Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Insider, post: 2291075, member: 24314&quot;]Please allow a new member to take sides: SuperDave and GDJMSP know their stuff.</p><p><br /></p><p>It can be very difficult to comment on a coin with any hope of accuracy with a picture alone.&nbsp; See Coinman1234.&nbsp; Because of this provable fact, in my opinion there is no indication (except for the slab label)that the 1859 is not a dark original coin with some bag marks circled in the field.&nbsp; There is also no indication the coin has been dipped.&nbsp; Dipped coins are not this color unless it was done some time in the past and the coin toned.&nbsp; There is no indication that the toning is not natural.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Halos around a coin&#039;s relief can signify a few things:</p><p><br /></p><p>A. Chemical alteration or residue that did not reach the protected area next to the relief.</p><p>B. A circulated coin with mint luster in protected areas such as the 1878 and what looks the same on the 1859.</p><p>C. Some form of mechanical abrasion.</p><p><br /></p><p>The actual coin needs to be examined in hand so it can be tipped and rotated in the light.&nbsp; It is a good bet that the 1859 is hairlined from old improper cleaning that is hidden by the toning and not seen in the photo.</p><p><br /></p><p>Some further thoughts: </p><p><br /></p><p>1. Cleaning a coin properly implies that it is undetectable.&nbsp; That is considered conservation.&nbsp; Anyone who decides a vintage coin has been cleaned in the past with no visible evidence under magnification for proof is free to do so.</p><p><br /></p><p>2. A properly conserved coin will not look &quot;dipped.&quot;</p><p><br /></p><p>3. Conserving (properly dipping) a coin several times will not change its look; however sometime between the first several times and the time your coin dissolves - it will show.</p><p><br /></p><p>4. Just because a PCGS code of 92 indicates a &quot;harshly, abrasive cleaning,&quot; it does not mean the actual coin is harshly cleaned.&nbsp; All the major grading services will slab coins w/market acceptable cleaning because it is a matter of degree.&nbsp; This is a very important concept.&nbsp; Holding a coin under running water is a form of chemical cleaning.&nbsp; It goes from there all the way to an acid etch.&nbsp; Mechanical cleaning is the same.&nbsp; Brushing a coin with a camel&#039;s hair brush all the way to extreme whizzing.&nbsp; The important thing to remember is to look for any evidence of an unnatural surface.&nbsp; Many coins are ruined when they are dried improperly!</p><p><br /></p><p>5.&nbsp; Lightly hairlined coins can be found in detail, and straight-grade holders.&nbsp; The grading services would rather straight grade a coin if possible. </p><p><br /></p><p>6.&nbsp; Dents on the 1859 coin are not a reason to call it cleaned. </p><p><br /></p><p>Must get back to work.&nbsp; So sorry Spencer will not be with us anymore[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in