Considered pulling the trigger on this today- I see die polish lines on the obverse, but does it also appear harshly cleaned to you all? I said I thought it did and they disagreed and stuck to the price. Obverse made me nervous so I held off as I think it would be a tough re-sell down the road, but curious to hear thoughts. Pics aren’t the best cause I just had my phone on me but I appreciate any opinions. The flip said MS63 and the price agreed on was 140. Thanks!
It looks good, but it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between die polish and hairlines in a photograph - no stereo vision. It appears to be die polish. Do you know how to tell the difference? The best place to look is near lettering with openings, like O, B, P, etc., to see if the polish is inside of the openings too, and that it doesn't stop before coming up to the lettering or design. If there is a small gap between the line and the letter/number or design, it is usually a hairline, with a "shadow" where it couldn't touch the edge. Die polish would have been on the flat surface of the die, so it will be right through letters since they were sunk down below the surface on the die. Hope this helps. Grants are notorious for die polish, but they were also mishandled.
It does help, thank you. Looking at slabbed examples I’m seeing a lot of the same, and the same splotchy toning as well. The toning pattern was also what made me wonder about cleaning. I don’t know, the eye appeal isn’t bad for the price compared to what I’m seeing online and it would be an album coin. I just love that reverse design! Yeah, I have tried to get in the habit of never spending upwards of $100 on coins that I’m not 100% on because I usually end up regretting it and selling before too long.
Also, thanks for the heads up about it being common for these. It’s that kind of knowledge that makes me nervous buying some commems in general.. it’s a whole new world of grading with stuff I haven’t seen in-hand often and I feel out of my element with judging these crazy (but cool) designs. Considering the slim pickins sub $200 on eBay for these I’m considering picking it up. @Paddy54 - I remember you have a nicer one, how’s this thing look to you for the money?
Very hard to get a good read on the images provided.....From what I seeing I pass,now if in hand my eye said different I roll with it. I know a dealer who I will see next Sunday who has some nice comms. If you like me to see what he has in stock. Let me know
Thanks all, I think I’ll stick to the above rule. @Paddy54 - That would be great. Here’s the page it’s on- the Columbian got slabbed, so seeking a Grant with a look that matches the others to replace it. Looking for AU58-MS64, sub $200, silver in color, lustrous, ideally some light color/patina that adds character as opposed to a bright recently-dipped look. Don’t have a shot of the Stone Mountain handy but the other two are below. Thanks!
The Grant you show is probably perfect for a Dansco album. I have seen many coins that were put in these albums that get hairlines due to the sliding of the clear sleeves that go over and under them.
It looks too glossy, so I'd say it has been cleaned. The come with die polishing lines, but should otherwise be lustrous.
Good rule. Here are my rules: 1) I don’t buy a coin which doesn’t appear to be absolutely problem-free from the pictures. Because pictures sometimes only tell half of the story. 2) Eye-appeal must be outstanding. 3) I am not actively looking for “great deals” or bargains. You get what you pay for, right? So I’d pass, even if those lines were only die polish lines...
Yeah, the hazard of Danscos. This thread gave me an excuse to pull out and photo the Stone Mountain half- that's another pain about these albums... any time you want to swap or photograph one, you have to pull out the slides for multiple coins.
I love die polish lines, especially the severe ones. I know it goes against traditional views... I just can’t help it, they’re cool imo.
Maine Centennials are notorious for die polish lines as well........old photogs of mine rustled from photobucket.......
Nice one! They had a full blown black and white contrast Circcam Maine Centennial there in VF/XF that I loved, but it wouldn’t make sense at all on that page.
