I got my hands on a silver Bicentennial set the other day, and almost cried when I saw this... There's some scratches on the packaging, but this Ike dollar is nice, clean and smooth EXCEPT for the the big scratch on his cheek. http://www.krookedhouse.com/coins/Ike01.jpg
Sorry, I should have been more clear... I mentioned the scratches on the packaging because they show up in the picture. The scratch on Ike's cheek IS on the coin and is pretty much the only noticable scratch.
Since it's not a proof I don't think the Mint was all that careful in the handling of these coin. Since the cellophane doesn't appear damaged, I suspect it occurred as the coins were dropping from the press into the collecting bin. Bummer.
man that ike is very nice.(without the cheek scratch) what a bummer. ikes are tuff really nice. noone likes them. which is fine cause i get them at face or alil above from my dealers. sorry to hear about that. i got some 1/10th oz gold today from the mint. ewwwww broken snap tights and chitty coins. never again will i buy gold from the mint...
That is not really a scratch - it is a "bag mark" - is this case from being dumped into the hopper after striking. The Unc. 40% silver Ikes got the same treatment as the business strikes. Big heavy cooins mean big heavy bag marks. It is an unfortunate fact of life.
