What's going on with the surface of this coin?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/361174422547?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

MS64, I'd normally think this is a no-brainer great coin, but what's the deal with the surface? Looks like it's been soaking in oil? Is it not something that PCGS would note on the slab as a details?

Thanks

 

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The black spots could be the result of a professional chemical bath. The rest of the surface and toning look like normal frost/luster and toning. It is fairly rare to see, because in certain countries polishing their coins to a shine is the norm. Maybe that's what makes this one stand out above the rest. It looks very similar to American album toning, at least to me.

One of my better examples...

 

Nice coin designed by one of the greatest medalists of the late 19th & early 20th centuries. This coin went through two world wars. The condition and texture don't bother me in the least.

Chris

 

So I get the feeling you guys aren't seeing this as a coin covered in oil, as I am?

 

Buy it, crack it out and touch it, to see if it feels greasy.

 

Dang, why didn't I think of that!

 

It's the type of photo and lighting that's giving you the wrong impression. Here is a similar photo...





Here, you can see a more accurate image of what to expect in hand, with that exact franc...

http://www.pcgs.com/Cert/31318275/

 

Ah, fantastic! I wasn't aware you could look these up, that's perfect, and the image definitely looks non-greased

Thank you.

 

You're welcome! I don't know exactly how it works with regular PCGS, but, when you see the gold shield on the label, the image is usually visible under their Cert Verification.

http://www.pcgs.com/secure/

 

@Dave M Did you win the auction?

 

Nope, decided to wait for another one that appealed to me better. I did buy two other french coins yesterday though, the first coinage I've bought in probably 30 years. It's a slippery slope... will post photos when I get them.

 

Please do...

 

I like my 1898 better than that gunky one.

 

Um yeah, me too, that's an awesome coin. Find me one like that!

 

I can safely say, you guys don't know what these coins are supposed to look like after 100+ years. Here you go...

 

That coin directly above looks like it was dug up or In some horrid environment. The first one in question just looks toned, maybe from being close to paper for a while. I don't see the grease you are talking about. Silver tones black over time, I think in the last stage. You can see a lighter black and even blue around the edges, which is quite tasty looking if you ask me.