So we are 4 for the first and 5 for the second, The seconds luster is so clean, one of the first brilliant white coins that I have liked.
I think the first one is unique and it's one I'd want to look at individually. That way I can appreciate it's unique features such as it's color/VAM identifiers. BUT the second one is perfect for an album and since it's bright and clean it will really show the features of the coin for when you want to display it'll to friends
It sure looks like a die break just north of that hit but I guess it's just part of the hit on the O.
It all depends on what the other coins in the album are like. Are they toned, or are they white? The answer to that question will give you my answer. But, if the album is a mix, I think I like the toned one better (#1), and #2 has too much chatter for me.
From the photos standpoint the die crack makes it look like idb. It would be a new variety if it was.
I went ahead and looked at the die and thoroughly through VAM world, the second coin I think is a 1CK, polished from feeder fingers, between 1 and 9, I will try and update some photos.
I would grade coin #1 as AU-58 and coin #2 as MS details. Given you’re putting the coin in a Dansco, I would prefer #2 for that job
I like #1 better by a long shot. I can’t stand the cheek & neck hits on #2 despite the flashy appearance and better detail. I think you can easily improve on #1. Fortunately there are thousands to chose from.
To me (at least) the coin looks like it was very recently dipped, hence the details grade. I will add that in my op I stated that the grade was my own. I don’t think that you can definitively say that the coin has or has not been dipped based on an internet photograph.