Don't have this one in hand yet but think I got a great deal on this 1889O. It qualifies for the less than $50 thread with 12% margin to spare, and shipping was free. I know that this particular mintage year in New Orleans has a notorious reputation for really poor strikes. The obverse does not seem to have wear, but the reverse has a really poorly struck eagles chest. Other than a very very tiny ding on the bottom of the rim, I think it qualifies as uncirculated but definitely not BU. I've seen some worse stuff with less detail graded as high as 64 by both of the two top TPGs. What's the verdict? I'm sure I'll send it off for grading, good examples of this year/mint are hard to come by unless you get off the wallet.
Check out the ear. What's up with that? Something between the planchet and die, or ding from other coins in the bags?
The overall appearance looks hinky to me, but just from photos, it is hard to say what is wrong. My first impression is that has been over dipped. That, in combination with the rim ding, make me think it will details grade. The fact that you got this for such a cheap price also worries me, but you really can't lose at the price you paid unless it comes back "not genuine."
I would not purchase from images like these, too washed out and possibly hiding things. What I do see is gray areas in the fields indicating loss of luster from circulation, so I don't think it's MS. Post your own pics when it arrives.
Every coin that seller deals in has the same "dull" photos. I forgot I've actually already received them (bought 2 from same dealer) and submitted one to PCGS. They look fine in hand but do look like they've been dipped. A year ago I experimented with Ezest and highly diluted solutions for merely seconds on low value Morgans. I now know what that looks like from experience and don't like it one bit. I have not used Ezest in over a year for that very reason. It was a good education.
