I was looking at this. Coin say genunie. But I agree with the author. Doesnt look like it was clean. Is there a chance it can be resumited and come back alterd? http://cgi.ebay.com/1903-Liberty-Ni...2BUA%2BFICS%2BUFI%2BDDSIC&otn=12&po=LVI&ps=54
The chances of PCGS sending the coin back in a body bag for "altered surfaces" and having made a mistake, just won't happen! The coin has altered surfaces, whether it be cleaned, whizzed, or other alterations. At least the seller was honest enough to inform a potential buyer, as it should be.
If I wanted it as a "curiosity" I'd consider bidding but resubmitting would be a waste of money (IMHO). I'd doubt PCGS would make an error in this type of situation - the coin was probably checked & double-checked before slabbing. I also would hesitate to bid with a seller having that feedback rating. Usually I won't go below 99.6 or so.
Perhaps they made a mistake, but since they have seen the coin in person, they should be given the strong benefit of the doubt. And you can't go just by images in trying to determine what's wrong with the coin - it might look very different in-hand. You're looking for trouble by second guessing a respected grading company when they have seen the coin and you haven't.
Q. - If the seller is so sure it will grade on resubmission, why didn't he send it back? A. - Because having seen the coin in person, he isn't sure PCGS made an error the submission cost wouldn't be recouped in added value if it did get a grade.
I looked at the enlarged images and don't see why it was body-bagged - what are you seeing that I'm missing? I'm still guessing there's a problem, but that it doesn't show up in the pictures.
I've bought from that seller. Guy said coin was mint state, came back a 61. Not a gem bu like he said - but I was satisfied none the less.
I suspect this one could have gone either questionable color or altered surfaces or neither. PCGS doesn't have good descriptions of 91,92.94,97, that explains how each differs from the other. Their description of .94 includes ( besides whizzing, metal moving, thumbing) also chemical action such as sulfide ( adds tone) or cyanide ( removes tone) and I would hope -overdipping, which could lead to questionable color, or perhaps environmental damage ( sulfide). Is it that they will only list 1 cause, when actually it could be more than 1. I have never seen a multiple listing , and I suspect for their database, it can only be one. I looked at it carefully, as it resembles closely one I sent in and it also had the same coloration, and mine came back as questionable color. I respect PCGS grading, but if I had to guarantee each coin, I would be hesitant to grade "tweeners" also. Jim
Here's a rule I've come to use when buying from ebay: If you just want the coins for your collection, buy it. If you want added value or investment grade coins, go elsewhere. In the short time I have been dealing with ebay items, I have been burned too many times to expect real bargains on anything other than additions.
At first look, one could easily want to dispute the PCGS Body Bag. However, as Jim pointed out, there are probably discoloration spots which the photo is not picking up, as they are so very deceiving to the naked eye. Now for a half a buck, it might be worth picking up, even if just for the learning experience.
