I was interested in this coin from the NAC sale but did not bid. I was hoping to get other collectors opinions on the coin. I liked the reverse detail on this, but was concerned about potential unlisted problems, smoothing/tooling/re-patina... https://www.sixbid.com/browse.html?auction=2717&category=57181&lot=2297368
I'm surprised it didn't sell, but they had an unusually large number of unsold lots in part II. I don't think this Nero has been tooled. If it has been smoothed, it was well done. I think it's a wonderful coin!
I think you made a wise choice not to pursue this coin. Part II of NAC's auctions are reserved for coins whose quality wasn't sufficient to put them into Part I. This, in itself, is not a condemnation of those coins, but some of them are overly smoothed and even tooled. Many times (but not always) NAC will acknowledge the tooling. This coin in particular appears to be tooled on both the obverse and reverse. The sharpness of the devices' edges exceeds what would be expected from a coin that otherwise shows this amount of wear due to circulation. I'll be interested in others' opinions.
Definitely smoothing. In-hand examination would be necessary before I say if its an acceptable amount for me or not. Possibly tooling as well, but I'd find a die match and compare before I said either way. Ides is a bit more quick to condemn than I.
