OK - I have been sniping auctions on eBay for decent but low-priced peace dollars that I can stick in an album. I have bought most for around $25 which is probably not a lot more than I could get them from a local shop or even a bullion dealer. I broke my rules on this one and am not sure how to evaluate how I did. I paid $64 plus shipping for this coin: It has no luster. I was hoping for low MS but it seems, in hand, an AU at best. My question is: does the lack of luster mean that it was cleaned? Are there other indications it is cleaned? I am also wondering if the mint mark is legit. It looks like it may be punched in. Here is a close-up: If it is cleaned, I'll just stick it in my album and move on. If it is not cleaned, is this worth sending to a TPG? It is a rare date. Overall did I overpay?
Dings and scratches on the obverse, gouges, scratches on the reverse. The circular indent around the S makes it questionable. You did ok on the price. I would not send it to a TPG. Keep it, seal it, enjoy it. Good luck.
The lack of any luster, the halo around the MM and rays, and the dull lifeless look of the coin may indicate the coin was harshly cleaned. The nicks through out RIBU and the stain I/F/O her mouth may preclude TPG grading. With the circulation wear I would grade the coin at F Details - damaged, cleaned, stained. Poo poo on the seller for waiving that light across the obverse in an attempt to produce artificial luster. That's a new one on me and a new low. Shame on him/her! JMO.
Well.... I suppose I am more of a purist. I don't believe you can overpay to hold history in your hands. Yes, intrinsically that was a bit too much to pay, however where else are you going to hold a hundred years of history in your hands for a mere sixty-five bucks?
Follow on with my own quote because I can't edit. I don't like to pee on anybody's coin. I was responding to your questions. Now I've gotten that out of the way there is a different way to look at this coin and its purchase. Did you over pay? Perhaps, but in the world of numismatics $65 is a small price to pay for an education. Don't look at this coin with disdain and regret. Instead put in your collection/folder/album and enjoy it as a place keeper until something better comes along. What can be learned here; Post your perspective purchase for our opinions here first before a purchase. We are here to share knowledge. Use this coin as a guide on how to spot a worn, cleaned, or damaged coin. Sharpen your bidding skills. Don't get caught up in bidding wars. I find it's best to determine the market price of the coin, then determine the price you want to pay for the coin. Back out any buyers premium, taxes, and shipping costs from your price. These extras add up fast and become the ultimate price you paid for the coin. Enter your maximum bid and don't look back. Decline to be notified that you have been out bid. Wait until you are notified after the auction that you won/lost. Remember: the winner of an auction is the person who wanted pay more than anybody else for a particular item (coin). /best! Happy collecting!
I checked VAMWorld for ya! This is VAM 1Q, one of my Discovery coins. YES, you did very well my friend! Great find! 1924-S VAM-1Q - VAMWorld (ec2-13-58-222-16.us-east-2.compute.amazonaws.com)
@Dynoking The photos are all me. The original photos on eBay didn't show all the nicks. I was trying to capture the actual condition and the lack of luster. I have no complaints about the seller. This was an auction, not a BIN, and I relied only on my eyes.
You are right. I am happy to have it. My question was about trying to understand how I am doing at judging a coin by photos on eBay. I am trying to learn all I can about this hobby. I have been pleased with most of my recent purchases. This one gave me pause.
