I picked this coin up locally the other day from a craigslist contact, I was blown away at the quality and may send it in for grading/slabbing. Anyone care to take a stab at what they think the grade is? Photos taken under 3200K Tungsten light: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4353405254_f35294034d_b.jpg http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4352659307_980393f4e7_b.jpg Photos taken under 5500K daylight spectrum fluorescent lamp: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4353407144_d8168ba98d_b.jpg http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4353407672_dccc413a7c_b.jpg The black marks on the obverse on Liberty's cheek in the 5500K set is my camera reflecting off the coin (black lens). I'm thinking MS-64 or better, but I'm curious what you all think. -baff.
Well in both sets of pictures I do not see the luster I would expect on a MS coin. The details look MS to me, but because of what looks like some type of haze on the coin I am going with MS details. Granted I could be wrong based off the pictures, but just going by what I see.
I agree with Mark, from the pics I really don't see any luster. Also, there seems to be what looks like either dirt or black toning on the coin. (Mainly on around the date, Pluribus Unium; On the reverse the denticles at the top, the eagle's beak, and D in dollars). With that, I would say the coin has MS details, but has been over dipped.
Thanks everyone. The coin does have mint lustre, I am just having a very hard time photographing it with my current setup. I'm looking into buying a small shooting tent for coins because the lights I'm using for photos are 2 300W Tungsten Key lights with a 5500K daylight bulb as a fill. What I ideally need are 2 5500K daylight bulbs at an angle to a diffuser, either a silk or a shooting tent to capture coins properly. Thanks again, I paid $15 for the coin and think I got a great deal even if it turns out to be cleaned. -zen
