So, I've been thinking of buying some earlier date proof Wheat cents. What do you think of this one? Genuine? What's the grade? Is the toning AT? Here's the sellers images. http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTE4M1gxMjA2/z/zcEAAOSwofxUbNrE/$_57.JPG http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwNlgxMTgz/z/ZeQAAOSwnDxUbNrI/$_57.JPG
It would be just about impossible to grade this coin from an image. On one hand, it looks very nice with good luster putting it at PR-65, on the other hand, it has some pretty noticeable hairlines putting it more in the PR-62 range. If you can determine if it is toning or hairlines under the Liberty on the obverse, you could better assign a grade. I'm leaning towards hairlines and PR-63 max. I'd put it in the $275-300 range raw.
It may be the photo, but the color on the reverse looks a little too pinkish to me. As for the hairlines mentioned above, I think the lines seen on the reverse are die polish, but I suspect there are hairlines behind Lincoln's portrait that could show up a bit better.
I would not buy this coin from those images. Actually, I would not buy any proof from an image unless I really knew the dealer and could return it.
Thanks for all the info guys. @ldhair It has a 14 day return policy, but yes, a slabbed one from a reputable dealer would be much better.
No one can give a legitimate and highly narrowed estimation of grade for something like this. It appears to be a proof cent. Other than that, who knows?
