Hi folks. :smile I've got this 1893 Columbian Exposition Half off ebay. I went for this one because all the others seemed to either be quite worn or blast white. I picked this one out because it had some cool splotchy toning/color to it. What grade would you give this coin? Thanks in advance, Simon
I would call it AU53 or so in my opinion. There isn't much wear, but I think the heavy toning (which I like) holds it back.
I thought of it as an AU-55, so I guess I wasn't too far off. In-hand I don't see much wear. And I like the toning as well...it gives it a nice aged look without the wear, and it makes the details of the coin pop out a bit more in my opinion.
Very nice strike!! Could be some wear on the ship's ribs, but not sure. Hard to judge the luster from these pics. Without any additional information, I would have to agree with the AU call...nice strike, though!
I think one thing to take away from a coin like this is it's probably about as original as they get. Of course you can find higher grades, etc, but a lot of circulated grades you see have been whizzed, scrubbed, rubbed, polished and simply just destroyed IMO. Take solace in the fact this one has a skin that has lasted several years and gives it a ton of character. Even if it is a "common" coin.
Hard to capture, but there is definite luster when I change the angle under lighting. Great point, and I agree. :thumb:
I gotta say...I'm not so quick to declare wear (hehe...I'm a poet). Sometimes patina can play tricks on the eyes when looking at photographs. I would have to see the coin in hand before declaring it AU.
