I got this coin in the mail today. I was pretty sure it had been cleaned because of the color and low luster, but it just did not look like it was cleaned. Anyhow, I went to Heritage to look at their coins. They have a whole 2 of them and they both look very similar to the one I have - at least considering that they are pictures: http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=419&Lot_No=52208 http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=3005&Lot_No=24069# (here, the red reverses look glossy, but the RB reverse looks like mine) What is you opinion? Sorry about the pictures, but I do not want to take it out of the flip in case I return it.
If it was cleaned, it was probably long before either of us were born. I see nothing to indicate it was cleaned from the photos. Jim
I agree with the long time ago. If it was cleaned recently it was by someone that had no idea of what cleaning means. Looks like a nice coin.
It's been dipped to death to remove ugly black toning would be my guess. That's the only thing I know of that would explain the lack of luster with all that detail.
I well understand your reluctance in removing them from what they are in but it really is difficult to give complete thoughts on such coins when they are distorted by plastic and/or a poor photo.