Listed on ebay as MS64 but almost looks Proof. I don't think I've ever seen a MS that looks this good with such perfect fields and sharp strike . Even with the spots and minor rubs it almost (but maybe not quite) looks worth the $200 asking price.
It's not a Proof. It does not have the characteristics of a Proof IHC: No mirror surfaces. This coin has luster (which would not be found on a Proof IHC). Rims are not full. Numerals in date are rounded at top surface, not flat. Details are not quite as strong as a Proof. (See lack of detail in some feather tips and hair.) So, this coin is a Business Strike. Is it MS? Maybe. I'm a bit concerned about the broken luster in the obverse fields in front of Liberty's neck and mouth and on the reverse inside the wreath. I am also concerned about the numerous obverse spots and the dark discolorations (obverse field in front of Liberty's face and reverse at top of left side of wreath). It's a nice looking coin but I wouldn't pay MS-64 money for it. I'm guessing with the luster and spotting problems it is either MS-63 or perhaps 62 (although 62 is a bit harsh for this coin with nice eye appeal).
I'm not seeing the "broken luster in the obverse fields in front of Liberty's neck and mouth" or I'm not recognizing it as such. Nor the ones on the reverse. The "spots and discolorations" are certainly annoying but won't downgrade a coin from MS. Probably would lower it to a -63, mostly on degradation of eye appeal. If you could ignore the spots and discolorations, it's a nice looking coin. I don't collect IHC's so my mindset makes it moot as to whether I'd buy it or not.
I'm not disagreeing with Hobo (yet). I just need the "broken luster" to be pointed out a bit more definitively. I appear to be missing something.
The coin is not a Proof, like HoBo said, but the reverse has a Proof like surface it does have a very strong strike the details are very vivid in appearence. The coin was one of the first strikes that's what it appears to be. How i test if it's a prooflike coin ,put your index finger about a 8th of an inch above the coin if you see your finger in the coin like a mirror it's a prooflike coin, and they are graded as a prooflike coin. Jazzcoins joe
I agree I would say that color is questionable. The details are nice, but instead of luster I see a "haze". To me it looks like someone took a brown coin and tried to make it red. LOL - I disagree with Arizona Jack. I think for IHC's PCGS has more correctly graded coins that NGC in my opinion. Notice I said "correctly graded" and based off me looking at IHC's which might not be as many as Jack.
I don't think either one would slab that coin. I think it had PVC on it and they didn't get it all off.
If I am seeing what you are seeing it's on the reverse, to the NW of the "O" in "ONE" and from halfway down the "CE" in "CENT" and down, right?
I think it was on the reverse too, but the easiest places to see traces is on the obv. It's just tucked into the hidden places.
I was paying more attention to the reverse, now that you point it out and I look at the obverse I do see traces of something all right, also see something between the "M" and "E" in "AMERICA". Coin does have great color and is an awfully nice strike.
agreed, the damage in the top of the wreath on the left side of the reverse is the most obvious reason to my eye. As a warning, purchase raw copper with great care as color manipulation is routinely an issue. I would be hesitant to buy raw copper sight-unseen based only on images.
I am sorry to say it's not a proof, and the color of the photo leads me to believe the red ain't natural either. All IMHO...Mike
I really wasn't trying to say that I thought it was a proof. I accept the description that it is MS. My comment was that it's rare to see a IHC with such smooth and even fields and with 100% of the design detail present. Although the coin does have obvious faults, it is nevertheless a perfect strike on a perfect planchet. Everything that's supposed to be there is there.
