I bought my first Franklin half, a '63 proof, on eBay last week. I noticed the dark spots in the eBay photo, but it didn't occur to me that it would be so glaringly obvious on the actual coin(I'm a noob, I know.) I took some better pics of the flaws. What could it be caused by, is it worth having it removed professionally, and any possible grades are welcome
Is there a return policy on this one? I find whenever I get a coin that I dont like in hand, my feeling about it just gets worse and worse over time. I would send it back for a refund and use the funds to buy another one!
I don't think much can be done with the spots. It is unfortunate because it is a nice piece otherwise. Depending on what you have in it I would try and return it. Live and learn. I think coins like that are best picked up at shows or b&m shops. You can afford to be picky with Franklins and they can make a great looking set.
I am curious to see the original pictures in the listing. I mean you admit you saw the spots on the coin, I don't quite understand how one set of spots can be less obvious than another? Aren't spots on a coin, spots on a coin? As far as what causes it, it's a silver coin. Silver tarnishes when not stored properly and in different environmental conditions.
I didn't overpay by much, if any...only melt + about $1(plus S&H), so at the least, I've got it for bullion. I was just wondering about the nature of those spots, mainly. It almost looks burned...is that the silver spot toning?
Here's a link to the listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/110816971093?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_500wt_1127 I don't think I overpaid by much, and if anything, it's a learning experience...at the very least, my 4 year old daughter liked looking at it, and i got to introduce her to one of the founding fathers (regardless of the fact that he has a burned eyebrow--maybe i can tell her that's just there from him flying a kite in a storm)
I see what you mean but even though they aren't as clear as your pics, you can clearly see the spots and on a proof coin I don't worry if it will be obvious or not. I just don't buy it. But like you said lesson learned and at least it only cost you about $15.