Unangle the image so we can see the coin straight on and get a better idea about ALL the marks on BOTH sides.
Cleaned for sure, perhaps Fine details. Can't say much else as the perspective given distorts the actual image of the coin.
Fine details and harshly scrubbed. For future reference, a main point in cleaned coins are the lack of luster, steel surface w/hairlines, and you can still see the black crud around the edge of the devices of the coin (this is where someone cleaning with a cloth can't quite reach into the tight corners and in between the details). Keep in mind, a coin in Fine cond. can still exhibit some luster.
Ya I knew it was cleaned. Seems a lot of your pre 1900 coins are cleaned. That's because back then it was considered okay to clean them. Just like you would wash and wax a vehicle.
That is true D. Lot's of coins were cleaned in their day, there was also a huge deal when it came to diseases and illnesses when it came to coin designs. Which brings up one of the big debacles of the day surrounding the incuse designed Indian quarter and half eagles. The general public feared the incuse nature of the design would house bacteria that causes illnesses. So all coins were scrubbed on a regular basis, not just those indian golds. And finally, this is why collectors hear the terminology of "old cleaning", which a coin has at one point been cleaned some 50+ years ago.
My friend who is a bullion dealer and a coin collector remembers his 1st coin dealer some 30 years ago. He said before you bought a coin he would always polish it, even if it was a expensive one.
Wouldn't a VG-12 be Fine-12? Very Good usually indicates some wear down on details. All the details for the most part are on this nickel, it's definitely beyond the Good grade status. Actually it's likely between Fine and Very Fine, as usually details in the leaves on the reverse give these nickels a VF type grade, which this coin has.
It won't grade. Details, Improperly Cleaned will be on the label, looks damaged from the harsh cleaning it went through.
