1883 nickel, No luster?

So today at a coin show i bought a NGC ms61 V nickel (no cent) for like 35 bucks. Im not a expert or very good at identifying these coins but it just doesnt have alot of luster....but its graded ms 61 by ngc?

The details are all there but the color is a little darker with not alot of luster? Is this because of the nickel changing color over time or what?

 

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It's an MS-61 so it must have some problem(s).
It just can't have wear.
Maybe the problem is loss of Mint shine.

 

Pictures would help. Usually unless really dark you can still notice luster on a MS61.

 

61 is an odd grade. I'll bet there's something you're missing. My first thought since you mentioned a lack of luster is an over-dipping. I'd like to see the coin in pictures or preferably in-hand before saying anything else.

 

:kewl:A photo would help.

 

I'm going to posit that over-dipping is not the problem.
Why?
Because I'm going to trust NGC enough not to grade a coin in that sort of condition.

 

Not the best pics:

 

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Need bigger pictures. I think I see some muted luster, but it could just be my eyes and the little pictures.

 

Ms61, is a very odd grade indeed, you'll often find AU58's that have way more eye appeal than a 61

 

That's right. MS-61 is at the low end for uncirculated coins. It essentially is a technically uncirculated with LOTS and LOTS of marks. It might look like it was found in a parking lot. For uncirculated coins only MS-60 is worst than MS-61.

On the other hand, an AU-58 coin is the highest grade for About Uncirculated coins. And AU-58 coin will show slight wear but will have full luster and very few marks with very clean fields. I would generally rather have an AU-58 over an MS-61.

 

From what I can make out of it, it doesn't look bad for a 61. Would be nice to see why it was graded MS-61 though. Thats a Hint Hunt...

 

A hint for...? Higher, lower, re-grade? what do you mean lol?

 

Hint would mean better, larger pictures

 

This is like the best i can do my camera stinks, click on it for full size:

 

Check your resolution setting. In an earlier post you mentioned you have a 3.2 megapixel Sony. The max resolution for a 3.2 mp camera is 2048x1536 - your pics are only 640x480 which is most likely the default and lowest res setting. Info should be in the manual but it is most likely changed via a menu option. Should be easy to figure out. Also see if the camera has a macro setting for taking close up shots.

 

I agree. It is really hard to tell from the photos posted, but I think there is a thick layer of nickel gray toning that is muting the luster of the coin.