1996P WIDE AM- Revisited

[chuckster125]

Does this coin exist or not?

I just got my 2012 red book and this coin is listed on pg 120, but with no value under MS65 grade.

I've been told by other "EXPERTS" that the Red-Book made an error, this coin doesn't exist.

Mr Crawford was the original founder of this coin and then was subsequently stolen from him- WHAT happended after that- Why was it removed from the LCR variety site etc?

If that's the case and this coin has been "de-bunked" , why is this coin listed in the Red Book, while other known legitimate coins like my avatar (1994P DDR-001) are not listed?

Who do you write to on this- Whitman Publishing in Atlanta, Georgia to the attention of Mr Bressett or Mr Bowers?

Thanks for any help/insight/additional info etc on this.

Chuck.

[lara4228]

Politics. Oh Politics! lol I don't much about this but I'd love to follow this thread and find out.

[hasfam]

I seem to recall a lengthy discussion on this very subject a year ago or so right here on this forum.
Here is a LINK to an older thread on the 1996 wide AM.
Rock

[mustbebob]

Chuck, You really need to take a breath and relax a bit. The 1996 Wide AM was never verified by anyone other than Billy Crawford, so the only proof this coin ever existed, are his photos. The other folks told you that the Red Book made an error, and that seems to be the case. Without other verification, it should not be in the book, or recognized. You can write or call any of the editors, but nothing can be done at this point since it has been published. It will have to wait until next year to be removed.
As far as listing other varieties like your 1994P DDO-001, there are literally thousand of varieties out there. They list the ones they feel deserve to be listed, and there aren't many of them. Mainly the most prevalent doubled dies and errors are listed. It's been that way forever, so don't expect it to change. It's the author and publisher's prerogative.

[chuckster125]

Chuck, You really need to take a breath and relax a bit. The 1996 Wide AM was never verified by anyone other than Billy Crawford, so the only proof this coin ever existed, are his photos. The other folks told you that the Red Book made an error, and that seems to be the case. Without other verification, it should not be in the book, or recognized. You can write or call any of the editors, but nothing can be done at this point since it has been published. It will have to wait until next year to be removed.
As far as listing other varieties like your 1994P DDO-001, there are literally thousand of varieties out there. They list the ones they feel deserve to be listed, and there aren't many of them. Mainly the most prevalent doubled dies and errors are listed. It's been that way forever, so don't expect it to change. It's the author and publisher's prerogative.

Thanks Bob!- I just took a real long deep breath (LOL!)

I'm cool with this, it's just that we are not building rocket ships here, either this coin is legit or it is not, very simple yes/no answer (IMHO).

I'm inclined to believe this coin is not legit, based on the fact that not one single other 1996 P LMC Wide AM has ever been found/discovered etc.

Regarding the listing in the Red-Book, that's the only reason I revisited this coin. Just wanted to know why this specific coin is in the Red Book when others are not.

Thanks again for the info.

Chuck.

[mustbebob]

I agree completely Chuck. No rocket science here. Since this coin is gone, no other specimens have been found, or this one was never verified by anyone else, it doesn't exist. Plain and simple. The Red book authors/publishers should be contacted about this though. The more who contact them, the more they will realize the error of their ways.

[lara4228]

Maybe just a misnomer, but I had heard once while in College, that if you are the first person to report an error in a published book you will receive some kind of reimbursement.

Maybe I was naive to listen to it, but hey, its worth a try?

[mustbebob]

I don't think that holds true in this case Lara. I do know that publishers sometimes offer incentives if they can be the first ones to report something, or to get a contract to publish.

[jfines69]

I believe that Billy had the coin... However the coin world has to have independent verification especially on a coin that would be extremely rare... I am sure Billy understands this and accepts it... I just wish the coin would be returned to him!!!

[coin-crazy]

Im glad this topic came back up.I can stop searching for it.I'll close the case!!

[trails]

Never close a case until it is proved positively beyond a doubt. As for one of a kind, lets look at the 1959 Lincoln cent with a wheat back reverse.

BJ Neff

[koinmon]

I FOR ONE AGREE WITH BJ JUST BECAUSE THERE HAS ONLY BEEN ONE REPORTED DOESN'T MEAN IT DOESN'T EXIST. I WILL CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR THIS AND I HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF RESPECT FOR BILLY CRAWFORD AS HE ALSO IS ONE WHO GIVES ALOT TO THIS HOBBY WITHOUT ASKING FOR MUCH IF ANYTHING IN RETURN.
George

[hasfam]

I agree with what you said about Billy, George.

[mustbebob]

I don't believe anyone has disrespected Billy. We are merely pointing out the facts. The coin is lost, therefore, there are no copies of the 1996 Wide AM reported anywhere. By all means, keep searching as you never know what you may find. Until the coin is either found, or another is reported, it doesn't exist. Pretty simple really.

[atarian]

I believe the 96 wam exists and also will search for it. I solely belive on that premis and only from that a 97 wam should also exist. 96 98 99 00 why not a 97. But I believe Billy had it before he lost it I hope that or another example finds it's way into one of our collections and soon.