So, my auctioneer friend asked me to photo/list this in his Monday auction, just would like to get some opinions first. The mint mark appears VERY weak to me, and the details on the reverse also seem weak.
Are you asking our opinions on whether it's genuine? Sorry I couldn't say. If I had to grade it, maybe I'd say an xf details, both sides cleaned and obverse scratch
Great news so far...I just get wary when he buys coins that look as grainy as this one...seen so many fake 1914d and 1909svdb cents. I feel a lot better listing it now.
My guess would be that that coin was toned completely black at one time, that the toning had reached its terminal stage. And terminal toning can cause that grainy look you're talking about. At some point, probably long ago, the coin was dipped to remove that black toning, and it has since re-toned to a degree.
