Reverse photo could be a little clearer. I'm curious about your thoughts on grade. Sending to PCGS Wednesday most likely.
I wonder if they will let the potential cleaning slide on this one and give it a straight? If so, what would you give it? You are normally right on with your opinions!
Incredible coin! PCGS estimates that only 67 exist. Unfortunately cleaned, and I'm thinking AU details. Still a five-figure coin and absolutely worth sending in.
AU-55 Details, cleaned. Definitely worth sending in to PCGS. Still a valuable coin even with the cleaning.
I think that on the VERY best of days, you might get the front straight graded, but the back will never get there. I'm afraid this is a details coin every day of the week.
The cleaning may be unfortunate. But this coin is a legit monster. Nice one. Is this a coin that people remove the S to try to fake? Or, are you risking a semi valuable coin, and turning it into gold melt value in the attempt at fraud?
Removed mint marks - even added mint marks - are frequently identified by grading companies. I’m sure NGC or PCGS will be on high alert when evaluating this coin’s reverse. Keep in mind that there are die state clues that help in authentication. So, there is little risk that this coin would be certified by one of the top companies with an altered surface (removed mint mark). Let’s wish the OP luck on this amazing coin - if it does better than expected, he will be able to name his price!
Now that I have the coin, here are some photos meant to highlight the past cleaning. I will be sending it off to a TPG but want to avoid any Harshly Cleaned designations on the label. Does anyone know if ANACS marks coins as "Harshly Cleaned" or do they just mark them as "Cleaned"? I can't seem to find this info online anywhere. The hairlines are not very prominent in hand. They do pop at an angle under direct sunlight as seen below.
I think it will say AU Details Cleaned, Genuine. More people will want this coin, then will pass because of the details. I think I have seen "Harshly Cleaned" on a label. But gold seems to pick up and show scratches easily.
Wow, looks like two different coins from your first pictures to these. Too bad someone did that to the coin.
Both PCGS and NGC will label a coin Details Harshly Cleaned. Im just not sure if ANACS will? Perhaps PCGS would just label it Cleaned? The photos were taken to highlight the hairlines. Looks much better in hand.