I've been updating some photos on some of my coins in my collection. I've got two different lighting setups now, and I like to use certain ones on certain types of coins depending on there color, toning, and luster. This 1890-S is one of many that I've re-shot recently. I've captured the color and luster much better than my previous photos. It's currently slabbed and there are a couple of scratches that are from the slab and not on the coin itself. Take a look and let me know your thoughts on it's grade. Thanks in advance!
Just think, when that coin circulated, it was 2 weeks pay for the average mill or factory worker. Now, 125 years later, after income taxes and sales taxes (which we did not have in 1890), it's still (at retail price) about 2 weeks pay. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' website has all kinds of comparative income data.
Nice coin. Don't know a lot about these but this looks MS-63, I think I see a little rub on it but they might have just called it "cabinet friction". I like it no matter the grade.
I'm not familiar with all of the nuances of grading gold, but I do think your photos are outstanding. Chris
Could it have gone 65? I doubt it with the hits around mouth and nose. But I've been fooled by gold grading before. They seem more lenient sometimes. I'm at 64 nonetheless.
I happened to notice in the July 7 Numismatic News that a man named Mike Fuljenz has just published the Second Edition of his 237-page book, "Type Three Double Eagles, 1877-1907." I don't know his credentials. The book is $39.95 at his website, www.universalcoin.com, plus postage.
I have no experience grading gold, so I'm trying to develop that skill. I got out my ANA grading book, which doesn't give a lot of information on grading mint state coins (there is another book to do that, which I haven't bought yet!). All of my other books are at home, and I'm currently out of the country. This coin is definitely in mint state, however. There are a few contact marks and hairlines here and there, but nothing major or distracting. I'll guess at MS-65.
Here is a MS64 Liberty Double Eagle coin, graded by the supposed premier TPG in a "Green Holder". It has appreciable "rub" down the left side of the face and neck, scratches in the field and in the neck, along with nicks in the hair, liberty, eyebrow, nose, cheek, chin, neck. I believe your coin is at least comparable. JMHO
It's currently graded MS63 thru SEGS. I plan on submitting it to PCGS for an upgrade. I feel like it is deserving of one.
Nice coin. I think you capture the luster nicely in your photo. I would think 64, but I'm no expert. I see a lot of mild chatter on the coin (devices and fields), but nothing too distracting. Please let us know what PCGS says if you submit it.
