Hi folks. Just came in the mail today. Wondering what you would grade this coin. The grime-looking stuff on the obverse is actually some weird toning/skin...anyways, I'm thinking VF-35, but would like to hear all opinions. Thanks, Simon
I'm a little harder on grades. I would say either VF25 or VF30. There is weaker detail in the hair and gown from wear than I would expect from a VF35. Plus, the rim's and dental's seem weaker besides. However, all this might be more of a lighting angle problem. Another question: Are you using halogen bulbs? Both sides of your coin seem to have a yellowish look to them. I use JDRC GX5.3 50w and found out the reflector pan inside these bulbs can be different as well as clear glass verses frosted around the element. It's like a bulb sealed inside the larger bulb. The clear gives a yellowish light, the frosted more natural.
Saltysam...I see what you mean. I re-adjusted the white balance and I think the color looks a lot better now. Let's here what you have to say based on the new pictures.
Where do you see physical damage if I may ask? I see the weird "skin" on the obverse, but I don't see any actual damage (such as large scrapes, hits, etc) to the coin. Without the damage, do you think it would be about a 35?
I am not Morgandude11, but "damage" does not necessarily have to include large scrapes, hits, etc. "Environmental Damage", by the TPG's definition, is any coin with "corrosion, excessive toning (terminal 'black'), and/or verdigris."
Ok, that makes sense. I may submit it just for kicks along with a few other halves from the 1800s...I haven't submitted a coin before. Where would you personally recommend?
It really depends on personal preference and the coin in question since not all is equal between companies. This coin - no offense - is not worth submitting, even if only for kicks. TPG submissions can be an excellent learning experience if used the right way, but one should still choose the coins wisely. Basically, the hoped-for end result needs to justify the expense. Also and please pardon my asking, but is it safe to assume that you imaged this coin while still in its flip?
Very much so. Readjusting the white balance helped, but there is a strong glare that makes it difficult to get a proper impression of the coin.
Might be the image but looks like that coin spent some time in a PVC flip and still has some ot the residue from that. Won't hurt it to take a bath in acetone and see if that helps.
Environmental damage, as was said before. I think it is beyond the Acetone stage, from the picture you posted. That is why I said "details."
Ah, understood. My definition of just "damage" are physical hits, large scratches and gouges, etc. I base this off the PCGS codes, which makes a distinction between "damage" (metal movement) and environmental damage (corrosion, excessive toning, verdigris). I put acetone on it anyway just in case it does help. Thanks all for the replies!
As old as the at stuff on there looks might want to put it in a closed container and let set overnight and then rinse in clean acetone in the morning then dry. It's probably not going to fix it but anything will help .
It is a very nice coin. Just because it won't grade doesn't make it by any means unattractive. We've all had ungradeable coins that we loved, and that we got, even knowing that they would not be residing in a slab.
Understood and thank you. I did not get the vibe that people thought it was an ugly coin. I absolutely love the detail of the reverse. I've got some acetone on it and will check up on the progress of the coin tomorrow.
