It has a few nicks and scratches, as most old gold does, but I noticed a very curvy line. Almost looks like it was struck through a wire or thread or something. What do you say? I will try to take a closer pic here in a bit.
The one by the star across from the nose? I know nothing about gold coins besides wishing I had some in my collection. It does look like it could be struck through a small wire or something though. I've found similar strike throughs on half dollars.
If it is "into" the coin, the "S" shape by the star is a "Struck thru lint." PS Check the rims for originality as they appear to be very smooth and "rounded."
with that much striking pressure how does something as flimsy as a thread get struck though - wouldn't the strike push it into the coin? Just wondering - got lots to learn!!!
Exactly. The "S" shape mark is left when the thread or whatever was between the planchet and die and is pushed into the coin's surface leaving a squiggly depression. Remember, the dies are wiped off with a dirty rag when needed by the press operator. The dirty rags are either in pockets, or laying in easy reach. I've seen both on visits. The neat struck thru's for me are ones where the impurity is still attached, or partially attached. Go on the Internet and you may find struck thru staples, sawdust, wire, etc. Think I'll take a look myself right now. EDIT: Just did and some neat images + information.
Sometimes they leave the rags on the dies https://www.cointalk.com/threads/1976d-half-dollar-struck-through-cloth.254337/#post-2006809
And this latest Thread - https://www.cointalk.com/threads/are-you-a-man-or-woman-of-the-cloth.279347/#post-2433426
So is this for sure a strike through? Is it enough of one that NGC would certify it as one? I have seen them certified like this before, but have also heard of them rejecting it.
I agree that the coin should straight grade, however I don't think it is worth the extra $50 to submit as an error. If there's one area where I think PCGS is inferior to the other TPGs, it's in the value they deliver for their error certification services.
Where are you seeing an extra $50? I am pretty sure it is an extra $15. And if they did grade it as an error, it would be well worth the $15 spent in my opinion.
Do you mean to rough of condition to get it graded as an error? But not beat up enough to get a details grade?
Sorry, I stand corrected. They used to add $50 to the cost of the selected grading tier, but now they charge a flat fee of $60 per coin to grade errors.
Struck thru's like this are common; however, the size of yours should bring a tiny premium to someone who is interested. IMO, the premium would be so slight that I would not slab the coin and use my savings for more coins.
My bad, I thought you were saying NGC was an extra $50. I would grade with NGC probably. It is an extra $15. Yes, it looks like pcgs would be $60 to grade.
I buy a LOT of these coins, and I do not think they are as common as you think. I hardly ever see them really. Might not be a big premium, but still interesting. Here are the only strike throughs I can find on similar gold, and all brought (or are asking for) a decent premium. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1907-2-50-Q...873836?hash=item46437b702c:g:jhoAAOSwo0JWLk4F http://www.ebay.com/itm/1877-1-Indi...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 http://www.ebay.com/itm/1914-D-2-50...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557