Grade my Shield Nic, wouldcha?

I picked this up at a show last weekend. Having some twinges of buyer's remorse, but it is my first and only shield nickel.

This coin was noted on the 2X2 by the dealer as BU grade which it certainly isn't (and I didn't pay BU money). Please note the odd scratches on the shield (what caused that?) and the scratch near the date. On the positive side, the strike is strong in my opinion. The coin has some luster in hand, but has probably been lightly cleaned.
Curious as to how you guys would grade it:



Reverse:



Grading opinions?

 

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Im no expert on Shield Nickels, but Id say a Strong XF45

 

I agree, strong XF.
Looks great! and it looks like its beginning to tone.

 

Appears to have AU details and a strong strike. Those hits on the shield look intentional and not accidental/the scratch thru the date looks like a normal occurance. Overall AU50/hits.

 

I'd say AU-53. Very nice coin.

Ben

 

I'd say AU as well. Nice coin!
Guy~

 

I would have to say MS 62. I don't see any wear on the stars or the shield. Some of the leaves have a bit of a weak strike but thats the norm for many of the shield nickles.

Lou

 

Lou - I'm afraid you are being generous since I cannot honestly say that there is sufficient luster for a MS grade (givin my limited knowledge). In natural light, it is somewhat flat in appearance and I think it has been lightly cleaned. But, I thank you for your opinion (I asked for it!) and wish the coin was as nice as you say - difficult to truly say from pictures!

My fear is that the coin, given the bizarre scratches on the shield combined with limited luster would drive the coin down to XF. However, the strike is what is making me think it could be AU.

 

I would say MS details because of the hits on the shield. I do not see any wear and if it was cleaned it was long ago. Nice coin even with the hits.

 

AU 53 will do the trick here

 

I'd give it AU - looks great! Even with the scratches on the shield I'd say it's an awesome addition to your collection.

 

AU-50 details scratched

 

Catbert, I honestly can not see any wear on the coin. The 1882 and 1883 uncirculated Shield Nickles had more of a satiny frost finish. I checked the ANA grading guide and it says "brilliant uncirculated coins are much scarcer than the usual DULL or frosty pieces". That would suggest that some of the MS coins would have that flat appearance that you see.

Lou

 

I would have to say MS-60, nice toning!

 

I also would give the thumb an AU-55 while the index finger which has a few hits a grade of XF-40...

Take Care
Ben

 

MS 62, but I'm wondering where the luster is....Mike

 

The index finger looks like a VF. I see traces of a light cleaning.

Lou

 

I think I need a manicure! Hmmm.....thinking about that word leads me in other directions.....I can think of things that could "cure" me!

I'm still learning about photography and, for now, holding the coin seems to be better than trying to take a picture while the coin in on its back. I want my coins to stand up and be counted! :mouth:

 

For those who think this coin is anything but mint-state, where you you see wear on the coin? Just wondering...Mike

 

Their appears to be light wear on the horizontal shield lines. Possibly light wear on the leaves too.