I picked this up raw a few months ago, and thought it had a good chance at straight grading. Other then the hits on the reverse in front of the horse, and the heavy toning, the surfaces looked good to me. I sent it in to ANACS, and it came back AU53 'Altered Surfaces', which seems to be a catch-all for improper cleaning, AT, or someone messed with the coin. So now I'm thinking about dipping it. My LCS would dip it for me, and I trust 'my guy' there to do it right. Although, personally, I really like the dark toning. I'm also considering trying to re-submit as-is to either NGC or PCGS. The more I look at the coin under a loupe, the less I see wrong with it. What, if anything, would you do? (2 sets of images - different lighting)
I also like the look as-is and wonder if it was dipped, what could show up? It seems like the coin might become "lifeless" after a dip. It might be worth a shot at NGC/PCGS in its current state or just enjoy it raw!
I’d look it over really really close, it looks like the dark toning is hiding some surface issues. I don’t really see it getting a straight grade with that look from the pictures but I think it may actually be worse dipped.
You do not want to dip this coin. You can't fix what it is. Way too dark to even think of messing with it.
I’d leave it alone I don’t think it’d improve anything if the toning isn’t natural it’s hiding something
I would not dip it. You'll be left with dull, lifeless surfaces. There are also some pretty serious scratches on the reverse. I believe the "altered surfaces" designation was given because this coin appears to have been artificially toned, and then the substance turned. AT is unstable and will always eventually turn black like this. Something has been applied to these surfaces - that is not a natural look. This is a problem coin, and will always be a problem coin. If you like it, then great for you. I'd sell it and buy a problem free example, if it were mine.
That's the trouble with buying these types of coins 'raw'........there's almost always something wrong with them. If it ain't holdered, then shy away. Hope you didn't spring too much for this one.
