1878S Morgan - Whizzed,cleaned,polished?

Okay, I think I can post this because it's not really advertising and the auction is not running yet - this is just the word document. Please tell me if you think I've represented this coin fairly.

 

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Well, from prior experience, I would take picture opinions with a grade of salt.

I'll explain in greater detail in another post, but suffice it to say, check out the visual opinions of numismitists you trust and send it in to be graded/authenticated if you are not sure. It can be worth your while.

 

It was suggested to me to just paste the description here rather than make everyone download the word file. This is the description I came up with. What do you think?
This is a very nice 1878S Morgan silver dollar that has MS63 details. Unfortunately, I have been told that there is a good chance this coin was nickel-plated. This would make sense in light of the high, even shine that is on both sides of this coin that almost gives it a proof-like appearance - but please understand that this is not a proof coin. Both rims are complete with clear denticles. On the obverse, all lettering, date, and design details are very sharp. There two small hairline scratches on the cheek that is barely noticeable. On the reverse, all lettering, mint mark, and design details are very sharp with the breast feathers showing a gorgeous strike. Without the plating, I would grade this coin at MS63 or higher. With the plating, we are pricing it to sell at AU55 value (a great deal for someone trying to fill in this uncommon date). Please look at the pictures below and judge the grade and value for yourself. Due to the high shine, this coin does not photograph well and darker areas are highly reflective areas not flaws in the coin.

 

I like your overall description.

I would however not mention the possible plating as that just seems to make no sense at all. I would state that the coin appears to have been cleaned withpossibly altered surfaces.

 

I agree that it appears altered in some manner so your expectations are a bit high, I'm afraid.

 

I'm a little confused at how "AU-55 value" = $40.

Here's a coin, that in my opinion, is most likely an uncirculated example with unaltered surfaces.

LINK

 

It's easier to estimate values from the Red Book which is what many average collectors use for their values. MS60 is $50.00 / AU50 is $35.00 - low average $40.00. Not the most scientific method but it gets the job done.

 

I too applaud your attempts. If this coin belonged to my firm we would not attempt to sell it, but use it to show collectors the negative effects that cleaning and altered surfaces can have on a given coin. We all know that many new collectors search for ways to clean their coins, and we as dealers have an obligation (or at least should) to teach collectors the pitfalls of such activities.
If you do sell this coin at auction, at least you have done the proper thing by posting your honest opinion. For that, I commend you. Like GDJMSP said, too often this is not the case. ATTA GIRL!

 

it would be nice as a filler coin or pretty in a necklace

it's a shame that someone boogered it up like that

 

Sorry to revive this thread, but I ran this awful coin in my store for a while and it drove me crazy so I killed the auction. In spite of the fact that the guy I got it from directed me to the original auction where he bought it and it said that it was nickel-plated, I think it's actually chrome plated. I've never seen a nickel finish this shiny. Now I have a couple of questions:
1) Assuming no damage to the coin when plating is removed, is it possible to remove the plating and have the coin still be considered mint state? (The strike on this coin is gorgeous.)
2) Does anyone here know how to remove chrome plating from a coin safely?
3) Any other suggestions that anyone has are welcome.

 

Sorry Susan, your assumption is faulty. The plating electro-chemically bonded the other metal (whether nickle or chrome) to the silver. When it is removed, no matter how, the silver surface will have changed.

Oh come on, you know better than that.

All the more reason to find the perpetrator and plate him/her.

Not according to this site or this one. (Ain't Google wonderful? Those are two of 37,100 hits on "chrome plating removal")

Find some way to use the coin for educational purposes, such as by donating it to the ANA.

BTW - A search for "nickle plating removal" turned up this advice:

 

ho5rible way to treat a coin.who in there right mind would plate it and why.

i feel this coin is no more than scrap value as any is when altered in this way.In uk we come across quite a few gold plated coins i have a cartwheel penny thatsome plated and put a hoop on, some were also plated to imitate a soveriegn and pass off as one.

 

I emailed Don Kagins at the ANA and asked if he wants this coin for educational purposes (It's a great example of what NOT to do to a coin). Thanks for the input everybody.

 

For the education department you want to contact Gail Baker at the ANA.

 

That wasn't the name that came up as the chair for the education committee. I just checked and I don't see Gail Baker's email on the site. Am I missing it?

 

Gail runs the education department. I will have to look up her email address and forward it to you at the beginning of the week

 

You should send this in to one of the less reputable grading companies and see if they slab it (ha ha, just kidding). Actually, I am not sure if anyone mentioned this, but uou chould turn this coin into jewelry and sell it as such. Put it in a bolo tie or a necklace and you could probably do ok. I got $18 for a bolo tie on Ebay with a crappy 1921 morgan. This coin packaged as such could be very appealing to someone. Best Regards, - Hal

 

Interesting idea, but I think I'll go with donating it to the ANA. I just can't see myself putting a coin into jewelry. It goes against everything I believe in.