great coin (1) based upon method of manufacture (2) providing it was never damaged by being mounted MS 66 ?
Guys, I will break the suspense.... AU-58. I am somewhat dissapointed as it did not make the MS grade. Specifically, Matt's observation of PL is spot on. I may resubmit down the line.
I believe these are pre-striking file adjustment marks common to that era. These removed excess metal from overweight planchets. The adjustment marks appear as file marks at 12 O'clock. Although adjustment marks were often obliterated by the force of the strike when the coin was made, may be that some of these marks were made after striking to ensure consistency of weight. Another more crude example in this coin:
Ok, stupid question time, that does the "PL" at the end of the grade stand for? I'm sure I SHOULD know this and likely have the info in a book or multiple books, I'm just drawing a blank here.
Proof-Like surfaces. The more I look at the details of this coin (face, fingers, Madonna, Baby Jesus, Angel) the more I am convinced this is undergraded.
of course, durrr. As for condition, and I'm just taking awld shot here without being able to see the coin in hand, isn't that SLIGHT wear on the bishop's face? Still, 58 is pretty low for the coin. I'd go with 64.
CT administrator Doug posted this good description of designations on a thread in the Coin Chat section today. I assume it is OK to just copy it to here: Below is a list of the special designations and their requirements. BN = Brown 95% or more of the coin is brown RB = Red Brown 6% or more, but less than 94% of the coin is brown RD = Red 95% of the coin is original mint red, 5% may be brown CA = Cameo Proofs and prooflike coins, that have frosted devices and lettering that contrast with the fields. UC = Ultra Cameo Proofs and prooflike coins, that have deeply frosted devices and lettering that contrast with the fields - often called “black and white” cameos. PL = Prooflike NGC - reflectivity at 2-4 inches PCGS - reflectivity at 2 inches DPL = Deep Prooflike NGC - reflectivity at 6-8 inches PCGS - reflectivity at 4-6inches FB = Full Split Bands NGC - all 3 horizontal bands on the fasces must have clear and distinct lines PCGS - the central band on the fasces must have clear and distinct lines FBL = Full Bell Lines NGC - both the upper & lower sets of bell lines must be clear, distinct and unbroken except at the crack PCGS - the lower set of bell lines must be clear, distinct and unbroken except tat the crack SP = Specimen FH = Full Head helmet of the head must have full details FT = Full Torch NGC - both upper and lower horizontal bands must have clear and distinct lines, the vertical lines must also be clear & disitinct PCGS - upper and lower bands must have clear & distinct lines 5FS = Five Full Steps the lines of 5 steps must be clear, distinct and unbroken 6FS = Six Full Steps the lines of 6 steps must be clear, distinct and unbroken
While I like the looks of the coin I think the toning on this one got ya. Look at the base of the thumb and the sleeve on the obverse also on the staff about 1/3 of the way up. (wear?) On the reverse look at the back of the hand on the square at about 9:00. (wear?) Just a few spots that I see in the pics that may have held it back. I think they stand out more because of the toning however. Just my two cents worth.
