I want to send this 1878 7 TF Rev 79 in to be graded but she's got these 2 black specks on the obverse (circled). I think this is grease but I'm afraid to do anything to it seeing as it appears, in person, to be PL. Any ideas on what to do and if I do nothing wouldn't it take it down to a 62. BTW I took one of the pics when it was still in the plastic. Thats where some of the scratches are. It really is a great coin except for those darn spots!! Thanks!
I just read somewhere. The so called carbon spots on coins.... that comes from people talking while holding the coin and their saliva getting on the coins as they talk. The old say it dont spray it syndrome. The spots on this coin reminds me of alot of Lincolns I have seen like this. I dont think its grease, if it was it would be smeared I would think. Just my nickel opinion.
No I am not sure its grease. It would be stupid to try to get it off, yes? I'm just afraid of it affecting its grade. You know, difference b/t 64 and 62! Of course, if I didn't get a good grade I could always crack it. Hey thanks guys!
If it were me, I would probably take the coin into a dealer and let them view the spots firsthand. An experienced dealer may have a method of removing the spots (depending on what they are) without harming the coin. Of course, you want to be very cautious as well, because your coin likely has prooflike surfaces. LIke you said, I certainly would not try to do anything to the coin myself.
Erwizard, I suspect the two spots are from when someone dipped the coin and did not rinse it properly. They are minor, and I do not feel they will drop the grade. Your coin looks like a 64 to me. It does look pl as well, but that is much harder to verify through a photo.
