So I purchased/won proof coins that had only obverse picture taken of group of coins. No other pictures etc but because this appeared to be a reputable auction and I had done business before I bid on and won the auction. Getting the coins in hand they appear to be cleaned/hairlined. I am posting some pictures ,as best as I can get anyways, of the possible hairlines. I just want to ask opinions if that is what it appears to be please. Thank you!
At first, I though possibly die polishing lines, but then you showed one with the lines going across the devices, so it appears to be PMD. It seems your coins are in 2x2s so not "mint" sealed proof coins. There are several "reputable" auction houses that DON'T vet the objects they auction, so it's hard to go by their reputation. If you spent "Proof coin" money for these, I'd send them back for a refund.
Thanks you very much @Mountain Man! I wish they vetted them. Sometimes it feels they do and that is why photos are at odd angle or not taken of one side of a coin or the other( as in they see the cleaning and or damage and post the “good” side or angle of the coins).I have sold coins before on eBay, but any issue the coin had I took pictures and made it obvious. The coins still sold and I had lots of positive feedback because no one felt cheated or that I withheld information. I have won other auctions in times past on TPG coins. Get them in hand and they have scratches or cleaning etc but are “MS”( I didn’t want to go on a rant, but...). It seems like, an it’s an opinion, that a small fry like myself sends a coin in and it’s gets rejected for a small scratch. But a big name place sends in a coin that has very obvious issues gets graded and slabbed. Pictures are taken and “possibly” touched up. I understand wanting to get the best light, best pic etc. After all the idea is to sell coins. But possibly omitting or concealing faults is annoying at the very least to the end consumer/collector. Sorry for the long rant! Thank you again!
The 1928 Irish proof sets often do have hairlines, but based on the images you provided, it appears these have been severely mishandled. @Mountain Man, these sets were not issued in "Mint Sealed" packaging. From my experience, they came in either cardboard or velvet-lined leather cases with fitted insets for each coin. The coins could be removed, handled, and at times replaced with business strike examples.
