1890 Seated Liberty Quarter

One comment from Larry Briggs' book on SLQ's: "although scarce, this coin is not rare and is obtainable in all grades.....Even though controversial, one sided proofs have been seen and verified."

 

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Your quote from Briggs is accurate. Try finding one circulated with as much detail as this example exhibits. It's definitely not an easy find.

 

I have an additional question about cleaning since that is a primary issue here.

When I took the coin out of the plastic case, I took a damp cotton rag and rubbed the coin on both sides at the same time. I didn't use a cleaner or any solvents, I didn't rub harshly, etc.

Does that matter?

I appreciate all the feedback here.

I guess this prompts one more question - how do you handle coins like this? Do you wear gloves so the oils on you fingers won't contaminate it? What precautions do you take?

Flatlander

 

The cleaning which is evident on your coin may only be in part due to your wiping. The cleaning before your "work" may be the culprit. So you may not be totally at fault. Let me point out though, even the most gentle wipe will leave surface impairments.

 

I would say most coins of that eara have been cleaned at one time or another. Unless a coin is mint state or almost uncirculated a mild wipe would be hard to detect, unless you used a lot of preasure or a brillo pad.
It's good practice not to clean coins, but just dusting off a circulated coin is not going to kill it in my opinion. How did it get worn in the first place do you think??

 

This was a misc. coin in a holder in a shoebox my father had that had been handed down to me many years ago. I haven't touched it until a few days ago as my interest in coins started. I have no other history other than that. He wasn't a serious collector but rather held on to a few coins now and then such as 90% silver and others of interest.

I'm going through the others as I have time. I'm waiting for my Redbook and Cherrypickers books to arrive so I can start learning.

 

That's one well struck coin , even a light wipe with a soft rag will leave marks as others have said , yours looks to have been cleaned earlier which most coins that old have been . But as nice as your coin looks , I'd keep it .
rzage

 

So you have no money invested in the coin. The coin, coming from your father certainly does have a tremendous sentimental value I am sure. Now I would not be to hasty to sell the coin. Invest the bucks to get it authenticated ( possibly ANACS ) and see what happens. At worst, your out 50.00

 

I'll trust you on that, since I have not tried to find one of these! Also, what is 'scarce' to someone like Larry Briggs is probably indeed 'Rare" for the rest of us collectors.

 

I agree.