Thanks, Bill. It is really pretty. Dipped, yes, at some point, but it actually has reflective, lightly proof-like fields and nice peripheral toning.
Regardless, that is an "honest & proud" looking coin! OK maybe an old cleaning, but that was the thinking back in the day, before we "smartened up". That slight ding @ 12 o'clock on the obverse - how bad is that? Should straight grade?...yes...but will it?...we're not gonna know until we (read: you) try...
The ding is really small/slight, and only visible on the obverse. I guess you are right, I will never know unless I (gulp...!) bring myself to slab some of my coins.
Yes, that belongs in a details holder. Not because of the old cleaning - that is acceptable on an old coin like this. And not because of the slight rim ding - that isn't too bad. I think it belongs in the details holder because of the scratch across her face. If I bought that coin in a problem free holder and saw that scratch, I would be very unhappy and return it to the dealer as a problem coin. The scratch is unfortunate, but I think it is severe enough (and in a prime focal area) to put it in a details holder.
Thanks physics - those scratches are actually hairlines, but they DO show clearly if you view the coin in a certain way. Less prominent if viewed head on. In my opinion, it would be a pity if these land the coin in 'details' plastic, specially given some of the coins I have seen straight graded...
@Eduard, which TPG were you thinking of sending it to? And if you do send it in, will you please show us the results? I have a half dollar in very similar shape, minus the scratch/hairlines, and have also debated sending it for certification. Steve
@Stevearino, I was thinking of NGC since they are located in Germany, therefore easier for me to reach. I will be sure to post the results if I decide to go ahead.
Why details for the scratch? Doesn't that just make it circulated, and therefore probably a lower grade?
IMO it straight grades. I see the ding and scratch as honest wear. And IF it has been dipped (I'm leaning towards "yes"), it appears older and nicely retoned. But together these would probably lower the grade a bit.
No, the grade is (should be) based on the level of wear. Sometimes, some graders will give a "silent net grade" and deduct a few points for problems like scratches or rim dings, but I'm not a fan of that practice. Scratches are considered a problem. Most collectors don't like them, and they detract from the value of a coin. As I mentioned, if I bought a VF coin and it came with a scratch like that, I'd return it. The severity of the scratch, and whether or not it will result in a details grade, is very subjective. Eduard calls it a hairline and says it is not significant - he has it in hand and may be able to judge better. However, based on what i see in these pictures, it looks more severe than a hairline to me. The basic answer to your question, Uncle, is that scratches are problems. Light hairlines from circulation are not. Which one is on this coin? That is for the grader and buyer to decide.
I would take a chance and send it to NGC. If it comes back 'Details' you will have a few options on what to do with it. Overall, it looks good to me.
If it's prooflike and slightly reflective with that amount of wear, then it's almost certainly cleaned.
Oh, I missed where he had said that. Yes, if the fields are slightly reflective at this level, then the cleaning may have been more intrusive than a light dip. They should not be reflective at this grade.
I don't know this coin well enough for my opinion to matter but, in addition to the complete absence of flow lines in well-protected areas, does no one else see the raised pimples that give me pause?
Well @Eduard here’s my take. I believe you are more like me. I plan to enjoy my coins until I leave this party. When I do depart, there is nobody in my immediate family that has the numismatic experience to argue authenticity..... I very recently slabbed a 1794 cent that I was fully aware would come back in a “details” slab. But that slab also verified the authenticity of the coin too. Something my wife would not be able to do in my absence...... I do not see “details” slabs as the pariah as some esteemed numismatists do. Particularly if it is a coin that I know will stay in my collection.
It really SHOULDN’T get a details grade: the defects noted by others are trivial and, like almost any coin of its era, it has likely been cleaned at some point. That said, however, any such cleaning was gentle enough not to have left hairlines (at least none I can see from your photo), and it is now toned both appropriately and pleasantly. I would straight-grade it XF45, but the TPG’s show so much inconsistency on the “details” issue that it becomes a real crap-shoot. If it were mine (sigh), I would just continue to enjoy it as is. Dave S.