I'd have to agree. It was well-struck to begin with, but since scans show brightness as darker black, we must assume the cheek shows the "polished" effect of handling. Also, some of the nicks aren't consistent with Mint-only handling. That said, it's a darn sight nicer-looking coin than a typical baggy MS61-62.
I think it has a shot at MS, also. Are you thinking of purchasing it? Or, if you own it, are you thinking of submitting it? Steve
It's not my coin. I think this half eagle has superior eye appeal for an AU coin. Maybe a shootist for MS Seller wants 420 Dollars
I'm not sure if it's MS or not (I'm not experienced with gold, and the Indian series are just too hard for me to grade from photos), but melt on this is $300. Depending what's going on at the chin, that might be worth it even for a nice AU.
I think the marks in front of the chin are bag marks. In any case they will have no effect on whether the coin grades AU or MS. I learned that once the coin is considered MS, that's when marks can lower the MS grade. Although the coin has definite luster loss on the cheek and headband as pointed out, if the luster on the coin is this nice, the surfaces are "clean" (they are) and the strike is this full and complete (full feathers), in my grading class a coin like this will be graded MS-62. The grading guides point out that gold coins with rub like this are now considered MS.
We agree on all counts. Despite being the 4th-highest mintage in the entire series, these carry a decent premium over melt. However, for that kind of coin (pun intended), I want to see it authenticated in a slab which should say AU58 on it.
I'm a Liberty gold guy, but I would take AU55 to MS61. Since that is Indian gold, I would want it certified and slabbed since those are favorites of counterfeiters. I wouldn't want to hazard my own guess on its authenticity.
