Is this really unc?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by rlm's cents, Apr 30, 2007.

  1. rlm's cents

    rlm's cents Numismatist

    You all seem to see much more than I from these pictures (cheap monitor?). Does - - THIS - - look to be uncirculated?
     
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  3. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Absolutely not. What's more, the coin is damaged and would be body bagged if submitted for grading.
     
  4. rlm's cents

    rlm's cents Numismatist

    I can believe the it is not uncurculated, but what is the damage?
     
  5. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Look at the surface of the coin (obv) - it looks like somebody scraped the thing across the sidewalk. It's covered with scratches and gouges.
     
  6. rlm's cents

    rlm's cents Numismatist

    I guess that is why I asked. I do not see the scratches or gouges. I only see a scratch on his collar.
     
  7. Bonedigger

    Bonedigger New Member

    Nope, maybe XF-40 at best.
     
  8. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator


    Ya wanna know what I do ? I got myself one of those 3 inch wide magnifying glasses at the grocery store, then when ya wanna look at a pic on your screen - just pick up the glass and look at it. You'll be amazed how much more detail you'll see in the pics ;)
     
  9. rlm's cents

    rlm's cents Numismatist

    I put it in Window's picture viewer and blew it way up (full screen) and I still miss the scratches. I also know my monitor is cheap even if it is a 21". Pictures that I see as dark circles on this monitor I could see at least most of the detail when I my daughter's oomputer.
     
  10. Bonedigger

    Bonedigger New Member

    Chuckle Doug, that was one of my secret weapons as well...

    Ben
     
  11. vipergts2

    vipergts2 Jester in hobby of kings

    The coin does have a couple nice die cracks on it. I see the streaking of color but I to am missing the bad scratches. I guess I'll have to try the magnifying glass trick.
     
  12. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    Viper, tht is becasue there aren't any scratches.
    The discolorationis common in early Lincolns.
    It is due to an impure/improper metal mixture.
    Sometimes it shows as a woodgrain finish.
    Also, there are some 'marks' at about 2:00 in the field, ( in front if Lincoln's nose) however, these are not marks, they are from a planchet flaking, from the improper metal mixture.
    The mark from the bottom of the 2nd T in Trust looks like a die break, but not a scratch. It may also be from the metal misture, but more likely a die break.

    But, still not an Unc.
     
  13. rlm's cents

    rlm's cents Numismatist

    Treasurehunt, that is what I am seeing also. I see 2 likely die cracks (one at each "T" in TRUST). Additionally, there is something just in front of the bow tie. I cannot tell what it is.
     
  14. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    I believe that it is flaking or 'bubbles from the improper mixture of the metal.
    If there was air in the mixture or on the surface it would have been struck into the coin.
    Yes, I agree another die break at the first T of Trust.
     
  15. asciibaron

    asciibaron /dev/work/null

    that is an UNC - as was stated above, there are metal issues from the manufacture and some nice die cracks. i like the look - it has an appeal beyond your average red cent.

    wait, Lincoln was a communist. red cent. haha.

    -Steve
     
  16. gatzdon

    gatzdon Numismatist

    I like the seller's comment "mark free". I wonder if they are referring to just Sharpies, or all felt tip markers in general?
     
  17. JeromeLS

    JeromeLS Coin Fanatic

    I would give that coin maybe a top XF, look at the missing hair detail.
     
  18. USS656

    USS656 Here to Learn Supporter

    I see marks all over the obverse. I have marked up where I see scratches/marks.
     

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  19. rlm's cents

    rlm's cents Numismatist

    The lowest "mark" you have circled part of the design. It is on all of my 1912 cents (all mint marks). Two of the others are the ones we have been talking about as flaking. As for the rest, I have many certified cents 66 RED with as many or as bad nicks (probably now both). I certainly see nothing that would keep it from being certified.

    As for the hair details. This coin has above average details particularly when compared to the 20's and later cents.
     
  20. USS656

    USS656 Here to Learn Supporter

    I have no experience with TPG's and very little experience when it comes to grading coins so please do not take my previous comments as any more than I see marks on the coin. IMO - When he states this is mark free and uncirculated I find both of those comments as inaccurate advertising. Either this guy:
    • Has no clue
    • Is hoping that the buyer has no clue
    • Is hoping the buyer is ok with actual condition
    • Is hoping the buyer will not go through the trouble of returning the coin and leaving bad feedback if they are not happy with actual condition
    The thing I dislike about auctions like this is that if you get it and do not like it due to actual condition, what stops the seller from saying it looks just like the picture shows it. I have had a couple recent experiences on eBay where the photos did not show the condition very well and the seller said the coin is perfect, a real gem, ... Made me feel like I should do more buying at shows and a little less on eBay.

    Good Luck and Best Regards

    If you buy it, please let us know what it looks like in real life.
     
  21. rlm's cents

    rlm's cents Numismatist

    Most of eBay really has no clue how to grade. I generally buy from the pictures which, apparently, I don't see too well. I get my share of junk, but I also try to buy from people with a return policy listed (not this one). I have lots of people unhappy with me because I return many coins. I usually get all my money back.

    I doubt that I will buy this unless it goes cheap. Personally, I still think that this is AU and I am looking for unc., so I will not bid that much.
     
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