Curious to hear opinions on the grade of this one. The reverse is fully lustrous and cartwheels, but it's toned a metallic blue/brown so I did my best to capture that above- the below pic is trying to show the sail lines a bit better. I'll reveal the grade on the flip after some input.
I'm at 65. Slight possibility of a 66, but doubtful. The planchet imperfections are still there (not worn off) on the high-points (cheek and lower hair), and it seems to be a little bit of a weak strike, so the sail lines look worn, but I don't think they are. Nice coin!
I like it John. In your picture, you can see some of the reverse luster you mentioned. How strong is the color? Obverse looks really nice. The cheek/jaw and lower curls either show a very weak strike or some wear. It's a nice commem and one of my favorite designs.
The reverse looks just like the first image in-hand. I'd have preferred it look more like the obv., but as dark toning goes the dark blue hue is kind of a net neutral to me since it didn't kill the luster, neither a positive or a negative on this particular coin. If the reverse surface didn't cartwheel so nicely I would have passed, but there's no doubt the coin is uncirculated, IMO. Weaker strike was my thought as well, though I've seen worse. Just browsing MS slabbed examples of these on eBay it looks like the business on the cheek and hair is pretty common. This is what it is replacing in my album... the other three commem's are all on the brighter side, so obverse-up it should fit in much better.
Thanks to all for the feedback. The flip said MS63. I bought it thinking it was a 64 and paid less than full retail at 63 (with an in-store credit, to boot) so I'm happy. PCGS GRADING SUMMARY: Most specimens show signs of friction or contact on the high areas of Columbus' portrait on the obverse and on the ship's sails on the reverse. Some coins are lightly struck on the highest areas of the portrait and/or lack ship sail details on the reverse. In general, 1892-dated coins are better struck than those dated 1893. Beware of deeply toned coins whose toning masks wear; sometimes these are sold in slabs bearing high technical grades. Most Uncirculated coins have very attractive frosty lustre. Prooflike pieces are occasionally seen and are usually dated 1892. I'm into crusty original circulated stuff in the rest of my album and have been considering swapping to do the same on this page, but turning it and seeing the contrast of higher end stuff is kinda fun.
Full cartwheel luster, no hairlines. I would guess by the toning it was in an album or holder of some sort. The coin may have been dipped at some point and then toned wherever it was placed after, but there are no visible signs of an improper cleaning under magnification.
Thx for posting that PCGS grading summary. I too, came to the conclusion that the 1893s were tougher in PL and/or a sharp strike. I had not seen it in print before though.
Sure thing. 1893's are tougher in gem/superb gem as well, despite the higher mintage according to CoinFacts.
