messydesk, posted: "Particle boardies." Nice word for it. I prefer GRAIN boarders. I'll still call the characteristic block pattern, crystallization. What we are looking at is the microstructure of the grains. As a member wrote, it has to due with how the alloy of the ingot was mixed, cast, and cooled. I suspect the Internet will explain this pattern much better than I care about. If anyone looks on the net and there is a better word than "Crystallization" or "Grain Boarders," please let us know.
yeah, I'm not liking the flatness of color of the coin in the picture, as if it's not reflecting at all and no luster. in general a buyer will bid up against other buyers if the toning is seen as attractive and not a problem coin, as far as grading companies go, it's toning, the standard, red, red brown, brown would apply and not affect the grade, but the qualifier instead. it looks red brown as most coins will fall in that category, but the lack of luster in the picture kind of concerns me as harshly cleaned and retoned. this also is RB, like 80% of cents fall into that group.
It's not consider a "flaw", it's considered as toning. Yes, it will have an effect on eye appeal and thus the grade in my experience. They seem to generally get bumped down a notch or two. That said, I'm a HUGE woody fan! Here's one that ICG got the grade dead-on IMO. In hand this coin is just beautiful! I suspect that PCGS/NGC would have rejected this coin and bagged it or dropped it 64/65 because of the toning.
One of many reasons I like and promote ICG for Lincolns. Regardless of the fans of PCGS/NGC/ANACS I contend that ICG is more accurate and reasonable when it comes to toning than the "top 3".
I like the woodgrain effect on your coin. Per some other's comments, the photo doesn't show any luster, and since it doesn't show too much wear I suspect that it may have been cleaned at some point in the past; if it doesn't get a "Cleaned" tag, I think it should grade an AU53.
One of my favorite Woodies! Before I learned contrast and sharpness. This one is unbelievably Lustrous, but only got a 63.