Just purchased this, please give feedback - is it authentic (I have a few days to return)? Also, how would you rate the condition and value? Thanks,
That's a really nice pickup, especially for a CC. I'm currently in the market for one for my type set. I'm doing a lot of homework, because its one of the most widely counterfeited coins to come out of China. Not knowing too much about condition, your photos have that glare, its hard to tell the authenticity and condition. Where did you acquire it if you don't mind me asking?
On Ebay (probably like an idiot). There is a limited return policy so trying to establish authenticity. It matches the Heritage Auction coin picture pretty darn well - http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=360&lotNo=8351. I have a stereo microscope so I can take some close-ups if it would help...
Since most fakes were produced from molded casts as opposed to dies, you have a better vantage point if the devices are dull or missing sharp details. And cast impressions on the edge. Based on what I see, maybe it was cleaned/whizzed. The obverse hairlines and the dark toning in the tightest spots (letters, date and rim) would indicate a cleaning. Ebay doesn't necessarily mean you get burned, I've personally been hit more with cleaned coins than fakes. Good luck in your investigative work.
Personally, it doesn't "look right" to me, so I would send it back. Even if it is authentic, the toning seems unnatural (and that glow in the middle makes it look polished), and there are major distracting hairlines running all the way from Liberty's head to the olive branches
Just to give you an FYI, unless there is something so obvious that could be seen in a photo online, there really is no good way to say with a 100% degree of certainty this coin is fake or genuine. Your best bet would be to take it to a local dealer in your area and have them examine the coin in hand and make that determination for you.
Thanks for feedback, will bring to Heritage on Monday to get their advice. I added more photos. Now that the cleaning seems obvious, even if Heritage says it is authentic do you agree I overpaid at $600 for a cleaned speciman (did not see it in the original light) and should return it (I have 6 more days)??
Nice details & not signs of major wear from circulation, but the fine background scratches bother me.
I do not think a cleaned coin of that date and mint are worth $600.00 so if it were me it would be in todays mail.
Yes, $600 is way too much for that coin. If it were a problem-free, PCGS-slabbed XF then $600 would be fair. Assuming it's authentic (probably) I would guess it has a market value around $200-250. Not sure what Heritage might tell you that would make you think you should keep it, FWIW. Lance.
No, not whizzed. Whizzing makes coins bright and shiny, leaving hairlines rarely visible except under magnification. Screwed up luster is the giveaway of a whizzed coin...complete loss of any cartwheel effect, along with subtle particle build-up at device edges. Lance.
All, thanks for your good advice. I contacted the eBay seller and they agreed to accept the return of the coin. I'll stick with slabbed TD's from known sources...
