Does this 1891 Indian Looked Cleaned?

Some of the pics make it look like its been cleaned.. others I'm not so sure about. Any thoughts/comments appreciated.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1891-INDIAN-HEA...5|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

 

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Since it was described as brown, I would use that photo primarily. The others look like the light was too close and bright. It appears to be close to an AU grade. I don't think it has been recently cleaned, if at all. Little gunk in the feathers, but a nice appearing coin. Others might grade this EF and take issue with his idea of "market grading", but I think it is a reasonable grade. He does have an acceptable return policy, but if the cent looks like the brown photo you will probably keep it.

Jim

 

Probably cleaned, and certainly overgraded. Stay clear.

 

I am addmitedly no expert on patinas. It looks to me like a couple different coins pictured on the listing, but some of the patinas do look a little funny. I guess if some of the coins were buried in the ground they could develop a patina like that. I have attached pitcures of a circulated, well worn, 1889 Indian Head. Never cleaned in any way shape or form. I hope this can help you.

 

The patina is a slight bit darker than pictured. I have it under a halogen so I can get clear pics.

 

I know this is late, but I agree with Jim. Playing with lights can do all kinds of funny things to copper.

 

I agree with Desert Gem and mark-h lighting can make or break a coins look , can hide defects or make them more noticable .
rzage

 

Ya wanna know what the first sign a coin has been cleaned is.
If you have to ask.

 

Thanks for the responses... I went ahead and picked it up anyway. It can always be returned. I'll let you all know how it looks when it arrives.

Thanks again

 

ATV, this wont get me on your friends list, but that coin has ben scrubbed bigtime, sorry.

 

Jack, are you talking about the 1891 or the 1889?

Jim

 

Hehe. Your right, I don't so much care whether you are on my friends list. And no it hasnt been scrubbed big time. Good guess though. An easy way to tell if something has been cleaned, all the high spots are cleaner than the low. Mine is quite the opposite. You are welcome to come over and look at it though if you feel it will give you a better opinion. I do agree with the lighting however as stated by a few others.

 

And it was pulled out of pocket change. It wasnt something sitting unmolested for the last hundred years and allowed to develop a dark patina. Maybe in another hundred years it will. I imagine rattling around in a fabric pocket with other change doesnt do much to keep the surface untouched. IMO

 

Also kinda explains why it is so worn down.

 

Used to live in Mesa though.

 

next to a 1945 I found in my pocket. For comparison.

 

Ok, lets play a game.

Can you figure out which one I did clean?

 

Should be pretty easy.

 

I agree with AJ- looks definitely cleaned. The rubbed look with discoloration to the left of the face of the Indian show that in my opinion. This is re: the 1891.

 

The 91 looks recolored even from the bad pics, a disaster. The 89 is scrubbed, look at the color, it's pinker than a baby's behind