1920 Maine Centennial half. I have not found one with strong enough eye appeal in a good price yet. This is one that I can get for 150. Right side looks to have some schmoo on it, what looks like the results of poor cleaning. Would this be a good purchase? Wanted to buy a raw one to slab but would she get a details grade? The strike is rather nice for these coins, especially in the face on the man standing right. Anyway, let me know and have a good weekend, Evan
Seems a bit on the pricey side for me; I got my (admittedly worn) specimen for around $30 off of Ebay about two years ago.
I wouldn't buy that coin judging by the lighting; it appears to have been whizzed. Edit 1: I don't know your opinion on toned coins @Evan Saltis. However, this one may be a good alternative for only $32.20 more. NGC MS-64 $182.20 https://www.ebay.com/itm/1920-Maine...919043?hash=item1a941a9243:g:5hcAAOSw7j5fe7-e Edit 2: PCGS MS-63 $155.00 https://www.ebay.com/itm/1920-Maine...796097?hash=item1f0c62ed81:g:nY4AAOSwLateX~wy
Ugh, Ill probably end up passing then. Hard to find a nice MS example raw. Can't afford a slabbed coin. Like I said, if I found a nice enough example I'd gladly send it in myself.
thank you for the suggestions. I personally try to stay away from coins that are toned, whether attractively or not. I will have to settle for an ugly coin with brilliant detail. I'll continue looking around so I can finally get one of these after years!
I looked for the schmoo. Back when I was a kid there was a cartoon character Shmoo on the comic strip Li’l Abner
What you are seeing and what people are referring to as whizzing is likely die polish. The Maine commem is notorious for heavy die polish. Take a look at some very high grade examples and you'll notice the same lines. Personally, I would pass on this one. I find it rather unattractive. Besides, you can buy a certified MS64 for $150, so why play around with a raw one unless you can get it cheap and are confident in your grading abilities.
