I know its AT but what do you think of this coin?

I guess I should clarify this for any beginners (not you). Proofs have a highly reflective mirror surface (As I may have written before: That's also a type of luster). The appearance of a Prooflike coin can resemble that of a Proof depending on how deep the NON-PROOF mirror is. Long ago the proto-TPGS even graded coins Semi-Prooflike.

Light reflects spectacularly from a blue toned coin (See image above where a circulated coin LOOKS to have full, bright luster near the rim. Some of this brightness possibly comes from a little mint luster remaining under the toning.

I have had in hand hundreds of toned (usually blue) coins (mostly MS but all the way down to European XF) that appear PL (only where the toning is) over the years. Check out almost any major auction plate showing toned gems and you may find a few. Also - and IMO you will not dispute this: If a MS coin has a semi-PL surface to begin with - the additional Light blue toning will enhance its mirror.

 

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I think the toning looks attractive and don't believe it is artificial. There is no chemical reason why a coin must be mint state or even high grade to have nice toning. The oils and other substances that a circulated coin collects should not always protect it from toning.

Often the oils can protect a circ coin from toning but if these don't accumulate or come off there should be no reason why a silver French medal of Louis XIV 1643 - 1715, although from the bust I'd guess 1670's or so, can't pick up blue toning in the past 350 years.

 

I collect Albanian pretty darn heavily and I wouldn't advise going after this coin for the same reason that I'm not pursuing it.

It's a problem coin and should be in a details slab. The fields are covered with scratches and hairlines. Irrespective of the catalogers description that what is present on the coin is "die polish" lines

As is often the case PCGS just gave it a pass because of its rarity.

 

Is the coin GRADED in an auction? I graded it MS-65 and would lie to know what the PCGS (?) guys said.

 

Now I see the insert on the rim!

 

One thing I have learned in thus hobby is to rely on and trust specialists in a series. I would trust this man on Albanian coins more than anyone else I know.

 

@rooman9 Is the piece in question brass, bronze or some composition other than silver. If so, I'd imagine the surfaces are quite dark and concur with @Numismat 's comment about the deceiving nature of the lighting / camera angle. Do you have any shots of the surfaces without the glare of the light highlight the colorful toning?

 

I am not sure what the metal is. But my guess would be brass. I decided to not get it.

 

Yes, brass sounds correct for others examples that can be found online.

 

Thanks for the kind words Chris That definitely means a lot especially coming from someone with a wide knowledge base like yourself.