I haven't sent her in for conservation yet, but I'm hopeful that a little PCGS cleaning will reveal a descent grade coin.
It's definitely XF. I can't tell from the pictures, but I am 50/50 whether it has been cleaned or not. I fear that if you send it in for conservation at PCGS, all they will do is dip it and well, then it loses all it's character. It'll just be another white XF among the many. If you like that look, no problem. I prefer mine dirty.
I like dirty girls........nope, that's too strong. I like 'questionable' girls.......nope. too strong too. I like 'original girls' with a bit of earthiness. That's it.......
Hmmm!! Dang I was in hopes that the PCGS guys took pain staking measures to insure original luster, and any toning would remain. Hell I can dip it myself (not gonna happen). But yes I feel the same way I don't want just another bleached coin. Thank you for weighing in and bringing a little more knowledge my way. WHALE OIL BEEF HOOKED now say those four words rapidly with a bit of Irish accent.
I can't say 100% they will do that. But I would not take the chance without the understanding that it may come back that way. The only way to be sure they wouldn't dip it if you sent it in for conservation is have them call you once they have the coin. And I am 99.9% sure they wouldn't offer that level of service. So you send it inand they do what they want with conservation or you keep it intact and try for the straight grade.
Here is a Barber half I bought this morning on ebay. It should be in the pipeline soon! From the very clean appearance, I suspect it has been cleaned with silver polish or similar stuff.
In my opinion, it hasn't been cleaned in the way of scrubbing or wiping. There are no visible hairlines. I would suspect though it has been dipped. A grade of F15 is what I would give it. If it was original surfaces, I'd throw the old F18 grade out there. Yes that was a grade "back then".
Not sure if this is the correct forum for this but here goes. This is my first and only Barber coin, so any advice or direction is surely appreciated. The internet searching I have done only seems to pose more questions than answers. Trying to take quality photos seems to be beyond my realm of capability. Anyway a couple more pics, with different lighting may provide a better base for judging what I have. Of coarse I'm blinded by my own illusions of grandeur, hopeful for something that just won't be. Thank you in advance for your time and knowledge.
Pleased to see all the posts to this Barber Thread. The 1892-S Ty 2 Quarter is { IMHO } an XF 48/AU 50 coin. Too nice for the XF grade - and not nice enough for the AU grade. Don't waste your time sending it in for conservation. The coin needs a multiple soak in Acetone to remove the accumulated dirt and grime that's built up. Its a nice coin - and after an overnight in a dish of Acetone, you'll still have an original coin with out all the distractions. Please make sure the coin is rinsed thoroughly in distilled water. { Key word: Throughly !!! } Not to worry, no surface luster will be removed - nothing odd will be added. You'll be left with a solid coin to be proud of and no need for excuses. Good luck - and please let us know how you make out.
Nice looking 02-O Dime - NGC 53 - they were a bit harsh on you. Looks closer to 55. Having had my fair share of nice 02-O's - I like your's very much. Congrats !
Coin Nut - God knows what happened to that 1906 Half. I hope you got it for a touch over bullion prices.
Thank you Elbessar, from what I understand you are the Barber coin Guru. I appreciate your time, opinion and guidance. I read horror stories about dipping coins and I get weak in the knees thinking about soaking this one ha! I'll experiment on a couple grimy old Mercury dimes first. I know.....I'm a wussy Win lose or draw I'll post the aftermath.........thanks again
I got a very dark but great details 1903 Liberty Head/Barber Nickel today for $.50. I'll try posting pics tomorrow, but haven't tried yet because of the darkness of the coin.
The seller begged me to buy this at $56, with my eBay bucks cost me less than $40! Not the best lookin gal, but I'll still take her.