Question for experienced coin graders

I can't find a hint of color in the NGC photos. Now I'm wondering if the seller actually uses gel filters, or maybe multiple lights with different color temperatures, to get that pastel-rainbow effect...

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

From what I recall a lot of their coins have this same look. Some of their feedback call them out on it if I remember correctly, but it's been a while since I looked at this seller.

 

If I ever clear off enough space to take up coin photography again, I'll want to give the different-color-temperature thing a try. I think I actually had some issues avoiding it in the past, where my subject lights didn't match the ambient color temperature.

 

Yes, that is some crackerjack sleuthing by ddddd. I learned a lot in this thread, thanks all.

 

Also, if I have my eye on something I might buy, this is why I wait until the horse is in the barn. Lots of shoppers here.

 

Look closely at the fields, you will see rub marks, partial fingerprint where it was possibly held at some point. Remember, it's just an opinion thank you for asking, have a great and safe year and beyond.

 

Don't know what happened, I was posting in the Morgan Dollar thread?

 

My guess is there is other evidence of cleaning or the surfaces just are "off" in a way that is more evident in hand vs in a photo. If those lines are planchet lines (done at the mint), I don't think NGC would have called the coin cleaned. If someone at NGC were to make a mistake, they would be more likely to call the coin scratched or damaged (in my opinion).

 

@AcesKings . What a nice CC Dollar. So rare for them to be that clean. is that in a slab? If so is it considered prooflike? james Congrats

 

These are clearly NOT die lines. Die lines do not weaken in the fields or are strongest on the high points. These lines are on the planchet from the preparation process and are most prominent on the high points where strike pressure is lowest. Think about it. These are sometimes called "roller lines."

Die lines are NOT incuse like these roller lines are. Die lines show relief (are raised) above the field.

 

Sounds sensible.

 

The lines on the devices are not from cleaning. They are perfectly straight and parallel to each other. And why would they diminish in the fields?

 

How do you tell those from wheel marks? Are there any grading seminars available for free online?

 

I bought a coin this year that has planchet lines, die lines, and some random hairlines. It's very interesting to look at and differentiate the cause of the different lines on the coin. Unfortunately, the coin also has dark toning on the obverse unless under direct, axial lighting, and these lines are barely visible in the only photos taken of it. This was the first uncirculated SLH I've purchased and I did so because it is top example known for this rare DM. One can see the planchet lines going across Liberty's upper torso and neck. Here's Gerry Fortin's description of the coin where he notes the obverse planchet lines.

Mircro S, Weird "F", Rare R7 Variety, Near-Gem Original, Mirrored Fields, Sooner Collection.. It is not often that GFRC has the opportunity to handle an R7 Micro S Liberty Seated half and I'm most thrilled to be offering this Sooner Collection specimen. This near-gem example features mirrored fields on both sides as a starting point. Under a bright light, the copper-rose obverse patina melts away to expose light rose shades while the reverse is entirely untoned. Strike is completely executed with faint roller lines noted across the upper obverse. Bugert has named the WB-6 Micro S as the "Weird F" variety due to a long die scratch through HAL(F). A thoroughly pleasing specimen that is guaranteed to please. Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder. Immediately sold upon being showcased in the Daily Blog.

Yup. I pounced on this coin.

1877-S WB-6 "weird F" (R7) NGC MS64 1/0


This is a bit off topic, but I pounced on its stepsister, the WB-40 "weird F" (R7) a few months later in a SB auction where it was inaccurately described as an "Unlisted attribution." It was described in 2015 in one of BB's addenda to his S-mint registry of DMs. They are easy to differentiate by their date positions; the WB-40 date is significantly further to the right than on the WB-6.

PCGS MS61 1877-S WB-40 "weird F" (R7) 1/2


I recently picked another WB-6 off of eBay (my first coin for 2026). Unfortunately, this colorful coin has a scratch across the obverse that will likely prevent it from straight grading.

(Seller's photo)

 

I did not say the lines are from cleaning. I said there is potentially other evidence of cleaning on the coin that does not show up well in a photo.

 

Sorry. I wasn't 100% sure what you wrote, and I just wanted to differentiate cleaning lines from planchet lines. I also thought there had to be some evidence of cleaning that wasn't readily visible on the coin.

 

That is a good thing to clarify and I appreciate the extra info!