of coins for that marker.

[rlmillerjr]

2) View each coin with stereo microscope at 10x, and put aside the following:

what is the exact model name or brand name for your scope, if you dont mind me asking?

[ray_parkhurst]

what is the exact model name or brand name for your scope, if you dont mind me asking?

I don't mind at all...

I have several microscopes, all of them Bausch and Lomb. The one I use most often, in fact has been on my desk now for at least a year without being swapped out, is a lowly Stereo-1 pod. I like the fixed pods because they have fewer moving parts, so less to go wrong with alignment and fewer lenses to keep clean. I also have a Stereo-2 pod but have not put it on the stand for a long time.

For eyepieces I keep a pair of B&L 10x widefields (old silver/aluminum ones) on the scope but I swap them out for B&L 15x EF when I need a bit more magnification, or even AO 25x when I want to look closely at a variety. I think it's the eyepiece flexibility that's kept me from changing heads for so long.

I use a boom stand but a regular A-Stand works just as well. The A-stand is the same type that I modify to build photography setups for folks. It's not super easy, but feasible to swap between a photo setup and microscope setup on the same stand.

Ray

[rlmillerjr]

Cooool, thank you!!!!, man i got to get me one of those!! :)

[ray_parkhurst]

OK, I've completed the imaging on the 55-S BIE's by Cohen number. I'm not showing all, as some stages look similar to others. The differences are in reverse die chips and such, which I did not image. I only imaged around LIBERTY. Here they are by Cohen number:

BA102
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-BA102-1_01.jpg

BA105
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-BA105-1_01.jpg

BA110
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-BA110-1_01.jpg

BA117
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-BA117-1_01.jpg

BA123
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-BA123-1_01.jpg

BA143
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-BA143-1_01.jpg

BA170
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-BA170-1_01.jpg

B601
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-B601-1_01.jpg

B603
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-B603-1_01.jpg

B606
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-B606-1_01.jpg

B610
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-B610-1_01.jpg

B906
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-B906-1_01.jpg

[simonm]

That is so neat. Someone should make a gif of the die chip progression.

[ray_parkhurst]

My favorite is the B610. It looks the most like an "I" between B and E. Here is a magnified view of just the BIE area on B610:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S%20Roll%20Search/55S-BIE-B610-2_01.jpg

[BadThad]

That's REALLY cool Ray! Thanks for sharing!

[jhcons]

Damn Ray,
Those are some nice toned Lincoln's. really nice project you underwent. I believe you knocked that one out of the ballpark!! A lot of people got something out of that. Thanks Jim

[ray_parkhurst]

I am finally going through all the finds that I put aside from my 1955-S roll search. Part of this effort was to image the various die stages of the RPM#2 and animate them to show the die progression clearly. You can see the animation in this thread:

http://www.lincolncentforum.com/forum/showthread.php?35251-1955-S-RPM-2-Stage-Progression

Looking through the documented stages, I was perplexed that they made fairly big jumps from almost no die breaks on the first 5 (Stage E) to the upper first 5 being fully chipped-out (Stage F). Same thing goes for the 9. I was pleasantly surprised when I found I had put aside examples of two intermediate stages between E and F!! The documented Stage E shows a small die chip in the upper first 5, but it is only slightly chipped-out. The coins I found show about 25% chipped-out and 75% chipped out, so these are new stages of RPM#2. Here they are:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55SRPM2STGE_3.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/rparkhurst/media/55SRPM2STGE5_4-1.jpg.html)
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55SRPM2STGE5_4-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/rparkhurst/media/55SRPM2STGE5_4-1.jpg.html)

[duece2seven]

Great stuff, Ray! I'd like to add something for all the newbies watching this. Take heed of the excellent photos presented here. These do NOT come easily! I guarantee you these photos are the culmination of many hundreds of hours of blood, sweat, aggravation, and tears. I for one am impressed.