Opinions on a couple of 1840 dollars

B. Strike.

 

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A. xf-au cleaned and B. 45 or 50. I like B better, but not much because of 2nd pic. Both coins nearly identical wear-wise.

 

Coin A does appear to have been cleaned (VF), coin B appears more natural in tone and eye appeal (EF). Both may or could grade a bit higher, in my opinion. Good luck

 

Personally, I don't care for either coin.

I think coin A looks "nicer" but it looks like it has been cleaned as I see hairlines across it. I think it's an AU details coin. I think coin B is XF45 and it has original surfaces but I think it lacks eye appeal. It has a crusty look to it which I find very unflattering.

If I had to buy one of them, I would buy B because I believe it is problem free (based on the photos).

But, I would pass on both. In my opinion, I would be disappointed with either one of them and always want a better example. I have learned (the hard way) to avoid coins that make me feel that way.

 

Why? It's just a personal opinion based on photos. In hand, the coins probably look much different. I won't chose and believe if both straight graded, they are in the XF to AU range.

 

I played with your original “B” image, and seeing it with somewhat truer color believe it is more desirable than “A”. And like others have mentioned, the numerous slash marks on Liberty’s arm in “A” detract from an otherwise nice coin. “B” is a solid 45. Won’t hazard a guess on “A”.

 

OK @ksparrow , we have dutifully answered your questions without knowing why you want our opinions.

I am assuming a man of your numismatic acumen does not need us to advise you on which coins you should buy.

So, now it's your turn to spill.

 

Yes, indeed!

@ksparrow Time to let the cat out of the bag :-D

 

AU50 for both, and I don't like either.

 

OK, It's 7 where I live so I'll fess up. First, I asked for opinions because I am genuinely interested in what y'all think of the coins. Asking "why" was just an effort to gain more information about why people prefer one "look" over another. Sorry if I came across as pushy, that wasn't my intent. So here are the grades:
Coin A:
and coin B:


I fished out "A" for further examination, and agree that it had some light cleaning in the fields, possibly to remove some spots that didn't go away with the dipping.
The vertical mark on the right, which really sticks out in the photos (due to my lights being at 9 & 3 ) Is not nearly as obtrusive in hand. I think the luster is consistent with the 45 grade. I bought this coin a few years ago, but then later I became more interested in coins with original (unmessed with ) surfaces, which led me to coin B.
I really like this one, particularly because it has very few hits or abrasion, really none that matter at all. While I am not obsessed with original surfaces, I do like this look on circulated seated dollars. Just my thing, I guess. I agree that coin A shows the design off better, though.
I think it is pretty cool that JohnMilton handled these when he was a dealer!

 

mmm, XF45? Mine is the same, and yet so different.

 

beautiful example, fiddlehead!