I want to make sure before pulling the trigger on this one, and submitting it to NGC. There's a very clear hit on the rim of the obverse at 7 o'clock. But, I've seen coins with this type of rim damage still grade. Maybe it's a huge bag mark or "normal" circulation wear? And, what do you think it'll grade as? Thanks in advance!
I'm not 100% sure that it is rim damage. Just recently @Insider posted a coin with an unusual mark near the rim, and this reminded me of it. Chris
Looking at some stock photos of this particular year for 50 FR Belgian Congo, I would say it is not from the minting process per say (die break etc.). None of the other coins I viewed had this so it almost certainly unique. Possibly PMD (rim ding), or possibly a defective plancet. Looking at the photo you posted it almost looks like a chunk is missing, which would make a defective plachet a better candidate IMO.
That's a hit on the rim. It is also a coin I would not send for grading (unless first conserved by NCS) due to the chance of it being "AU detailed: Environmental Damage."
I've seen that kind of thing on other coins, and always thought it was rim damage. Whether it will grade, I'm not sure.
And, by obverse I mean reverse... the side with the "50 FR" device. So, TPGs wouldn't count hits like this on the rim as a Details grade?
It's always a question of severity. In this case I don't think that would be anywhere near severe enough to warrant a details slab. But what Insider said about possible environmental damage - that's another story altogether.
IMO, collectors are the problem. Coins get hits on their rims, especially when heavily circulated. Before prong holders, they could be partially hidden by the insert. Now, if a TPGS straight grades a coin because in their opinion it is "market acceptable," someone along the line is going to find a tiny fault and make a big deal about it!
