I got this coin back from major grading company and it came back, "Altered Surf-UNC Detail". Can someone help determine what an altered surface is and what to look for in the future. Do you think this coin would be a candidate for restoration? Also can you tell me what the altered surface is on this coin. Any help would be appreciated.
It looks to be cleaned at some point in the past. As for restoration, it is not worth it to me for a fairly common date coin. Almost 12 million minted in New Orleans in 89.
I'd need better pictures, but it looks like someone rubbed the area on the cap where the cotton bolls and ivy is to remove some of the black. Can you tell us why you would send a $25ish coin to PCGS?
The reason I sent the coin in is that I know next to nothing about coins and I am helping a friend that in inherited a small coin collection. I have tried to research online about coins to educate myself and I came to this forum for help. I have spent many hours on line trying to educate myself on coins. I have looked at the pcgs and ngc price guides and all the resources they provide. I don't personally know any one knowledgeable about coins so I will continue to do the best I can for my friend. I do appreciate your comments and will continue to do my best with the small collection.
'Altered Surfaces' tends to be a catch-all for any number of issues, especially if the exact issue can not be pinpointed, or there are multiple issues. In this case, my guess is that the coin was improperly cleaned, and then a second cleaning or dipping was done to the coin, so the TPG won't specify one over the other. The black area is evidence of a coin that a cleaning was attempted on, and there is a good chance that there is some scrubbing going on in additional attempts to remove the spot.
On casual glace, besides the black smudge, the coin's surfaces look dull and lifeless. Notice how, especially on the obverse, the light reflects grey and evenly across the coin's fields. On an original coin the coin's luster will reflect light in a cartwheel pattern.
With all due respect... While it certainly noble that you're trying to assist a friend, you need to understand that it's entirely possible that you can end up doing more harm than good, simply due to your lack of experience in this area. It's truly great that you've made such an effort to educate yourself and I commend you for it, but in many respects the knowledge necessary to make the best of this isn't something that one can acquire in a short period of time, and is particularly true when it comes to grading and/or identifying problems/alterations. Even if you don't personally know anyone who does posses the prerequisite experience, it may be worth talking to a local dealer. Don't buy into the "all dealers are bad" crap as it's complete nonsense; as with most everything else in life, there are good and bad. If this isn't an option, please consider using the forum as a means of separating the wheat from the chaff by simply asking before you make any further submissions and/or moves. While not as reliable as an in-person viewing, if you can post sufficient photos, the membership should be able to screen for you and in the long run potentially save your friend much hassle and headache. Welcome to the forum, sir.
Thank you very much. I am not in this for the money. Just trying to help a friend. I am going to take your advice.
I apologize if it seemed I was implying you're in it for the money as that wasn't my intent. I only meant to say that it's a lot easier to lose and/or cost money than many new to the hobby realize. It's very kind and noble of you to help your friend, especially considering the effort you've already invested into doing so.
