I bought this 1898 Indian Head Proof on eBay about a week ago. When I got it in the mail it looks like it might have been cleaned possibly. At the right angle you can see many small lines going in the same direction across the face. What do you guys think? Could it be the result of the die it was struck with? What do you think this would grade? Would it be worth grading, what would it be worth if was graded XXXX.92 cleaned? Its too bad because in less you hold it at that precise angle, its a great mirror finish and you can see the rainbow colors on the reverse.
If you can see it's cleaned I would think the graders are going to see the same thing. Sometimes there is a very simple reason why some really nice looking coins are RAW and selling on eBay with there terrible image hosting. As for value with a code 92 not worth the trouble in my mind but I don't knowingly buy problem coins. Edit to add if possible i'd just return it unless the seller said it had been cleaned in the listing.
Hairlines are typically the result of cleaning/wiping. TPGs are not very lenient when it comes to these problems on proof IHCs, and I would return the coin if that is still an option.
sometimes the lines are from die polish at the mint and so it's gradable. that's a tough call. I learned very fast to not buy high dollar ungraded coins off Ebay. every one i had to send back, even the ones that looked good in the pics. bought 4-5 and returned them all. now unless it's bullion of a modern coin it's graded only from the 'bay for me. BTW your Indian looks great but if it's not right then it's not right.
If the hairlines cross devices, like the face here, it is not die polish. The coin has been cleaned, yes. If you want one cleanly graded, or you don't like it, return it. It is not worth grading, IMO. Lance.
