Question for experienced coin graders

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Barney McRae, Jan 18, 2026 at 3:07 PM.

  1. Barney McRae

    Barney McRae Supporter! Supporter

    Has this coin been harshly cleaned on the devices or was the die really damaged from polishing? I am still a rookie novice at grading and trying to get better. Thanks.

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    Barney McRae, Jan 18, 2026 at 3:07 PM
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  3. Barberian

    Barberian Junior Member

    Best Answer
    Neither. The coin has planchet lines, probably from rollers in the planchet production process. This is of mint origin and will not prevent your coin from straight grading, though with a lower ceiling than coins lacking planchet lines. Notice how the lines are stronger on the devices that in the fields. Greater pressure exerted on planchets in the fields tends to press out these lines.

    This half dollar has planchet lines across "HALF DOL."
    XF45
    1876-S PCGS XF45 Trueview.jpg
     
    Barberian, Jan 18, 2026 at 5:09 PM
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  4. Barberian

    Barberian Junior Member

    That's a nice, mark-free Morgan, and the planchet or roller lines are kinda cool looking and a nice discussion starter. Beware of the seller, though. They like to add color to their coins with colored lighting. My hunch is that it is much lighter in hand.
     
    Barberian, Jan 18, 2026 at 5:25 PM
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  5. longnine009

    longnine009 Darwin has to eat too. Supporter

    It looks like there might be a piece of finger print below the "M" Unum.
     
    longnine009, Jan 18, 2026 at 5:52 PM
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  6. Barney McRae

    Barney McRae Supporter! Supporter

    Appreciate the help. Not my coin but it spooked me from even thinking about buying it. Sometimes it is hard to tell harsh cleaning from mint process defects. At least for me, I am still trying to learn how to grade coins that have certain flaws but will still straight grade.
     
    Barney McRae, Jan 18, 2026 at 6:31 PM
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