satootoko, GD, ND, and rbm86, I believe we have all made very good comments on this issue. If nothing else is gained from this discussion, besides...
Cleaning may be the least of your worries. There are probably more counterfeit Trade dollars on the market, than there are genuine ones. Here's...
Looks like the die might have been touched up with an abraisive, such as a piece of emory cloth. Great visual, ND.
Regardless of the grade, circulated 1894 Philadelphia's are trading at a much higher price than 1894-S's. Forget the "price guides", they aren't...
So do they also make "label mistakes" on grades?
So I take it that a TPG doesn't have to be able to correctly identify coins to be considered "reputable".
Would this be considered a "reputable" grader? LINK
Well, you don't want to spoil him, but you might want to consider getting him one for a special occasion. Explain to him how expensive some...
If you're talking about grading US coins, then there are two books that I would recommend. A.N.A. Grading Standards, and Photograde. Don't know...
Yeah, it's a big'un alright. Be sure to read the front pages, as well as the back. It'll help you understand a lot more about how to use the book...
Have another Guinness, and forget about it. :p
Yes, it would seem that a coin from the end of a roll would have a less-blackened reverse. Perhaps it has been out of the roll for some time, and...
"Looks" like end-roll toning.
Thanks, ND. That's exactly what I needed.
Can someone tell me the bid on a 1796 F/VF Liberty Cap on a Pole cent? Thanks, Jody
I'm a little confused at how "AU-55 value" = $40. Here's a coin, that in my opinion, is most likely an uncirculated example with unaltered...
Actually, jimmy, "Fair" is a gradeing term for a coin in much poorer condition than that one. I wonder if you aren't confusing "Fair" with...
Well, if the reverse is in the exact same condition as the obverse, I'd say that is an About Fine. They are selling them on eBay for $3-$5....
Is it a mintmarked coin?
Well you've got nothing to feel guilty about. Sentimental value is big part of this hobby. It can't be ignored. The price estimate (and I...
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