So I've been searching for a standing liberty quarter. It's my last coin for a 20th century AU coin album I'm putting together. Now i'll admit that I haven't seen many SLQs in hand but have looked at many many photos via ebay and other sources. I recently picked one up off ebay for $30 and going off the pictures was exactly what I was looking for. However now that I have the coin in hand it seems a lot more worn than pictured. Yes it is exactly the coin pictured and the same details are their but its a lot smoother and not as rich in details and strike, it's just kind of worn. Is this common for SLQs? I've looked at many pictures and from the pictures they all seem very detailed and photogenic, yet when in hand they seem a lot more bland. Does anyone have any advice on SLQs? again I've looked at many photos and based on photos all my desired details are their but if they all have this same detail I wonder if they would then all look as undefined as the one I received since it as well looked defined via the pics. thoughts?
Depending on the lighting used when taking an image, the details and depth of the coin can vary greatly. My suggestion is to really look at the details of the coin itself. For example, the first place I look for wear and therefore to venture a grade, is on the reverse. Look at the feathers within the wing of the eagle. This is a good indication of the overall grade of the coin. On the obverse, you really need to look at the shield, head and the overall details of the clothing. PCGS Photograde is of great assistance in knowing what to look for when trying to grade a raw sql. Also, keep in mind circulated SLQ's are often cleaned. here are a couple examples of two recent ones I purchased. They were exactly as I expected them when I viewed the images. I also paid accordingly. $14 for this one $22 for this one, which was a much better deal overall in my opinion. -greg
You talk about looking at certain points. Would the tail count? Looking at coins post receiving my slq I have found that the better looking of my watch list" has lines/details on the tail of the eagle instead of being a worn triangle.
Sure, the tail is a good spot to look also. Although, since it is not one of the higher areas of relief, it may not be worn too much in evenly circulated coins. The eagles breast, the right sides of both wings are generally the first to get hit.
