It is apparently in some type of holder, possibly some smudges. If not, could be possible to conserve. I'll get a closer look at it when I get it in-hand. Does anyone know how to treat stains/similar anomalies on proof silver? Any chemical solution to recommend?
Looks like one of the CoinWorld/Amos Advantage holders, so you should have no problem cracking it out! And I think Acetone works the best with proofs as well. Nice rare addition!!! Early proofs are really underrated and getting one from the Civil War era is just icing on the cake. Add: There is probably a reason it's not in a TPG holder though.....
And always use acetone OUTDOORS. To avoid streaking, get the entire surface (of one side) wet with acetone, not just the "spot".
Thanks! I really wanted to add an early proof to my collection. I think there's about 460 estimated surviving pieces, PCGS currently lists about 120 in their pop report. With some proper home treatment, do you think it would have a chance of slabbing?
Don't know any more answers, but finally figured out what H10 meant. Sounded like a health-food supplement.
You don't want to play around with a proof. An acetone bath is the most you should try and it's easy to mess up the mirror fields if you do not know what you are doing. I'm going to guess someone has already worked on it.
For future reference, what are some of the telltale signs that you see that are possible evidence of bring "worked on"?
I'm sure your images will take some of the guesswork away. I know you take some nice images. What we see now leaves lots of questions. In a problem free holder, this would be a $500-$600 coin. I worry why it's not in a good slab. Most of these will show some toning but it's possible the lighting is washing it out. The hazy look in parts of the fields may be color. I'll guess it's a bit of blue. The spots on the right obverse field look like a dip that did not get a proper rinse. Not sure what to think about the dark spots on the reverse above and below the words, HALF DIME. Maybe something that did not come off with the dip. Keep in mind that these things had mirror fields that show everything. Lighting can make them look really pretty or really ugly.
The problem with answering this question is that a LOT of the MS 1862 half dimes are extremely well struck and usually come with mirror finish surfaces. There have been many times I have heard people ask the question "Do you think this might be a proof?" And before I even see it I ask "Is it an 1862?" Usually the answer is Yes it is!
