I've been on a quest for better and better examples of this coin for some time. Sometimes I take a bit of a gamble... It was still a great deal and I still think it's absolutely gorgeous! My hunch was right...someone unfortunately began cleaning it on either side of the portrait some time ago. But fortunately my quest is much more about the reverse. It's got some light dings but I'd put the grade around MS66...if it would grade. The reverse still has luster! Just wanted to share, needed some coin therapy lol...I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback...
Sorry, but there is no way that coin is an MS-66. It’s probably not even Mint State judging by the obverse. It looks like there is a rub on the portrait and cleaning lines in the field.
I was actually just looking at a graded MS66 in a lcs about a week ago...I'm not seeing much difference honestly when it comes to the details. I do realize it would never grade...compare his face and those sails... Check out this MS66 for comparison https://www.pcgs.com/auctionprices/item/1893-50c-columbian/9297/-1728511501902086053
Kurisu you have a beautiful coin and I am usually not into the rainbow look, but yours catches the eye. I am not qualified to render an opinion on the grade though.
The reverse looks nice but unfortunately the cleaning on the obverse makes it a details coin. It's hard to tell for certain if there are any signs of wear so I could see AU or Unc details. Here are a few I've owned before that were all AU details: The first was the subject of a guess the grade thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/columbian-expo-commem-gtg-part-2.379529/
When you clean a coin it usually appears to be a grade higher. I also don't see it as MS. Agree with AU details.
Thanks, helpful! The rationale makes sense... Ok...so now...how many years until it no longer gets a details grade? lol
The hairlines are fairly obvious from your angled photo so it will likely always be a details grade (unless it can be worn down enough to virtually eliminate the signs of cleaning-which might not even be possible).