Hone your grading skills -- shield nickel

Lol, that coin is a solid EF IMO.

So, I'm sticking with my original guess of AU-55. I think ten points is enough of a 'new anacs' bump up.

 

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I've already written them----didn't hear anything back

Speedy

 

Save your notes to Taylor -- the coin was graded AU 55.

Here are my detailed thoughts on the coin....

This is a case of a split grade coin if there ever was one. The obverse is, IMHO, is in AU condition. There is a remarkable amount of mint luster remaining, and just a bit of rub on the high points. The reverse, however, is more problematic. The luster is worn except for in the recesses around the devices and lettering, and much of the fields show significant luster breaks. In addition, the high points of the reverse show more wear than the obverse. The reverse is, again IMHO, in low XF condition, however the scratch shown so well in the photos make this a borderline bodybag and why I believe this coin might not have been graded at PCGS.

What attracted me to the coin was the obverse of the coin -- the strike and luster are both above average. With the destination being my Dansco 7070, I'm less worried about the reverse as the coins are most viewed on the obverse. The coin is also, IMHO, 100% not messed with -- it has the "old nickel" look that I like in circulated nickel coinage.

Personally, I would grade it AU 55 / XF 40 -- Net XF 45+.

I am pleased with the coin and it has been liberated from Mr. Taylor's new and easy-to-crack holder to live happily ever after in the Dansco.

Thanks for all the comments....Mike

 

I gag on my own embarrassment as I realize I know nothing of grading shield nickels GAK!

 

Ms-63

 

I seem to be building this as well heh. I didn't plan it but for every crappy condition coin I have, there is that calling to get a really nice version of it. I don't have the whole set (yet ) though. MS66 Buffalo, 1861 Seated Liberty 25c, and that Barber Half proof I've posted before (etc, etc, etc).

 

Extremely Fine-45

 

Wow, talk about flashback!

 

Yeah - but it is still a nice coin! Even after all this time still no toning on the old pictures. LOL - time for me to go back to work.

 

There is wear on the Rays eminating out from the 5. I would have guessed an ANACS grade of AU-50 (they're pretty tough).

 

Based on the obverse, I was gonna say MS62. But the reverse certainly looks lightly worn. I'm thinkin' it graded AU55.

Great photos ! How do you get such excellent lighting ?

 

900fine,

Thank you for the kind words.

I used a single reveal bulb and a cheap Home Depot clamp-on reflector. However, the key to the lighting on this coin (and many coins) is the use of a LONG lens (I use a 200mm, many others use 100mm) -- this gives me enough room to keep the light "high" (i.e. near the camera) to provide optimal lighting. A "lower" light -- often the only way you can take a photo with a short lens -- casts shadows and has hot spots which make for poorer photos.

Truth be told, this coin was photographed raw, and that makes a HUGE difference in the quality of any photo.

Hope this helps, and thanks again for the kind words...Mike