Is it possible to have a dipped PCGS MS 64 St Gaudens? The coin seems more bright compared to others. Would PCGS let that straight grade if it was dipped? Just wondering thoughts! thank you
Gold doesn't really tone. Ancient gold coins come out of the ground looking like they did the day they were struck.... There is a small amount of copper in a US gold coin that may show itself as a mild reddish toning on a gold coin, but I would be surprised if someone chose to dip a gold coin. Gold coins are like any. The newer the die is, the better image you get on the coin. Yours is probably an early strike. And if PCGS certified it MS64, that is good enough for me.
Yes, it is very possible. yes the Grader may, depending on level of experience. Regardless, it is still an opinion. An example, it may have been treated, and not done correctly, but passed review, and later turned in the Holder for whatever reason....improper rinse, improper solution etc.etc. As to brightness, there could be many reasons for the appearance, that are not nefarious.
It is not possible to determine from photos of any nature. Determining same when it is a Mint state piece is another level of folly. It can not be done. Anyone that states it is or is not, without the piece in hand, is not qualified or experienced or capable of doing so.
Is dipping a St Gaudens coin something that usually turns out bad? Or common. Would most people avoid it because they know what it will look like and bad? I've never dipped one so not sure. Or would it help an unc coin?
@Murasaki 312 Yours looks totally ok, it‘s an 1916 and this kind of luster is very common for this year.
Old, naturally toned gold is less commonly seen because most gold coins traded in the marketplace have been dipped bright yellow. Judicious dipping is not considered cleaning by most, and seems to have been so widely practiced that I'd be surprised if any of the grading services would refuse to assign a straight grade to a gold coin that didn't look lifeless due to excessive dipping, and exhibited no other problems. Personally, I prefer naturally toned gold, but we're all different.
