When I started collecting about 12 years ago, I bought a number of raw coins from advertisers in Coin World. A number of these advertised as BU were actually sliders; some were cleaned; a few were actually as advertised. I don't remember how this coin was described; in hand, the fields are very reflective, there is no rub on the high points. I thought I might have a proof, but after looking at the enlarged photos, I am not so sure. At worst, it's a decent UNC. Your thoughts welcomed...
Funny I didn't notice the doubling until you pointed it out, yet now it's as clear as day to me. I never understood how it could happen on just some text like that, but then there's a lot I don't understand. Beautiful IHC, one of the best I can remember seeing. It wouldn't have occurred to me that it might be a proof though—what are the telltales of that? On a very old coin such as this, I mean.
I had not even noticed that! thanks! on exam with the 9x loupe, I don't see any split serifs, so I think it is most likely machine doubling. I don't know if there is a documented DDO for this date. I thought it might be a proof because the fields were so reflective in hand. But in the photos the feather tips and diamonds don't look sharp enough to be a proof, I think.
Is that Longacre doubling? https://www.cointalk.com/threads/longacre-doubling-some-considerations.59120/
I'm not so sure about the originality of the color, or the semi-"prooflike" qualities you described, but regardless, that's a sharp one. Very nice.
Thanks for all the comments. I don't see any signs of a cleaning, but I believe there is some rub on the high points, so AU
I bought one of those USB microscopes, and just figured out how to use it. here are closeups of the Longacre doubling, and the L on the ribbon:
