U.S. PATTERN COIN / 1964 / VERY RARE / NO RESERVE Start Price USD 99.00 Current Price USD 99.00 Time Left - Bid Count 1 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, September 05, 2008 End Time Friday, September 12, 2008 Location Galena, Illinois See more about 'U.S. PATTERN COIN / 1964 / VERY RARE / NO RESERVE' Description U.S. PATTERN COIN Around 1964 my father brought home a strange looking coin from work. He was an engineer employed by the Haynes Stellite Division of Union Carbide Corp. Haynes Stellite made metal alloys primarily for military and industrial users that were wear, corrosion and/or heat resistant. The coin is approx. 1.25 inches in diameter and has the same "spread eagle holding olive branches and arrows" stamped on both sides with type around the edge which reads "32nd President of The United States Of America 1933-1945". It is dull silver in color and approx. 3/16 inches thick.  The coin's edge is plain with a lot of random striations, imperfections and what appear to be a few random letters (see picture scans).  I think the coin was "softly struck" since some of the detail is not sharp or is absent (e.g. in the shield). After doing some research on the Internet via coin auction sites, I discovered that there were apparently around 100 or so coins stamped by Haynes Stellite around 1964. They were submitted upon request to the Treasury Dept. as well as a sample being given to each U.S. Senator in attempt to convince them of the alloy’s feasibly as new coinage material. I think it is made out of a "Columbium (a.k.a. Niobium)" based alloy, which is very wear resistant and extremely difficult to counterfeit. While I have been involved in handling new and collectible books for over 40 years, I have little experience with coins. However, I have tried to research, describe and picture this rare item as carefully as I can. There may be a few more defects but I have attempted to list the ones I could find.  Please note that the picture scan colors are a little off but I think reasonably close. Comments: You can buy with confidence because I am an experienced professional bookseller (retired) having owned and operated two "brick and mortar" bookstores in IL & NH for 15 years. I accept Credit Cards through PayPal.  Checks (item shipped after check clears) and Money Orders are also gladly accepted.  SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! This item is RETURNABLE if not as described in the original condition within seven days after receipt for a quick refund (customer pays return shipping). Please let me know in advance of the return and ship USPS First Class Mail.  Auctions not paid for within 7 business days of closing will be voided. Pay me securely with any major credit card through PayPal! Powered by eBay Turbo ListerThe free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items. Place a Bid!