I just recently bought a $10 gold Indian head and when I got it, I saw that there was some sort of black crud just above the Liberty writing. Could someone tell me what it is and if damages the value of the coin. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
Ive had that before on some pre 33 gold coins. I would say with some certainty that is is not considered damage. As far as to what it is, i am not sure.
Black marks like that on gold are often nothing more than where the coin came into contact with something, like if the coin were slid across the counter in a store or business. I'm not sure why the gold sometimes turns black when that happens, but it does happen. Other times it is nothing more than ordinary dirt and grime that may have accumulated in the recesses and protected areas during the course of circulation. On the coin in question, given where the black is (low areas instead of high points) and the fact that the coin is definitely circulated, that would be my guess.
Does this take a way any value from the coin, because I paid top dollar for this....Should I return it?
Thats a tough question, it depends on who's buying it. They might be really nit picky because of it but I would say most people wouldn't care enough to not buy it if its the coin they are looking for. Besides, I think that it wouldn't be hard to remove if it is really bothersome.
I don't know how you define top dollar for that coin. As I mentioned, based on your pictures the coin looks to be circulated. And it may have been harshly cleaned but I can't tell for sure based on your pics. If you can't tell either, and you paid much more than melt, then yeah I'd send it back.
It is tough to evaluate a coin by photos , and especially so while in a 2x2 holder. But don't take it out until you have decided what to do. I agree with Doug in that it appears to be lightly circulated or badly handled. If it was sold to you as a MS-63 at that value , I would probably return. They are beautiful coins.
It's just black schmutz. As per paying top dollar, well, that depends upon what you bought the coin as. It is an AU with light hairlines so it isn't a coin I would go out of my way to obtain.
