1911-D RPM#3 and RPM#6

[rglerdude]

I am now authorized to read and write! I look forward to participating with great discussions.

[willbrooks]

I am now authorized to read and write! I look forward to participating with great discussions.

Welcome, Brian.

[WaterSport]

Woohoo - And welcome ! Glad to have your knowledge on the front end of things here.

Bob

[willbrooks]

I have a notion that this reverse die was not new when production with this obverse began. It's die state is significantly later compared to the obverse for the entire run. It being the first year of coinage in Denver may be a reason for that. Just speculation, but it might explain the seemingly conflicting die state reports, as well as the relative scarcity of the variety. At any rate, I believe we got this thing by the balls. Doing a preliminary write-up now for Dr. Wiles to review.

[rglerdude]

I have 5 examples of the 1911D/D FS-503/RPM-003. The different reverses are posted on CC. Let me know if you need any of the photos for presentation.

[willbrooks]

I have 5 examples of the 1911D/D FS-503/RPM-003. The different reverses are posted on CC. Let me know if you need any of the photos for presentation.

5? I know you have 3 different states posted. But you have 5 examples?

[willbrooks]

Let me email you.

[willbrooks]

I already have pictures of 12 high grade examples, which is probably almost all of them.

[rglerdude]

yes, i have 5 different examples. one, VF, 3 very low grade and one XF that i bought from Eric. It sounds lke you have the basis covered.

[willbrooks]

I presented our findings to Dr. Wiles and I heard back from him today. At least for now, we are all on the same page. Here is Dr. Wiles' reply:

"Will:

Thank you for gathering together the data for the 1911-D RPM-003/6 decision. While you have not provided me with a “smoking gun” piece of data, I do think you have provided a preponderance of evidence that supports the LDS reverse die change theory. My initial decision for RPM-006 being a different obverse die than RPM-003 was based on very limited data.

After 20 years of searching, no additional specimens of RPM-003 have been discovered. So, either RPM-003 is an extremely rare die (for some unknown reason) or as you have presented, a very rare die marriage with multiple examples of the earlier die marriage now residing in collectors’ hands but attributed as RPM-006. The evidence you have presented, along with the extensive length of searching time, tilts the probability in favor of an LDS reverse die change.

Therefore, I have revised the CONECA files to reflect this new data. I have removed RPM-006 and placed its corresponding die stage information under RPM-003. I encourage everyone to continue to search for the elusive reverse die change (including keeping an eye out for Paul’s plate coin to surface). When I saw it last, it was a chocolate brown coin in an ANACS small white holder.

Thanks,

James Wiles"

[eaxtellcoin]

I can remember the picture of Paul's RPM#3 coin in an old addition of the Punch by NCADD. and Yes it was in an ANACS holder. Thanks for spending the time on this Will!

[willbrooks]

I can remember the picture of Paul's RPM#3 coin in an old addition of the Punch by NCADD. and Yes it was in an ANACS holder. Thanks for spending the time on this Will!

Now you can relabel your coins, Eric!

[WaterSport]

Will - you da Man! (and so its Wiles!)

Bob

[willbrooks]

Will - you da Man! (and so its Wiles!)

Bob

Team effort. Daniel G, Jason D, Bob D, Brian A, Eric A, Ray P, John Wexler, James Wiles, and I hope I didn't forget anyone, all deserve credit. I was merely the genius facilitator using my world- famous amazing charm and silver tongue to bring the world together as one, like I always do. (Jon). Quaere Verum.

[rglerdude]

This is great news! Thank you for all the effort.