If you act fast you can own this lovely Mercury Dime for a paltry $1420! Would someone care to explain to me how this ugly coin can get a rating of MS-66 ? The thing looks so rusted and corroded you would think it wouldn't rate a G-4. Oh but it has FSB's! Oh, and this lovely coin has a grade of MS-68! Only $2600! How the heck can it rate an MS-68?? This coin collecting hobby sure is confusing!
The proper term is grade, not rate. Grading is supposed to be technical and irrespective of toning or color. The grade is supposed to be mainly based on wear and marks. However, there is a point where severe toning (oxidation to the surface) is considered environmental damage. Apparently these examples were not considered to have surface damage by the graders.
Maybe my expectations are too high, but if you're going to sell coins with a substantial premium for toning, you had better learn how to photograph them.
Oh I get it, but I personally wouldn't give you $10 for either coin, professionally graded or not! Well, maybe I would, but I'd turn right around and resell them for over $1000 on eBay then buy what I want with the proceeds. LOL! I guess I value eye appeal the most. The toning on those particular coins is not attractive IMHO.
It's possible. The first one probably did darken or tone more in the holder. The second one should almost certainly look better in hand and looks like the slab might be scuffed up around the facial area
