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WilliamWHolcomb Special user Twinsburg, Ohio 533 Posts |
I recently purchased a Walking Liberty Copper/Silver coin from Johnson. I haven't received the coin yet but today I saw one a friend had and I'm begining to question the quality.
I am under the impression that the best C/S coins have the slightest sliver of a copper coin joined to the silver coin. The one I saw from Johnson looks like both coins were filed down half way and then joined. It is unmistakenly noticable from the side. Is this normal for Johnson? I got a great deal so I couldn't pass it up. I'd rather have a Lassen but took the chance with Johnson; now I think I may have made a mistake.
William Holcomb
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sanskara New user Austin, TX 59 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-01-13 22:22, WilliamWHolcomb wrote: I have a Johnson C/S, but with a Kennedy half (non-silver.) It is mostly Kennedy with a little English Penny on one side, not a half and half job. The quality is good; I can only assume their silver coin line represents good quality control as well--other information pending.
Regards,
James Bostwick |
BenSchwartz Elite user Southern California 499 Posts |
No no no... I use this coin all the time. It will not be noticeable at all. You are completely fine.
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Dan Watkins Inner circle PA 3028 Posts |
William,
Think about it a sec. When you have the silver side showing, you want as much silver edge as possible. When you have the copper side showing, you want as much copper edge as possible. How do you do this? Make half the edge copper, half the edge silver. This creates the greatest possible edge to match the face of the coin showing. My Todd Lassen C/S coin is this way, the Johnson C/S coin I had prior was like this as well. |
Isramagia Regular user Bayamon, Puerto Rico 114 Posts |
I was apprehensive when I recently purchased a Morgan silve dollar shell from Johnson for a great price. I was pleasantly surprised; the quality was great and it almost rivlaled a Lasson. I did'nt know Johnson made silver coin gimmicks; maybe it's a recent addition to their line. Does anyone know?
Izzy
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Amon-Re New user Holland 86 Posts |
I agree with Dan i would prefer half/half though i got one with a sliver of copper. Not that it shows anyway the kennedy half allready has a piece of copper in it so it all looks a bit similar.
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Dan Watkins Inner circle PA 3028 Posts |
Isramagia,
You could always custom order something from Johnson, even send them your own coins. I never personally did it but I have videos of Gary Kurtz from the mid 90's where he instructs that he got Johnson to make his shell with soft Morgans. I would hazard to guess that what you pay for a custom Job from Johnson is going to be pretty competitive with Todd, so I rather just got the Lassen stuff because he hand picks the coins to match your gaffs. I just recently went to a coin dealer and bought eight Morgan dollars. Two of the eight were too big for my shell, so it is important to get coins that fit. Coins slightly vary in size. |
Curtis Kam V.I.P. same as you, plus 3 and enough to make 3498 Posts |
William, I read that description of the "best" C/S coin too, I think it was in Bobo's. A few years later, Johnson (and one other manufacturer) started advertising the C/S made that way (i.e. with a copper shim) I got one, and discovered two things: First, the sound is wonderful when you use a silver half. Second, unless the coin is made properly, the silver edge is blatantly visible from the copper side.
This was the case with my shim c/s. It is a classic case of hiring a good engineer to do the work, but forgetting to first ask a good magician what the point is. As I looked at the copper side and its shiny silver edge, I wondered how this was supposed to fool anyone. I even tried it, and got burned, as expected. Years later, while repairing a 50/50 c/s, I figured out what was wrong with my shimmed c/s. It IS a good idea, and it should work, but it's hard to get one made right. Here's the idea. Start with two observations: 1) the english Penny is typically a trifle larger than the half, and 2) the half has a milled edge, whereas the Penny's edge is smooth. Now, shave one side of the half, and lap onto it a thin shim of the EP. Here's the touchy part: You must make sure the diameter of the Penny does not change. Done correctly, the milled edge of the half is completely hidden by the slightly larger EP. On the flip side, the viewer can see a milled edge all the way around. The slight copper overlap (that basically fills the spaces between the raised lines on the milled edge)will quickly darken, and pass as shadow. Does that make sense? Does it really matter? I don't know. I never bothered to get a proper one. Apparently, in my original, an unusually small Penny was used, or the machinist, not happy with the idea that the shim overlapped the milled edge, reduced the shim's diameter until it matched the edge of the half. These days, I just use a 50/50 c/s, but it sure would be nice to have a silver shim c/s, made properly, if only for the sound.
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Dan LeFay Inner circle Holland 1371 Posts |
Before I came to know Todd and his reputation I once visited the Johnson factory with a friend magician. They were very friendly and helpful when I explained I was from Holland and on the look for silver gimmicks. I got literally dozens of silvergaffs in my hands and could pick my own choice. My 4 Morgans plus shell and 4 Liberty halves plus shell are great.
I saw someonelses Johnson Morgan shell and it looked just as good as mine but did not fit the cois as well as mine does. So I suppose there is an advantage for picking out the coins and gaffs yourself. Though I go for Todd now, I have highest regards for Johnson products still!
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Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths, that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes, and forgot." Neil Gaiman |
WilliamWHolcomb Special user Twinsburg, Ohio 533 Posts |
Much thanks to everyone! Dan, you're point is well-taken!
I haven't yet received my coins but I'm anxious to see what they look like! Again, thanks for all the great info! Bill
William Holcomb
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