1798 Small Eagle Dollar Cleaned

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Publius2, Nov 21, 2020.

  1. Publius2

    Publius2 Well-Known Member

    I normally don't consider details coins but I ran across this one and I was wondering if the mavens can help me understand the "Improperly Cleaned" grade. Maybe the splotches in the left field of the obverse? The general lack of any luster for an AU grade? An otherwise clean look except for the creases among Liberty's hair locks?

    Just looking for insight into the cleaning judgement on what otherwise looks like a nice coin.

    912579-1.jpg 912579-2.jpg
     
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  3. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Being poor , I have several cleaned coins from Largies to Trade Dollars and I like this coin . I grade it AU details but I hate the "Improperly Cleaned " label .
     
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  4. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    Hairline scratches
     
  5. potty dollar 1878

    potty dollar 1878 Well-Known Member

    +1 I see them also you just need to zoom/look closer and there there still its a nice early silver dollar i might be able to own one in 10 years.
     
  6. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    The toning looks secondary and oh-so slightly dull and monochromatic, as if from an old cleaning, which obviously this was.

    But at least it has retoned. Better that than a scrubby or overdipped appearance, or a too-shiny polishing or whizzing.

    As cleaned coins go, it’s not bad at all, and it’s otherwise a high grade example of a valuable early type. So not a cheap coin even as-is, and plenty of people would be plenty proud to own it. Cleaned or not, I certainly couldn’t afford one, even in much lower grade than this.
     
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  7. eddiespin

    eddiespin Fast Eddie

    They're guessing. Cleaned or not, that's a wonderful coin.
     
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  8. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    I’d say theirs is a pretty educated guess, given the color and other indicators. I would tend to agree with their assessment.

    But yes, a great coin, regardless.
     
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  9. Paddy54

    Paddy54 Well-Known Member

    Why the things we do......? Why because we like it.
    After purchasing my 1851/2 detailed fish scale ....Im still happy knowing that even detailed it 1 of 8 known.....like Rob said affordability, the rariety, and even though this coin has been cleaned ....show me another as nice . Great addition to your collection.
     
  10. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    I should mention, however, that I would rather own one in slightly lower grade with a more original appearance. (Speaking purely hypothetically, since I couldn’t afford one of these in almost any condition.)

    it’s certainly a nice coin and the AU details will make it desirable to many people. I’d rather have a straight-graded XF40 with attractive, contrasting toning, though.
     
  11. Mainebill

    Mainebill Bethany Danielle

    I don’t mind the appearance though probably an old cleaning. It’s not an ugly coin. Though I think overgraded it’s an xf 45 in detail if you ask me. But I bet it makes it into a straight grade holder eventually
     
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  12. johnmilton

    johnmilton Well-Known Member

    Perhaps they think a spot was lifted under first star after the "Y" in "LIBERTY." That looks minor to me. That might be one of those instances where they are looking for more money from a crack-out and re-submission. I experienced that a few times when I was a dealer.
     
  13. ksparrow

    ksparrow Coin Hoarder Supporter

    I'm guessing the surfaces are somewhat glossy under the toning. Still a nice looking early dollar, with excellent detail on the eagle and no adjustment marks.
     
  14. Michael K

    Michael K Well-Known Member

    Agree with Eddie. This is a nice coin.
    Most coins were cleaned back in the day, it would be harder to find one that wasn't.
    Even very old coins that straight grade probably were cleaned and retoned and if there's no hairlines they straight grade. With leniency given to 222 year old beauties like this. The label doesn't bother me. This is not a problem coin IMO.
     
  15. jfreakofkorn

    jfreakofkorn Well-Known Member

    Would love to have a coin like that
    Something i wish i can afford and would gail to some
     
  16. Publius2

    Publius2 Well-Known Member

    I appreciate everyone's thoughts. You provided exactly the kind of opinions I was seeking-both pro and con. I have not decided yet whether to bid on this coin but it is one of only two details-graded Draped Bust-Small Eagle dollars I have seen in the last nine months that I would even consider owning. I have also looked at several dozen straight-graded DB-SE coins from VF-25 to EF-45. Just can't seem to pull the trigger on anything yet.
     
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  17. DBDc80

    DBDc80 Numismatist

    That is, imo, a beautiful coin. And it is scarce to boot! Regardless...i would be pleased to welcome it into my collection!
     
  18. CamaroDMD

    CamaroDMD [Insert Clever Title] Supporter

    I would be proud to own that coin.
     
  19. johnmilton

    johnmilton Well-Known Member

    Here is the 1798 Small Eagle silver dollar that is in my set. It is PCGS graded as a VF-35.

    1798 Small Eagle Dol O.jpg 1798 Small Eagle Dol R.jpg
     
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  20. C-B-D

    C-B-D Well-Known Member

    I see coins like this a lot. They've usually been retoned darkly after a polishing or cleaning to try and hide it. They always look the same. Flat color, not dynamic.
     
  21. TypeCoin971793

    TypeCoin971793 Just a random guy on the internet

    They’ll also have a glossy appearance, which isn’t natural
     
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