My wife and I went to an estate sale over the weekend looking for odds and ends. Well in a case I found this and bought it for $20. I think I got a good deal. I could use advise from all of you. What do you think ?
I would say yes, it looks like a nice coin. But as we all say, if you're happy with it then it was money well spent
thanks I'm getting better at looking at these and paying the right price instead of getting ripped off like I used to.
That is probably the one thing I'm maybe still learning. I feel that there is a luster to it. Explain the difference ?
I'd say you got it for about normal price (that's what Morgans go for in my boss's auctions.) Here is the definition of Luster from the official ANA Grading Standards: Official A.N.A. Definition: Luster, or mint bloom or frost, is one of the most important aspects of grading in the Mint State category. All other things being equal, a coin with rich, deep mint luster is a better candidate for a higher grade than is one with a dull or lifeless luster. One rule does not fit all; luster can vary from type to type, and examination of a wide selection of coins in the marketplace is the best way to gain expertise in this vital feature. And from About.com's definition: "Luster on a coin's surface is the sheen or reflective qualities that are produced during the minting process. When a coin is struck, metal flows from the center of the coin towards the outer edge. This process produces microscopic striations (very tiny parallel grooves) that reflect light back to the viewer in a unique crossing pattern. As the coin is tilted under a light, this crossing pattern will spin around the coin. This is known as the cartwheel effect."
Thank you for the information and definition. I will continue to read up on this but you gave me a great starting point and things to look for.
The silver dollar is often referred to as a cartwheel. That is because when it is tilted up and down and back and forth under a light, the luster will radiate around the coin like the spokes of a wheel. If you look at the example below, you can see the luster from the lights to the northeast & northwest. Chris
That is a very good question. There is a big difference in shine and luster. Shiny undefused textureless reflection usually means polished or cleaned. Luster on the other hand has an hologram effect to it that when the coin is rotated in the light, it defuses the light giving the reflection itself a texture. The flow lines of metals moving to fill voids in the die during the stamping process create luster. Those are extremely thin and common wear or cleaning will remove or distort them.
So when a coin has been cleaned the product used to clean the coin, even soap, will fill in these 'flow lines'? Correct ?
Not nesseserily. Mind soap with no abrasives in it usually will have no reaction to the metal. But the process of applying and removing does. Any cleaning agent that will react or desolve a metal will remove the luster. As will just rubbing with a thumb.
So....the material from a cloth or other material will cause the loss of luster when the coin is dried..
a little bit of wear in lady's hair. AU. the scratches on her face are distracting, but I can't tell if they are cleaning marks. Anyway, this is a common date coin. for $20, you did fine!
You did just fine at $20.00. I have not seen them at this price for quite awhile, even when buying rolls.
An old wrinkly twenty dollar bill or a classic silver dollar with plenty of meat left? No contest, I think you did just fine. I would say that the coin does show signs of polishing, but not that big of a deal at that price point. Be a little more cautious in the future though. I find new quarters are a good tool to compare too. The luster should really be pretty similar if it hasn't been tampered with. Great info Chris and Hommer!
