Will it grade? If so, what? Is the thumbprint and toning awful looking or do you kind of like it? I can't decide if I like it or not. It's the O-108a 1836/1336 overdate. Thanks!
I've seen more obvious finger prints in righteous slabs. I don't believe there's enough print on this one to run through the FBI files.
I don't see a chance of it straight grading. I'm looking at the sharp edges of the toning - especially notable around the date - and seeing a coin that was far darker (as these get) overall before being dipped to the edge of what the operator thought possible. Wouldn't matter if that's true, although I agree with the assessment; a TPG will very likely err on the side of Detailing it. It's a shame. Terrific example, no worse than a lustrous strike-limited AU55 technically. Have to take your word on the variety, as the date area is too black to confirm the pickups.
I do not find the toning attractive, but I think the coin stands a better chance of grading if left as-is. My main concern is that most of the color will strip off fine, except for the area toned uniformly dark. That would give the TPGs something to justify bagging the coin.
Honestly, I don't like it. I have never been a fan of that kind of black toning, it looks like pepper spilled on it. I always found it distracting. I have unloaded coins that have toned like that.
They're there. Not deep, but you can see them. Also, the coin has cartwheel luster even in the fields. I was thinking AU58 if it grades, and that's a BIG if.
Looks like it has a ton of luster, if so the toning won't really be an issue. I am concerned about the 2 marks to the right of the date, and the marks to the left of the date (hopefully just lines in the patina). The "squared off" look of the black patina just above the date numbers makes me wonder if that area was cleaned. Just me musing on the photos, still a very nice looking half.
I'd let her into my collection , Also I agree with your O-108a . The toning I kind of find interesting .
I don't care for the toning but I'd say yes it grades straight I'm at 55 tho I think an old dip and retone
I don't think I'd own it. I suspect it will straight grade 58, since you say there is good luster. I don't like the scratches on the obverse, but, if they're not that noticeable, like you say, then it shouldn't be a problem. The toning on the obverse is okay as far as I'm concerned. I kind of like how it highlights some of the details such as in the hair, cap, and folds in the drapery. I don't care much for the reverse at all. If more of the toning overall on the coin were the russet tones that show up to the right of the eagle and on the ribbon, rather than black, I would like it a lot better. All in all, I would only purchase this coin to resell, and then probably only if I thought I had a buyer lined up. It's not my personal cup of tea, but I think someone will give it a home eventually.
I see absolutely no reason why this wouldn't straight grade. The toning is consistent with other coins I've seen, and the luster looks quite strong in the pictures. I'd put it at AU-58. I would not, however, buy it for my own collection. Fingerprints are killers in my book - I can not stand the look of a fingerprint on a coin. Many people don't mind them, but I find them distinctly unpleasant.
