Here’s some scans of my challenge coin, I received it on 7-12. I got kinda behind on posts here, so I was trying to catch up before starting new threads. It was VERY well packaged by Dan and Patti. I have to be honest though, I was slightly disappointed that it wasn’t quite “mint”. I thought it would be, and I was planning on taking very good care of it to ensure it stayed perfect. Since I’m a coin collector, the first thing I did was look it over closely. I noticed that it had several “bubbles” on the shiny part of rim on the front. There were also a couple of dents in the edge, like it had been dropped a couple times. On the back, where the black meets the shiny edge, the finish was uneven, and it the finish was pretty scratched up on the back, which didn’t show in the scan.

Not that I’m being whiney and picky, but I didn’t know if anyone else had any slightly imperfect coins, and if so I thought we should let Dan and Patti know. I thought if there were several coins that weren’t quite right, Dan might want to complain about the quality control to the company, and maybe he’d get a better price on the next batch. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Really though, I’m ok with the condition now. After I saw it was imperfect, I decided to go ahead and carry it in the small coin pocket of my jeans where I also carry a small folding pocket mirror. After several days, I noticed some more hairline scratches on the back of the coin. I dunno if it was the plastic case of the mirror that did it, or maybe a few stray grains of sand or something in my pocket. After I saw that, I decided I’d need to be able to protect it from scratches while I carry it. I didn’t get it on the protective cases in the group buy, because I thought it would be too big for pocket carry, and it would probably get cracked in a pocket from too tight a fit in a pocket.

I did however figure out how to carry it and still protect it. I have some small 2”x2” ziplock bags that I use to put coins in in my coin collection. I keep my coin collection in an ammo can, and the bags keep them from scratching each other in the ammo can. It was a tight fit, but one of those bags fits the challenge coin perfectly. So, now I can carry it in my coin pocket without having to worry about scratching the finish, but it can still easily be seen through the bag. I’m sure eventually the bag will wear out and/or get some holes in it, so it’s a good thing a have a bunch of them. If you carry your coin, you might want to look around your area for these size of bags to protect it.

Here’s the scan of my coin that I did the day I got it:

I scratched mine up a little bit when I was taking pics and carrying it. Now it's really mine. Nice pics.

Except for the dust I didn't notice at the time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> I was also frustrated that I couldn't get it straight. I tried over and over, but every time I shut the lid it rotated.

Andy - I've got lots of coins in the Army, and they all have little imperfections in them - totally normal. A few of them were given to me in those little baggies or other sleeves though, like you're talking about.

The same thing happened to me trying to snap pics. I had some fingerprints on my pick even after wiping the coin down as best I could.

Why'd you shut the lid? If you leave it up you will get a black background or you could just put a piece of paper over the coin if you wanted white. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />


Unless you have some whacky scanner that will only scan with the lid closed.

Oh...well, this is my first scanner so I'm new at this. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I thought if I left the lid open it would mess up the scan or the coloring or something.

Still looks great Andy! Character marks are important! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I have hopes that mine will show up on wednesday. If not, then I will have high hopes for the next delivery on friday. (Then repeat for every monday, wednesday and friday after that). <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Indeed the price was right!!! Whether the coins are "picture perfect" or not, we should all appreciate Dan and Patti's generousity - I certainly do!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Tom

Ya know Andy, imperfections in people are called.....wait for it...personality <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Well stated Kraz !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

i think it will be impossible to carry the ocin every day for a year and not have it a little scratched up. When you see someone with a coin that shows wear, you'll know you're looking at someone that carried the coin everyday.

So all the times they said I had lots of personality they meant I had tons of imperfections! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

But you are STILL lovable and humble Dan! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Congrats on your coin Andy!!!