If it is it wasn't disclosed to me as so. It has sold a couple times in the past few years and in all of the auctions its looked this way. IMO I think it is original, but Lehigh is the expert on toning so I'd love to hear his opinion on its originality. :thumb: Garrett
I am not a fan of the term expert but do consider my experience in the realm of toned coins substantial. What I know about Bay Bridge Commems is that they are often found with absolutely bizarre toning patterns and I have seen many with this type of mixture of charcoal and intermingled color. For that reason, I see nothing that indicates that the coin is AT.
I agree with Lehigh on the toning being natural and not AT. Grade, I would say MS-65, but has possibilities of MS-66.
Do you guys think I should send it off and and choose to cross it over if it gets a MS65 or higher? Garrett
I don't have a lot of experience with cross over but I have been told you can choose to have the coin cross at the same grade or lower but I don't believe you can stipulate cross at a higher grade. Maybe some other members with more experience can confirm if that is indeed the case. based on the grade and what appears to be a lack of contact marks one would conclude that the coin has no luster.....is that the case in hand? If not what would you grade the coin in hand?
I agree with Shane. Given the lack of marks, the coin almost certainly has impaired luster due to the deep toning. Wait until you get the coin. If the luster is muted, don't bother trying to cross it.
Hmmm well if you crack it out they might not grade it on the toning but if you leave it I'd think they would not want to upgrade a ANAC's coin. But it is a nice one. From the pict I'd guess 65 to 66.
I never new that either, but nobody corrected me when I did it on that 1882 IHC picture. Of course that was a heritage auction. Then again I don't usually buy online to see the coin because I am too tight to pay return shipping - which I believe is fair to the seller. The other reason good pictures need to be on the auction. On the flip side - I don't really see this as any different than pointing to an ebay auction and asking opinions after you win. You see some of those were the seller says "Choice BU" or where someone already has experience with a seller. I do see your point though.