Hi, I just purchased and received a 1916-S $5 Indian Head Gold Coin in a PCGS Slab graded as AU55. I was wondering if anyone knows how much the Reverse is rotated from the front? When I turn it over it isn't quite a 180 degree rotation. It's it making me doubt its authenticity and I would like some reassurance. Thanks all!
Did you check their verification page? http://www.pcgs.com/cert/ If there is a pic, you can compare your coin to the pic.
US Mint tolerance is something like 15-degree rotation between the obverse and reverse. Slight rotation is not uncommon.
All US coins are struck what we call "coin turn", which means that the top of the obverse matches up with the bottom of the reverse. Some nations produce coins that are struck what we call "medal turn", which means that the top of the obverse matches up with the top of the reverse.
No worries...we learn by asking questions. This is the way all US coins are meant to be, not just gold.
Sorry those were the best pictures I could get with my phone. There is almost like a shrink wrap over the holder as well.
Nice slight rotation. MIGHT get a error label if you asked them to label as such. I think they have to be over 15 degree rotated for them to label it. I submitted a 1925-D $2 1/2 Indian with about a 30 degree rotation and it graded as a MS62 error. I was able to sell that for a pretty profit. Are you interested in selling this one?
It appears to have notches cut out of the plastic on either side of the coin and I don't recall that as ever being a PCGS style. Also, the date is placed so far to the left of the insert that it is covered somewhat by the border plastic. Again, I do not ever recall seeing that, either. The barcode also appears to be too short. Perhaps it is from your images, but I don't like the look of what is going on with this piece.
I cannot tell from your images, but you can be my eyes. Is there an unnatural looking flat area in the recess at the back of the Indian's neck, where it meets the headdress?
