Lassen Companion TT Set by Todd Lassen

Triple Threat with a different color

This was a brilliant idea to the standard Triple Threat…why not in copper and a companion set to the silver dollar Triple Threat. The possibilities are endless with these two. This set uses that new copper pattern coin I discussed in UWC #2 set….gorgeous set as Todd included two normal copper coins with the gaff.

The first image shows the gaff with the shells up, if you hadn’t noticed, and you can see the workmanship is amazing…bet the wider rim allowed Todd to achieve a trimmer fit without that "potato chip" final insert. Practically looks like just one coin. The next two images shows the un-nesting of the gaff.

This was one of only 5 from a total of 25 that was left without the "sauce" that gave the coins a dark toned look. I preferred the brilliant clean look to match the other gaffs in my collection that used this copper coin. I also prefer nature to tone the copper with time. Most highly recommended as is all of Todd’s work.

Source: Lassen Companion TT Set

Lassen CSB with IES by Todd Lassen

CSB with that new Lassen touch

This is one amazing set of CSB coins, though, to Todd, it may have been a nightmare to make. This incorporates his "Infinity Edge System (IES)" and the results are remarkable. The gaff with the silver side up is absolutely indistinguishable with an ordinary silver coin. You can display it on the palm as long as you want as you start your routine and, even those in the know, will not think "gaffed".

Reversing the gaff and un-nesting it, the first thing that now stands out as different from the traditional CSB sets is that there is absolutely no visible division in the rim of the C/S insert. It’s all non-silver (brass or copper, depending on the coin). This is the infinity edge at work that only a highly skilled machinist like Todd can do with perfection.

Now, not everything is "perfect". One complaint that I have read in one forum is that the Chinese coin does have a silver rim, but I personally do not see this as a problem. First, this section of the routine is kept rather brief; second, there are two coins being displayed to divert some attention; and finally, with the coins overlapping towards the audience, the silver does pick up some color of the coin below as seen in the third image, so it is less obvious visually.

Oh yes, Todd included with my set an expanded Chinese shell (these are his "Miracle Enjoyment" coins, BTW) to fit the CSB gaff nicely for a "Chinatown Half" effect (an idea of David Neighbors).

Source: Lassen CSB with IES

Lassen UWC Coin Set #2 by Todd Lassen

Round 2 and still going

I have already reviewed Todd’s Ultimate Wild Coins with the first batch he released back in April, 2008. The response was so good that he released this additional batch back in February (2009), but used the new copper pattern coins he has been working lately. He had on his blog, last year in June, the sculpts for the new design and they looked impressive at that time.

The new copper coins are so very nice with wide rims, clean designs, that I couldn’t turn down a second set made with these. I figured you can never have too much Lassen to play with and I like this set better than the first. Again, the top coins and the second image are the gaffs and the companion coins are remilled to fit the shells for maximum versatility.

Source: Lassen UWC Coin Set #2

Lassen Special Set by Todd Lassen

Very Special, Indeed!

If any one has been following Todd’s gaffs on ebay, you may recognize this set. It definitely set a record for coin gaffs and clearly made a statement for the quality and demand of Todd’s work. Yep, it was a bidding frenzy, but no regrets. What distinguishes this special set apart is 1) the versatility of the matched gaffs in the set, 2) its uniqueness (Todd’s own words: “…one of a kinder.”, “ebaying this one too due to the special nature of the set. I won’t be taking any custom orders for sets like these.”), and 3) the use of beautiful Seated Liberty half dollars. The oldest coin gaffs I was accustomed to seeing were Barbers, but this is the first time I had publicly seen any with the even older Seated Liberty coins. I am not a numismatist, but you just have to love these old U.S. minted coins.

The gaffs are so very nice and, hopefully, some of what I experienced when I first saw them can be conveyed with the images you are seeing. The set consists of an obverse sided expanded shell with 4 ungaffed matching coins and two opposite copper/silver coins (“Ishtar” set) with two ungaffed matching copper pennies (1899 Victoria). The C/S coin with the reverse sided silver is fitted to the obverse expanded shell for a sun/moon set, if desired. Lots of coin magic here! All came nicely stored in the popular JOL leather coin purses.

All this would be plenty, BUT Todd is quite a guy and didn’t feel it was fair to see this item go so high on ebay, so, without any obligation (and didn’t have to), he added 1) a second expanded shell with the reverse side showing, and 2) a beautifully crafted gravity flipper using a nice 1860 Seated Liberty half. This "sweetened deal" can be seen in the third image. Overall, this has to be the nicest and most complete Seated Liberty coin gaff collection, you could ever imagine. I am ecstatic and anyone who has bought from Todd doesn’t need any convincing about the man himself and his work. BTW, the package I received also included another great new item that came up on his blog, which I requested to buy, so I had one fantastic coin gaff feast that day. Thanks, Todd…no one else would have been so generous and fair with his customers.


Source: Lassen Special Set