Gem BU Mercury. Grade?

What grade is this mercury dime? I might be a bit too optimistic in saying that it could be MS65 FB, so I wanted your opinions. Thanks for any help!

 

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I don't see why not.

 

What’s up with the scratch above the head? Ignoring that scratch, 65-66FB seems certainly doable.

 

Okay, after staring at it for a while, I can’t help but wonder if it had a cleaning a while ago?

 

That's one fine lookin coin you got there! I give it a solid 65 and if it weren't for the line over the head and the sqiggles under EPU, an easy 66.

 

65FB sounds reasonable

 

I think the answer to your question is completely luster dependent. If the coin has gem luster it should be MS65FB. Unfortunately, I can't say with any confidence that the luster is that good based on those photos.

 

Is the line between B and E on the Obverse on the slab?

 

I'm going to say MS65FB if sent in.

The line which idk if is on the holder or the coin hurts it. Also I can't tell if that's a scratch or in relief above her wing. But that cheek is just smooth as a baby's behind.

Personally, I think it *should* grade it MS64+ considering those three flaws.

 

I wonder if the seller is known to take realistic pictures of their coins or if they play with the images. I honestly don’t know as I’ve never bought anything from them.

 

What are you talking about? Is the OP a seller.... Or???

 

Yes, those absolutely have the appearance of cleaning hairlines. First thing I noticed was the obverse scratch above Liberty's head, but when I scrolled down those hairlines are prominent and extensive.

UNC details, harshly cleaned from me.

 

Jason, what about the metal flow in left and right Obverse fields? This is why I didn't immediately think harshly cleaned.

My eye was "drawn" to the scratch too.

 

I think the coin was worked on at some point. I would not be shocked to see it straight graded.

 

How are the flow lines undisturbed? Or am I just seeing this from photographs? Enlighten me.

 

I believe the OP is a potential buyer of this coin which is on eBay.

 

The obverse is fine, except for the scratch. We aren't talking about the obverse. We're talking about the reverse. A coin can be very harshly cleaned in just one area, and the rest of the coin will look fine.

Look at those fine diagonal lines that extend from the letters "TED ST" into the field, over the leaves, and across the fasces. Those aren't supposed to be there. Those fine, tight, perpendicular lines that go over the devices and into the fields are an absolute sure sign of cleaning.

 

Gah. Thanks for the correction. I assumed it was metal flow.

 

That's where this one gets you - the pictures are detailed enough that you can see some of the metal flow, like we've been talking about in the luster thread. You have to look carefully to catch the sudden change in direction in the reverse top left quadrant. If you were able to rotate this one in the light, that should stick out like a stubbed toe. Fortunately, these pictures are actually pretty high quality, and you can see the hairlines very clearly. You just have to concentrate on the details and subtleties.

 

Yes, in hand it would probably be more apparent. Now that you mention it there's a very subtle "area" I now see where the hairlines begin and blend into the flow. Thanks Jason. I'm always learning something new.