$5 Indian Quiz GTG

longshot, posted: Because they appear to be fairly evenly spaced around the coin, [At approx. 2, 5, 7, and 10 ] I'm guessing mount removal.

Yes, this coin was once mounted - probably in an open back prong type holder.

Why aren't the marks adjustment?
Why do the marks look above and into the surface?
why aren't the letters damaged by the marks?

 

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Yes, I am an advanced collector, but no, I don't know all of the answers. I have learned many things on this forum.

I think that the approach to learning should be with as much evidence on the table as possible, not a mystery to be solved with trick photography.

I have posted a similar question about an 1853-C gold dollar, and I have laid the best cards I have on the table. I am looking for answers and ideas, not mysteries.

 

johnmilton, posted: "...I think that the approach to learning should be with as much evidence on the table as possible, not a mystery to be solved with trick photography."

John,

I have read your comments, respect you as a numismatist, and thank Peter for providing this forum. Nevertheless, I am no longer interested in what you think. I have a different approach to teaching than you do.

Unfortunately, most of us do not get to see coins in perfect conditions. Most do not get to see the surfaces of coins using florescent light or 20X+ magnification. Thankfully, most can rely on their 5X-10X hand lens and the OPINION OF A TPGS.

He continued: "I have posted a similar question about an 1853-C gold dollar, and I have laid the best cards I have on the table. I am looking for answers and ideas, not mysteries."

I hope you get an answer you are looking for concerning the 1853-C.

 

This isn't really a question of good or bad photography, though. It's strictly a visual-perception/optical-illusion thing.

When you see a photo of a whole Indian quarter- or half-eagle, you know the design is incuse, and your brain processes the image accordingly. When you see a photo of most any other US coin, you know the design is in relief, and your brain processes the image accordingly.

When you see a photo of detail on a coin, even if you know it's an incuse design, it's easy for your brain to process it the other way -- just because coin design detail is usually in relief, not incuse, and your visual cortex "jumps to conclusions".

Yeah, posting just a close-up can be viewed as "a trick". I prefer to think of it as a reminder that vision isn't nearly as simple as we usually think.

 

My mind wants to see the design as raised, too. If I force myself to see them as incuse, then the gouges look like tool marks that skipped over the incuse design.