This coin is unbelievably amazing: Now, what if it circulated, got some wear, and then was pulled out of circulation and preserved properly? What I'm asking is: Can I find an AU Standing Liberty Quarter that is "near blast white". No toning. And pay an AU price? With today's quarters, they circulate and I would still consider them blast white (or whatever term is used for clad).
I’ve seen standing liberty and barber quarters in AU55-AU58 grade that are “blast white.” Of course, I’m uncertain if such coins were lightly dipped. Lots of “blast white” coins were dipped in the past.
Asher I'm sure you can find a bright white AU SLQ without too much effort. As to "properly preserved" vs "conserved (ie dipped)" does it matter, and how are you going to know? I think it is a pretty safe assumption that an untoned lightly circulated coin from that era has been dipped, silver being as reactive as it is. What you want to avoid are chalky looking coins that have been dipped for too long or too many times, damaging the remaining luster.
It should be hard because it depends on the amount of "circulation" (the rub & change of color on the high points). Original blast white coins with AU-58 rub (most often "roll rub") are usually considered to be MS and priced as such. Original surfaces do not last long with "real" circulation and dip will not restore its original appearance to anyone who knows what they are looking at.
That's great advice, thanks. I'll try and research how to look for dipped coins and the varying degrees.
That's amazing, is it your coin? Do you think people would pay more for this than an MS60-62? Where is wear?? My general preference is for coins that have been in circulation and have acquired their own unique look but still have well defined devices. For me, the "dirt" around the letters and devices, give it the character I like. EF-40/45 has seemed to be my sweet spot. But if I want a coin in MS but don't want to pay a MS price, there is AU, but since I want a MS coin, I want it looking new. So that's why I ask about a bright AU