Grade on this 1880-S doesn't match

I recently picked up an 1880-S that was described as a raw "UNC GEM MS+++" and, now that I have it in hand, I'm thinking that their pictures wildly understated the dings in the fields (or the poor packaging when it was shipped dropped the coin from ms65 to ms60 range).

Before I contact the seller, I figured I'd get a 2nd opinion or three. What numeric grade would you assign this? And, do you think the seller's description was accurate?

 

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Show us the seller's pics.

"UNC GEM MS+++" means less than diddly, and is solely a marketing ploy to hype up a coin. It can also be argued that in the seller's opinion, he/she felt it was "UNC GEM MS+++", because it'll also sell for more.

 

Return it.
Harshly cleaned.

 

This is one of the reasons why eBay does not allow sellers to give numeric grades on raw coins. ~ Chris

 

+1

 

Do you have their photos? I'd like to see them.

 

Hardly seems like the same coin. Here's why I'm crying "Foul!"

 

I agree that it has been harshly cleaned. Return it if you can.

 

The lighting and contrast is off. Request a return based off photos not matching the coin. Leave negative feedback that they juice their photos to hide flaws.

 

Really? I didn't know that. Do they think the grading system is reserved for TPG's? Thanks for that feedback.

 

I'd say it is not the same coin.

 

The coin is the same one as the listing (note the spot above "A" in States on the reverse). I found the coin on eBay and that is one of the sellers that one is better off avoiding as they juice pictures. Here it looks like the picture was taken at an angle and with lights that made it look completely different. This is a case where you should consider returning and not dealing with that seller going forward.

 

The description on that auction specifically says, "Coin has been cleaned and artificially toned." I'm not sure how I feel about you returning the coin now since the seller didn't hide the fact it was cleaned...

 

Did not catch that note in their description. Certainly did not appear cleaned or toned based on their photos.

 

That is a low-AU coin. I can’t even be sure it is the same coin as in the pictures. If it is, then it has been grossly misrepresented

 

I just noticed that too. While the description mentions cleaned, the photo is still enhanced. So it's a toss-up. The seller does say they "offer a 30 day unconditional return policy" so if the buyer does not like it, a return is allowed. Maybe split the difference and have @GeorgeM pay the return shipping? Although, a snad case might have merit too.

 

That's pretty much where I'm at. I'm emphasizing the poor packaging in my email to them and including side-by-side pictures (theirs and mine). I asked if filing an insurance claim based on the recent abrasions would be appropriate or if they have an alternative suggestion.

I'm leaning towards returning it and getting my money back.

 

You don't want a pain in the butt insurance claim. eBay return is easier.

 

Just return it. As for the pictures, the seller just made it so that the light reflected directly off the coin and into the lens. That's an easy way to white out and over expose any dings and marks.