Trinidad and Tobago 1978 50 cents
This specimen was lot 74901 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2023), where it sold for $80. The catalog description[1] noted, "TRINIDAD & TOBAGO. 50 Cents, 1978. PCGS SPECIMEN-66. The sole finest certified example at PCGS, this Gem presents with a satin like muted luster that is rather charming. From the Kings Norton Mint Collection." This type was struck 1973-76 as KM-22 and then 1976-81 and 1999 with "REPUBLIC OF" added to the obverse (shown here). The SCWC states that all of the 1978 issue was made at the Franklin mint but we see no trace of the "FM" mintmark below the obverse arms.
Recorded mintage: 563,000 plus various matte and mirror finish proofs from the Franklin mint.
Specifications: 7 g, copper-nickel, 26 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM-33.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, November 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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