Just got this guy in the mail today. Picked it up on ebay from a dealer that I like. First thought after having it in hand is cleaned or polished? Does have a detracting scratch on the cheek that wasn't clear in auction pics, but what do you think? Also, couldn't take a great pic of the O/S, but I am leaning more towards VAM 4? I have to take a better look at it with the loupe when I get home. What would you grade this? Pretty happy with it!
OMG, that coin looks destroyed!! Don't you see the hairlines all over the obverse and reverse? not only does it have a GOUGE on the cheek, not a scratch,but a gouge, there are other severe nicks and cuts from mechanical cleaning. It has been subjected to an extremely harsh cleaning--probably with a buffer, whizzer, or vigorous mechanical cleaning and polishing. The surfaces are virtually destroyed. If you can, send it back. I would grade it AU details--damaged, harshly cleaned. This is an o/s that is in MS condition, and a no problems coin that I own:
I agree it looks harshly cleaned. And with the right lighting adjustment you can hide scratches like that. You just have to work at getting the lights at the right angle. My first though was AU details. And as long as you are happy that is all that counts.
It looks so much worse in the pictures than it actually is in hand by the way. I still like it even though it has been cleaned. Yours looks much better though, Morgandude...I need to find a close coin shop with a good selection
